Queens of the Sea

Today was a chance to take the ferry from Manly across to Circular Quay to catch a last glimpse of the Queen Elizabeth II, and a first of the Queen Victoria, two of the Cunard Lines superliners. Its 30 years to the day since the Queen Elizabeth II sailed into the harbour. The Queen Victoria got in yesterday and leaves tonight. When the QV leaves the International Terminal the QE2 will sail from its current berth at the Garden Island dockyard across to the International Terminal. The ships will pass each other either side of Fort Denison, just off Circular Quay and the Opera House. There'll be a ceremonial whistle salute, whereby the youngster, Victoria, salutes the ageing Elizabeth. Victoria will then continue its maiden round the world cruise and Elizabeth II will sail off, to retire later in the year from Cunard lines, and become a floating hotel in Dubai.

I would have like to have joined the thousands lining the harbour and foreshores at 6.30pm when that happens (*in about an hour) but traffic, trains, and buses after that will be bedlam, an absolute nightmare, so I'll watch it on the late news, see the photos tomorrow, and catch the stream on www.yahoo.com.au probably tomorrow as well.

A beautiful day today, a little windy, mid 20's Celsius, high 70's Fahrenheit. Have a great week folks.