From the Equator to Saint Helena

Two new very good  speakers have joined at Cape Verde – a career diplomat and a former Astronomer Royal Sir Arnold Wolfendale. The sea is calm and the sun hot so we have a lovely day sitting outside interspersed with activities including very interesting talk from the diplomat who was in Moscow at the height of the Cold War. This ties in well with John’s vast tome “The submarine service 1945 – date” which is filled with details of events which were top secret when John was in Polaris submarines. Both of us feeling better now thank goodness. The song and dance acts are pretty good too so there is never a dull moment.

18^th January – cloudy and cooler this morning. John a bit sleepy as he got up for two hours from 0330 this morning to get a decent internet connection in order to catch up with emails, blog, newspapers etc. Very good talk from the Astronomer Royal laced with amusing ditties, followed fortuitously by lunch with him and his wife, both good fun. Then Crossing the Line ceremony this afternoon. Neptune and Queen very colourful and the Captain and senior officers were good sports and finished up in the pool several times.

Didn’t see the white line in the sea but knew where it was as the ship sounded a long blast at the appropriate moment. We all received a certificate for crossing the Equator in a southerly direction, signed by Sir Arnold himself. The ship is still on ‘red alert’ as regards hygiene measures so there is much hand washing and use of hand sanitisers, hopefully by one and all. Captain Jensen reiterates the instructions every day to prevent further infection. He tells us the restrictions may be lifted tomorrow all going well. In the evening there is a singing show ‘Frankie’s Boys’ – a group of four talented lads recalling the songs of Frankie Valle.

Tuesday 19^th January

The day consists of our regular routine – walking a mile around the ship, enjoying the sunshine, Jan going to choir, and talks. Good news – hygiene restrictions lifted today. Today’s lectures are about Luderitz, the ex-diamond capital of Africa which we shall be visiting in Namibia (also heard about Walvis Bay and St Helena), a talk by the diplomat about the KGB and his personal experiences of it, and a lecture by an expedition leader on explorers in Africa. Ascension Island is not so far away now – about 50 miles!

Wednesday 20^th January

There is an emergency safety drill this morning. They need volunteers to be cases needing special attention by the safety crew. John puts his name forward and is instructed to be a drunk! He plays his role very effectively.

In the afternoon he has to attend a debriefing on how it all went. Jan ventures into the gym for the first time (it was closed during the ‘red alert’ and then both she and John have a swim (sea water pool) also for the first time. This evening is British Night. We all have to dress in red, white and blue. The dinner menu and the show also reflect the British theme.

Thursday 21^st January

Another day on course 150 degrees – as we have been since leaving Cape Verde! Another day of sunshine, exercise, talks etc. Enjoy a classical recital, a singer and a pianist. We are looking forward to our day on St. Helena tomorrow – not only because of its remoteness and history but also because it will be a treat to be on terra firma again – the last time was in Madeira!