Queen Elizabeth San Francisco to Cabo (Mexico)

Although we have had a few nights aboard the Queens we have not been on QE. In reality she is very similar to Queen Victoria and was selected as she was journeying between our two favourite US cities (San Francisco and New York) as well as travelling through the Panama Canal (a long term bucket list item).

Although we have ferried around the “bay” we have not gone under the Golden Gate Bridge. A great icon for the start of our longest voyage to date.

Our first port of call a mere 24 hours later was Los Angeles. We arrived to a setting sun and this shot only scratches the surface of the massive size of this port. There must be more than a 100 container cranes.

We moored temporarily behind Queen Mary as, by a wonderful coincidence, this was the 4^th July 

and we shared their firework display. There was a large flotilla of small boats to QM’s starboard kept in order by at least 6 police boats. We stayed in position using GPS and our motors. It was a great evening with champagne and everyone on the rear decks.

Many years ago (OK when I was 10) I sailed from NY to Southampton on Queen Mary. The focus of our visit to LA was to get aboard her as she is now permanently moored and used as a hotel.

This was in the day of real timber decks albeit in need of some TLC. (Not the pretend ones of the current fleet which are in reality a significant improvement as they are maintenance free and also look pretty smart.) I am pleased to say that the gun on the forward port side was only present during the war when she was used as a troop carrier.

Models of QM and other Cunard ships are on display including ones where the side has been cutaway so you can see the accommodation. However, I know at least one member of the family who will be in awe of this Lego version. It has over 250,000 pieces and has a sign “can you find the cat?”

There was also a display comparing QM with QM2. What was a headline for me was their cruising speed at 28.5 knots was identical although their engines were a little different. Additionally QM did not have stabilisers which I do recall was quite a problem for me as a child with quite a few days spent on my bunk!

However, I do remember rising for one memorable event in mid Atlantic as we met Queen Elizabeth going full steam in the opposite direction. Both ships sounded their horns at one another. The reverberation through the body of that sound could never be forgotten. One of the whistles is now in place on the starboard side of QM2.

It was also nice to see Ivernia listed as I travelled from Southampton to Montreal in ’57 (OK along with Mum and sister Leslie).

The attention to attractive designs and décor was key with some themes continued to the present day. The marquetry in the main foyer was a good example:

The later version in QE is larger and a more modern design but the heritage is clear to see.

Ian and Shani who organised the booking also arranged for a corsage to be delivered for Helen just in time for the first of the black tie evenings. There is little doubt that someone enjoys a good dress up!

An additional surprise was that Ian and Shani had arranged seating at the best (top) table at the rear of the ship with a magnificent view of the wake. The table had seating for 10 which made it great for meeting new interesting fellow travelers (including Pam and Robin!)

Our second port was Cabos San Lucas which is at the end of the very long peninsula that runs South from the USA West Coast. The point is aptly named Lands End which is probably more appropriate than the English equivalent given the size of the peninsula. (It is worth getting the maps out!!)

Our arrival and departure were heralded by rays leaping out of the water. I have never seen so many. 

Indeed when we left it was like someone had set off non-stop firecrackers. This puts a whole new context to belly flops. A number of reasons for this behaviour were suggested including mating and de-licing activity.

Cabos was very hot and humid with the water front geared to tourists. This was a clear signal to get away to a quieter part of town and we found a very pleasant restaurant for a beer and light lunch.

Guacamole made at your table was a new experience, very tasty and a good deal of fun with our Spanish speaking waiters. At $US25 it was extraordinarily good value,

Numerous tour boats were ready to take us to the Land End arch but as we had already seen it on the way into harbour there was little point in that tour. It does look good in the setting sun.