Today is the first of two of what I would consider to be highlights of the entire three voyages.

I awoke at around 7 am. to peek through my curtains, revealing a watery skyscape, a respectably calm sea, and no land visible. I’m not sure how far we were from the coastline, but according to information on my T.V., we had not long passed Thurso, the most northerly town on the U.K. railway system. My intention to walk before breakfast did not materialise. However, I did tidy my stateroom and had my usual breakfast in the Artisans’ Foodhall.  I attended Alistair Greener’s excellent and highly detailed lecture on “The Clyde, Birthplace of 120 Cunarders.”  

Even this afternoon, so far, there is little to see.  After yesterday’s pleasant departure, Queen Anne  transited through the Cromarty Firth, and Moray Firth, and then Pentland Firth.  This afternoon, Queen Anne will transit the Minches and into the Sea of the Hebrides. 

It’s now 17.16 hrs.  The pictures below were taken from around 20 minutes ago.

If I was a little more “tech-savvy,” I might have been able to identify what I was photographing by the position of Queen Anne on something like a Cruisefinder app.  But, I’m not!  According to my itinerary, we were due by the Isle of Skye between 15.30 and 19.30 hrs.  The photos taken below could be Stornoway or Harris.

Fri 31st May around 09.40 hrs.

As we were approaching the Isle of Skye, a detailed commentary was broadcast over the ship’s P.A. system.  This was delivered in (I think) a heavy Irish dialect, which I found difficult to comprehend, although it was loud enough.   During my deck walks, I was not able to identify the Isle of Skye; and I’m not yet sure at what time we cruised by it.   Eventually, I changed into my evening wear for Roaring Twenties Gala Night.  Many on board rose to the occasion with themed attire, particularly the ladies, including Cath at our table.  Although  cruising the north of Scotland, I donned the white tuxedo probably for the last time this year.  Dinner was very nice, but gradually, the table emptied as people left to do their own thing.  Three of us, Anne, Karen, and I, conversed until the entire restaurant was almost deserted.  I went to bed early and awoke rejuvenated after a magnificent long sleep.  

Many thanks for reading,

David, 10.00 hrs on the way to a late breakfast!