So, here we are in Cape Town – relaxing in our hotel room after a not too strenuous drive from Mossel Bay. Why are we here? You may well ask and here’s the answer …. ( there is a small clue in the photo at the top)

Tomorrow at midday we board the MSC Simfonia along with 1943 other birding enthusiasts for a special cruise arranged by Birdlife SA and said to be the most birders ever gathered together on a ship of any kind.

It promises to be quite special with 30 seabird experts at various spots on the ship to help ID the seabirds that we come across. We will be heading into the deep seas south of South Africa, renowned for the diversity and numbers of sea birds so there should be no shortage of potential sightings – who knows what could turn up in that watery wilderness!

Just have to go through the checklist – tickets, check; baggage labels – check; binos – check; camera with long lens – check; penguin outfit – er what? Oh yes there a “penguin evening” to celebrate international penguin day – check.

Right we are all set!