300,000 Steps last night.

I awoke around 7.45 this morning.  Outside my stateroom balcony, I could see a fireboat spraying water as a welcome to M.V. Queen Anne, as she drew slowly and gracefully towards her berth.  I chose to get up immediately,  choosing to shower and prepare for the day soon afterwards. 

Some time ago, I was asked how the liner tied up securely to the quayside. I had a rough idea, which would prove correct.  I took video of the procedure, as well as the erection of the gangways.  The ship was due to dock at 9 o’clock and that was one reason I was able to be up early enough to watch the process.  

I missed the fireboat but did see and hear the lone piper play as the gangways were put in place.

I had completed four laps of the Promenade Deck, but my injured heel was still causing discomfort.  I disembarked the ship, only for the heavens to open up.  After taking shelter in a tourist information kiosk, along with numerous others, I headed towards the church, which is very visible in the first picture.  I got myself comfortable in a local café, for far longer than I should have.   It’s now 13.45 hrs!  

If I return to Invergordon, I will arrange a tour of the surrounding countryside.  I did venture into the town centre, which is not as picturesque as Kirkwall.  I was rather taken with the Presbyterian church and imagined storming pulpit thumping sermons on a Sunday morning. 

I took a walk around part of the town centre, hoping, yet again, to find a pharmacy.  What I refer to as the Cunard cough has made an unwelcome return. Hopefully, the recommended medication will have the desired effect.  I would meet and talk to various people during my wanderings.  One person now living in Scotland had been to the Buxton Pop Festival in the early 1970s and had kept his programmes and ticket stubs. 

I made my way to reboard Queen Anne and went for a much needed afternoon tea.  Now, we are on our way to Greenock. This entails two days of “scenic cruising,” across “the top of Scotland, “which, apart from the naming ceremony in Liverpool, could be the most spectacular part of all three voyages.  

The leaving of Invergordon was quite delightful, especially with the sun reflecting off the green landscape.

With difficulty, I carried out some further deck walking, maintaining my target for this trip.  I enjoyed my day in Invergordon, but I would probably venture out on a future visit.  

Many thanks for reading,

David 20.05 hrs, 29/5/24.