Kiel Canal, Germany - August 16 . . . and HOME!!
The Kiel Canal extends eastward 61 miles from Brunsbuttelkoog (on the North Sea, at the mouth of the Elbe River) to Holtenau (at Kiel Harbor on the Baltic Sea). The canal has been enlarged twice and is today 526 feet wide and 37 feet deep. It is spanned by seven high-level bridges that have about 140 feet of clearance for ships beneath them. The locks are 146 feet wide by 1072 feet long.
The Canal constitutes the safest, most conenient, shortest, and cheapest shipping route between the two seas. The canal, built between 1887 and 1895, initially served German military needs by eliminating the necessity for ships to travel northward around the Danish peninsula. It was enlarged between 1907 and 1914 to accommodate large naval ships. Prior to World War I, the canal (then known as the Kaiser-Wilhelm Canal) was owned by the German government. Thew Treaty of Versailles (June 28m 1919) laid down regulations that, in effect, internationalized the canal, while leaving it under German administration. Traffic on the Canal was subject only to general police, shipping, sanitary, and customs regulations. These provisions were repudiated by Adolf Hitler in 1936. Since World War II, the conditions of the Treaty of Versailles guaranteeing freedom of navigation have again been practiced. The canal remains an important route for Baltic shipping.
We entered the canal around 7:00 a.m. At 9:00 a.m., our C/C group gathered in Eric's suite where we had gorgeous views (lots of sunshine!) of the canal ahead of us. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery together with smoked salmon, caviar, pastries, mimosas, Bloody Mary's, etc. I left before too long to begin my packing - UGH!
Had also received a note from Nick Botha to meet for lunch in the Colonnade. Nick is a wonderful young man with whom John, Sandi and enjoyed some time on our Antarctic cruise early this year. On that last cruise, he was Guest Services Manager. On this cruise he is learning about provisions, below decks. Hopefully, this job will send him on his way to his "dream" position on the ships. It was good to catch up with him.
Then back to the room for a quick nap, and more packing.
The Canal constitutes the safest, most conenient, shortest, and cheapest shipping route between the two seas. The canal, built between 1887 and 1895, initially served German military needs by eliminating the necessity for ships to travel northward around the Danish peninsula. It was enlarged between 1907 and 1914 to accommodate large naval ships. Prior to World War I, the canal (then known as the Kaiser-Wilhelm Canal) was owned by the German government. Thew Treaty of Versailles (June 28m 1919) laid down regulations that, in effect, internationalized the canal, while leaving it under German administration. Traffic on the Canal was subject only to general police, shipping, sanitary, and customs regulations. These provisions were repudiated by Adolf Hitler in 1936. Since World War II, the conditions of the Treaty of Versailles guaranteeing freedom of navigation have again been practiced. The canal remains an important route for Baltic shipping.
We entered the canal around 7:00 a.m. At 9:00 a.m., our C/C group gathered in Eric's suite where we had gorgeous views (lots of sunshine!) of the canal ahead of us. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery together with smoked salmon, caviar, pastries, mimosas, Bloody Mary's, etc. I left before too long to begin my packing - UGH!
Had also received a note from Nick Botha to meet for lunch in the Colonnade. Nick is a wonderful young man with whom John, Sandi and enjoyed some time on our Antarctic cruise early this year. On that last cruise, he was Guest Services Manager. On this cruise he is learning about provisions, below decks. Hopefully, this job will send him on his way to his "dream" position on the ships. It was good to catch up with him.
Then back to the room for a quick nap, and more packing.
Almost done! This will be my last post for the current cruise, and I will pick up the travels again in October. It's been a fun, chocked full, two-week cruise. Not long enough between unpacking and having to repack - next cruise will be longer. Tomorrow I leave the ship in the morning. My flight, a non-stop from Copenhagen to SFO leaves around midday, and if all goes according to the plan, I'll be back in the Bay Area by mid afternoon on the 17th.
Looking forward to seeing you all!
Love and hugs,
Jeanne
Thanks so much, Jeanne, for your wonderful commentaries. It has been a lot of fun following your various excursions and culinary delights. Looking forward to seeing you at breakie on Sunday. Safe Travels!!! Jim
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