This is a “first!”  Defeated by the heat of an English Summer. 

For almost a week, just about all of the U.K. had swealtered under temperatures one could only dream about abroad. 

Like many, I have not slept properly for around five days, including last night when I stayed overnight in Southampton prior to boarding Queen Mary 2 for today’s transatlantic crossing.  Roger, my neighbour over the road did the usual honours, driving me in my “new” car in temperatures which reached 37°C as we ventured south.  Inside the car, the A/C performed superbly, making it feel like a pleasant spring afternoon, while outside “burned.” 

Right now, there is no A/C in the hotel bedrroms which are now cooled by two massive portable fans.  I was stupid enough to enjoy a substantial meal last night, much too close to going to bed.  The Almighty showed little understanding as I slithered painfully into parsimonious periods of unconciousness.

Fast forward to 16.20hrs and I’m safely on board Queen Mary 2.  Gaviscon is my best friend as the discomforts of indigestion subside.  A portion of chips and part of a fruit crumble in QM2’s Golden Lion Pub seem to have done the trick.  20.02 hrs. I have unpacked everything.  The intense heat of yesterday and the previous days are but a memory although I understand the heatwave has not completely left, and a big part of me hopes there will be more warm weather to come this summer.  

There is always something nice about sailing from Southampton past Portsmouth on the port-side and Cowes and Ryde opposite, a pleasure I never tire of. 

Five consecutive nights of patchy sleep have left me rather heavy-eyed.  Tonight, I hope I catch up some much needed sleep.  There’s an extra hour in bed tomorrow as we venture ever westwards.

Many thanks for reading,

David. 22.29, Sir Samuel’s, Deck 3.