Isolating in England: Day 142, Turning Around

Midweek on the beach, Felixstowe (photo Visit Felixstowe)

Midweek greetings from Felixstowe.

The UK’s heatwave is diminishing, though according to the BBC, London has had its longest stretch (six days) of temperatures above 34C/93F since 1961. Thunderstorms should cool off the country tonight.

We haven’t had any rain yet in Felixstowe, but our evening physio walkabout was blessed by a beautiful breeze.

In today’s local news, popular Suffolk native and resident Ed Sheeran and his wife Cherry Seaborn announced they’re expecting their first child this summer. They have spent lockdown in their Suffolk home, after Sheeran announced a break from music last December. We can only imagine how stressful it must be to be pregnant during a pandemic, and wish all new mums, dads and babies a safe, happy and healthy future.

Cherry Seaborn and Ed Sheeran at Ipswich Portman Road Football Ground (photo Ipswich Star/insta@teddysphotos)

As I’m winding down these ‘Isolating in England’ posts (last one will be Day 150), coronavirus numbers are going up in many countries around the world. Today surges were reported in Germany, France and Spain. Clive and I may be out and about a little more, but the numbers remind us the virus is still out there, too. Like many of our family and friends, we’ll continue to be cautious. We’re thankful Suffolk numbers are low.

For today’s tree by the sea photo, Mr Ship Tracker once again did a great job given the impossible off-shore haze. He reports: ‘Container Ship CSCL Venus has arrived in the port of Felixstowe from Singapore after a voyage of 20 days and 4 hours. She was built in 2011 and has a length of 366 metres. On her way in, she passed the tree by the sea and entered the port while remaining invisible to the naked eye.

‘When she was close to her berth, I managed to grab a photo of her from an HHA camera, though the overall quality of the shot is impacted by a lesser level of heat haze. Nonetheless, I decided to experiment by using that same camera to capture CSCL Venus as she was turned around and then nudged into her berth. I don’t think I will be doing that again, unless weather conditions are much better and the camera is a little more cooperative. So from left to right, here’s the result – unfortunately, the camera has cut off the bow of the vessel when she was berthed.’

Merci, Mr ST! This is the first time I’ve seen a ship turned around like this.

Container ship CSCL Venus (HHA camera photos), Wednesday 12 August 2020

Take care everyone, and stay safe and well and tickety-boo,
xxxx with love from us to you