Panama Canal, Friday, October 10th.
Reached canal about 10 am and got through to the Pacific side by about 5 pm.
Very interesting going through the locks but the heat and humidty simply awful.
Angus thought the engines that pull the ship were fascinating and watched
everything. Ian was used to the black people and didn't stare like in Curacao
where even the agent is black. Got a letter from Mother, none from Cynthia.
Fergus got some, but no more news for a month now. Mr. Yosh, someone from
Norton Lilly's came down and took us ashore about 9 pm. Drove us all over
Bilboa and into Panama. Looked beautiful at night. The homes were grand. Huge -
spacious, white all frame. some of course weren't so hot but it's so different
and the huge palm trees and white buildings look grand. He dropped us at the
International Hotel, but there were not any people dancing, just gambling, so
we went across to Kelly's - a nightclub affair and had some collins and saw the
floor show. Some of it good - some awful. I'd never seen strip tease before but
I certainly did there. The Chief Steward and Sparks came along and sat with us.
John Bostock and another engineer showed up there too. The girls aren't fussy.
The old dame Kelly even had two over with some Chinese- better looking than
some of the white men around - motto must be All welcome. We left there and
went to El Rancho but were late and the crowd had left as it had rained and the
dancefloor was roofless. Had a few dances to the organ and then back to the
International. still nobody there but danced anyway. coolest place since we
left Canada. Really air-conditioned. Tried to go in the game rooms but the
Steward and Sparks didn't have jackets so we weren't allowed. Fellow with a gun
sitting at the door. Went to the El Rancho but most of the crowd was gone. Had
a couple of drinks and dances on the wet floor and got a cab back to the ship.
Fergus and I stopped at the ship "Northumberland", Fergus' old training ship.
Captain Fred Lougheed made us very welcome and two of his passengers, Mr.
Dickson, and Mr. Wellbrook came in too. They couldn't get over my being their
with a new baby and 2 others as well. Called the three A.I.D. to remember them,
and thought it marvellous. They were a funny old pair going home to New
Zealand. The Captain very nice. We didn't get back until after 3 but the kids
were all asleep and fine and Holmes asleep on the settee. Had a grand night and
was bursting of course, all over my new dress on one side. Boy did I feel awful
next day. Guess I forgot I just had a baby and with the heat, drink, dancing,
and late hour, I felt like dying. Gradually recovered though I felt like
someone sitting on my head all day. The heat is still terrific. I can hardly
move. Chippie is going to make a swimming pool for the kids out on deck here so
perhaps we can all cool off in it.
At sea.
Coldest day yet. The day we crossed the equator. Fergus sends daily messages to
"Northumberland" comparing speeds. We are doing about the same as they are.
Tuesday, October 20th.
Duncan 6 weeks old today. Weighed him on the cook's scale 12.25 pounds before
his breakfast. He looks lovely now, smiles at us all the time and so big and
fat and nice looking. His hair is growing and he has a sunbath every day
now.Fergus wants to take him in the big bath with all the others. Angus has
been back aft all afternoon. Ian and Duncan and I sat out in front, then Ian
and I spent an hour in the pool. Horribly hot but nice breeze. Angus presented
Chief Officer with his 2 hours overtime sheet. He got a big kick out of it.
Later played crib with Sparks, Chippie, Beave. We won but not my playing that
did it. I'll learn eventually. Fergus looked after the kids as the all woke up.
Chief came up for a drink before bed. Talked of his experience in lifeboat
during the war. Bed about 11:30
Wednesday, October 21st.
Beautiful day. Very hot and humid these days. Chippie finished Angus' dory and
he has it in the water. Ian and he playing in pool. Duncan asleep here, just
going to sunbathe and then a dip to cool off. Fergus still working on car. Sat
out here with kids all morning. This is a wonderful change. Really enjoying the
sun, rest and most of all being all together.
Thursday evening, October 22nd.
Did I say rest? I played crib with Sparks, Holmes, and Pete Clark but we lost.
Then Sparks showed me 45's again. Fergus read his book, "The Border Lord". I
played 45's and asked questions. Know a bit more about it anyway. Had a couple
of lemon gins and went to bed early. The clock goes back again tonight. About 3
am. just as I was trying to get back to sleep after being up with Duncan,
Fergus woke up with a horrible pain and stomach ache. The stone in his kidney
again he thought. He was horribly sick the rest of the night. Nothing seemed to
help much and the pain was terrible. The kids all woke at 6:15 am. and Ian only
slept about 3/4 of an hour today so we are all weary tonight. It's been a beast
of a day too. The hottest since Panama and a scorcher. Fergie napped or tried
to all dayin between drinking lemonade and bringing it up. I tried to keep
Angus and Ian in one spot and as quiet as possible. Theyr'e all asleep now,
thank goodness. Just finished the washing and hung some out, had a bath and
trying to cool off. Am sure pounds melted off last night and today. The fierce
pain has gone but Fergus still bringing up everything, trying Bovril now. Hope
he sleeps tonight and that it's moved tomorrow. we'll see a Doctor as soon as
we get to Sydney, as this wasn't funny.
Friday, October, 23rd.
Fergus still not so good but think it is improving. Passed two islands today, or
one last night and one today. One inhabited by 150 people and the other not.
Going to stop at Tahiti if Fergus isn't better. Should be there Sunday. I have
rubbed him and put hot water bottles on continuously.
Saturday, October 24th.
Passed more islands. Fergus seems a bit better. Had a mustard bath which eemed
to releive the pain some. Also started hot cloths which seem to be better than
hot water bottles. Think it is getting better. Gave him more laudanum last
night and he got a bit of rest. Started ordinary kidney pills which may help.
He's very tired so should sleep tonight.
Sunday, October 25th.
Fergus feels much better. Thought he passed the stone today. Had a good sleep
last night which helped
him too. Got to Tahiti about middle of afternoon and were by it by dark. We
were only 1/2 mile off so had a good look at it anyway. It's all hills and
mountain peaks and passes - all wooded from this side. Supposed to be 18 miles
- 4,000 inhabitants. Wish we could have stopped but very glad we didn't have to
for Fergus. Couldn't see the town from here but it was good to see land again.
Has been a hell of a day though. Thank goodness tomorrow will be a new day and
a better one, I hope. I couldn't stand another like this.
Monday, October 26th.
Fergus better but stayed mostly in bed as it stormed all day. Rained buckets
and the waves are getting bigger and rolling more all the time. Really running
uphill all the while.
October 31st. Halloween
Angus and I had a Halloween Party. Dressed him in my old smock and straw-hat and
purse, lipstick. He looked cute too. We made pumpkin faces for all the lights.
Went and called on the Chief and John. Got a bunch of chocolate bars from each.
It was raining and windy so we didn't go anywhere else. Came back and drank
coke and played a few games. He was thrilled and we had fun. He misses his
playmates.
Friday, November 1st.
Sewed most of the day. Still cool and cloudy most of the time. Angus was up on
the bridge most of the day. Fergus finished putting the car back together so it
looks like a car again. Hope it works when he tries to start it. We miss a day
tomorrow, just isn't, and next day is Monday. Still just water all around. 88
million square miles of it the Chief said. We whip right along but it is such a
long way from Panama. Has been good weather all the way though and we are
nearly there now. Hope we can find someone to mind the boys so I can see
Australia after all this. It's good to be missing the winter at home all alone.
I'm thoroughly enjoying the trip and being with Fergus most of all. Can't
imagine going to sea from choice, not on a run like this, just sitting here in
the middle of nowhere with time and the world going by and having no part in
it. All they do is play cards in any spare time, or a game of deck quoits.
November 4th.
A beautiful day. Had a couple of rain showers but much warmer, just about
right. We are near New Zealand now and should reach Sydney Saturday pm
sometime. Helped Fergie with the car today, cleaning the upholstery. It didn't
start today but likely will tomorrow. One of the cats had been in it and it
smelled lovely, I don't think. Fergus has been playing cards and I just
finished the washing. The kids are in bed and quiet , thank goodness. They keep
going all day but I can stand their noise and bother with Fergus around too.
At least it's not just looking after children. They're cute though in spite of
their badness and they're not really bad anyway. We really whipped along today
at 15 knots. You'd never know we were moving. Three big albatross are
following the ship now. The boys are all busy painting the ship, looks nice and
clean again. Angus has been helping ?? up on the bridge. Yelled "Good morning
Sam" to someone this morning and when I asked who he meant he said it was
"Beaver's Fodder" who works up in the wheelhouse. Tonight he said one of the
boys who works there is named "Ketchup". I must get some letters written
before we get to Sydney. Thought I'd get lots done but haven't written one.
Just been enjoying myself doing lots of nothing and liking it. I'm so glad we
could come. Duncan is thriving and Ian has grown a lot too. Still has his
wheeze but if it warms up it should cure us all.
Saturday, November 8th.
Arrived Sydney at 2 pm. a beautiful hot, sunny day. Went out to Clifford and
Syvia Kidd's that evening. His mother and father were there too. Had a nice
evening. We went over and back on the ferry which we got at Circular Quay. They
have a small apartment. The "john" outside, around the corner, but the rest very
nice. Had "supper" about 10 pm and got the 12 o'clock ferry home.
Next day was very hot and we couldn't drive the car yet, so we took the ferry
to Manley Beach. Left Duncan on board. Saw the sharks in the pool and the
fenced in pool for swimming. Rode the ferris wheel and Angus went on the
merry-go-round. Then went over to the sea promenade and beach where they surf.
Looked marvellous and there were thousands there, a scorching day. Ian got
something in his eye and looked awful. The ferry home ws so crowded we had to
stand , then took turns at one seat. Went out to Tom and Merle McGrays next
evening. Took Duncan along. Their little girl Joan, stayed up all evening and
played.
Sydney - Melbourne - Sydney - then New Zealand
Napier - Christchurch - Palmerston North - Lower Hutt - Wellington
Entertained royally everywhere. Trade Commissioners, Board of Trade, Mayors,
Police Commissioners, Doctors, Agents, Mission to Seamen - everyone so friendly
and happy to have a Canadian ship and family to show around their beautiful
countries. Have a long list of friends made in both Australia and New Zealand.
In New Zealand - Napier for Christmas.
Friday, January 23rd., 1948
Left Lyttelton, New Zealand at 6;40 pm for Panama and home. Had a busy time as
it was a short stay here. Lovely day, cooler but sunny in the afternoon. Had
lovely hot weather since we arrived in Lyttelton and had 2 good swims at Summer
Beach. Windy and cold when we got out to sea, and rolling quite a bit.
Saturday, January 24th.
Sunny and cool, very windy and rolling a lot. The kids stayed in all day as it
was to windy and tossing to much for out on deck. Milder tonight but still
rolling away. No one bothers but it is hard walking. Had Duncan up in the
baby-tender all afternoon and the other two played in the room with their
ca-ca's (cars) while Fergus slept.
This was the 2nd. Saturday we could have done without. Cold & windy and rolling
like mad. Everything flying all over and the kids don't like it much either and
were pesty all day. Played with them all afternoon but certainly glad when they
went to bed. Then Angus up at 12:30 am and Ian woke from the rolling. Fergus'
hat fell on Duncan and wakened him at 2:30 am and then Angus was up again. I
spent most of the night getting up to them all.
Saturday - week later
It's been windy and rough most of the week. Thursday and Friday weren't to bad
and we sat out in the sun on deck in the afternoons. Fergus fixed the chair and
made a couple of canvas covers and is going to make a hammock. Started to blow
again in the night and although the sun is out occasionally it's rough again
and very windy. The temperature isn't so cold though, thank goodness. Had a
good thunderstorm last night. Sounded like some earthquake rumbling. Made a
pair of mitts and trousers for Angus this week and nearly finished knitting a
pair of pants for Ian. We cut Ian's hair yesterday which improved him a lot. He
talks all the time now.
First part of week
Still cool and windy, not going very fast.
January 27th. to 31st.
Warming up a bit. Have the swimming pool going and sit out in the sun every
afternoon and then have a swim. Fergus is making a hammock and fixing deck
chairs.
February 1st.
Duncan got his first tooth or I just noticed it today. It's very up and another
is nearly through. The wind slowed us up so we passed Pitcairn Island at night
so we couldn't stop. All disappointed but it couldn't be helped.
February 2nd. to 7th.
Sat out in the sun and swam later. Getting a tan again. The sun is hot but a
cool wind all the time which nearly blows us out of the pool. Duncan loves it
too. He goes in everyday and just cried the first day. Kicks and grins and
floats around.
February 9th.
Duncan 5 months today. Is nearly to big for his basket. His feet are at the end
and he can almost get right out by pushing his feet on the side. Afraid he will
upset it anyday now. Got a burn today in the sun. The hammock is very comfy.
February 10th.
Almost finished Fergus' typing so will have to get back to my sewing. Been
carving men out of chunks of wood for Angus. He likes them. Good weather. Still
blowing but nice temperature. Wish it were like this when we get to Halifax.
February 11th.
Duncan has another tooth. He had a lovely swim today. He practically floats on
his own. Ian and Angus are both half fish. Made more little wooden men for the
kids. Finished the typing then sat and talked and drank port half the night.
Didn't have a game of checkers today. First we have missed for ages. Didn't
have a walk either.
February 12th.
A hell of a day from start to finish. Felt like the dickens all day and
everything went wrong. The Chief came up for a drink at night. A fiasco of a
day. Better not to have been and please God there won't be any more.
Friday, February 13th.
Good weather. All had a good swim today. Nice and hot, but a breeze. Getting
warmer and muggier now.
February 14th.
HOT! "Friend" arrived, and how! Can hardly move and couldn't have a swim.
Fergus took the kids all in and they had a good time. I went to bed from noon
until 2. Helped a little. The Chief was up in the evening.
Sunday
Really getting hot and humid. Rained on and off. The boys all went swimming.
Really felt sick all day. Should be better tomorrow. The Chief was in for
drinks and stayed til 1:15 am. All getting tans now. Rained like mad in the
evening and so hot. Engine stopped during evening.
Monday, February 16th.
Hot and still and not a breath of air and sea is calm as a pond. Stopped at
noon to fix engine. Angus fished but no luck. Saw lots of flying fish and
dolphins this afternoon and evening. A lovely day. All had a good swim and the
boys had a "pash-pash" before bed tonight. Duncan really loves it now and
squeals, laughs and kicks. He's getting huge. Moved his basket to the floor as
he tips over now. He's getting a bit browner now too. Gave him a swing before
bed again. He loves it.
Panama
Arrived at 5 pm at dock and left at 2am. Fergus and I went up to Mr. Yost's
house for a couple of hours. Had a nice evening. She gave me a table cloth and
a hankie. Both very nice and a grand change after so much sea. Winter now so
weather just about right.
Sunday, Curacao
Got a car and went ashore in the afternoon. Took our bathing suits and the
driver took us to big hotel and bathing beach. Left Duncan on board and we all
had a good swim in the ocean. The car came back for us at 4 pm. Had the dearest
bottle of beer at the bar, all the way from Holland. Drove all over the island.
Saw the planes leaving from airport. Never saw so many goats before in all my
life. A dry barren looking island, mostly cactus and negro huts. Left about
dark. Had the same nice pilot.
Had good weather all next week. Sat out in shorts until Saturday when it began
to get colder and blowy.
Sunday rough and cold.
Monday, March 1st.
Arrived New York city. Temperature around 32 degrees (F) Snowed later in day
but changed to rain. Called Harvey and Louise (Glover) but he was at union
meetings. I couldn't go ashore as I didn't have an up to date passport, so have
to go on to Saint John on ship. Called Mom & Dad from end of dock. Called
Howard (Glover) next night to meet us in Saint John. He has been transferred to
Halifax office (HFC- Household Finance). Told him to phone Cynthia.
Wednesday, March 3rd.
Left for Saint John. Should arrive Saturday am. Cold as Greenland, 15 degrees
below F. Hope it warms up a bit. To much of a change in such a short time.
Saturday, March 6th.
Strike on in Canada. Advised to delay arrival. Wired Howard to wait until he
heard from us, may go on to Halifax. Steaming around Bay of Fundy all morning
waiting. Finally got word to go straight to London. So guess we have a chance
to see England whether we want to or not.
Thursday, March 18th.
Had some good weather and some pretty rough. Arrived London about 7 pm. Mr.
Cross waiting on dock. Very pleased to see the kids. Before Customs and all
the men had left Mrs. Cross sent message in from gate. What a mix up. She came
down and sat in one room, then I put the kids to bed and she sat in bedroom and
Fergus and Dad in living room. Wouldn't speak to him at all. A heck of a mess.
She finally left about 10:30 Fergus walked to bus with her. I made sandwiches
the rest of the evening and Mr.Cross stayed all night. Moved Ian to our room
and Angus to Ian's bed, but he slept with Grandpa anyway.
Friday, March 19th.
Fergus in City all day. Got back to ship about 6 pm. Had kids ready and got
taxi out to Loughton. Arrived 8 pm Bill & Mrs.C at hospital so put kids to bed
and they got home about 10:30 pm. We all had Mrs.C's room and she slept in the
living room.
Saturday, March 20th.
Fergus to get car at Brown's. Left early for ship and hoped to be back early.
Waited all afternoon for Bill and finally got home at 5 without him. Piled kids
in car and went for a drive around. Were on a hill from which you can see 7
counties. Stopped at old inn where Dickens wrote some of his works. Saw his
insurance policy 1812. Inn built around maypole. Very old and lovely. Got home
and put kids to bed and got something to eat. Bill got home while we were
eating. Wanted to look for Timpsons but Fergus didn't feel like going out so we
sat and talked but it ended in a horrible argument. Wished we had gone out. Got
to bed at 4;30 am. Plan to get up and drive to Folkestone on Sunday and see
Angus on Monday as we leave on Tuesday. Got away at 1 pm. Arrived Aunt
Jean's at 4:30 She was home and I guess glad to see us all. Rational at times
if kept talking about outside things. Place a mess. Never saw so many locks on
doors before. Left shortly after 6 and stopped at parents of old friend of
Fergus. Very nice old couple and very thrilled and pleased to see us and the
children. Had a good drive home. Beautiful countryside and got to Loughton at
9:30
Tuesday, March 23rd.
Left for Canada and home to Halifax. An experience to remember. Dad Cross on
pier waving goodbye. Really sad.
April 8th., 1948
Met by irate company officials on arrival in Halifax. Fergus had already sent
in his resignation so they couldn't fire him, but we all got to Australia and
New Zealand without management consent and approval and loved it, but boy were
they mad! Always regretted not bringing Mr. Cross home with us. He wanted so
badly to come. Don't know how we would have managed, but would have found a way
I am sure.
And now back to real life.
Jean Cross, April 9th., 1948.
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