Saturday July 22.
We made our first call today at La Pallice which we reached
about 10.30 am. We did not go into the harbour (apparently this was to save the
heavy port duties) but remained outside (consequently only having to pay the
deep water fees which are much more economical!). A small steamer came out with
passengers, much luggage and merchandise of diverse kinds which was sold to
passengers on board. A Large mail came aboard.
- The water was very shallow near La Pallice: we saw
hundreds of jellyfish and a few seabirds.
- As we are still sailing west we had to put back our
watches 15 minutes this morning.
- Games began today. After tea we played deck croquet: a
good and exciting game.
- The evenings are drawing in rapidly as we get further
south. It is partially due to the disappearance of summer time of course.
- The boat seems to have shrunk: at Antwerp the decks seemed
so long, now they seem half the length. The ship seems smaller too, the further
it is from land. Tonight there is none in sight – not even a passing ship on
all the expanse of water round us. It is cloudy and the sea is a deep
blue-black.
Ben here..there won't be an update tomorrow, I could say it's so the days of the week will match - which is a nice coincidence, but I'm away for the day. Stay tuned for Sunday!
