Friday, February 16, 2018
We arrived at Kangaroo
Island and were cleared for disembarkation by 11:00. We received a tender
ticket for group 13. As a result we did not get ashore until noon. As I waited
in line to get the ticket at 10:00, I heard all sorts of horror stories about
the shenanigans some passenger had pulled to get tickets ahead of time.
Fortunately this is our last tender point so we will not be subjected to this
again. Some people were in line this morning at 6:30 for their tickets .
Distribution did not start until 10:00.
We had an uneventful
tender ride in calm seas. Once ashore we were told by a local man that if we
went behind the terminal we would find a free shuttle that would take us around
the small town. W boarded it after a short wait, and were treated to a history
of the island and a description of the more notable sights. There were three
stops on the tour. These were the information center, the market and
Frenchman’s Rock where early French sailors landed after circumnavigating the
island. We chose to get off the bus at Frenchman’s Rock and walk back to the
market. The beach near the rock was beautiful white sand. It was highly
compacted and easy to walk on. This took us to the Little Penguin rookery, but
they are all out at sea at this time of year. In short order we were back at
the market. This was a lovely collection of local crafts people selling their
wares. They were the friendliest no pressure folks we have met so far. Their
primary interest was in telling us what a marvelous place to liv this was. We
had a great visit there. After walking to the end of town we returned to the
tender and the ship.
After dinner we attended
a reception for cruisers who had booked through travel consultants who are part
of the Signature organization. We met several people from all over the states.
We also enjoyed fine cocktails. Then went up to the Crow’s Nest to view the
rescheduled Valentine’s Ball. We were thrilled to hear the slow music being
played. After a romantic slow dance we decided to quite before they ramped up
the beat. On the way out we met astronomer Alan. He asked if we had seen the
Southern Cross. When we said we were headed up to see it now, he insisted on
taking us up to the top deck to make sure we did not miss it. After making sure
that we used our hand as binoculars as he instructed us in his lecture, he
directed us to the Southern Cross, Orion and other constellations. Our hand
binoculars effectively blocked out the light clutter from the ship and made
star viewing incredibly good. What a good time we had.
While we slept the ship
moved on to Adelaide and docked before midnight.
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