Cruise day 2 with photos
Here are the photos that go with these entries on our second day on the cruise in Africa:
https://fbhjr.dreamwidth.org/1527903.html or https://fbhjr.livejournal.com/1533103.html
When we woke up Tuesday morning, we were still at sea, but could see we were getting closer to our port. We were soon going through the channel into the bay of Richard’s Bay.
I did wonder about this hut just sitting along the channel. Never did find out what it was about.
The tug showed up and we were guided into our dock, which was clearly set up for coal.
It wasn’t long before we had breakfast and had climbed on board our tour bus under the shadow of the coal.
One thing that stands out there is the mile after mile after mile of eucalyptus trees. They just go on and on in orderly rows.
Our bus had to stop and be weighed. Never seen that happen to a bus before.
Nice drive, even if mostly various forms of farm.
After about an hour we got to the point where we got on our boat to go look at "hippo haven".
It was a bit damp on the upper deck, but we got a much better view. Even if it was often of other tourists.
We saw a LOT of weaver bird nests.
My wife and I brought out rain jackets, so stayed on the upper deck in the rain, even when most went downstairs to where the hippo skulls were kept.
It isn’t too hard to spot the hippos. Unlike whales, they don’t stay under very long. And, don’t seem to care about the boat at all.
We did watch a mother and child climb out onto the bank. Normally they don’t do it in the daytime as they get sunburn. But, the rain worked out for us this way.
But, there were lots of others.
Our sharp eyed guide spotted a crocodile on the shore being taunted by a duck.
The rain stopped and the view blockers returned to the upper deck. But, the captain was very good about making sure all sides of the boat got a view of the hippos.
The guide did not beat tourists or hippos with the chairs.
The hippos didn’t even consider this possibility.
After about an hour and a half we headed back to the dock. Other ships could fit under the bridge and go to other docks. But, we were too tall.
When we came ashore, Zulu dancers were waiting.
This is him having seen my tip. "Come on guys, one more dance…"
Then, back on the bus through the road repairs to return to the ship.
Kids were clearly getting out of school as we drove past.
There were chain places to eat, but far more little tents with food for sale on the side of the road.
Animals and villages went past.
Ostriches.
Then, back to the ship.
The view out our window was much nicer than the view of the coal piles.
But, I still took a nap.
Then, off to dinner.
The bathroom signs seemed a bit ominous…
I always washed my hands…