Three days sailing and...
Our 40 day journay across the Pacific Ocean included 18 days at sea, which we loved. Never short of something to do, even I, who gets so easily bored, settled into the easy, relaxed routine.
Recognising that these formerly endless days on board Mariner were fast running out, I made the most of the sunny days on our way to Sydney and took my book out onto our verandah and watched the waves.
Except there were not really any waves to watch.
The sea was glassy and having heard tales of crossing the Tasman Sea, we'd been prepared for a bit of a roller coaster ride.
In his daily announcements, Captain Abhi said how delighted (and surprised) he had been by these sea conditions. The weather gods were smiling on us, he said.
So I sat and took endless photos of the ever changing colours and textures, especially when a little breeze created these small ripple patterns in the water, remembering that “spindrift” day when we'd only just begun our adventure.
In another, earlier announcement, the newly-crowned cook-off champion, Captain Abhi had promised “a surprise” for our arrival in Sydney. Now he was able to say for sure that not only had he secured the best berth in town for his ship, but that he had negotiated an adjustment to the timing of our arrival so that it would coincide with dawn. The weather forecast was good and all we needed to do was to set our alarms for 5.30am!
Which of course, we did, hot footing it to the top deck Observation lounge for a dress circle seat. Heading west into the harbour at this time of day, we could just make out a few twinkly lights.
Behind us, in the east, the light show was in full swing. As I stepped out to take my photo, the pilot arrived in preparation for our arrival.
As we turned slightly, it all came into view. We remembered fondly sailing out of this harbour some years ago and both of us felt the same, slightly emotional mood this morning. We recognised that this very special journey was coming to a close and much as we both looked forward to home, it's been such a fabulous experience from start to finish.
But come on, it was no good feeling maudlin! We both snapped countless photos, were in constant WhatsApp chat with our family at home as we turned the corner into Circular Quay.
The pinkish morning light was lovely.
Halting the ferry traffic for a short time (at what must be one of the busiest times of day) we sailed quietly into place over by The Rocks.
We had arrived. Time for a few more photos before a spot of breakfast and a quick bag pack for the day, because we weren't going home just yet.
The Blue Mountains were calling!
