Our day in Southampton was less than interesting. Although this is the place most of us have heard of, port of departure for the Mayflower and countless trans-Atlantic voyages in the day when going by ship was the only way to get across the pond, there is not much to recommend a visit. If you have the time, it is not far to Salisbury and Stonehenge, but with only a few hours in port, we didn’t want to risk some problem delaying our return to Southampton and missing the boat.
Instead we spent our time ashore exploring. There was a large, modern mall near the ship. Heaving with folks as this is a school break week – the week off between Easter break and summer vacation. It appeared that half of Southampton was at the mall. There was a park nearby with a wonderful rose garden. Not your hybrids, but beautiful, incredibly fragrant roses, some with the biggest blossoms I have ever seen.
We departed Southampton late afternoon. The next morning we enjoyed coffee in the Observation lounge while sailing past the white cliffs of Dover. Another landmark I have read about so many times over the years. We were blessed with a clear day, so the cliffs shone in the early morning sun.
Today we transit the Kiel Canal, the third busiest shipping channel in the world. Only the Suez and Panama canals see more traffic. About 60,000 ships take advantage of this shortcut between the North Sea and the Baltic. The 7 hour transit saves about 280 nautical miles compared to the traditional route around Cape Skaw.
Much to our surprise, all along the canal were folks fishing, picnicking, riding bicycles and enjoying the sunshine. It wasn’t so much the presence of folks along the way, but the sheer number of people out on a weekday. Turns out that this sunny Thursday is Father’s Day in Germany. Businesses are closed, families get together and most important of all, it is a day for male bonding over a few glasses of beer.
We finally are emerging from the cold and rain. The high today was almost 70. The forecast for tomorrow is 75. Glad we will be in port. Warnemunde here we come.
