The Bridge At Cahors, France

This Medieval Bridge at Cahors, France (just south of the Dordogne Valley on the main north/south motorway to Carcassone and The Languedoc Region of southern France) was the dividing line between "English France," and French soil during the Hundred Years War. Its three massive stone towers and fortified gateways kept the two armies apart -- except after hours, when festive-minded soldiers from either side would sneak across the river in rowboats, wine and feast and carouse together, and return to their respective sides of the river with "fair warning" just in time for renewed hostilities at daybreak.


Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Antarctic: Day 9

Day 9 – Monday, January 24
   Shortest entry yet.  Very few of us are completely well.  I tried two meals today, and lost them both (one right at the dinner table, which impressed by shipmates to no end).  I require my second seasickness shot of the voyage.  Watched Part 2 of the Kenneth Branagh Shackleton movie.  Maybe a staff presentation or two, including one fascinating piece by Staff Member Mick called “Greenwich Mean Time & Navigation at Sea” on the history of map coordinates (development and utilization of longitude and latitude) right through present day use of GPS positioning.  Spent more than 80% of the day in bed, and was told many of the other passengers did as well.  Had to check myself for saddle sores, I was so bedridden.  We have headed toward Tahiti, well west of South America, to avoid storm waves from 7 to 10 meters pushing us further eastward.  Many of them crash over the bow and hit the wheelhouse.  We are told we are up against consistent 8 meter waves and Gale Force 8 winds (about 45 mph).  Our progress at times slows to about 5 knots.  By going west, however, we should be able to turn (tomorrow) and put the waves to our back and get pushed into Ushuaia so that we have more pitch, but less roll to the ship.  A number of us speculate: “Would you take this trip again, if it was provided to you free of cost?”  Jury is still hung.  Last vote was about 50/50. Blame it on The Drake.

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