Today we arrived in Falmouth, a quaint harbour town of approximately 21,000 people. It’s also the world’s third deepest port/harbour. As deep as it may be, Falmouth greeted us to a very low tide. Our ship anchored in the outer harbour and tenders were arranged to take passengers ashore.

Originally we had a ship excursion arranged to go to Land’s End, a tiny attraction at the southernmost tip of England. After the unpleasant tour organization encounter (the tour was great but the logistics were not) the day prior, we chose to cancel that excursion in favour of a private tour to go whale watching at 1 pm. The timing and less bustle suited us better we thought.

With no rush to disembark, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. We kept hearing the announcements for the tenders and then met a fellow at breakfast who advised that, similar to yesterday, you had to pick up a tender ticket and then wait with your party until you were called. He was not happy as this was not disclosed until he arrived at the tender ticket desk. We knew exactly how he felt.

So we are our breakfast in no hurry. Returned to our cabin to pack our things and made our way to the elevator. Having observed the other guests on board over the past few days we knew a few things to be true: they are by and large early birds who can’t wait for the breakfast lines to open but before they lay siege to the food (read trough) they scurry about and save chairs in every corner of the ship; then, once they get their fill they return to collect the random book or bag they’ve thrown on the chair to “save” it and embark on the next event (bingo, shopping, trivia etc) – that’s when we knew to find a seat. In the case of the ports of call, you can be sure the same folks have secured their tickets and are first in line to get a tender etc. To avoid the hassle we booked later events and simply out-waited them. So today, by the time we were ready to leave it was 10 am. No more tender tickets; simply head on down.

The tenders were the ships rescue boats and we climbed on board easily. The ride into shore was unexpectedly long since we were anchored so far out. The sun was shining and it was a great trip. Once on shore we looked for a convenience store to pick up extra water (another lesson from the day prior), post cards for me and lozenges for Rudy. We ambled into town (about 20 min or so) and it was so warm and lovely at 11:30 am we were ready to take a layer off! Rudy met a “neighbourhood ranger” (read friendly copper) who pointed us to the pier where our whale boat would be. He also recommended a pub for a quick pint. It was a welcomed treat.

Whilst enjoying a brew in the sun (I should add that beer is not served cold – my dad would be thrilled – so it wasn’t the cooling refreshment we were hankering) another couple joined us (they had coffee – ha!); they were on holiday from Bristol. We struck up a lively chat about cruises and trips (they’ve been all over!) and they were also going whale watching! So after our nice chat it was time to head to the pier. It was really weird to see boats in the mud of low tide. At the pier two young men in fishermen type overalls came up; they were Fraser and George our tour guides and skippers.

In total there were 8 of us going on board and we each needed to where a life jacket at all times. I was just about to wrinkle my nose anticipating the smell, but these were new, state of the art things that inflate automatically when they hit water. So they were flat and comfortable even though one of the straps was between your legs (to keep the jacket from riding up in the water). The vessel was also interesting in that it was an open deck hard bottom inflatable. The seats for us were fastened to the floor and you sat on them (straddled) like a saddle. All aboard!

George tells us his plan for finding whales and other wildlife, but we have no luck. After riding around the outer harbour for almost 2 hours we see nothing more than a few birds. Oh well. I enjoyed the ride immensely; Rudy not so much. In spite of the warm sun ashore, the wind was cold. Did I say wind?? It was very very very windy. And George was in high gear determined to satisfy his guests. There was also salty sprays. Lots of them. Karen (my new friend from Bristol) and I were loving every minute even with the disappointment of no whales. We joked that we would be walking like cowboys on shore! We weren’t wrong.

I had the feeling that Karen and David wanted our company for a bit longer but Rudy was having none of that. Plus the beer was weighing on his bladder. We returned back to the pub in search of a toilet, beer and fish and chips in that order. Rudy found the toilets and let me know they were new and perfectly clean (he knows my washroom hang ups). Regardless I was ok to wait. He went to the bar to order, but was told the kitchen was closed until dinner time. So no fish and chips. Too bad! I was looking forward. So we settled for another glass of tepid beer and I wrote out my postcards. Checking on line I discover that the convenience store was also the post office. We would pass right by on our way back to the tender docks and I could post the cards. In the mean time a very nice woman and her labradoodle Alba; she let us pet and feed Alba treats (they keep a jar of treats next to the water bowls inside the pub next to the condiments!).

Off we went for the walk back. On the way we both were stunned at the same thing: everyone has a dog. They were literally everywhere! And I noticed a few establishments used their outdoor signs to proclaim “dog friendly” rather than the days special. Definitely my kind of place.

Back at the convenience store, Rudy goes in to post the cards. He comes out shortly after with the cards in hand. The post office closed at 2 pm. So there! Back at the pier the cruise welcome tent is being dismantled. I ask the young lady about anywhere to post the cards. She very kindly offers to take them herself. Rudy pulls out a 10 pound note and the security guard chuckles. It’s a pre Euro pound note. Virtually useless. Since Brexit they’ve made new ones. However, we’re told, the bank might take them. Rudy gives her $5 US (still the best form of cash) and the pound note. It’s a win win.

Then we see the line for the return tender. We look knowingly at each other and think we’ve timed our return the same as the others. We laugh it off until the dark clouds start to amass. Just before a downpour we are back to the ship. I really believe that tendering is not the best idea for the passengers on this ship. Insurance must not be an issue. Back on board we have to pass through security (I can see how this group might be a huge risk! Ha ha!). Unfortunately the conveyer belt carrying bags through the X-ray stops for some reason. Bags then are checked by hand. I’m sure the security staff came across some embarrassing bulky items.

Tomorrow we land in France!