Leaving Hamilton, Bermuda

All too soon time had run out in Bermuda so time for a quick, last look around from both deck

 

 

and Street Level

Voyager's Flag of Registry in this case Bahamas.

The HOUSE SPARROWS

having had a fine old time skirmishing around the dining tables

finally left the ship

as AMERICAN HERRING GULLs

and RING-BILLED GULLs

Knowingly gathered for the potential feast awaiting

as the ship was Tugged from the berth.

Have you ever seen this done before SECRET??

It was now left to Passengers and Crew alike to savoir the views

as we navigated the long and narrow channel to the open sea.

The wind was rising easterly the evening sky was blue

The straights before us opened wide and free

We looked toward the Admiral where high the Peter flew

And all our hearts were dancing like the sea.

The flags are in fact, from left, the 'I have a Pilot onboard' signal, 

Voyages of Discovery House Flag,

Voyager Flag of Registration and

The Courtesy Flag in respect of the country visited Bermuda.

A couple of distant Ducks look, on closer inspection, like

GREEN-WINGED TEAL

After a hour steaming we finally reached the last of the 

Channel Marker Buoys

passing the Tidal Race and Reef

and the OUTER SPIT BUOY

The Pilot Cutter was soon alongside while I stood there
having wished the last 2 hours away for my own ends,

Darkness was rapidly closing in and this stretch of seaway was the most likely place to see the only Island 'endemic' bird, the now scarce and endangered Bermudan Petrel. Despite staying on deck until even the flashing of the Lighthouse was no longer visible the bird was not seen.