May 21, 2001 (Day 75)

May 21, 2001 (Day 75): QE2 bound for Southampton, England – 11.30pm

Morale: Good.

Health:  OK. Tired.

The seas are incredibly rough. The crew has come around to rooms like ours (that is, just above the waterline ) to, literally, batten down the hatches. There is a hinged, metal hatch shaped to fit over our porthole. They have closed this shutter and bolted it shut, leaving our room very dark and much gloomier.

The entire ship is pitching and rolling. This morning, prior to the porthole being closed, waves would strike with enough ferocity to momentarily darken our cabin. There is the occasional shudder like a giant fist striking the hull. In response, we can hear things in nearby cabins falling over or rolling on the floor (perhaps the German film equipment, I think hopefully). The unfamiliarity of the sound is startling. At its best, the motion of the ship is a relaxing sway. Other times, it is like a fast paced lateral Ferris Wheel.

The Captain has said it will be worse tomorrow and then it will get better. When things improve, our porthole will be un-battened.

The waves, general exhaustion, and a touch too much to drink last night made me feel not so well this morning. A sauna this morning followed by a few naps and some food worked wonders. The worst part about this was the incessant creaking of the cabin which accompanies the storm-influenced motion of the ship. I lost more sleep last night to the noise than the rocking. And we are in steerage. I can hardly imagine what those people on the upper decks are experiencing, but I try.

Anna made the most of the day. She worked on finishing her book and then attended the lecture by Kathy Reichs who writes mysteries from a forensic pathologist perspective. Since she is a forensic pathologist the books are an interesting read. She had a good sense of humor and was able to make a subject that is quite macabre without being too gruesome. She will do another lecture on Wednesday.

I was formally introduced to the Captain of the QE2 this evening at his gala event. If I must say, I thought I looked rather dashing in my tuxedo and hiking boots combination. There was a whole protocol to meeting that captain that we had not been briefed on which made the whole event rather awkward.

On the way back tonight we stopped into listen to the performance of Dame Cleo Laine. We were familiar with the name but could not think of a specific song associated with her. The show was fine, entertaining.

I have been passing the time checking out the channel on the television which displays weather information and our current position on a variety of maps: relative to NYC, New York state, the East Coast of the US, the Atlantic, Europe, the UK, and Southampton. We have not quite made it onto some of the latter maps. Nautical charts displayed on the upper decks display our progress and interestingly, also indicate the final resting place of the Titanic. Considering the recent weather, I have a marked lack of enthusiasm that we were closest to this lost vessel at about noon today.

Sorted out passport control for our arrival and arranged for “self-help” early departure. While this sounds like we will be chanting mantras and affirmations, this does allow us to get off of the ship about two hours ahead of the tour groups – provided we can carry our own gear. After nearly 80 days of practice, it is not a major concern.

Excerpts from Anna’s journal included

• ChasingFogg15
• QE2
• Titanic
• Travel