31. Crossing the 13th parallel etc.

Given that the crossing the equator ceremony had to be postponed because of the weather, it took place yesterday today instead as we crossed the 13th parallel (south). It didn't really have the same sort of meaning, but as it is a rite of passage for many, we went along to watch the festivities anyway.

Now, I am already a shellback, having crossed the equator twice before, but Claire was a pollywog. A couple of dozen pollywogs from the ranks of both passengers and crew, (and on behalf of them all), had all charges against them read out (not least was crossing the equator several days earlier without permission). After a fair an unbiased trial under the judgement of King Neptune and his queen all pollywogs were found guilty. The sentence?...kissing the fish and then being thoroughly doused with all kinds of slops from the galley. Jolly good fun!

Elsewhere, we have had a second call out for blood donors and there was an excellent response but we still await further news of the patient.

We are now approaching the coast of Western Australia and the temperature has dropped a little. However, the wind is quite strong (evidently fairly common for this part of the world) and this is causing the ship to move a little. Nothing too bad though. We have our last formal night tonight at which we will celebrate with the champagne (read cheap sparkling wine) that we won at the trivia several nights ago.