From Cape to Cape on the Explorer.

A waterfall and other natural beauty-

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The Tristan albatross nests on the high ground.turns out not to be the best as the young are devoured by large mice.They are trying to exterminate the mice.

A cave-

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Most zodiacs went into the cave.Our driver having already run aground was less adventurous.

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Nearly time to head back.The wind is getting stronger and some more swell-

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So time to leave.

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Lots of birds as we left and as we got out of the shelter of the island the swell began to increase.

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So goodbye to Gough-

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We learnt at the recap we had taken aboard another passenger at Gough.A member of the South African weather and research station there who needed to get back to his family.He was lowered down the cliff face to a waiting zodiac.Later we learnt he had brought with him 3 boxes of Tristan lobsters so he became very popular.apparently 2 previous expedition ships who had called at Gough wouldn't take him.So kudos to the Silverseas Expedition team and Head Office.

We were now heading to Tristan da Cunha which was one of the reasons I wanted to do this cruise.We were told we were picking up the doctor's wife from Tristan so I was hoping that although it seemed hopeless to actually land the good burghers of Tristan would come out in their trusty longboats and have a chat with us.We were told they were preparing 300 lobster sandwiches for us.

However as the afternoon and night progressed it was obvious the situation was getting worse.The morning broke and we passed Nightingale island another of the Tristan group.It didn't look promising-

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Even as we passed the island the weather worsened.

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A short time later the visit to Tristan was officially cancelled.We were only 8 miles south but no visibility.The weather deteriorated as the day went on and we were officially in a Force 12 gale.Swells 10-12 metres.winds 125kmh+.Couldn't get a photo of the display because the TV went out.Here is a view from our cabin that afternoon-

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We were on Deck 5.

Dinner that night was really eventful.meals,glasses and crockery went flying.We were one of the luckier tables just wasting some wine-

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So now we were to reach Capetown a little early.Oh well.Left our changes in place with flights which turned out to be a wise decision as taxis decided not to service the ship as no one used taxis on the day we arrived-the ship had put on free tours so the taxis were out of luck.

The next 2 days were rough so once again sleep impossible.

Our last sea day was pretty calm.A few lectures but not that much interest for me. Historian was not a good presenter.But there was a good sunset!

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Well, that was jolly exciting reading that, a real ripping yarn. I always feel desperately sorry and concerned for the galley staff in situations like that . . . it must be seriously challenging, not to mention dangerous. And Drron, those lobster sandwiches on Tristan are terribly disappointing - not much more than fish paste on soggy bread. Some people from our cruise opted for home stays on Tristan and got served lobster boiled to extinction and huge piles of stodgy mashed potato for dinner. Not a culinary destination!

That night was the Captain's farewell.Had dinner with Ken and William a couple we got along with very well.They realised we travelled a lot so raised the subject of cheaper premium cabin airfares.They had been given advice on the best places to start RTW fares but as William was Colombian I brought up the subject of Life Miles.As it turned out Avianca was their primary loyalty program so they got a tutorial on buying miles and the cost using those miles of flying First class.Who would have thought an Australian could give a Colombian hints on how to use a Colombian program.

That night we had a very good sleep.

The next morning we were up early for the sunrise and entrance to Capetown-

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People say sail away from Capetown is one of cruising's highlights.Sailing in at sunrise is even better.

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Yes, Ron sailing in at sunrise looked fabulous. Thank you for the write up. Incidentally I was walking in our local town last week, spotted a blue Silversea down jacket, asked the gentleman where he had cruised and he was on this trip too. He mentioned the rough seas! Small world.

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Yes, Ron sailing in at sunrise looked fabulous. Thank you for the write up. Incidentally I was walking in our local town last week, spotted a blue Silversea down jacket, asked the gentleman where he had cruised and he was on this trip too. He mentioned the rough seas! Small world.

 

 

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Well at least you now know he was telling the truth!

Could well have been the couple we shared several meals with.

But now to nearly the last pics of the sunrise-

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The sun is up,breakfast is finished so time to enjoy arriving in Capetown.

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We pass Robben Island as the pliot boat appears.

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Getting ready for Capetown-

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A ferry to Robben island.

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A tinge of sadness as the voyage comes to an end.

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And it just seems right to finish with a picture of seals.

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Wow, I can't believe how clear table mountain is in your photos. When we were there in January we got brief glimpses of the top but generally the mountain was covered with clouds.

Also loving your sunrise photos. The colour is quite stunning.

Julie

If you wish to know about the rest of our trip I have done a report of the travel before the cruise starting with a pictorial of Rockhampton Where I worked to get the money for the trip.Then travels to the Sacred valley and Machu pichu in Peru.Iguazu Falls,Buenos Aries and Ushuaia in Argentina.

https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/threads/from-cape-to-cape-expeditions-by-land-and-sea.81113/

Then the post cruise trip with a day in Capetown,the Gorillas in Bwindi and a Sanctuary lodge in northern South Africa.

https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/threads/africa-jungle-and-veldt-by-caravan-and-sedan-chair.82483/

drron29,

Were there formal nights on your cruise?

drron29,

 

Were there formal nights on your cruise?

NO there are no formal nights on the Silver Explorer. There is the Captains Welcome Cocktail Party and Dinner, the Venetian Cocktail Party and a Farewell Party, those three nights where you do "dress up" but certainly not formal.

Thanks rojaan19. I'll be on the Silver Cloud Expedition for her 'Cape to Cape' in March 2019. I assume there will no formal nights on her either.

I was kicking my self for giving away my tuxedo, and was going to take a black suit... but I won't even take that if there are no formal nights. This is good because luggage weight is a 'problem'.

Bill, Ron had a sports jacket and a nice trousers for those nights, I take a good skirt and top or black silk pants and a sparkly top. They don't take up much room in the case ! :D