Well today was a whole different story when it comes to scenic cruising. However, it did not start out that way. During the night, the Volendam had to go out into the Pacific Ocean, where we encountered rough waters once again. When we woke up, all we saw was fog, rain, with 15.6mph winds. The humidity was 98% but that was due to the rain showers. It was a bit warmer though, and we know for a fact that we have left the bitter cold of the Southern Oceans.
Our destination today was cruising Chilean fjords as we headed towards Puerto Montt. Once we began entering the waters of the fjords, the fog gradually lifted, the rain stopped, and we actually saw blue skies and sun. Never mind if there were some scattered clouds, the sunshine was most welcomed. Now that's what we are talking about…..real scenery.
Captain Rens came on with his noon talk and said the ship was doing a speed of 15 knots and the temperature was 59 degrees. It was sunny and he could hear birds singing. Well, maybe that's stretching it a little, but we agree. It was much different than yesterday's gloomy skies and the lack of scenic cruising. We still had 280 nautical miles to go to reach the next stop at Puerto Montt, but we were going to do it slowly to give us all a chance to take in the views and keep a lookout for some birds and seals.
The fjord pilot took us into narrow channels and very close to the shorelines of numerous islands. We saw the same fish farms we spotted 6 years ago while on the Amsterdam. You had to really search for them since all that is visible are the confines that hold the nets. The markers are the floating white buoys that hold up the net structure. Sometimes a fishing boat or small boat will be seen with the locals checking the nets or feeding the fish.
We did see the seals stretched out on a couple of spits off the shoreline. There was a small rock cropping where the large beasts were basking in the warmth of the morning sun. Further up was a short red and white lighthouse with dozens of seals sprawled over the smooth rocks. It's just a guess, but they might be the fur seals . They barely moved as we passed close by them. Ships must sail through here all of the time and they are not disturbed by them.
It was so enthralling, we almost forgot lunch. Room service mini burger sliders fit the bill with a small chunk of watermelon. Honestly, they are the best tasting little burgers you can get here.
Also seen were some shags or cormorants, terns, sooty shearwaters, gulls, and one big, crested caracara. He was the frosting on the cake today. All-in-all it was a beautiful day to be sailing in these still and almost silent waters most of the afternoon into evening. Except for checking out the starboard side, we really did not need to leave our veranda. We were surrounded with scenery right up to dinnertime.
This evening was "dressy" and since the sailing remained smooth with no rocking and rolling, it was easier for the folks to comply with the dress code. It's funny, but we think the menu on dressy night is more like a formal evening. There were items like escargot, mixed seafood cocktails, surf and turf, and savory duck instead of the promised lamb chops. We ordered the spring salad with bits of apple, cucumber, green olives and crispy fresh lettuce. Nice for a change. No escargots for us tonight , thank you. One of us had the surf and turf with a decent sized lobster, while the non-fish eater among us had just the filet mignon. It was not huge but sliced thin and tender as ever. Instead of potatoes, rice pilaf was served with it.
Usually we do not do dessert, but tonight they had rice pudding with cinnamon sprinkled on it. Both of us indulged and it was worth it. Very good. The scenery continued all through dinner although the sunny side was draped to keep from blinding the folks on the port side of the dining room.
A singer by the name of Mariana Mazu & pianist Sebastian Fucci combined forces to entertain the folks tonight in the World Stage. On the way back to our room, a waiter was headed down to the Wajang Theater with a full tray of bagged popcorn. When he passed us, he handed us a bag. Now that was nice. We have yet to go to a movie in the Wajang, so this will be a treat.
Bill & Mary Ann
