Sunday, 15 May 2016

Aurora - Singapore to Cape Town 9


Saturday 2 - 4 April – at sea

We had three relaxing sea days before Port Elizabeth so lie-ins and breakfast on deck as usual. It was hot and sunny again so stayed out on deck all day. On the promenade deck it was so exhilarating to be on Aurora doing what she was designed to do - sail across great oceans at 20 knots or more. We passed the bottom end of Madagascar last night on our way to Port Elizabeth. I spotted one pod of dolphins at 10am, otherwise little sign of life – no flying fish any more.  
 

Tuesday 5 April – Port Elizabeth, S.Africa

We got up at 6am as our tour was meant to be leaving about 7.30am and we needed to clear immigration first. We checked the bridgecam and saw land so, covered in sunscreen and heavy-duty insect repellent (and clothes!), we went up on deck, but already I was worried as by then the land had disappeared again?
 

 
It was not good news. As Aurora neared Port Elizabeth the Officer of the Watch was informed that the port was closed due to high wind. We took station and awaited further information. Eventually the Captain decided to cancel the port and head towards Cape Town giving us more time there instead. This was a huge disappointment as it meant we missed our game safari. However, there is nothing that can be done about weather so we spent the day as usual for our sea days – me lazing around watching the ocean for wildlife and my friend playing deck games and quizzes. However, by mid-afternoon the sea was getting rougher and there were frequent rain showers – perhaps our safari wouldn’t have been so good anyway.

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