March 20, 2019 - Sea Day - Wednesday , Day 73
Last night we were expected to encounter rough seas because of the cyclone nearby. We actually transited the Torres Strait with little discomfort. We are now cruising down the east coat of Australia in the Coral Sea on our way to Cairns.
The mandatory Barrier Reef Pilot boarded as we approached the Strait. Every vessel transiting the Straight is required to board a local pilot. Since our destination, Cairns, will requiring passage along The Great Barrier Reef our pilot is a reef pilot.
We have cruised in and out of rain squalls all day. The wind has been building, but the waves have not gotten significantly higher. We have been passing places where the reef is just off to starboard. The changes in color from deep water to shallow water at the reef are beautiful. Unfortunately the gray overcast does not let the camera show off these changes. This is a great example of the experience imprinting the memory.
Today’s lectures were great. The new speakers are a wealth of knowledge, and they impart it so freely.
I was able to complete my blog texts and select the pictures for them. The satellite connection was very slow, but it did allow me to update the blog.
As we left for the dining room for dinner we felt like we were walking downhill as we crossed to the elevators. Then as we walked to our table it was uphill. We were not rolling. We were listing or heeling to starboard. The wind had increased to 40 knots from the east and was hitting usbroadgide on the port side of the ship. With 12 decks above the water Maasdam has a massive side to catch the wind. We are not dangerously heeled, but walking has become a challenge. We are not staggering from side to side. We are just working uphill or downhill as we cross the decks.
Ambassadors of Soul presented their farewell performance tonight They will leave us tomorrow in Cairns. This was their third appearance, and it was their best yet. The energy they brought to the stage overflowed into the audience. Believe me, with this audience that is a real accomplishment.
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