Welcome back, readers! We've been eight days at sea and we are almost at the end of the voyage. This last day will be spent traversing the Saint Lawrence Seaway, with a brief stopover in Quebec and then on to the final docking in Montreal. So now is the time to get everything packed, pay off some tabs and say good bye to the ship and crew.
But before we dock, here are some more fun facts. There were other cards issued daily besides the Entertainment guides (see previous Part 5). Unfortunately Mum only saved three days worth. These cards contained important information, rules and regulations. Not just what to do but to do it properly. These 4.5" x 6" cards on heavy (pastel coloured) paper were folded with a very basic header. The card opened up to a 9" x 6" page with such things as mealtimes and ship etiquette.
This is the cover for the first card for June 2, 1964, the day of departure. The interior is a little more informative...
All of it fairly self explanatory. You will notice they make no allusion to the fact that we are Tourist Class (enhanced with bold type!) and to basically Keep off the Grass in First Class! At least we have a window seat! The second issue of "Today" is for June 3.
Meal times again, with the option of visiting the kitchen as health inspectors! Try not to smoke in bed and keep it down after midnight! The final card was for June 7, 1964; the Sunday.
First indication of a laundry service, time to pay the bar tab and you can call home if you want to. It's a little late to turn back now...
So this being June 8, 1964, we have entered the Seaway. But as per normal maritime procedure, the ship will be navigated by the harbour pilot. Looks like he will be on board for almost a day! The Pilot Boat is approaching...
Such calm water in the Seaway today! Not like those early gut-wrenching waves at the beginning of the trip. The Pilot boat is now coming alongside.
Surprised Dad didn't take more photos along the way. Did I fall asleep...? The next shot is an aft view; we have already sailed under the Jacques Cartier Bridge. Lots of ships moored and other water traffic. That red brick building on the left is Molson's Brewery. Don't know who that fellow in the dark suit is, but the crew cut and ears belong to yours truly.
This ain't no fancy terminal! We have at least one tug escorting us into the docks, and it is very industrial area, including some of the other ships. Guess they just put us where there is room...
Almost there. Not sure which side of the ship this is but now mooring lines are being anchored to the pier. Mum is looking over her shoulder at Dad who is taking this final shot of the journey. I wonder what she was thinking at the time...? No matter, we have arrived and look, there are some locals to meet us!
The last card distributed to the passengers was not entertainment or regulations, but an 8 x 10 pastel coloured card "Abstract of Log". It is the good-bye from Captain W. S. W. Main along with the data from the voyage. Except for June 4 and 5, we had fairly good seas. Good too if you want to go back and chart the ship's course.
According to the log we docked in Montreal at approximately 12:30 on June 9, 1964. 57 years ago today. I reckon that was followed by several hours of disembarking, immigration, and retrieving luggage.
But we are not settling here. My Auntie is in Ontario, so next time it will be the last part of the journey. Not on water this time but by rail. CP runs trains too!
No comments:
Post a Comment