A DAY AT SEA - BAY OF BISCAY:

 A DAY AT SEA - BAY OF BISCAY:

 

 

Last night as we set sail from the port of Ferrol, a local bagpipe band bid us farewell with a serenade for fair winds and calm seas. It was most enjoyable. 

The gentle pitching of the ship lulled us to a restful sleep. 

We are crossing the Bay of Biscay. 

The Bay of Biscay also known as the Gulf of Biscay or the Gulf of Gascony is a gulf of the northeast Atlantic Ocean located south of the Celtic Sea. It lies along the western coast of France from Point Penmarc'h to the Spanish border, and along the northern coast of Spain, extending westward to Cape Ortegal.



I was up early and decided to do a photo runabout the MS Fram to take photos to highlight many features of this ship. 

                                                                   Deck 8 Observation Area 

                                                                            SAUNAS

                                                                        Fitness Room 

                                                                               BBQ 

                                                                            Zodiacs

                                                                         Elevator Art 

                                                                                    Store 

                                  Many of the pieces of art work about the ship are steeped in history 

                                                                        Great Library 

                                                                         Hot Tubs

                                                                         Reception

                                                                     Science Center 

                                                                      Lecture Area 

                                                             Early Riser coffee bar 

Starting today's blog from the early riser coffee area. I have found myself starting to really enjoy tea. 

As today is a day at sea, the schedule is filled with lectures and presentations. These will cover a wildlife watch (maybe whales), Bird Migration, Marine Ecology of the Bay of Biscay, Cloud Observation, How to use Binoculars, at 15:30 FRESH WAFFLES!!!!, Intro to photography, and a workshop on HAPPY WHALE. 

The Migratory Bird presentation was very informative and well presented. I do enjoy learning on these expedition sailings. I shan’t bother you with all which was learned. Bird migration is an amazing bit of nature.  

At 1000 there is a crafty event where we can decorate our water bottles. This gives them some individuality. Always fun to individualize ones water bottle. FYI everyone on the ship receives one as an effort to reduce waste. Our past bottles were blue and this one is a 130th edition and is tan. 

 

There was a presentation on the Eco System of the Bay of Biscay. Very interesting to learn about the currents in this region.

Today was waffle day in the Explorer Lounge. These are always welcome,.  fresh out the the waffle iron with a choice of toppings. 

The Captain announced we would be altering course as there was a medical emergency and a helo would be meeting to evacuate a passenger. 

During this evacuation all outside decks were closed and soon a French Navy helicopter arrived. 



Then there was an intro to photography lecture. Always like going to these as I tend to learn a different approach to teaching the basics. 



Soon came dinner after which we  retired to the lecture area to await the briefing on tomorrow’s landing in Scilly. 

I also caught up on the blog while waiting for the briefing. 



Then off to bed we went.  



 

 

 

THE CAMINO IN FERROL

 Next stop Ferrol : 

 

I

 am up early hoping for a nice sunrise while enjoying a cup of Earl Grey. All is progressing well on this trip.  

Ferrol is a port city in Galicia, Northern Spain. Ferro combines the working port with a pretty old quarter, a few historical gems, city parks and a few beautiful beaches. The city’s maritime legacy dates back to Roman times, gaining prominence in the Middle Ages as a critical naval base for the Spanish Armada. 

 I should also mention Farrol is the birthplace of Francisco.  

This maritime history gave the Camino Ingles (or the English Way) its name. Historically, pilgrims arrived here by ship from England, Ireland, Scandinavia, and beyond. It’s one of the shortest routes to Santiago but also one of the oldest.



The official granite marker designating the start of the Camino Ingles is located near Ferrol’s tourist office, which also doubles as a Pilgrim Office.  But it’s surprisingly easy to miss! Most pilgrims begin their walk here.

The walking tour I have chosen will include the start of the Camino De Santiago, Camino Ingles. 


For lunch today I had reindeer stew, quite tasty, as we sailed into Ferrol. 

Lynn decided to stay back and rest her hip. This was a good choice. 

I went on a walking tour of the city. Here we discovered the wonderful architecture of Ferrol, and learned of it’s rich navel history. Knowing about St James just being on the Camino was a spiritual highlight. 

Saint James (the Great) was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, brother of St. John the Evangelist, and the first apostle to be martyred. Known as the patron saint of Spain, his reputed tomb in Santiago de Compostela is a major pilgrimage site. He was a close follower of Jesus, present at the Transfiguration. 

A fisherman called by Jesus, he was nicknamed "son of thunder" and was martyred by beheading under Herod Agrippa I in Jerusalem around 44 AD.

He is the patron saint of Spain, where he is believed to have preached, as well as the patron of veterinarians.

The Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago): Tradition states his remains were brought to Galicia, Spain, leading to the establishment of the shrine at Santiago de Compostela, one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage destinations.

Legend suggests he miraculously appeared on a white horse to lead Christians to victory in the Battle of Clavijo. 

 
He witnessed major events, including the Agony in the Garden. 

 

When I returned to the ship I met Lynn in the Explorers Lounge. Lynn had been feasting on the afternoon cakes and I had a mai tai. 

Lazy afternoon as we retired to our stateroom where I am finishing up this blog entry. 

Not expecting any additional activity I will post this entry early. Will update should there be an event before retiring. 

 

 

                    The port entrance is guarded by this fort

                                        The Camino

                             Narrow Streets tall buildings

                            The Camino is well marked

                                     Gardens and parks

                                    Follow the Camino

                                        City Hall

                                       Ship maintenance 

 



SAILING TO PORTO: WINE AND A BRIDGE

 SAILING TO PORTO:



 

 

Last night the seas were perfect for a gentle rocking that invited restful sleep. 

Later this morning we will dock in Porto. Our plan is to take a shuttle bus into town and explore on our own. 

A nice breakfast was had, the advantage to dining in Lindstrom is it is table service. 

From 0830 to 0930 I went out to the bow observation deck and observed yellow leg gulls and an occasional gannet. 

Then there was a presentation on the Port of Porto with a bit of history involved. 



The wines from Porto are fortified wines meaning spirits are added. These were mostly exported to the UK.



One of the most famous landmarks of Porto is the Maria Pia Bridge. The Maria Pia Bridge, is commonly known as Dona Maria Pia Bridge, is a railway bridge built in 1877 and attributed to Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame. It is situated between the Portuguese Northern municipalities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

We returned to the room to catch a presentation on Portugal explorers. Sadly it was not working so we may just need to catch up later with the recording. 

 

After lunch we got things together and took a shuttle bus into the city of Porto. This was about a 30 minute bus trip as we are docked a good bit away from the city center. 

We set out on our own walkabout along the Rio Douro. Our goal was to make it to the Caminhos de Santiago, The Way of St James. We walked past many buildings with tile facades, cafes, wine bars, all of which were very busy. We made it to the bottom of a very steep hill with a large steep staircase. It was at the top is where the Caminhos starts.

 

I will say I am very impressed with how clean the city is and it has a very nice feeling about it. 

Worried we were going to be late to catch to he shuttle bus back, we started our walk back. In total we were walking about 1.5 hours. 

 

Yes, Porto is a city that might require a return visit.  

Along this route we passed a park and monument to Henry the Navigator and then past the local McDonalds :) 



The Porto Cruise Terminal is a beautiful modern building. Returning to the ship they made sure the traffic pattern left no corner of the building unexplored. 

Todays weather was highlighted with bits of sun and clouds. 

Back in the room, we were to late for afternoon cakes so settled for a cookie in the room. 

Then came dinner time, again a lovely meal with a very nice tart for desert. 

Then to the ships store and I found a hat and sweater and a hat for Lynn. 

 

        Yes add another sweater to the stable of sweaters  This is a first as we have used our total stateroom credit. 

 

   Yes this is the cruise port which is very much a working port

              Look a Scottish restaurant here in Portugal. 

             Busy river front, were told it is always this busy

We find the food very good on HX and the service is EXCELLENT!!!!

           Tart was really good, Lynn had the ice cream

                               A rather nice end to the day