Cairns, Last Days and Home

 

We arrived in Cairns on Friday and enjoyed a quiet evening on the first night.  We walked the Esplanade along the waterfront of the city which was all lit up along with the front street where some of the more popular restaurants lie.

 

The next day we started class at Pro Dive Centers to begin our Open Water certification.  We were picked up from our hotel by one of the instructors, Tristan and started class early in the morning.  The center itself was a small complex of classrooms with a training equipment storage room and an in-the-ground pool.  The staff were all very nice and helpful.  We were all a little nervous and excited.  We started our day in the classroom and then our afternoon was practical water experience in the pool. The exercises were simple, clearing masks, putting on and replacing equipment in and out of the water at the surface and below.  Then we began practicing diving technique.  At the center of the pool was a 4 meter deep section.  It was there that we practiced techniques for diving.  Dana and Forrest were okay but I was unable to stand the pressure on my ear drums.   Which was ironic in that I have the least problems with my ears.  All that night following the class I had a pressurization in my ears and sinuses since I was not able to equalize. 

 

It was because of this pain I quit the class the next day.  Forrest and Dana continued the class the next day while I spent the day exploring the town.  Cairns is  a very young coastal town.  There are dozens of youth hostels and the relatively young population is made up of older teens and young adults from Europe and Japan.  The largest contingencies tend to be Germany, Switzerland, England, Ireland and Japan, though we met a lot of different nationals.

 

After they both passed the coursework in the classroom and pool the second part of certification was on the boat which was a three day overnight trip to do their openwater  practicum.  I was signed on for snorkel only.  The class was a mixed group of certified, those going for advanced and then the largest being the two open water classes.  Everyone was very nice and very international.  The crew were all very helpful and excited for us all.  There was one other snorkeler on the boat, an irish girl who had tagged along with her sister, who was doing the open water course.

 

The first day on the boat consisted of boating out to the dive sites which took three hours.  Once there we placed anchor and the divers got two dives while the rest got to do snorkeling.  It was really nice in that after every dive food was available to the passengers to keep our strength up.  Dana had a great time and were very excited after their first “real” dives.   Forrest was beside himself and very excited and fortunately by the time we got to Cairns his health had improved remarkably.   There were a total of 8 dives on the the trip. 

 

While they were doing all this I decided to toak an intro dive to see if in fact I was unable to dive.  I went to down to 10 meters and had no problem.  When we finished the trip I asked the guys if it would be okay if we changed our last part of the trip (eco resort) so we could stay in Cairns long enough for me to finish my course.  They were excited to get more diving in.  I went back to the school finished my written course and pool practice and did fine and then we took two one day charters out to complete my open water dives for certification.  Forrest and Dana went and did recreational dives.  Needless to say I got certified and we celebrated by all going on a dive together.  All I can say about diving the Great Barrier Reef is OMFG!  What an amazing experience.  We were so lucky and privelaged to experience such a thing.  The coral reefs were the prettiest we have seen  (sea of cortez, Caribbean)

 

We saw sharks and turtles and lots of other very cool things like snakes and barracudas.  The fish were beautiful and the coral absolutely breathtaking with the shapes, sizes and colors.

 

After that we took a skytrain to Kuranda over the jungle/ rainforest.  Kuranda is a jungle village (town) on the other side of this amazing park preserved natural reserve over and through mountains.  There were massive trees, ferns, etc some being huge eucalyptus that reached high in the sky.  There were wild birds (mostly Australian parrots (cockatoos and cockatiels, lorikeets, conures, etc. )  loud and beautiful in their plumage.

 

Kuranda itself was fine and we went to a small reserve park and got to hold koalas which was very cool.  They are soft and smell like eucalyptus (not overpowering but pleasant).

 

After that day trip it was time to head back to Sydney.  We were all missing Cairns though as much as we like Sydney.  The city is in the tropics and a destination for young people all over the world.  It had a good energy and was very pleasant and laid back. 

 

When we got to Sydney we all wanted to fight our jet lag and so had a small nap then headed out to the aquarium which was one of the best I have ever been to and then the Australian Maritime History Museum where I found an interesting placard and document on display that lent more to my belief “we” knew about what was going to happen on 9/11 but I wont bore you here.  But ask me and I will tell you.  While there we went on board the replica of the Discovery (one of Cooks boats while exploring the world) and a cold era British/ Australian destroyer.

 

After that we enjoyed the city and did some shopping and more site seeing.  The flight back to Seattle via San Francisco got us home half an hour after we left in Sydney (time zones) on the 12^th of November.  We are jet-lagged and missing the sun but very happy to see friends and family who we will be making our way very soon.  Just as soon as we recover. 

 

The trip was fantastic and we had our favorite islands and places but Australia took it for me.  I think I found a tropical/ sub tropical climate that would work.  But we still have a full year to explore.  Who knows what fun things and places we will discover.

 

But more on that to come.

Cairns

Thursday we finished up looking around the city.  Then prepared to go out on the town and had a lot of fun.  the next day we had to go to the hospital to get my infection checked by a specialist.  he looked at it and said it was okay which was good news.  we rushed to the airport and had a nice flight up to Cairns on Virgin Pacific.  Cairns is the beginning of our Great Barrier Reef Adventure.  Stay tuned for some great pictures and tales in the next couple of days.

A Darling Harbor Day

A Darling Harbor Day

 

It’s Wednesday, October 29, After a slow start, Forrest and I headed out to Darling harbor to check out the waterfront pavilions and eventually grab a bite to eat.  Its quite a nice little harbor and very close to where our condo is.  The weather was raining and a little cooler than we have had so far in Australia.  We decided which side of the harbor we wanted to check out and then went to go find a place to eat lunch.  We went inside since it was a little cold and went to a noodle house. 

 

It was quite good and fresh and it had a nice view of the harbor.  Afterwards we strolled through the pavilions which were more shopping centers than anything else.  It was really nice to have some personal time as we haven’t had much time in port to hang out, just ourselves.  Though the trip has been so enjoyable especially with our three very distinct personalities but similar interests.  We did a little shopping and then strolled home.    I wasn’t feeling too well (with the antibiotics) so we decided to head back so I could have a nap. 

 

We had a slow afternoon as I slept for an uncharacteristic 3 hours.   Dana was a little stir crazy and so we decided to go to Darling Harbor to find a nice steak house and have a good meal.  Afterwards we strolled the harbor then headed back to the condo to have a mellow night.

Bridge Climb

Tuesday started out with me seeing the doctor and getting bad news.  The results from the culture said i had a nasty infection even though i was feeling fine and it was getting better.  The doctor ordered five blood tests and an xray to be sure it hadnt spread to my spine.  It took all morning but again Forrest and I were impressed with the ability to take me same day and the inexpensive treatment.  The doctor also said that i had to return for the results on thursday. 

The rest of the day was looking around town and going shopping.  We also checked out the Darling Harbor district and had lunch down there.  I needed a nap and afterwards we headed out to the Rocks (old Sydney) to go to the Harbor Bridge Climb.  We had signed up to do it at night.  It was the most spectacular thing.  it took us an hour to get set up but our guide was amazing and the bridge at night was nothing short of breathtaking.  we had a great time and the skyline and city and waterways were so amazing.  i think it was our favorite thing we have done.  there was a wall of fame and it had all the pictures of famous people who had done it on the wall and notables.  One was a 100 year old woman who did it.  Stars that also did ranged from Bette Midler to Matt Damon to Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe).

It took about 3 1/2 hours and the whole cabling system was pretty fascinating alone much less a bridge that was built in the 20s that was solid (Forrest noted how it didnt sway AT ALL). The bridge was over engineered and the shear scale of it was amazing.  at one time it was the tallest structure on the skyline.  it stands twice the size of the Opera House.  

Afterwards we had scoped out a spot in the Rocks for a bite to eat and a drink.  It was a nice outdoor pub.  The food was pub food good and the beers went down well after a long climb.  We headed home and had a good nights sleep especially after all the exercise.  

Koalas and Roos

We took public transportation to Ferndale on Monday.  It was a great trip out.  there is a native animals wildlife park out there (not a bad commute).  It was great.  We got to get our picture next to a Koala and even touch it.  They are sooo soft.  Then we went and hand fed the Kangaroos and Wallabies.  Some even had a Joey in their pouch.  It was quite good in that they gave you the wafer cones (for ice cream) but we used them to scoop roo goodies (feed).    the next task was to find one that wasnt full.  I found a really sweet one at least my height but she was laying down.  It was a warm day so they were all lazy.  

We saw the birds that are going to be patrolling the eco resort we will be staying at.  Casowrays (sp?).  They are twice our height and  and prehistoric looking.  We came across the dingo paddocks and solved the Maya puzzle. She isnt a Collie but a Dingo.  The resemblance is uncanny.  

We saw lots of snakes and spiders.  Apparently Australia has the ten most venomous snakes in the world.  And then a good number of the top 50 too.  The spiders aren't all that great looking either.

We happened to stumble upon the croc' paddock.  there was one at least 10 yards long.  he was "sleeping" as two keepers were in the paddock and not only that but the pool, cleaning it.   one keeper watched the croc' and the other carefully cleaned while trying not to wake him up.

we had a wonderful time.  Dana was fascinated with the reptiles. I think Forrest was in heaven with the Koalas and Roos and Wallys.  I liked the Dingos, Tiger Quolls and Tazmanian Devil.    They didnt have a Platypus but they did have an Echidna.  

Afterwards we made the treck back. In general and as a rule we are very impressed with the public transportation in Sydney. However the trains heading back into the city are not comfortable in 90 degree weather. Especially when they are full and have no A/C.

We survived and made it home.  We decided to stay in that night as we were all tired.  We did some grocery shopping and used the kitchen to cook a really nice meal.  

Doctors, Billy Elliott and the Rugby League World Cup

Doctors, Billy Elliott and the Rugby League World Cup

 

Sunday, October 26 saw me finally getting up early to go to a clinic to have my skin infection looked at.  I found out from the front desk that the clinic had Sunday hours and where it was located (conveniently close by). 

 

The three of us walked over there and Forrest and Dana waited while I had it looked at.  The clinic had two doctors on and the appointments were not rushed.  I got in after a reasonable amount of time (general practioners don’t make appts it is first come first serve except for extreme cases they move ahead).  I waited no longer than 15 minutes on a walk in appt.  My doctor took his time.  At first I thought he was a grumpy ole man but he ended up being a very thoughtful and sincere doctor.  He was not happy at the look of the infection and so ordered a swab taken to test it and asked that I return on Tuesday.

 

The whole system was efficient, comprehensive and I felt as though I was being listened to and that they were interested in fixing me.  It was not a managed care feel where you are rushed in and out and the doctor barely remembers your medical history.  We have no travel insurance so we paid out of pocket.  The prices for the doctor visit and the tests were ridiculous.  The nurses, doctors were all apologetic about charging us “so much.”  But with the tests, the visit and the antibiotics and ointment it all came to about $100 American.

 

After that we all went to go look at the market and then grab something to eat.  Afterwards we walked Dana back to the apartment and then Forrest and I got ready to go see Billy Elliot the stage show.  It was a spectacular show.  Well adapted from the screen. It was a very energetic and fun show.  We were both disappointed in that the songs were like regular stag shows and did not instead incorporate the classic rock that drove the movie so well.  But there are a few future cult songs in the show and we loved it.  The theater itself was beautiful and the inside was very eclectic.  Its hard to describe but a spectacular venue.  We had great seats which made even better.

 

Afterwards we rushed home, had a quick snack then the three of us rushed to go see the Australia vs New Zealand game at the Sydney stadium.  The game was so fun and the crowd absolutely intoxicating.  A great vibe.  Forrest and Dana didn’t know the game but the guy sitting next to Dana would explain some of the rules and since it is Rugby League World Cup rules vs Rugby Union I needed clarification too.  It was great fun. 

 

Afterwards we grabbed a burger, as the food at the stadium was fine but not satisfying.

 

A busy day but a great day for really getting into the culture of the city.  Oh and Australia won btw.  The crowd was nicely mixed between the two sides.

Ferries and Beaches oh my!

Ferries and Beaches oh my!

 

Saturday, October 25 marked our first day in Sydney.  We decided to go out and about the town to get an idea on the flavor of the city.  So we walked the neighborhood and then decided to go down to the waterfront.  While we were there we thought that since it was a really nice warm day that we would take the passenger ferry to Manly Beach.  The ferry terminal is set up much like a European train station/ subway.  There are berths for certain ferries to dock, unload and load passengers and then got on their way.  We used it quite a bit as their passenger ferries move thousands of people in and around the extensive waterways in and around Sydney and her suburbs.  There are two types of ferries, the very fast catamaran style and then the older but no less effective double bowed ferries.  These ones are slower but hold a much larger capacity.  They look like two bows were glued together, which makes them ideal of getting in and out of the berths.  The whole system is part of a much broader transportation system that is efficient, diverse and reliable.   Buses, trains, light rail, monorail, taxis, passenger ferries and subways all connect the city, her suburbs and the outlying bureaus completely.  And what’s more impressive is that the whole system is designed similarly and so the consistency makes for an ease of use of the whole system. 

 

We took the half hour trip over to Manly, which is like a key west in the middle of a major city.  A nice little beach community tucked away.  The long concrete boardwalk, endless beach, with volleyball and surfing everywhere was amazing.  People were so laid back. We ate dinner at a German restaurant right on the harbor side.  Then we walked four blocks through a promenade (like a high street) where there were all manners of shops to browse, to get to the beach I mentioned above.  That side is the ocean side and where the great beaches and best surfing is.  It is definitely a beach culture.  It was busy but no overwhelming like Waikiki.  It seems as though the whole city was planned to do crowd control and movement for intense numbers of people so nothing ever seems too crowded.

 

After a few hours exploring Manly we took the boat back to the harbor (Darling Harbor) closest to our hotel.  We relaxed until a little later and then went to a Spanish Tapas restaurant.  After that we decided to check out the night life and had a really nice time.  Australians are so friendly, well-mannered and polite.  I think we have all fell in love with this country.  It is just so laid back but bustling at the same time.

Ferries and Beaches oh my!

Ferries and Beaches oh my!

 

Saturday, October 25 marked our first day in Sydney.  We decided to go out and about the town to get an idea on the flavor of the city.  So we walked the neighborhood and then decided to go down to the waterfront.  While we were there we thought that since it was a really nice warm day that we would take the passenger ferry to Manly Beach.  The ferry terminal is set up much like a European train station/ subway.  There are berths for certain ferries to dock, unload and load passengers and then got on their way.  We used it quite a bit as their passenger ferries move thousands of people in and around the extensive waterways in and around Sydney and her suburbs.  There are two types of ferries, the very fast catamaran style and then the older but no less effective double bowed ferries.  These ones are slower but hold a much larger capacity.  They look like two bows were glued together, which makes them ideal of getting in and out of the berths.  The whole system is part of a much broader transportation system that is efficient, diverse and reliable.   Buses, trains, light rail, monorail, taxis, passenger ferries and subways all connect the city, her suburbs and the outlying bureaus completely.  And what’s more impressive is that the whole system is designed similarly and so the consistency makes for an ease of use of the whole system. 

 

We took the half hour trip over to Manly, which is like a key west in the middle of a major city.  A nice little beach community tucked away.  The long concrete boardwalk, endless beach, with volleyball and surfing everywhere was amazing.  People were so laid back. We ate dinner at a German restaurant right on the harbor side.  Then we walked four blocks through a promenade (like a high street) where there were all manners of shops to browse, to get to the beach I mentioned above.  That side is the ocean side and where the great beaches and best surfing is.  It is definitely a beach culture.  It was busy but no overwhelming like Waikiki.  It seems as though the whole city was planned to do crowd control and movement for intense numbers of people so nothing ever seems too crowded.

 

After a few hours exploring Manly we took the boat back to the harbor (Darling Harbor) closest to our hotel.  We relaxed until a little later and then went to a Spanish Tapas restaurant.  After that we decided to check out the night life and had a really nice time.  Australians are so friendly, well-mannered and polite.  I think we have all fell in love with this country.  It is just so laid back but bustling at the same time.

Picture Link

Here are the pictures so far for our trip up until Sydney.  They are not organized in this link.   I will do a Sydney upload later once i have them organized.

http://gs66.photobucket.com/groups/h245/AAI0YQV658/

Wellington and Beyond

Wellington was the very next day.  The capital of New Zealand was a small but bustling business and commercial port.  The downtown is much like most urban office zones.  When we got off the ship we headed straight for the "Papa" which is the national museum.  It is a natural, historical and cultural museum, free to the public and quite spectacular.  

I think we all agreed that the natural history of New Zealand was the best part of the museum.  they had the large dioramas of animals (extinct and still around) much like how the British Columbia Museum displays its natural history  (Victoria).  The Maori cultural part was disappointing but then again we got a good idea on that with our stop at the Bay of Islands.

We still liked the museum and it was so impressive considering its size, the breadth of its collection and that it was free.  you got to love countries who set transportation, healthcare and education as priorities for their nations security.  though i must say they are obsessed with bio-security as we are with terrorism.  (bio-security meaning not letting any foreign foods, dirt, seeds, natural products, etc into the country).  I cant tell you how many comfort foods we have lost.  all understandable though since their economy (industry and commodity) is super reliant on agriculture.

Next we went pub crawling.  it was a little difficult navigating Wellington once past the waterfront.  there are a lot of crisscross streets.  But people were very helpful.  Though imagine three guys trying to navigate an unknown city by foot all refusing to ask for directions. Fortunately we all had our moments of "oh the heck with it!" and asked (we took turns).  We found this great irish pub, The Black Harp.  It was so authentic down to the tables, booths, bar, decorations, pianos, and woodwork.  even the bathrooms.  the food was a little odd a mix of pub favorites with a little bit  of twist.  we ran into one of the passengers we like there and he was eating the daily special which was a pint of guiness and six oysters.  we did not have that.  what we had was good though. 

After the pub crawl and trying a few of the local beers, we went to find an internet kiosk and public phone.  again a little difficult but we found one in the local library after asking three people.  We camped there for two hours getting much needed calls and online reservations completed (for our continuing trip).  Then we headed back to the boat to relax.

The next day was  a sea day and the second to last day on the ship.  It was full with last minute preparations (like packing) and finalizing things (like bills) and tipping crew members who had been extra wonderful.  We exchanged contact info with people (and crew) we made friends with and hung out with and did those last minute things you do on a cruise.  it took a whole day (since we were on for 30+ days).  

The next day we got off the boat fairly early (disembarkation ticket was of first 6 called).  We took a taxi straight to the airport in Aukland.  We hung out there having lunch and making calls, and booking more things for the extended trip to Cairns.  Once on the flight it was fairly nice.  None of us had flown on Quantas and we all really liked it.  Very amiable, efficient, clean.  It was a three hour flight and we still got dinner.  It wasnt great but it was fine and it tided us over until we got to Sydney.  

My first impression with Sydney was the shear size of he city it sprawled forever and its harbor area is amazing.  but more on that later.  They have 4 million people (out of 21 million in the country, living in and around Sydney) and their mass transit system moves people so efficiently.  I think their mass transit is the best i have seen so far.  it's so impressive in the types, effectiveness, etc.  but more on that later.  

Rotorua and Rafting

The next day we woke up and drove to where the river rafting place was just past Rotorua.  It was about one hour out of town.  When we arrived we were delayed as there was a whole busload of young adults arriving to go too.  In all there were four rafts (8 in a boat) on the trip.  The river wasnt wide but it was moving a good speed and yet nothing close to our trip in Whistler.

The guides were all great and the group of kids were very nice.  In addition to the rafters there were about 6 who were going down the river on nothing more than wake boards.  their gear (ours was similar to what we had for the Waitomo caves only add a lifejacket) were a little more substantial for body protection.  

Our guide was a little more seasoned than the rest but a load of fun.  Our guides name was Lee too.  I was in the front position, Forrest behind me and Dana next to him.  My partner was a kid who rowed from Oxford.  It wasnt until in the river did he and the rest of us realize that didnt prepare him for river rafting.   He frustrated not only me but Dana and that side of the raft (they took their cadence from him).  Nevertheless we still had a blast, all of us with big grins at the end of every rapid.  

After four smaller rapids we went down the 7 meter high falls.   You will see in the pictures the boat completely submerges underwater at the bottom of the falls and then spits us out.  We lost one person but he was fine (not one of us three).  It was great fun. After that our guide took us down a rapid backwards surprising us.  the whole experience was great fun and the guides were all very skilled.

After the river trip we stopped at a geothermal park and walked  the trails.  the park was pretty amazing.   The ground bubbled, popped and hissed.  One pit was full of clay mud and it spit and bubbled at least 6 meters all over the surface.  The whole area smelled of sulphur but you got used to it.  The sites of fizzing streams and steaming deep holes was so unique and impressive.  it was a nice stop on the way back to the ship.  

From there it took us three hours through very hilly, winding roads and land as the south of the North Island is very rural and agricultural rich.  Pretty country and the Kiwis are very welcoming and amicable.   We arrived on time in Napier.  They were waiting for us and we were able to drop the car at the pier.  The last thing we had waiting for us was that we had been checked out of the ship when we got to the gangway.  Fortunately it is a small ship and the Captain was standing there and we got it all settled.  our cabin hadnt been given away or anything scary like that.  it was more of a data thing.  they got us all checked in and everything ended up being fine.

Needless to say we were tired after a busy two days.  We had fun though and we got to see a great deal of NZ.

Trip Pictures

Photobucket Album

Of Caves, Eels, Glow Worms and geysers

 Toranga

Sorry for the delay in writing we have been really busy since making New Zealand.  We arrived around 8 am October 20 and disembarked shortly after our arrival.  Our hired car was waiting for us right outside the disembarkation platform.  We had prearranged with the boat to get off over night to be able to see a part of the island we would otherwise not be able to and to also do some excursions.  

Our first stop was to be Waitoma on the other side of the island (West) two hours away from where the boat docked in Toranga.  It was a pleasant drive.  Forrest took to driving on the opposite side of the road quickly as usual.  

Once there we arrived just in time for the tour.  It was the the three of us plus one other American (girl) and an English girl.  We got all our kit on which consisted of helmets, wet suits, climing harnesses, etc.  Our two guides drove us up to the "jumping off" place.  Once there they taught us how to absail.  We practiced on a more friendly incline first (how to control descent speed etc).  Once the guides felt we were ready they set us up ready enter the cave.

One of the guides went in first and we watched.  The hole to the cave was about 3 meters by 2 meters in a craggy fissure in the ground.  It was a rocky opening.  About six meters above that was a descent platform where we dangled over the hole to begin a one hundred fifty foot descent into the darkness absailing the whole way.  When i was in position (i went first) i looked up at the guide asking when he wanted me to go he playfully kicked my feet away from the side and i descended in.  (you have good control over the speed).  Below the other guide had the emergency line to make taut should any of us lose control of the descent.  I bounced off the wall all the way down with my feet, hopping all the way as i descended at a comfortable speed.  It was really cool.  

Once we all got inside the cavern we hooked up to another line and ziplined down to the next level.  The cave itself was deep and the rock itself had been carved by the underground hydrology of leaking water from the surface and an underground river.  It looked as if the sides of the cavern and ceiling had melted away as if it were candle wax.  Once we were a few meters from above the river level we grabbed inner tubes and one by one jumped into the river.  

We floated for a distance in the underground system until we hit a high concentration of glow worms.  The worms themselves are larvae that secret long threads that are sticky.  The lights are chemical reactions that are carried by the thread like fiber optic.  in the dark the clusters of glow worms look like constellations in the sky.  it is quite incredible.  The underground cave system was even more cool.  We put the tubes back then traversed the cave system.  It was not a place for the claustrophobic.  we squeezed through some tight places some where our faces were no more than two inches from the surface of the water and nothing but rock above us.  

The whole time the guide had been teasing us about eels in the water.  Well it turns out there were.  He took us to a shallow area where one particular eel made his home.  He was about 4 ft long.  Afterwards we climbed out of the caves up through three waterfalls.  it was like rock climbing through a wall and carpet of water.

We all had an incredible time and the guides were fun and very skilled.  We were all glad we did it.  The two girls we were with were a lot of fun too.  They were fearless and self-sufficient which made it enjoyable.

Afterwards we made our way to Rotorua.  A provincial town in the middle of the island (about two hours from Waitomo on a South Easterly direction).  Rotorua is known to be amidst a wealth of geothermal activity.  there are spas and thermal pools, etc much like Harrison Hot Springs only more like yellowstone.   Forrest and Dana went to a thermal pool resort to enjoy the natural springs.  the town was quaint but had the smell of sulphur constantly in the air.  we got a hotel room there which was quite amazing.  it was huge.  we stayed the night to continue our adventure the next morning in Rotorua.

To be continued...

Just a Few Pictures to Tease You Until We Get More Up

Bay of Islands

We arrived in the Bay of Islands and it is beautiful.  Yay!  we finally made it to New Zealand.  The Bay of Islands is the site of the first permanent English Settlement.  The Maori had contact with many other nations and Empires before then but those attempts had tried to subjugate the population on arrival.  On every attempt the Maori had pushed them out.  

The British were different in that their settlements started out with missionaries.  The Maori tell the story that because spiritualism was an important part of who they were that they were impressed by the fact that the British sent their spiritual leaders as the first to settle.  They were the reason that England was able to get a strong foothold right from the start.  Eventually that early relationship changed but ironically as the economic and military aspects of British colonization started, the missionary community encouraged the Maori to develop a constitution and a document declaring their independence.    It was these documents, because of how international law is written, that gave the Maori's protections under the crown.  

It is interesting because the Maori are telling a story that is based on partnership.  Like all stories that partnership broke down many times but it is fascinating to know that the Waitangi Treaty establishd by the Crown for the colonists and the Maori people (to establish a means to trade and own land) had been created not out of conflict but was the first such colonial treaty (and i think the only one) to have not been sought to end conflict but to prevent it.  Yes there were, as in all Imperial stories, breakdowns but to hear it spoken from the Maori guides it was on both sides.  As the Maori chiefs used the colonists to give them vital supplies in exchange for weapons.  Weapons they could use against their blood enemies (the other Maori tribes on the Island).

Anyway the Bay of Islands has the oldest and well preserved settlements in addition to the spot in 1840 where Maori chiefs from all over the North Island and the British colonial delegation came to sign the Waitangi Treaty.  It is considered the treaty that created today's modern nation of New Zealand.  One where at least in theory in the beginning and then in reality many years later that both Maori and British Colonists had equal rights to the land, it helped establish a means of trade of the land between the two groups, etc.  (Yes complications occurred but the interesting thing is the Maori who tell the story do not focus on that).  Its a cultural thing where they look forward instead of into the past.

Another interesting trivia piece.  New Zealand was the first modern nation to grant suffrage to women.  It is thought that it is in most part because of the high status that Maori women play in their culture.

As for the Bay of Islands itself it is so beautiful.  We expected it to be subtropical in nature and it was to some degree but for the most part it looked like a cross between Ireland, the Oregon Coast, Wales, Cornwall and the San Juans.  It was more than quaint and the people were very friendly.  we had a very good day.

The French Connection -- or French Polynesia

Vanuatu and New Caledonia

We arrived in Vanuatu and it literally poured with rain just as we were cleared to disembark.  When I say pour I mean it.  The rain came down in sheets for a good thirty minutes at least.  No one was getting off of the ship because of it.  We decided to go for it and so ventured out with our rain jackets. We were completely drenched in very warm rain within 3 seconds.  It was raining that hard.

 

Once out we grabbed a cab and went into town.  We walked through the market and one of the first things we noticed was that the Vanuatuan people were VERY shy and culturally passive.  Whether this was based on cultural norms or legalistic means wasn’t clear but in the market we were not pulled in and if we walked up and asked a question they were almost pained to be talked to.  The town had both French citizens and also native Vanuatuans who are culturally Melanesian.  The market was fascinating in the types of food and how they were displayed for sale.

 

After the market we went to go see the town itself.  We stopped at a French bakery for a drink and pastries.  We walked the rest of the town which was a little more colonial in look and feel, but still fascinating.  We had our first encounter where the American dollar was not the preferred form of currency.  We tried to pay with our dollars and instead we had to get local currency as it was either that or New Zealand dollars.   After the town we found out from some other passengers that there was an unofficial water taxi back to the ship and so we took that as it gave a good tour of the harbor.

 

The weather improved in time for our excursion which was a snorkel expedition to Paradise Beach.  We were taken by wooden sail boat to the place and then anchored off the beach.  Those who wanted to drop into the deep water and snorkel to the coral area did so at that point.  The rest were ferried by skiffs to the beach to then snorkel back to the coral area.  Obviously we jumped into the water.  It was quite spectacular, the reef.  There were dozens of types of fish, sea snakes, and other types of animals, including a purple starfish.  There were two poles with food bags where we could grab the food and have the fish eat right out of our hands.  The fish were very tame.  Afterwards some of the crew, who were very friendly and fun, took us on a tour of the beach area.  We saw hermit crabs the size of fists and small lizards climbing all over the trees. 

 

We enjoyed Vanuatu and came to find the people very warm once they got used to you.  Our next stop was Ile de Pins, which is part of New Caledonia.  It was the first time a cruise ship had stopped there.  Usually only a passenger ferry goes there regularly from the main islands of New Caledonia.  This was by far our favorite stop.  The name means Island of Pine Trees.  And it is well named.  For the first time in the tropics we saw pine trees.  They are tall and thin and contrast against the more tropical plants in the area.  We tendered from the ship and were welcomed at the dock by native dancers and given flowered hats and wreaths.  From there we did a bit of shopping at a local artisan commune and then rented bikes to ride into the main town which was four miles away.  The whole island has no more than 2,600 people.  There are French but the vast majority of islanders are the native peoples.  We rode into town which was spread out.  Its buildings were set amongst lush plants on large plots of land.  We found an ATM (as only the local currency was used) and went to the local store only to find that it wasn’t opening until much later.  The owner happened to be working in her yard and saw us (noticed we were foreigners) and ran to open the store.  We were desperate for a cold drink as it was a very warm day, much to hot to be riding the hills on bikes.   Everywhere we were greeted with a healthy “Bonjour” and the people were friendly while also going about their daily business.

 

After town we rode to the old Penal Colony ruins.  It was much overgrown and the land had been reclaimed as pasture but the buildings still stood with the barred windows and doors slowly rusting and rotting.  Exhausted we rode back to the beach area and relaxed and swam.  The marine life was rich here too.  The sand the finest we have encountered yet.  It dried and fell off your feet and water shoes immediately after getting out of the water.

 

We had too much sun there which we suffered the next day but we had enjoyed the quaintness of the island and the sincere friendliness of the inhabitants.

 

The port city of Noumea also in New Caledonia was our last stop in the French Polynesian Islands.  It was a very busy city with a vibrant port.  Colonial in nature but bustling.  It was very French and a good number of the city’s inhabitants were expatriates.  Friendly and helpful in every way we had a great time here. Everyone was very laid back and everyone spoke French. We rented two scooters and a “fun car” to get around town. We decided to have a full day free of ship food.  We ate at a local breakfast spot just across from the beach where we enjoyed crepes.  The owner wondered if we had a recipe for spicy hot wings as he had tried some from a visitor from the states and that person had refused to share the recipe. We had a few ideas of how to do it and he was very thankful.  The food was great.  Afterwards we took a ferry ride out to “the best snorkeling in New Caledonia” to see if it lived up to its name.  it was a resort built on a small island just off the beach from the main island.  We caught up with some crew members and enjoyed the sun, the beach and the good snorkeling.  It WAS pretty spectacular.  We ate a big lunch and then continued back to the main island.  We decided that we would try out the local French bakeries as they looked like the real deal.  They were.  We bought out the store and hauled it all back to the ship.

 

At night we heard there was a market on Thursdays (when we were there) and so proceeded to it to see what it was about.  It was the biggest gathering of locales in the large park at the center of the city.  There was not a lot but it was interesting to see the city pull together as one community.  Later we walked to the waterfront (where the small boats harbored) to find a place to eat.  We were told by locales that is where the nightlife was.  We found a large restaurant/ bar and sat down. Like france it did not serve dinner until after 7.  So we had a drink and then waited for the evening meal to start being served.  We had a great waitress but the other person waiting our table, the waiter was a little rude and assumed none of us could speak French.  It was all over not finishing a fish.  It had been served continental style bones and head mostly intact, the scales cleaned off and pan fried with little or no coating.  I was not as hungry as I thought and didn’t bother to turn the fish over to eat the other side.  It was quite evident from my plate (since I had not finished the potatoes or vegetables) that I had not appetite.  The waiter made a slight comment about me not having eaten the other side in French to the waitress while laughing.  I called him on it which he immediately played ignorant with English and aloof.  The waitress was embarrassed.  I would have pressed on but Forrest reminded me that it is a big faux pas to not finish your plate among the French.

 

Afterwards we enjoyed a nice stroll back to catch one of the last shuttles into the ship terminal.  We loved French Polynesia.  Apart from one waiter, everyone was friendly and happy and laid back.  Each of the islands had their own flavor and each had a unique feel. 

 

Next stop the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

The tale of two Samoas

We were not sure what to expect in either Samoa. Wednesday we arrived in Pago Pago. Everything was lush and tropical. We walked through town, which did not take long. It was evident it was a different world (for example, in the town’s only bank, it looked like the DMV. You had to take a number and wait, fortunately, we only needed an ATM). Everyone was surprisingly friendly, and everyone would honk and wave! About noon, we headed for Tisa’s Barefoot Bar, located about 20 minutes out of town. It was a bar built out of materials found on the beach, with laid back staff south pacific style. Lee and Dana wanted a tattoo, so they talked to the Tisa to see if she knew which island was a good place to get it. Tisa soon had the island’s master tattoo artist at the bar and Lee and Dana got tattoo right in the middle of the bar, with a crowd watching. The tattoo master, Wilson, did a fantastic job and talked about the fact tattoos originated in Samoa. Tisa brought out her guitar and serenaded the boys as they got their tattoos. Lee and Dana discovered the local beer. We capped off the night with a Samoa feast we reserved ahead of time. I have to admit, most south pacific food I have had previously has not impressed me, but wow, this was good eating The preparation took over eight hours, with rocks heated in the fire and then layers of food and banana leaves to lock in the moisture. We had lamb (the best), chicken, prawns, squid, turkey, breadfruit, all sorts of bananas, fish stew in coconut milks, taro leaves in coconut milk, all eaten with your hands. He granddaughters then put on a dance show for us. The food was wonderful! It was an incredible way to cap off the day. Tisa’s bar is amazing as Tisa. She is calm, loving and so indescribable. If you ever stop in American Samoa, this is the place.

Thursday was Samoa, or commonly known as Western Samoa. We had high hopes after American Samoa. It did not take us long to find that the joys of this island must be harder to reach. Our day started with 100 cab drivers all in a line, each in turn asking if we needed a cab. The road out of the port was tight and one ongoing cab driver used his mirror to literally push Lee out of the way (I was horrified). We decided soon after to only cross following a local. The city was hot and muggy and tourists were definite prey. We visited the Apia’s main market and it was fascinating, with tropical fruits all laid out and all sorts of food, all sitting next to giant tubs of hair gel (must be the humidity J). We soon headed back to the ship. Once back onboard, the thrusters came on and a tug soon appeared to keep the ship against the pier due to strong currents and wind. Hats off to the captain and crew, it was a tight harbor and we had to do a 360 to get out later that day.

Last night we passed the international date line, so it is Saturday here as of this posting. We just got a warning of a dengue fever outbreak in Fiji, so we were all issued mosquito repellant. For all I have heard of Fiji, this will probably not be the way to see it. We are visiting Suva, the capital. It is the only spot in Fiji they tell you not to visit. It is also Sunday, so most shops will be closed. We have signed up for a rain forest walk with the ship (it would have been good to hear about the dengue fever before), but it should be a lovely trip none the less.

I am off to lounge by the pool. We miss everyone and take care!

Crossing the Equator – or Hazing at Sea

At 10 am October 6, 2008 we crossed the Equator.  Apparently there is a rite that is performed on crew members of ships who have never crossed the Equator before.  A Rite of Passage per se. 

 

On board our ship it was very theatrical and held on the pool deck at the aft of the boat.  The crew members are put on trial before crew members acting as Neptune and his wife.  There is a crew member who acts as the judge and the jury are made up of the senior officers of the ship. 

 

Essentially the “guilty crew members” or “initiates”  also known as “Pollywogs”  are led out by other crew members who act as pirates.  They hold the prisoners in chains.  The Pollywogs are led out in front of Neptune by their departments and then are accused by the judge of whatever crimes.  After the crimes are declared Neptune orders them cleansed.  This involves kissing the carcass of a rotting fish and then being covered in all sorts of disgusting, slimy and messy materials.   After this Neptune asks the jury to determine if they “sink” or “swim.”  If they choose “sink” they are forced onto a plank to jump into the back pool (salt water).  If they are given mercy then they walk away (messy of course)

 

It was real good fun and a great way to start the day.  But more importantly we’ve crossed the equator and are in the southern hemisphere now and only one day left  before we reach American Samoa on Wednesday.  

Crossing The Equator

Hey everyone,

            Yesterday we crossed the equator. It has been hot and humid, with lots of clouds. We are all ready for some land after five days at sea. We have been mostly lounging by the pool. Life is tough. The ship is pretty quiet at night, so tend to have it for ourselves. The internet service has been really spotty, so if did not hear from us for a few days, it is not because we do not love you. We will arrive in Pago Pago, American Samoa tomorrow at 8am until Midnight, so it should be a good day to get our land legs back. After that we head to Apia, Samoa and the off to Fiji later this week. After Apia, we cross the international date line, so instead of being behind you, we will be a day ahead of you.

            Yesterday we crossed the equator. They took all the ships crew who have not crossed the equator before and paraded them in front of King Neptune (who was the piano bar guy, who somehow ended up looking 300 pound Elton John trying to look like King Neptune. It was great.

            Take care and we will give you an update after the two Samoas.  

Hawaii -- Three Days (Oahu, Hawaii, Maui)

We arrived in the tropics finally.  Our first port, Honolulu, was on Tuesday the 29^th.   We got off the boat and rented a car to drive part of the island. We took the Pali highway to see the historic battle from the outlook.  It was a spectacular view of that part of the island.  The southeast side of the island is where we drove and it was a nice drive. 

 

We ended up on a beach for two hours on a quiet end of Waikiki.  There was  a lovely lagoon where a few locals were relaxing.  It wasn’t too crazy just a nice relaxing day to swim and lay on the beach.

 

Afterwards we went shopping and then took the car in and went to eat at Don Hos by the harbor.  I had a platter of Hawaiian food where I had the BEST pulled pork and had a VERY fresh poki poki.  I have had nothing like it.  The fish is so good here.

 

The next day we arrived in Hilo, Hawaii.  Our plans for that day was to go and visit the volcanoes, Kilauea Caldera to be precise.  Forrest was so excited he was beside himself. The volcano and the sheer dimensions were breathtaking.  The fact we were so close was pretty cool too. We drove up and around and did a few short hikes.  The day was warm as was the volcano.  We went and walked the lava tubes and then found a short walk through the area of jungle that had been scorched on one side of the trail and virtually untouched on the other.  I don’t need to tell you how eerie it felt, the sheer contrast.  But amidst it all life pushed through and carried on as new plants sprung forth out of the lava rock or trees that miraculously survived were lone islands in the porous, hard and harsh terrain. 

 

You could feel the turbulence beneath your feet and the buildings had a constant shaking going on.  All around there was an energy that pervaded everything through the air, the ground the water.  Of all three islands we visited it was the one that felt the most alive and vibrant, as if you were visiting Nature’s home itself.  It was a struggle at first because of all of it, but by the end of the day I enjoyed the island and had a great respect for it.  To say it had effected all of us was an understatement.

 

The next day was Lahaina and the island of Maui.   By far the favorite of all of ours.  We rented a jeep, took the top down and began the drive on the Road to Hana.  Everyone told us it would be impossible or a push to get to the Seven Pools on the opposite end of the island but we must have had a lucky day.  Though the road was winding and curvy along steep cliffs and two way roads at best one and three-quarters wide we made it there in an hour and a half.  We enjoyed swimming and jumping into the pools (after literally climbing to the higher one where no one else was) and swimming and playing under waterfalls.  It was a rejuvenating place for us all.  We had the running water, the deep pools, the warmth of the water and the  six pools down where the sea met the stream the waves crashing into the coast.  There was such good energy here.  We had a great time and we sunned on the rocks near the pools.  Afterwards we climbed to an outcropping and one at a time we jumped from the high rock into the pool below (20 ft down).  The first of us was passed our stuff and took pictures of the other two.  IT took some courage (there were out cropping of rock out of sight just below the cliff but the area of the pond we were jumping into was the deepest.  Jumping from that far not one of us ever touched bottom.  Those pools were deep.  We had been watching others when we first arrived and so knew where we needed to jump and how far we needed to push away from the rock at the top to clear the crags below.

 

Forrest seemed to do really well.  The warmth and the tropical breeze and the sheer relaxing beautiful scenery of the pools were very therapeutic for all of us but I could tell it did a world of good for him.  The fact he felt well enough to pull himself up to the pool with his hands and how long he stayed in the water and the sun smiling away was evidence enough.

 

The ride back was enjoyable and Forrest seemed to really enjoy the jeep.  We were all a little more red from the experience but because it was a good day, none of us minded.  When we got back we turned the car in and then walked to the waterfront and ate at Nikos where I had some more Poki Poki.  I am going to be spoiled by the fish here.  I love that it is soaked in sesame seed oil too. 

 

To let everyone know please email or post to this Blog we love to hear from you and look forward to any and all messages telling us how you are doing.  We are keeping this blog not to create envy but to keep connected.  Our way of creating virtual Ohana. 

 

Also,  I know I keep promising pictures and as soon as we hit Samoa in five days I should have the pictures in a place to upload.  There really haven’t been any great to share until Hawaii. 

 

Much love and Mahalo to all of you for keeping up with our adventures.   Samoa is promising to be a very cool port.  

On the way to Hawaii

We have had fairly good sailing apart from one particular bad ship day.  It wasn’t so much the sea but the ship was running so slow that it reacted to the weather more dramatically.  I’ve not gotten sea-sick but I was very close to it. It had something to do with some type of new eco fuel that they had to prime the engines at low speed for one whole day to get the engines used to it.  Once we were at full speed the ship barely moves.  We had some warning from the captain that there would be rough seas with high winds today but apparently we are going to be just missing it or rather hitting the outer edges of the storm which shouldn’t be that much. 

 

As for the trip itself the entertainment has been rather enjoyable and we have met some really nice people.  Yesterday especially we seemed to make some connections in the area of travel.  One especially lovely lady we met is from Georgia, lived in New York for some time and now lives in Mexico which she loves. She was trying to talk us into coming to visit her if we go to Mexico.  She says she can take us to some fabulous clubs and would even be willing to be our “hag” as she giggled while saying that.  I think it is the fantastic life stories that people tell with each meeting that I have appreciated the most. Also never has the old adage, “never judge a book by its cover” been more proven for me than on this trip.  The average age is a lot older and the “set” a little more conservative in appearance and affect.  The reality is they may be a little older but their lives and perspective are refreshingly mature and wise and you get the sense that they live their lives.  Just so many inspiring people.  I think we have only met a small handful of people who act “entitled” and who treat those around them, especially the crew, not very nicely.

 

With this trip the food and the crew have been spectacular.  We have no complaints or dramatic exceptions to customer service.  It has been a very smooth cruise.  The food has been even better than all our trips before and the entire staff has, as usual, superseded expectations.   And as said before, there haven’t been the annoying passengers.  I think our greatest skill we have learned is how to be successful in yoga on a rocking ship.  It’s not easy.

 

I had a funny observation  today.  While walking the outer promenade Forrest and I realized we were in the middle of one of the “get active” events they hold.  It’s a good idea in that it encourages passengers to participate in the activity events by awarding them points.  One way is to do a regular walking event in the morning. Forrest and I were not participating but enjoying a casual walk.  All of a sudden we were beset by hordes of power walkers.  There were women in blue hair rinses and jump suits, and wide rim amber colored sun glasses and men in short shorts, white polos and tennis shoes with black socks pulled up tight around their calves.    They literally were a swarm of jog-walkers flooding the promenade and swallowing innocent passers-by as they enjoyed the sun, the endless miles of deep blue, and pleasant conversation.  One particular instance that greatly amused me was a kindly gentleman minding his own business gazing out on the sunshine on the dark blue ocean from the promenade hand-rail and turned around towards the door to go back in when he looked to his left and saw the great wave of power-walkers heading his way as he moved towards the door.  His eyes widened to show his whites and his mouth went agape as he realized he was about to be engulfed.  The ship was a little unsteady and his gait stuttered while he tried to figure out if he should make a break or stand perfectly still.  The fight or flight reflexes popping and whizzing in the backs of his eyes as he panicked.  I say it was amusing because well first it wasn’t all that serious but also because I have been in that situation with a pack of determined, focused and in-motion cruise ship walkers.  It’s intimidating at the least.

 

Forrest and I attended a lecture (which have been thus far spectacular and my favorite thing so far while on these long sea days) on Hawaiian folklore and geography.  The lecturer is a professor at the University of Hawaii.  Fascinating.

 

Overall we are well. Forrest is still recovering and with my encouragement he finally booked a few onboard acupuncture treatments at the spa.  We are hoping they take the place of his cranial sacral therapy and that his body responds to it positively.  I have been writing every sea day and have been making good headway on a project or two.  BTW Please forgive the typos and run-ons with this blog.  There is so much to write about and so little time to do it.  We stay so busy.

 

Fyi the house did close.  We arrive in Honolulu after four and a half days at sea on Tuesday.  We miss you all and wish you were here.  Forrest and I are so used to being with large groups on cruises that it seems so funny not to have a group around us. 

Long Beach and Beyond

Long Beach California (Los Angeles)

 

We arrived in Long Beach on Thursday much relieved that the sun was out and a nice shiny and warm 84 degrees.  Up until then there were cloudy skies and even the night before we were sailing through the thickest of fog banks, the ships fog horns sounding every several minutes. 

 

I don’t think either of us have been to Long Beach but our friend Dana had grown up there.  He was pointing out to us all of the very cool race boats that everyone seems to own. Imagine the Miami Vice boat but with California flair.   It was a very pretty town.  We stopped and did some shopping, mostly for those odd bit of items that we had somehow forgotten oh and a little more tequila as that is the only thing Dana and I have been trying.

 

The day before on the last full day at sea we all three had played Pictionary (among many other things) and met some really nice people.  After the ship sponsored game, a group of Canadian women asked us and a few others to meet them later to play Cranium.  So Dana and I did.  We got along so well that we made evening plans.  They all have known each other since their kids were young (elementary) and been doing trips ever since.  They were leaving the boat at Long Beach and heading up to Napa Valley.  They were a very big laugh.  We went to dinner with them (the three of us) and then the show afterwards and then dancing since it was their last night. 

 

It was there that Dana and I met some of the crew who were continuing all the way to NZ.  They were telling us about all of the very cool them nights coming up.  We have no costumes so we will mostly be participating in spirit.

 

All in all we have been doing a bunch of eclectic things that the ship has to offer including, “cooking lectures, eating, mixology classes, eating, seminars on nature, movies, games, dancing parties, eating, yoga, exercising, and our favorite so far the thermal suite.  I’ve done some writing (creative and some reading) and each of us have taken the time to have our own space.

 

Today, the first full day since Long Beach and on the way to Hawaii, has been really bad winds, though the waters haven’t been choppy.  The ship has been rocking like crazy and after a long night Dana and I, while doing yoga the motion got to us.  I had to leave but Dana stuck it.  Forrest of course has not been effected.  Thank goodness too as Dana and I have slept, nibbled on a little food but done mostly nothing.  We have been trying to recover.  We are on seasickness pills but for the most part as I am writing this recovered. The neither of us are very susceptible to motion sickness which should tell you the great deal of motion we are experiencing.  If we were to show you pictures of the Lido pool its more like a white river rafting pool.  People are being picked up and dropped from one side to the other of the pool. 

 

We are hoping very soon to hit that wonderful south seas weather.  Still we are having a great time, meeting very interesting people and relaxing.  Just four more days at Sea before Honolulu.  Oh fyi – good news for those who have been following the drama, the house has closed!!!  We are excited and will be celebrating by going to the Pinnacle Grill on board tonight.

 

Decompression

Hey everyone. Lee and I have been decompression. It was a stressful weekend and there are so many thank you’s to go out. Our house is supposed to close either tomorrow or early next week, so cross your fingers, it would be great to sail the Pacific without worrying about the house. We arrived at the boat pretty stressed, so Lee forced me to book a massage and booked one himself. We also did a morning yoga class and heat the thermal spa. It was wonderful.

 

The ship is beautiful. The food is better than we expected (it is normally good, but just a bit bland), but this chef is not afraid of flavor. The ships crew is very friendly and we are convinced we must have a “house elf” tidying up our room every time we leave for a couple of minutes. The seas have been calm; actually, I never imagined the ocean could be so calm. The slow rocking of the ship puts me to sleep every time I lay down for a minute (it turns into longer than that). Lee has fully immersed himself into shipboard activities (lecturers, shows, games, dancing the night away) and I have been more focused on the sea and a good book.

 

We will be in Long Beach tomorrow from 9 to 5, and we will have our cell phones handy (although we don’t want to spend the whole day on the phone), then we are off to the first of two long stretches at sea. We will have four and a half days at sea before Hawaii. Take care and we will post soon!

 

 

 

One Day more

Last Weekend

 

 

This weekend has been a busy one.  Thanks to Mom, Dana and Sally we were able to get the house packed and with the help of a great team of movers we got the storage units filled and the move completed. 

 

Sunday we have been working to get the house tidied and cleaned and then also to finish our packing for the trip.   We are both tired and the stress has been significant but it will just make the boat trip that much sweet.  I think we are agreed that collapsing in our room will be the first order of business.  They may have to wheel-chair us to mustering stations.

 

We will be on the boat from anytime between 11:30 to 1:00.  The boat will leave around 5.  Our first stop outside of  Seattle will be Los Angeles on the 25^th.  

 

Au revoir

Itinerary

Hey everyone, here is our itinerary so you can follow along:

 

Mon 9/22          Depart Seattle

Tue 9/23            At Sea

Wed 9/24          At Sea

Thu 9/25            Los Angeles: 8am – 5pm

Fri 9/26             At Sea

Sat 9/27            At Sea

Sun 9/28           At Sea

Mon 9/29          At Sea

Tue 9/30            Honolulu, HI: Noon - 10pm

Wed 10/1          Hilo, HI: 10am – 7pm

Thu 10/2            Lahaina, HI: 8am-11pm

Fri 10/3             At Sea

Sat 10/4            At Sea

Sun 10/5           At Sea

Mon 10/6          At Sea – Cross Equator

Tue 10/7            At Sea

Wed 10/8          Pago Pago, American Somoa 8am – 11:59pm

Thu 10/9            Apia, Somoa: 8am – 5pm

Fri 10/10           At Sea

Sat 10/11          Cross Dateline – Day is Lost

Sun 10/12         Suva, Fiji: 8am – 5pm

Mon 10/13         At Sea

Tue 10/14          Port Vila, Vanuatu:  8am – 5pm

Wed 10/15        Ile De Pins (Pine Island), New Caldonia: Noon – 6pm

Thu 10/16          Noumea, New Caledonia: 8am – 11pm

Fri 10/17           At Sea

Sat 10/18          At Sea

Sun 10/19         Bay of Isles, NZ: 8am – 6pm

Mon 10/20         Tauranga, NZ: 8am – 8pm

Tue 10/21          Napier, NZ: 1pm – 8pm

Wed 10/22        Wellington, NZ: 9am – 6pm

Thu 10/23          At Sea

Fri 10/24           Arrive Auckland, NZ / Fly to Sydney

10/24 to 10/31   Sydney