Saturday 14th March, at sea, 17 degrees

The clocks went forward again last night, so it was quite dark at 6.30. However, there was a real treat in the sky as I went out.

It got even more dramatic!

As I was leaving breakfast they were setting up the indoor pool area for a function to celebrate the highlights of the Grand Tour 2026 later in the day. The housekeeping staff were showing their prowess at towel folding and flags of all the countries we’ve been to and where the staff come from were on display.

I had another challenging ukulele session in that Mr West decided to introduce yet another song with his favourite harmony additions. You have to understand the concert is on the 17th. We have a day in the Azores tomorrow, so just one more practice session … Madness! In Bridge we had the last (thank God) lesson. Today’s was about the ‘Slam’ – which apparently everyone should use! Not this one, sunshine. (You’ll do it if/when you get the cards. I think it would be fun. Challenging, but fun. Ed) Matthew thinks he will do Quantum Physics on the his next trip as that may prove to be a lot easier!!

To aid our recovery, we went up to the 12th Floor to see the end product of this morning’s endeavours.

I thought the tally of stock used so far on the voyage might be of interest … (Mind blowing stuff. Ed)

It was still a pretty breezy 17 degrees when I sat out on deck to finish my crossword book, so I think the days of my swimsuits are over. I sat out for over an hour but then decided to call it a day and do a few rounds of walking while Keith enjoyed quiet time for his writing.

I have taken it upon myself to finish the bottle of pisco sour we purchased in Chile and opened earlier in the week when we had the evening with Maria and Matthew. I am all heart! The trouble is it tastes very much like lemonade and very enjoyable. However, just let’s say that I did not go for the heels to complete the dinner ensemble – my pisco sour tidying up session went straight to my eyebrows and it is not finished yet!!

Dinner was something of a reunion as we have not been in to the dining room for a few nights. Gareth was quite mellow as Wales won their rugby match – it was a very special night for him – not only did he have the win to celebrate, but Penny gave him her unwanted Brussels sprouts and then he helped her out with her extra ice cream!!

We adjourned to the cabin after dinner. I wanted to write up my diary, Keith is really into his writing and I have a very good book on the go. Our idea of a good time!!

Tomorrow the Azores. A couple of our friends have really enjoyed their holidays there and have encouraged us to go there in the past, so it will be good to get a taste of it. We have a whole day trip planned. Our last hurrah!