Day 1 – Airports and exhaustion

We are now safely aboard the Queen Mary II after leaving home on Tuesday after lunch. The drive to Regina was memorable for ice and strong winds with lots of nice things like cross-drift and white out conditions. Rupert had a date at “Camp” just East of Regina and the drive out there and back was nightmarish but it looks like our spoiled Chocolate pup will have safe and fun housing.  We had dinner with friends in Regina who are kindly dealing with our vehicle for us while we are away. Then it was off to the hotel to not sleep prior to the first of our flights in the morning.  Thankfully the weather had improved by Wednesday morning and our flight left for Calgary without any hiccups of any kind.  We were then treated to 6 hours of cooling our heels while we waited for our next flight – let’s put it this way, Dale is nearly done his second book and we haven’t even set out to sea!  The trans-Atlantic flight was completely uneventful and actually quite lovely as we got to fly first class thanks to the clever work of our most excellent travel Agent, Melinda (thanks, Mel!). Imagine – real food served on real china with real metal utensils, hot towels to refresh, blankets, pillows, eye covers and more plus actual leg room. Unfortunately, current budgets warn us not to expect this as a continuing treat!

So – we arrived at Gatwick unscathed and quite wide awake were met by an agent of Cunard and set off for the 2 hour drive to Southampton – rather dull since we went via motorway so most of England was not on view, being blocked by high concrete dividers. We didn’t manage to see it on arrival either, as a thick blanket of cloud covers most of the UK and the locals are complaining of endless rain. We did get some nice glimpses of the Outer Hebrides and the very North of Scotland though…

Exhaustion hit as we arrived at the ship and we are pretty scrambled at this point. We have had our mandatory safety drill, Dale has found food and we have just set sail to fanfare and fireworks off the pier – very nicely done!  We only need struggle to stay awake a few more hours, have a meal and then – to BED!!

Anyway – just thought we’d let those who care know that we are alive and well and on the high seas…

More as events warrant.

Dale and Marsha