We had a great night at the show! The Hypnotist was amazing. I was selected to go on stage, but declined! He did a test, we all had to hold out our arms and close our eyes. He gave instructions and I did everything he was saying. Clive said he wasn't at all responsive like me! The guy is holding three seminars, so I may go. I'm sure he will want us to buy something!
Today we are in Puerto Chiapas. This area is so different from Cabo San Lucas. The land is now flat and very dense with forest. Much more tropical. I believe nearby they have Banana plantations. We are now in Central America. It is close to Guatemala. Drugs a big problem in this area. Cartels in operation. It a man made port area. They have a craft hut, restaurants and bars. Not a lot, but very clean and pretty.
Monday, 30 September 2013
Sunday, 29 September 2013
Day 73. Huatulco
Up early and off to the Hairdresser! I arrive and this Thai man comes out! I ask if he is going to cut my hair -" oh yes" he says! I think, here we go again - English not too good! He is so excited when I tell him I come from England - he was trained by Toni And Guy! What a relief! I am expecting things to go better.
He does the most brilliant cut, even if a little short. He really knows his stuff. So relieved. He suggests some products ( of course - and of course, I buy them.). Good start to the day. I can also see from the Salon that we have docked - what a pretty bay! Only small but so lovely and the sun is glorious! Can't wait to get off.
Off we come. We find a restaurant - and beer - and I can blog! This is such a great spot. Open air bar. Shaded and cool but a wonderful view of the little harbour and bay - just perfect! Now we have some entertainers arrive. They play bamboo xylophone's! Not always that well it would seem! The beer is helping though!
I feel this is another great day! Hypnotist tonight!
He does the most brilliant cut, even if a little short. He really knows his stuff. So relieved. He suggests some products ( of course - and of course, I buy them.). Good start to the day. I can also see from the Salon that we have docked - what a pretty bay! Only small but so lovely and the sun is glorious! Can't wait to get off.
Off we come. We find a restaurant - and beer - and I can blog! This is such a great spot. Open air bar. Shaded and cool but a wonderful view of the little harbour and bay - just perfect! Now we have some entertainers arrive. They play bamboo xylophone's! Not always that well it would seem! The beer is helping though!
I feel this is another great day! Hypnotist tonight!
Day 72. Sea Day
We have a day at sea today.
We do our morning walk around the deck track. Three and a half laps = one mile. I feel I can justify my breakfast if I walk! We have decided to breakfast late today as we are going to have an Indian meal tonight - so no lunch we think! It is a lovely day. Clive has a lot of reading to do, so I go walk about and do my own thing.
I have booked a hair cut for 8 am tomorrow - lets hope it is ok this time !
I go back to the room and watch a movie in the afternoon - Groundhog Day - very funny. We have decided to go to the show first tonight. They have had some fantastic entertainment on this part of the cruise. We had a brilliant comedian, a fantastic ventriloquist and a amazing Banjo player! Tonight is the first Production Show - Encore. It is a tribute to some of the great musicals. It is a brilliant show. We both enjoy it.
Off to the restaurant for our Indian meal. It is really good. We sit on a table with four others - it's a good evening. We have been eating at the Buffet, so it is a nice change to dress up!
Huatulco tomorrow. We have no trip booked, so will try and find a restaurant with WiFi ( and beer!)
We do our morning walk around the deck track. Three and a half laps = one mile. I feel I can justify my breakfast if I walk! We have decided to breakfast late today as we are going to have an Indian meal tonight - so no lunch we think! It is a lovely day. Clive has a lot of reading to do, so I go walk about and do my own thing.
I have booked a hair cut for 8 am tomorrow - lets hope it is ok this time !
I go back to the room and watch a movie in the afternoon - Groundhog Day - very funny. We have decided to go to the show first tonight. They have had some fantastic entertainment on this part of the cruise. We had a brilliant comedian, a fantastic ventriloquist and a amazing Banjo player! Tonight is the first Production Show - Encore. It is a tribute to some of the great musicals. It is a brilliant show. We both enjoy it.
Off to the restaurant for our Indian meal. It is really good. We sit on a table with four others - it's a good evening. We have been eating at the Buffet, so it is a nice change to dress up!
Huatulco tomorrow. We have no trip booked, so will try and find a restaurant with WiFi ( and beer!)
Friday, 27 September 2013
Day 71. Puerto Vallarta
A long night at sea. We didn't dock until 11am.
Puerto Vallarta is a much bigger town than Cabo San Lucas. I think it has been a resort for a long time. We are at the port, a little way out of the town. They have a Flea Market. Many of the same items in each store. Better deals to be had in Mexico! My case is getting heavier by the day! - mostly for the kids!
It has started to rain and I have found my way to a bar! Well, just aswell take advantage of the free Wi Fi! ( good job I'm on my own!). Clive has given this one a miss. They had said we had to be aware of our belongings when we are out in the town - so I'm going it alone. You know me, I love a bargain !
We have a Mexican Band and dancers on board this afternoon. It should be fun! Note to self - don't stay too long in the bar!
Puerto Vallarta is a much bigger town than Cabo San Lucas. I think it has been a resort for a long time. We are at the port, a little way out of the town. They have a Flea Market. Many of the same items in each store. Better deals to be had in Mexico! My case is getting heavier by the day! - mostly for the kids!
It has started to rain and I have found my way to a bar! Well, just aswell take advantage of the free Wi Fi! ( good job I'm on my own!). Clive has given this one a miss. They had said we had to be aware of our belongings when we are out in the town - so I'm going it alone. You know me, I love a bargain !
We have a Mexican Band and dancers on board this afternoon. It should be fun! Note to self - don't stay too long in the bar!
Thursday, 26 September 2013
Day 70. Cabo San Lucas. Mexico
Early start!
We have to Tender today to get ashore! This is quite a long process! We are lucky and get through on time! Clive has booked a Coastal Cruise! It's wonderful- Margaritta's all the way! -well for me! It was a great two hours and then back to Cabo. Cabo St Lucas has around 300 days of sunshine a year! Winters of 70deg. and summers of 90 deg. Doesn't sound bad to me! There are some spectacular rock formations. They have a rock like Durdle Door! They have a seal colony and Whales in Jan an Feb. Its a kind of shame to commercialise it, but this is a poor country.
We get some good gifts, well I think so! I think my Grandchildren will be pleased to see me! I do miss them all. It's lovely to FaceTime them and my children. See you all soon!
We have to Tender today to get ashore! This is quite a long process! We are lucky and get through on time! Clive has booked a Coastal Cruise! It's wonderful- Margaritta's all the way! -well for me! It was a great two hours and then back to Cabo. Cabo St Lucas has around 300 days of sunshine a year! Winters of 70deg. and summers of 90 deg. Doesn't sound bad to me! There are some spectacular rock formations. They have a rock like Durdle Door! They have a seal colony and Whales in Jan an Feb. Its a kind of shame to commercialise it, but this is a poor country.
We get some good gifts, well I think so! I think my Grandchildren will be pleased to see me! I do miss them all. It's lovely to FaceTime them and my children. See you all soon!
Day 68&69. Days at sea!
Two days at sea! It was lovely really to have the break! The weather has been spectacular! Sunny and very relaxing. We both felt we needed these days to recover! We are now ready to take on Mexico !
We have laid in the sun, Clive is getting blacker and me redder! We have laid in the shade - Clive cold, but happy - me kinda happy but a bit bored! I sorta prefer the deck - we have new entertainment, a Calypso Band! They are playing on deck during the day. I love it - Clive feels we are in a goldfish bowl! Too many people around. Mmm, I think my choice more fun! Each
to his. ( or her) own! See, life is always a compromise! ( or not as may be).
We have played lots of games of cards - I'm playing much better! (At last) Clive says " I'm beating his ass ". What ever!
We have laid in the sun, Clive is getting blacker and me redder! We have laid in the shade - Clive cold, but happy - me kinda happy but a bit bored! I sorta prefer the deck - we have new entertainment, a Calypso Band! They are playing on deck during the day. I love it - Clive feels we are in a goldfish bowl! Too many people around. Mmm, I think my choice more fun! Each
to his. ( or her) own! See, life is always a compromise! ( or not as may be).
We have played lots of games of cards - I'm playing much better! (At last) Clive says " I'm beating his ass ". What ever!
Monday, 23 September 2013
Day 67. Los Angeles
We arrive by 8am in LA. we are at San Pedro Port.
Clive's friend Juan is meeting us at 9 am. He lives in North LosAngeles State. Everyone is disembarking so we get a little delayed. It's ok though Juan is finding it difficult to find us! Juan is a lovely guy. His Girlfriend Annika is meeting us for lunch at Venice Beach. It's a crazy place - known also as Muscle Beach! Men working out, Skate boarders, cyclists, homeless and addicts! Fantastic beach though. There is something lovely about California! Holds fond memories for me.
We meet with Annika, she is also lovely. She is from Germany and she and Juan are going there for two years in February. I think he will struggle after California and the lovely relaxed life style!
We get back to the ship on time only to hear the ship is not sailing until 6pm. Some fuelling delay!
Never mind I have time to blog!
Clive's friend Juan is meeting us at 9 am. He lives in North LosAngeles State. Everyone is disembarking so we get a little delayed. It's ok though Juan is finding it difficult to find us! Juan is a lovely guy. His Girlfriend Annika is meeting us for lunch at Venice Beach. It's a crazy place - known also as Muscle Beach! Men working out, Skate boarders, cyclists, homeless and addicts! Fantastic beach though. There is something lovely about California! Holds fond memories for me.
We meet with Annika, she is also lovely. She is from Germany and she and Juan are going there for two years in February. I think he will struggle after California and the lovely relaxed life style!
We get back to the ship on time only to hear the ship is not sailing until 6pm. Some fuelling delay!
Never mind I have time to blog!
Day 66. Day at sea.
Another day at sea. We are travelling from SanFrancisco to Los Angeles.
This is the first full day I have just done nothing but sun bathe. We really have done nothing all day! Even had an early night as we seemed so tired.
Tomorrow LA. we are meeting up with Clive's friend Juan.
This is the first full day I have just done nothing but sun bathe. We really have done nothing all day! Even had an early night as we seemed so tired.
Tomorrow LA. we are meeting up with Clive's friend Juan.
Saturday, 21 September 2013
Day 65 SanFrancisco
Early start. We order room service for breakfast. It was great - it arrived at 7am.
We have to be at meeting point for 8.05am. All went smoothly and got there on time. We had realised as we passed the windows, it was looking a little dull. It seemed like it was going to be ok. Not to be!! We had got front seats on the upper open deck! Why oh why- the heavens opened! We were all like drowned rats in our poncho's! Luckily we get back in time to change. Even wet to our underwear! Water was running through my sandals- and that was on the lower deck!
Drag out something I've worn before! Clive decided to give it a miss. He was cold and wet -he is sure he will have caught a chill. It was horrid though! I go to meet Deborah and Doug- I'm so excited to see them. Clive meets them and makes his apologies for not coming. We go to Sausalito - they have booked a beautiful restaurant on the Water Front. The weather improves and we go for a lovely ride to a great viewing point. We see the Americas Cup race. They show me where they used to live. They are such a lovely couple - it was wonderful to see them again.
Back in time to sail! Going out under The Golden Gate Bridge - the weather is perfect now!
A lovely, memorable day. Thank you Deborah and Doug x
Day 64. Day at sea
We were looking forward to our day at sea. Not to be such a great day!
We had very rough seas all night. I awoke and had a shower, then felt very sea sick. Clive went and got something to drink and cancelled my spa appointment. Luckily after taking an anti sickness pill I felt a lot better.
We spent the day playing cards and chilling. It actually turned out to be a better afternoon and I went out on deck for a while.
I am really looking forward to tomorrow. I am meeting up with some old friends who live in Alemeda. I can't wait,
We had very rough seas all night. I awoke and had a shower, then felt very sea sick. Clive went and got something to drink and cancelled my spa appointment. Luckily after taking an anti sickness pill I felt a lot better.
We spent the day playing cards and chilling. It actually turned out to be a better afternoon and I went out on deck for a while.
I am really looking forward to tomorrow. I am meeting up with some old friends who live in Alemeda. I can't wait,
Thursday, 19 September 2013
Day 63. Astoria. Oregon USA
Back in the USA! Immigration early this morning. Clive and I have to go to different places on the ship. It's all fairly straight forward. They check my entry and ask my leaving date. -all good so far.
We have a trip to Seaside and Cannon Beach today. Both Clive and I thought it was a seaside, but no the town is called Seaside! There is a Seaside International Airport! It is very pretty here - a little like North Cornwall. They say it gets very busy here in the summer time. The only problem here is they get 15ft of rain a year! - help I think that's worse than UK! They are also on a Tectonic Plate - not somewhere I want to live! I love the wooden houses though.
We have really got into playing cards. Crazy eights. We are both getting quite good at it, Clive is very competitive! We also do the Trivia Quiz most days. Yesterday we did ' Name that tune' , I was really good - for a change.
Today we have a get together for the 'Back to Back' cruisers. This is three cruises linked together for relocation. It's too cold to cruise Alaska now, so this ship is going to the Caribbean.
We have a trip to Seaside and Cannon Beach today. Both Clive and I thought it was a seaside, but no the town is called Seaside! There is a Seaside International Airport! It is very pretty here - a little like North Cornwall. They say it gets very busy here in the summer time. The only problem here is they get 15ft of rain a year! - help I think that's worse than UK! They are also on a Tectonic Plate - not somewhere I want to live! I love the wooden houses though.
We have really got into playing cards. Crazy eights. We are both getting quite good at it, Clive is very competitive! We also do the Trivia Quiz most days. Yesterday we did ' Name that tune' , I was really good - for a change.
Today we have a get together for the 'Back to Back' cruisers. This is three cruises linked together for relocation. It's too cold to cruise Alaska now, so this ship is going to the Caribbean.
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
Day 62. Victoria
An early start again today. We have left the ship before 9am. It's a bit of a logistical challenge getting ready in such a small space! The cabin is a bit like a small caravan - lots of shutting and opening of doors and excuse me's. we seem to have a bit of a routine now!
Our tour today is The Butchart Gardens and historical tour of Victoria. We have the most marvellous weather again! What beautiful gardens. They were built in an old quarry. What vision this lady had! She has built the most spectacular sunken garden. She has now added rose, Italian and Japanese gardens!
We finish our tour in Victoria town. It's lovely. Great shops and restaurant's - a little like Windsor! We get of the bus and do a bit of shopping! We found they have free WiFi in The Downtown Area - that's great!
Our tour today is The Butchart Gardens and historical tour of Victoria. We have the most marvellous weather again! What beautiful gardens. They were built in an old quarry. What vision this lady had! She has built the most spectacular sunken garden. She has now added rose, Italian and Japanese gardens!
We finish our tour in Victoria town. It's lovely. Great shops and restaurant's - a little like Windsor! We get of the bus and do a bit of shopping! We found they have free WiFi in The Downtown Area - that's great!
Tuesday, 17 September 2013
Day 61 Nanaimo Vancouver Island
We sail overnight to Nanaimo. It's a town on Vancouver Island. We are so lucky again, it's a fine day! Thank goodness it is, as we are on a two and a half hour walking tour!
It's quite a cute town. It was built on the coal mining industry. They wanted families to come here, so they brought people from England that were miners. They didn't want single people as they would set off on the Gold Rush! It took the 82 people one week short of six months to get here! They were on a 140 ft boat! They travelled via the Atlantic Ocean, around the Cape and up the Pacific. I can't even begin to imagine that journey in the 1800s. They also have a Brass Banding tradition here. Obviously brought over from the Colliery Bands in England.
It was also had a large fishing industry - now much smaller. Logging, another main industry in the 18 and 1900s. I can only imagine a tough life out here.
We enjoy our tour - good choice again! We then find a bar with WiFi. We both sample some Canadian Ale! Very nice. We can catch a shuttle bus back to the ship. We sail at 4.30pm today.
Victoria tomorrow!
It's quite a cute town. It was built on the coal mining industry. They wanted families to come here, so they brought people from England that were miners. They didn't want single people as they would set off on the Gold Rush! It took the 82 people one week short of six months to get here! They were on a 140 ft boat! They travelled via the Atlantic Ocean, around the Cape and up the Pacific. I can't even begin to imagine that journey in the 1800s. They also have a Brass Banding tradition here. Obviously brought over from the Colliery Bands in England.
It was also had a large fishing industry - now much smaller. Logging, another main industry in the 18 and 1900s. I can only imagine a tough life out here.
We enjoy our tour - good choice again! We then find a bar with WiFi. We both sample some Canadian Ale! Very nice. We can catch a shuttle bus back to the ship. We sail at 4.30pm today.
Victoria tomorrow!
Monday, 16 September 2013
Day 60. Vancouver .
We arrive about an hour late, to Vancouver Harbour. Propulsion problems!
We have to ready for 10am. Clive has something booked for the day!
Off we get, just in time. It's another cruise to Indian Arm. It's a luncheon cruise and will take up most of our day in Vancouver. The weather is not great - raining. First time this cruise! We board the cruiser and off we go. Some fab homes on the water front. Wooden houses built on the very steep hillside. They use cranes to lift the wood to the stone plinths they must have blasted out of the rock face. It's a great trip and lunch. The weather improves- the sun is out - we are so lucky!
Clive has done it again!
We have to ready for 10am. Clive has something booked for the day!
Off we get, just in time. It's another cruise to Indian Arm. It's a luncheon cruise and will take up most of our day in Vancouver. The weather is not great - raining. First time this cruise! We board the cruiser and off we go. Some fab homes on the water front. Wooden houses built on the very steep hillside. They use cranes to lift the wood to the stone plinths they must have blasted out of the rock face. It's a great trip and lunch. The weather improves- the sun is out - we are so lucky!
Clive has done it again!
Day 59. Day at sea
A much needed day at sea.
Wow, what a trip it's been so far! We were blessed with amazing weather in Alaska. Forgot to say we also went to the Salmon Hatchery in Juneau. Another real part of Alaska. They are really keeping the Salmon population going. Out of 2600 salmon spawned and released, only two would naturally survive. With this method 20 return to spawn after 5 years.
Sea was rather rough last night - sick bags were out. We were ok but went to lye down.
Better this morning, sea much calmer. Back to Vancouver we go!.
Wow, what a trip it's been so far! We were blessed with amazing weather in Alaska. Forgot to say we also went to the Salmon Hatchery in Juneau. Another real part of Alaska. They are really keeping the Salmon population going. Out of 2600 salmon spawned and released, only two would naturally survive. With this method 20 return to spawn after 5 years.
Sea was rather rough last night - sick bags were out. We were ok but went to lye down.
Better this morning, sea much calmer. Back to Vancouver we go!.
Day 58. Glacier Bay
A day at sea - Glacier Bay - Wow. The pictures will say it all!
A day to remember. We pick up a Ranger and get a commentary most of the way up the Fjord. Words can't really describe it. We saw pods of Whales and seals. Just amazing!
What an end to Alaska!
A day to remember. We pick up a Ranger and get a commentary most of the way up the Fjord. Words can't really describe it. We saw pods of Whales and seals. Just amazing!
What an end to Alaska!
Day 57. Skagway
Skagway, it's as far as we can go. It's a fjord. The ice has melted from the Glacier and salt water has taken its place.
We. Have a tour of gardens and glass blowing. Clive was concerned I would be disappointed as some people were going on the train through a pass. I was not. We had the most wonderful day, the guide was a guy called Arron -he lived in Skagway. He was so enthusiastic and we had the most wonderful rapport with him. He plays in a Reggae band - so was in tune with Clive. He almost made you want to live in Skagway! We had a wonderful lunch included in our tour.
They made the most spectacular glass objects. There were glass flowers in the flower beds! The story of the conception of the gardens was unbelievable. This man came to find Gold in the Gold Rush and he found the people were suffering from scurvey. He planted rhubarb - which likes the frost and sunlight. He brought his wife and two small children to join him. It was such a tough existence- still no hospital there! Great photos and story!
Another perfect choice Clive!
We. Have a tour of gardens and glass blowing. Clive was concerned I would be disappointed as some people were going on the train through a pass. I was not. We had the most wonderful day, the guide was a guy called Arron -he lived in Skagway. He was so enthusiastic and we had the most wonderful rapport with him. He plays in a Reggae band - so was in tune with Clive. He almost made you want to live in Skagway! We had a wonderful lunch included in our tour.
They made the most spectacular glass objects. There were glass flowers in the flower beds! The story of the conception of the gardens was unbelievable. This man came to find Gold in the Gold Rush and he found the people were suffering from scurvey. He planted rhubarb - which likes the frost and sunlight. He brought his wife and two small children to join him. It was such a tough existence- still no hospital there! Great photos and story!
Another perfect choice Clive!
Day 56. Juneau
Oops! Two day 53 s!
Today the capital of Alaska, Janeau. The only way to this city - village! Is by air or sea. The road comes to a dead end at either side of the town.
We have a trip booked - another surprise for me! We go to see the gardens and Temperate Rain Forest. It is amazing. Spectacular views. We then go to Meldenhall Glacier ! It was such an emotional experience. Just spectacular - I was blown away with it. Clive has picked some fab trips! I catch sight of a bear. They just roam here! At night they empty rubbish bins and come into the town.
This is an amazing experience - a trip of a lifetime!
I am so lucky!
Today the capital of Alaska, Janeau. The only way to this city - village! Is by air or sea. The road comes to a dead end at either side of the town.
We have a trip booked - another surprise for me! We go to see the gardens and Temperate Rain Forest. It is amazing. Spectacular views. We then go to Meldenhall Glacier ! It was such an emotional experience. Just spectacular - I was blown away with it. Clive has picked some fab trips! I catch sight of a bear. They just roam here! At night they empty rubbish bins and come into the town.
This is an amazing experience - a trip of a lifetime!
I am so lucky!
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
Day 54. 1st Port of call - Ketchikan
We have to turn our clocks back by one hour. I awake, shower, ready to watch us enter port. I put on The Bridge Cam. Lovely day! Sun is coming up - looks so pretty here. We go up on deck and its just magnificent! A pretty little harbour with wooden houses painted different colours. Tall pine trees as a back drop on steep slopes - it's lovely. We have no WiFi on board, so we ask in a store where we can get it. A young lady tells us to go to a Bar called Asylum - sounds like it might suit us! Free Wi Fi if you by a drink! Sounds good to me!
We walk around the little harbour. The town will be almost closed during the winter. It relies on the Cruise Season for trade. You can go out on fishing trips and lots of other things to see. We have nothing looked for today but have a trip for tomorrow - Clive had already planned the trips. This place has such a great feel!
Will try to blog tomorrow! We are now seven hours behind UK time now.
We walk around the little harbour. The town will be almost closed during the winter. It relies on the Cruise Season for trade. You can go out on fishing trips and lots of other things to see. We have nothing looked for today but have a trip for tomorrow - Clive had already planned the trips. This place has such a great feel!
Will try to blog tomorrow! We are now seven hours behind UK time now.
Day 53. Day at sea
I wake and put on TV to Bridge Cam - thick mist, can't see a thing! We don't rush to get up but we had decided to walk before breakfast. We wrap up and off we go. It's like a cold grey October morning in England. You can't even see the coastline. We do our mile and go in for breakfast. We actually sit outside with Armie, a guy Clive had met watching the Football game the day before. He also lives in Florida. We get out our daily newspaper of events. Clive dismisses the Salsa exercise class - we go to an Art History Seminar. It was actually really interesting. He is so knowledgeable about these things - unlike me!
Clive has an invitation to the Captains Cocktail Party! It's at 1pm. We get dressed up and off we go. The drinks were free!! You can imagine me! - heaven. I managed to get Clive to exceed his two drinks! We sleep for a couple of hours and then get some food - should have got food before the drink really!
We watch a movie and get an early night - it's that daytime drinking that's a killer! ( but good fun! )
Clive has an invitation to the Captains Cocktail Party! It's at 1pm. We get dressed up and off we go. The drinks were free!! You can imagine me! - heaven. I managed to get Clive to exceed his two drinks! We sleep for a couple of hours and then get some food - should have got food before the drink really!
We watch a movie and get an early night - it's that daytime drinking that's a killer! ( but good fun! )
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