Posts

Showing posts with the label whales

Hermanus

An excellent breakfast and Ken advised a drive up the mountain on the Rotary way to get an overview. It was overcast so we saw the new harbour and then drove to various viewpoints to see a large whale ending up at the lovely Blue Flag Grotto beach. We had coffee at Dutchies cafe and watched a large busload of mixed race men unloading their braai. Had a look at Roman rock and then returned to the room for a quiet afternoon. At 4.30 we set out again and saw 2 female whales with calves one of which was white. Found the restaurant at last and then to St Peter's for choral evensong with a competent choir and organ - a little slow and Victorian tunes including Nearer my God to Thee! A rambling sermon from Fr Adrian - he's no preacher! He said that Elizabeth Cherry was worn down by the parish when Len died and the choir members said she was very distant. No idea what has happened to my godson Jonathan Cherry! We had an excellent meal at Ocean Basket and dodged the rain. Prawns, angel...

Hermanus

Nice breakfast sitting with our hosts who were very interesting about the effect working away has - so many divorce and children are badly affected - the theme of greed came up again! We set off at 9.30 and at 11.30 reached Swellendam where we visited the Old Drostdy museum and Old Gaol with fascinating collections of work tools. Also a fine Victorian house. Had lovely passion fruit and pineapple cake and cappuccino at Oppystoep. Saw outside of the big Gothic style Dutch Reformed church. 2 hours break and then another 2 hour drive to Hermanus. No. 16 Main Road is 4 star and a lovely room. Pool too cold!. Saw 6 whales from the Point and went to Mass. Organ played competently - just hymns. Some awful carousel type music between 2 communion hymns. Sanctus and Agnus not sung but Peace perfect peace at the Peace. and the horrid Lees? Lord's prayer! Elderly comgregation and Irish priest. Good sermon on the unjust judge and corruption.  To very nice restaurant in town and had springbok c...

Cruising

Thursday June 19 8 a.m. Mass with Father Pat from Philadelphia - an amusing Irish American. Fascinating tour of the kitchens and cooking demo. Listened to classicla music on headphones in the comfortable library and read book on Canada. Lovely Dutch tea - Adrienne had recommended this. It was great meeting people from our coach tour group. Saw bald eagle as we went through beautiful straits. Captain's toast and show "Songs from Broadway" very well done. Tried karaoke in Crow's Nest - words of Ave Maria were wrong! Sang Danny Boy as a duet. Friday June 20 8 a.m. Mass. Talk on "life at sea" with hotel manager and the Captain. To Juneau and whale watching boat trip in the Inside Passage - saw school of orcas, humped backed whales - brilliant! Tram to Mount Roberts summit. Another lovely day and a good dinner in the serviced restaurant. Call my bluff show in theatre. Watched line dancing in the Crow's Nest.Excellent Filipino crew show. Saturday June 21 To Sk...