Down Under - Australia

Western Australia Photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/kmtWBRFpMkSMUsLb6
Adelaide photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/cA9Km7vkoQck4hBb6
Melbourne photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/UpzPVt5vuSehBoZ29
Katoomba photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/ENmVRnvhpt7bSYya8
Canberra photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/4zMPw7fx1QBCNjD39
Sydney photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/cSxnYbEduh7fPjex6

Monday Dec 4th
Getting more and more worried that Flixbus will not get me to Heathrow in time, or Hotels will cost a fortune or I will not get the right train pass etc. Putting off doing anything by playing on the computer! 

Tuesday Dec 5th 
So up on time, Out on time and immediately concerned about what I forgot. Pretty certain I shut the bathroom window, left doors open and electric heaters on frost guard. The bananas are going to be a mess when I get back and the milk will be cheese. A bag of stuff from the fridge.

Bus to Cardiff was good, McD didn't open until 6am and the app took forever, but I got breakfast and was ready for the Flixbus. We had to change in Newport and then it went into Bristol on the Portway and out om M32 by which time it was 35 mins late. 25 + late into Heathrow. Rush and check in 3 mins before it closed, then a long time in security as lady infront had lots of liquids. Scissors turned up, as did toothpaste.

57A does not have a window. 16hrs is a long time, Not easy to find the USB outlet, No radio programmes and the audio books lacked a description. Now up twice at 4am so jet lag should be interesting. 

Wednesday Dec 6th

Perth failed to clearly signpost the train - Google led me to Terminal 1 and the central station. Nice train. Perth looks interesting, have settled into the Mercure Hotel. Time to have a wander. 

Which I did and Perth  done! An interesting mix of old buildings renovated and modern skyscrapers. Found Elizabeth Quay and the Swan River, Got to bed but was awake at 3.30am and able to take part in the Sully SC Committee Meeting via Zoom.

Thursday Dec 7th

Up and out. Breakfast at McD. Got to Station and discovered that the Chase Card wouldn't work, used contactless too often. Got Dayrider using other card and took the train to Freemantle.

Freemantle has nice old architecture too. Found the Shipwreck Museum and had an interesting morning discovering that the French and Dutch knew about Australia, from early 1600's Captain Cook was a sideshow much later. Then  on to see the timeball dropped, not as spectacular as expected.

From here it was on to the Maritime Museum. 10 Dollar entry fee, which I managed to get paid on the Chase Card with pin code so that is now working. 40 years since Australia 2 won the Americas Cup and a big exhibition about it, plus the boat is in here. Quayside was also interesting. Through the town and got the inevitable fridge magnets.

Train up to East Perth and a look around the departure point. Considering a train ride for Friday but dismissed as Indian Pacific will probably cover same ground (and cost was £50). Down to Elizabeth Quay and Ferry ride to South Perth (included in Dayrider) Purchased dinner at Woolworths and back a hotel by 2000.

Friday Dec 8th

Up at 6am, sort of due to jet lag. Wrote up diary, etc and it was pretty soon past 8am. Subway do not do hot drinks so breakfast was only $12. Took the train to the end of the line at Mandurah. The bus station was at the rail station so I got on a bus to the coast. Having been told the Dayrider was valid on all Perth public transport.

The marina area was so reminiscent of Florida. Lots of boutique type shops and little sign of boatyards. Viewed the coast from the beach/breakwater, very low and plenty of wind. Treated myself to an ice cream. Caught the bus back to the station but decided to visit the centre. A very American Mall. Nearly, bought some headphones. Train back to Rockingham and a similar experience - bus to coast. This time no marina, but a beach with industry close by, and lots of shops and eateries. Back to the train.

Stayed on train all the way to Butler. Views back to Perth were nice but once past there very little to see. Another Mall at Butler. Back to Perth and decided to finish the local rail network by going to Midland. 

As there was another branch of the electronics store and time was running out I decided I would have the headphones, so walked. Discovered that there had been a massive loco works at Midland which was being re-developed (bigger than Swindon). Shop assistant was not a lot of use but I found headphones and bought them (only 8hr supposed battery and the noise reduction kills the base - but at £25 will do for the train and plane, maybe). Back on train and we passed a train museum, but it doesn't open until 10am on Sunday. Sandwiches from Wollies and back around 06.20

Evening on the computer booked 3 nights in the Blue Mountains - unable to book train but it showed $9 from Campeltown to Katomba. Intnenet is being very flakey as is computer, it just went to everything reading right to left, a restart seems to have fixed that. Now to do the photos.

Saturday Dec 9th

Waking at 6am seems a good idea as the time flies past. Thought I was going to be trapped in the lift but it made it to 1st floor on emergency power and I walked out. McD breakfast, same size cup but this time full as I ordered Large. Wandered to Tourist information and enjoyed the sun, they eventually decided that they did not have a guide, so the plan to take the free orientation walking tour failed. Backup was a visit to the Heritage Aviation Museum. I was surprised at the price of the train ticket to Bull Creek, so have yet another Dayrider Ticket. Museum was interesting, lots of model aircraft as well as the big ones.

Missed the train (well, miscalculated the closing doors and bounced off them) Plan had been to walk the Swan River but I saw that Bull Creek was nearby and I wanted photos of Canning Bridge so decided to walk the Creek, using The Esplanade. Good fun, ideas for artwork, Terns pestering a dog an egret and bridge photos. Back and treated myself to a McRib and cone.

Great fun with the Internet. Got out at 8pm and down to Elizabeth Quay, good internet connection but could I find the time for the fireworks! lots of pretty pictures but no one put the timing. Found it after about 20 mins 9pm for 8 minutes.  I was waiting on the bridge as security made a half hearted attempt to move everyone off. Got three nice videos but they need editing and I have no software. Watch the video. Decided to put one of them on Facebook anyway and that took half the night. Restarted the phone and that took the number of apps needing updating to about 32. It is now 6am and it still has  12 to update and some won't (probably because they are UK specific. The same as I could not download the Australian McD app. Had I changed country google wouldn't let me change back for a year. Fun and not a lot of sleep, but the headphones are good when wired. 

Sunday Dec 10th

So woke at 05.40, no point in going back to sleep. Checked out by 07.20. Google said it was a 30minwalk to East Perth, and it being a nice morning, and not due there till 8am I thought, Why Not? Got more train pictures including the Indian Pacific which was in the siding, it's as long as the Canadian. Buffet at the station was nice, but involved killing time. We were allowed to board at 9am. Nice plastic toilet bag with conditioner, must steal some more. Cabin does not have a toilet and the lounge car is pretty crowed. Not my scene at all. I did get some photos as we came out on the Midland Line. Enjoying the new headphones, wonder how long the batteries will last, or even if they are being used as I am using the cable rather than Bluetooth.

A Cruise lunch, put at a table at random with other guests rather than being able to pick and choose at a buffet.. Eventually decided what was making me uncomfortable and pulled the bed down. Headphones were a good buy. Have sent a lot of time trying to get a photo of the abandoned telegram poles to compare with Canada but have failed with the phone. Misread the timing for dinner. It is too early and I don't need it anyway. They have said they will bring me a sandwich around 7.30. We will see. No hot choc or snacks in the end of carriage kitchen and it's a long way to the bar. Alcohol is included but I am avoiding it. 

Monday Dec 11th

Tis not true, there is Hot Chocolate in the carriage kitchen. However, I only discovered it because the bar was shut and I guess will not open until 8am, its too far to walk to find out - three carriages and numerous doors. Did it after shower. At 0550 I decided I might as well get up having been awake for an hour trying to catch the sunrise. Towel for the shower is pathetically small. My watch strap broke again last night and is now held together with a bit of whipping twine (funny thing is, I saw the spare one at home before I left and thought -"That's useful")

Breakfast was small. Lunchtime stop was an abandoned township, not that it looked abandoned. No lunch but some cakes which I sort of missed out on. At least there was a phone signal, so the clock on the smartphone got updated. Afternoon snooze and dinner with same couple from Switzerland, also joined by Peter from UK. He likes SE Asia so goes under the name of Pedo Pete. Vegetation is back and we have been told there is rain in Adelaide.

Tuesday Dec 12th -arrive Adelaide

Even getting up before 6am there was a queue for the shower. Not too bad really. Up to the Bar for breakfast. They don't do instant coffee and mini pastries meant I had to be somewhat restrained. Looks like we might arrive in Adelaide on time - i.e. disgustingly early. I have a feeling that the off train experiences may have been included in the ticket price. No photos of freight trains though other passengers refer to them. 07.10 and they have just announced that we will be an hour late getting into Adelaide, due to rain so eta is 8am.

There was WIFI at the terminal so I was able to check messages and the route to the hotel. Pretty humid and the rain had stopped, but the walk was nice. Hotel didn't look very nice from the outside but found out later that the room was good. Anyway, they took my bag and I was off into Adelaide.

Found the station and discovered there is a Dayrider ticket here but it is $12. City centre trams are free so I rode one up to Victoria Square and visited the Market. Resisted the temptation. Decided to go down to Port Adelaide and start on the Museums so got a Dayrider. Railway Museum first, lots of trains, most noticeable was the noise made by their little 1ft gauge train doing trips around the site, just like a real train going past. We also had a thunderstorm! 

From here it was on to the Aviation Museum - they thought it was a long walk -15mins (they are reinstating an old rail line so bit of a diversion) Good display on rockets, and their own F15 and F111. From here to the waterfront and tourist centre. Downloaded the App but map didn't work. Aldi didn't do sandwiches, so a couple of cheeseburgers an the McD at the station before coming back to the Mile End Hotel via Outer Harbour which had a Royal Carribean Cruise ship alongside.

Wednesday Dec 13th

Sort of lay in bed, but I was out by about 10 to 9 and caught the train down to Port Adelaide. The ticket dispenser on board worked! Breakfast at McD and then on to the Maritime Museum. Decided that the schooner was too far away so came back to the station. Grabbed an ice cream cone from McD and I'm still trying to work out why it only cost 30c. Back in the city I went to the South Australia Museum, by the back door! Google showed it located on another street. Fell asleep listening to Aboriginal stories and got rousted by security. Found the Pacific Display in a building which reminded me of the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford.

On to the Mall - which is not a Mall, but a pedestrianised shopping street. Got supplies from Woolworths, which amuses me.r Was going to walk back to the hotel but got on the train with the idea that I would have tea and then go out for the evening. Having eaten it is nice here, but the room has not been made up so I guess a train ride is in order.

Took the train to Seaford, had to change to change trains on the way back as it was express past Mile End, no problem. Got a Green Bar at the hotel i.e. completed step target.

Thursday Dec 14th - to Melbourne

Made the mistake of using what I thought would be a shorter route to the station, it wasn't. Stuck the wrong side of the railway tracks. Got there in time, just. Not impressed with the carriage, no USB charging and old airline style table. Guy in the window seat, Dan was from Shri Lanca and OK. Train went out on the route I didn't use last night, through the hills which was quite pretty. Once through the hills it got boring. 

On arrival the NSW guy directed me to the vline guy who booked the tickets for Friday and they did cost $10. Checked in at Best Western but have forgotten the pin no for Halifax - so it went on Chase. Gad a chat with Alex and booked accommodation in Canberra. Message from Tesco that I am at 95% of credit, and unable to move money into account.

Friday Dec 15th

That was a spectacular tour for $10. Train, bus for 200km and a 4 hr train journey back.

Saturday Dec 16th

Scheduled as a day of rest I was still up at 7.30am, and got photos done which meant that by the time I got out it was 10am. Booked NSW travel up to Christmas, still have to do Coffs Harbour. Thought I should be healthy Hungry Jack didn't work, so bought an apple before having breakfast at McD.

Wandered along the river and then took a tram up to Victoria Market - it's massive. Indulged in the purchase of some strawberries, cherries and bananas which had to be taken back to the hotel (2 trams). Siesta and reduce the volume of fruit time. Back out and ended up at Woolworths getting supplies for next couple of days. Later discovered that the 7-11 next to hotel did cheaper sandwiches. No bag so brought it back to hotel and then went out again. This time did the South Bank. Found out there is a light show at 9pm so will go watch that.  Which I did, boy, was it crowded! See the video.

Sunday Dec 17th - to Sydney

Up early again - direct to the station and got on the train, an old HST it would appear, no wifi, no power. Departure at 08.30. Sat next to a Builder from Samoa, whom I found difficult to understand but he moved to have a window seat pretty early in the trip.  I saw a couple of kangaroos just outside Melbourne - so tick that off the to do list. Telegraph poles in a state of disrepair, the same as Churchill. The route really snaked through the countryside which gradually got to resemble the English countryside. Arrival 19.20, Followed advice and caught a commuter train one stop to Leumeah. Problem there was the American distances/layout. Not that it was very far to the Ibis Budget - and it is budget, but OK. At least the Halifax card worked contactlessly.

Monday Dec 18th - to Katoomba (Blue Mountains)

Continental breakfast in Australia is toast! No Croissant or pain au chocolate or nice pastries, well I guess this is budget. There was muesli and fruit juice but I decided that wasn't worth $10 - so plan is to brush teeth and catch the rain at 10.20 Check out being 10am. Looks like I left a pot of body lotion back at in Melbourne - how soon before something serious gets left behind?

Had breakfast at Hungry Jack's (only because McD had closed the sit in) They really need to sort out their order machines. Then on the train (or three) to Katoomba. Nice views. The Metropole was right outside the station and they had the room ready, which was nice. I was out by 2pm and wandered down to the Prince Harry Cliff Walk, kept thinking of Madeira. Purchased an Ice Cream at Echo point and continued to Laura Falls. Sulphur Crested Cockatoo came and provided a nice picture. Back for a rest and then out trying to get sunset photos from a lookout but google had it wrong and I totally failed to find the lookout.

Tuesday Dec 19th

Indulged in a cooked breakfast at the hotel, the only question is how much it cost, they said $15 when asked yesterday but it continues to be advertised at $19. We will see, and I will get fat!

Out at 08.30 in order to make Scenic World before the tourists. Felt the walk was pretty tiring. Got in at the concession rate - officially they like to skim the tourists - unofficially, the guys on the till don't care. Rode the cable car across, just me and the driver out but discovered tours arriving at the other side so a bit fuller on the way back. (not as full as when I left) Next the train to the bottom - billed as the steepest in the world - tis a cable pulled tramway. The boardwalk is interesting, less so all the dinasoar models scattered around. Kept wondering what it must have been like to explore - you can't see anything other than trees. Cablecar back to the top, an ice cream and cable car out of the place. Back onto the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. It's really difficult to get a photo that captures the vertical drop from the track, and the butterflies won't stay still either.

Back in the hotel and the air conditioning was nice. I investigated the zig-zag railway, but it only operates at weekends and there didn't seem any way to walk the track. Booked a return to Dubbo instead which will take all day. Went out again and bought supplies as I have two days on trains coming up and have retired to the air conditioning. Thunderstorms forecast but washing has now been done so I'm not going out again.  59mm overnight says the news.

Wednesday Dec 20th

And it certainly did thunder and rain. It was still raining in the morning and I was very happy with my decision to spend the day on the train to Dubbo. Mind you that was pretty frustrating. The GPS stopped working in the train. I saw the zig zag briefly on the way out, but then totally failed to get any photos of it on the way back. It was also frustrating failing to get any photos of the train tracks snaking through the countryside. All for 15 minutes in Dubbo. However, I wouldn't have gone anywhere in Katoomba as the town was shrouded in mist and rain, probably all day.

Thursday Dec 21st to Canberra

Breakfast, checked out and on the 09.15 train. Sydney Central by 11.20. Not a short commute, quite long for a suburban service. Canberra train at 12.01 was quite small, but I had a seat next to disabled slot so a lot of legroom. Kangaroo sitings, and a quite spectacular gorge but no photos. Arrived at 16.20 to a miserable little station. No wifi, no busses. Quite a dissapointment and worry - but started walking and got wifi at a shopping centre which confirmed hotel position, only it is a motel!

Out at 18.30. Half hour walk to the bridge, via parliament, at least another 15mins to town. Decided to stay this side of lake, I am going to have to look at busses. Failed with that but did manage to register for Channel 7's streaming service and watch an American Football game. Booked a lake cruise

Friday Dec 22nd

Woke at 6am and finished the football games. Got out at 9am and down to Lake. Time for a hot chocolate. The electric wooden boat turned up, skipper must have been 90 yrs old, an had the same attitude. Still it was a pleasant trip around the lake. Then it was a hike into town, not helped by a diversion. Had to visit both McD's as the first one failed to be doing ice cream. Then on to the Visitor Centre, and the story of Canberra, only I couldn't get the chronology or the detail together. Out of there at 2pm for the hike around the lake to the Federal Parliament. Made it by 3pm for my 3.30 tour. Interesting but security to get in was a pain!

Saturday Dec 23rd

Lay in bed almost to 9am and got out at 9.40 which meant a little sitting around in the shade waiting for the National Archive to open. Good photo display, which had me thinking about what had got me into photographing (Uncle Arthur?) and developing black and white film. Another hall on documents -touching on the race issue.

Target was the National Museum but passed the Old Parliament House, so called in there and got the tour. No Ice Cream but good cartoon exhibition and journalist area. Getting on for 2pm by the time I got to the Museum. Another place with no Ice Cream so cake and Hot Chocolate instead. Much more emphasis on First Nation here. Out about 4.30 decided to see if there was a shopping centre - got lost but found a McD and finally got an Ice Cream. Found the Canberra Centre and with no Woolworths near it was a case of stock up at Coles.

Clouds were turning a bit dark, which was worrying as it was a long walk. 9.95mls according to Samsung - back by 18.30. And I was right to be worried 20.00 and we have a downpour, well heavy shower.

Sunday Dec 24th to Sydney

Out at 0915 and up to the shopping centre with a McD. Lots of cafes there and lots of people having coffee. Then on to station, checked that train was scheduled and then took a wander around to the Railway Museum. Nice guy on reception, and bought a couple of wooden whistles which makes me think I must try making my own. Train was 4hrs (11.50 to 4pm). Nice views but failed to get good photos, particularly of kangaroos - even though I had a window seat on the side I wanted.

Sydney I got the T4 out to Wollie Creek and braved the rain to get to the hotel. Thunder, but I was on the edge, so not too wet. 

Monday 25th Dec - Christmas Day

Out before 9am - don't know how. Train to Bondai Junction and it was pretty difficult to avoid the bus to the beach. Walked along the beach, not much to see, took a selfie which is getting a lot of responses on facebook. Decided to try the ferries and took the bus to Watsons Bay, for a ferry to Circular Quay. Breakfast at McD. Then ferry to Cockatoo Island. Had been intending to go right up to Parmetta but no ferries on Xmas Day. Island was interesting but ferries only once an hour. Too early to return, so took the train over the bridge intending to check out viewing points but saw you could walk across the bridge so I did that, back to Circular Quay. It being Christmas I treated myself to a further Ice Cream at McD in George St but this one was just as crowded, and I got short measure, well not as loaded as it could have been. However, I got to see some interesting buildings. Back to hotel and Christmas music and photos.

Tuesday 26h Dec

At least it was worth dragging the jacket around all day today. Australia has some pretty big raindrops, but it was only a shower. Train to Circular Quay, breakfast and then on the ferry to Manly. Quick look at their beach, it seemed a bit better than Bondi. Then a hike up onto the Heads. Lots of people also trekking. Thought I might get on the bus, but it was full. The road was closed to traffic. Found a rock to sit on, and when the time came to stand on. Interesting watching the race, nice lee bow pulled off but protest shouted, will be interesting to see how maxis decide such things. Back to ferry. Decided not to go up to Parrametta, so back in room by 5pm after a shop at Woolies.

Wed 27th - to Coffs Harbour

Checked out and took the train down to St James as I wanted to take phots of the station, also stopped at Museum and took photos, then returned to Central. Little wander, including McD and the Market, collecting souvenirs before returning to station. Got on train to find some little girl had spily a milkshake on the floor. Staff were not particularly helpful. Eventually it got cleaned up. Train ride was long with not particularly good views, and it got dark before arrival. Alex was waiting - we were 20mins late.

Thurs 28th

Panic and loss. Cancelled Hornby booking and then discovered that the CKS booking was in January not Dec. Just hoping I will get a refund. Have an alternative booked with cancellation until 2pm but it's write off the money time. No sleeper berths available for the return trip, so I am staying an extra night and tomorrow will be a 9hr train back to Sydney. Nice hike with the dog except I forgot my phone so ot didn't get recorded. Alex showed me the sights and took me for a drive on the beach. Seafood purchased for dinner = the proverbial shrimps on the barbie.

Friday 29th Dec - back to Sydney

Out around 6.30am and dog walked around the same 3 mile circuit as yesterday. Even with breakfast there was an hour and a half to kill and I began to get worried about New Zealand. Bus booking doesn't work and Queenstown has no accommodation. Time expired and it was down to the fish market for another pot of Seafood Salad and then on to the train. 9hrs and half an hour late. Hotel was a big disappointment. Not even a sink in the room and shared toilet and shower at the end of the corridor. There aren't even any hangers in the closet. There is a TV and internet so will have to live with it and hopefully get stuff washed on new years eve.

Saturday 30th Dec

Despite trying to continue internet search without luck I was out before 9am and walked to a McD and then the Parramatta Jetty. Boat was full, some people didn't get on. Sat next to a couple whose husband came from Merthyr Tydfil. Darling harbour was crowded. To be on a boat for new year eve would have cost around $1500. Powerhouse Museum was interesting, I think it is three museums in one. From there it was on to the Australian Museum lots of stuffed animals mainly birds. On for an ice cream and then back to the hotel around 6pm.

Sunday 31st Dec

Out of Rosehill before 10am and took the train into Town Hall Considered joining the "free" tour but it was 2.5hrs and they were after a "pay what you think it is worth" at the end, so McD was a greater draw. 1.5hrs vanished as I played on the phone. Out to Airport hotel and the room was just ready so they let me check in just after midday. Out at 3pm and down to Botanic Gardens which was already closed, as was Mc Point. Decided that the only option was to try the North shore so took the train across the bridge. The point there was already closed. Found a set of steps with a partial view of the bridge and sat down to wait, and waited and waited. 9hrs in total, but had the earphones in bag, so was able to listen to music and downloaded documentaries. 9pm fireworks were as good as midnight ones (I think). Watch the Video . The train home was really efficient, and very crowded but queue management, was good. In by 01.30.

Isle of Man

Monday 2nd October

I had thought that I would get up and catch an early train into Cardiff and have a McD breakfast but in the end I had an extra half hour in bed.
   There was no way I was going to trust the advertised departure of 7.15, (too many get cancelled) so I got the 7am which was 11 minutes late, so the wait at Cardiff was not too bad, same could be said for Crewe and Lancaster (where I had my cheese roll).
     The problem came at Heysham where they said there was no booing for me and the best they were able to do was put me on the Tuesday boat at 14.15. Also Friday was full - I could be fitted on to the evening boat and arrive at Heysaham at midnight.
     Call to TFW got someone at home who could not help, and the next one was not much better and 25 minutes into the call I got put on the boat as a standby.
Boat packed and view from the salon was lousy.
Google was not particularly accurate with the location of the B&B but I got in.

Tuesday 3rd

Not en-suite, and the breakfast was not too good. Muesli with grapefruit and toast and marmalade. Croissants on the menu but not available.
    After breakfast I got down to the Tourist Information Centre at the ferry port and purchased a 3 day travel pass. Strode the length of the promenade and made the 0940 tram to Ramsey. It was packed as there was a coach party on board. They all got out at Laxey and the rest of the trip was quite comfortable. I did wonder if the noise would require ear defenders. Ramsey was a nice half hour wander, pretty harbour. Got some food and back on the tram to Laxey.
    There is a reconstructed wheel below the road which has a whole story associated with it. Walked up to the Big Wheel. £13 to go to the toilet.
   

Got the Snaefell Tram up, stayed 10 minutes and came back own, at least I have seen part of the TT course.  Little wander round Laxey but didn't get as far as the beach. Tram back to Dougles.
    Google took me the long way round to Buyright which seemed to be a Sainsburys in disgiuse. Stocked up with food and was back at the B&B by 5pm
   The mouse has stopped working, and I bet there isn't an Asda on the island. And google says I am correct.

Wednesday 4th

   Today was supposed to be bus day, but it started well with a full breakfast as I was able to take my large baps down to breakfast and have them with the ham I had purchases and there were croissants available.
    Went round and had a look at the train station before catching the No5 bus along with a walking group so I had a guide as well. Got off at Peel. Pretty little harbour and beach, but nothing really exciting. Wandered into town and just made a No5 going on to Ramsey. It followe quite a bit of the TT Course.
    At Ramsey I wandered onto the beach and ate the final bap before getting back on the electric railway to Douglas.
    Had a bit of a wait for the horse tram which took me back to the B&B road and as it was 4pm I thought I would stay in. There was a really annoying noise from the pipes which lasted all evening -through the Sully SC Committee Meeting (via Zoom) Luckily it stopped when the neighbours came in around 10pm.

Thursday 5th

    Breakfast with a couple of Canadians 4 Croissants was not enough. Forecast was terrible but it didn't seem too bad as I made my way to the station. Hot chocolate and into a traditional compartment and a traditional window with a leather strop adjustment, and a French couple.
   All the way to Port Erin. The rail museum was also the destination for a Great Rail Journeys tour, so a bit of interest but they vanished. A quick walk to see the sea and harbour before getting back on the train for the return. Tried reording the noise.
   Back in Douglas the weather was really bad and it was only 1pm. Went to Tesco and got a "Meal Deal" and stuff. Decided the Manx Museum was probably a good call and it was pretty interesting. Thought I would dump the shopping, rain had stopped but it was blowing a gale. It was almost 4pm so I will probably stay in and have a snooze.

Friday 6th

No problem getting to the ferry, but it was a little late leaving (like over an hour). It was late into Heysham, arriving at 13.40. So I missed the train to Lancaster. 

      A taxi was provided to Lancaster Station but it did not arrive there until 14.19, so I missed the 13.59 Avanti train to Crewe. I therefore had to travel on the 14.58 to Crewe but this was 15 minutes late and did not arrive in Crew until 16.29, so I missed the connection at 16.10 and had to travel on the 17.10 to Cardiff, which was running approximately 15 minutes late. 

     I arrived in Cardiff at 20.03 and was able to catch the 20.10 to Barry arriving at 20.40. The scheduled arrival time was 18.18, so there was a delay of over two hours to the journey. Delay repay is pending and as usual TFW have said it is nothing to do with them and all down to Avanti!

All photos are at https://photos.app.goo.gl/nRWZNEmJDXDQ3At99

Rhine and Moselle

 Thursday 21 Sept

I forgot to close the bathroom window, which I realised very early but didn't want to risk missing the 8am bus. Also realised I have forgotten the power bank, but I have my S8 so power sharing is possible. (Wrong)  Also forgot a bit of string and detergent. And left a ripe banana behind. The bus was slow, glad I don't have to get out during rush hour, didn't realise Barry could get so congested.

       Flight was on an Embardier 190 operated by German Airways and was pleasant. Back was pretty empty, but we caught up with the bad weather. Schiphol was wet but it is a good place to waste a couple of hours. Got out on the terrace, found some not expensive food found somewhere to sit and my train was on time.
    Made the first connection at Venlo, I think the train waited, but that meant that I missed the connection at Monchengladbach. Hotel sent directions to get in while I was waiting, cost 6 Euro. Next train was going all the way to Koblenz, so I stayed on it, trains at night are no good, useless views. At least Google got me to the hotel, and there was an Aldi, so I had nibbles.

Friday 22 Sept

The internet said this was the only day to get up the Moselle. The tourist office said nothing went up the Moselle. Finding where they might berth was another problem. Shock horror in the end - I asked, wandered to the place and was about to give up when I saw a boat heading for the landing stage. It had been due at 1pm and it was now 1330. Sure enough it was the boat and the guy said they would be going at 1530 and would accept credit cards. So off to McD's for lunch and back to catch the boat. Preferred credit card failed to work, so used a backup.
    Fantastic trip, through 3 locks and a thunderstorm, into the evening, with the mist rising off the river. Cochem Castle was fairy-tale, illuminated in the air above the town. Fantastic. Train ride back reminds me that picturesque wooded hillsides and even rivers don't show up in the dark.
    Got off the train early and google guided me but Aldi shut at 2100 so that extra walk was a waste of time.

Saturday 23 Sept

While hanging about checking out yesterdays cruise I had booked on a traditional paddle steamer trip departing 9am So it was an early breakfast and off to the Rhine 45min walk.
    Problem being on a thing like this was that everyone wants to wave at you. It also seemed very manoeuvrable. I decided that it had a bow thruster, it also had a stern drive, maybe even 2, but I did eventually decide that the paddle wheels were driving it. Lot of current on the river, even though it was a couple of feet low.
    For someone who likes watching trains his trip was a delight as there is a busy rail line on each side of the river and they are very busy with freight and all sorts of passenger services, even a luxury steam train.(which I missed photographing as it passed too quickly.)

    Had about an hour and a half in Rudesheim. Rail tracks ran between the berth and the town so more train pictures.
    Trip back was faster with current under us, and the sun set. Red clouds and moonlight over castles,  and 70's music courtesy of what looked like a gay stag party.
    Rushed to Aldi and stocked up as it is closed on Sunday.

Sunday 24th

A day of rest - so on the computer tidying up photos and looking at what I am going to do. Have a hotel booked in Trier for Monday night and train back to Schipol at 0810 from Koblenz. There are one day unlimited travel tickets available but from 0900. If I stay in Trier I would have to be on an 0630 train. Have now booked an expensive hotel near the station for Wed evening.
    Wandered around the Moselle and a 7.30 breakfast. A day on the trains tomorrow.

Monday 25th

It was a good idea but fell apart at the first hurdle.
      The plan was to take the RB 10 at 0952 down the east bank of the Rhine. But, as I had unlimited travel, I took the 0916 to Andernach intending to be back in time, only the return RE5 was late and I got on the RB26, which was the stopping train and I didn't get back in time for the RB10. However, this train was going to Mainz, but down the west bank (which I have done before) so I stayed on it and avoided a bus and ferry ride. (Mainz Castle to Mainz HBF.)
    Wonderful scenery, with the mist rising off the river and Castles appearing above the fog in thevalley.
    Also made the RB33 earlier than expected. This line was not electrified so a diesel, but a modern one. That took me to Badmunstier am Stein. Changed to RE 17 then, think I picked up a train RE3 not the expected RB70 going through to Saarbruken. Its a snaky line lots of bends and tunnels.
    Trying to get pictures of the sun on the rivers we were following.

    Should have caught the fast train to Trier but it was crowded so got off and got on the slow one 10mins later, gave me time for a pizza. Saar was a coal mining area and following the river was fun. Got booked into B&B Hotel.
    Google messed up the walk to the boat place Trier has some busy roads running through it, google expected me to walk in them and then was out with the location of the place. It was also out in the location of a supermarket, but I found an Aldi and stocked up on mini stollen's.
    There appears to be a train connection if I take two boats so got another day pass in case it goes wrong and I have to catch a bus. Cyberghost flattened the computer battery with the wait for support.

Tuesday 26th

6.30 up, breakfast at 7am, out by 8am at boat a quarter to 9am departure. The walk to the boat station was better this time.
    Mist on the river again, chilly start, geese flying downriver in the mist. It was like some SF film as the sun lit up a swirling fog bank down the river. Fun observation is that all drivers seem to play the lights at the locks, and all the boats are late. We were 1hr late into Bernkastel-Kunes, which meant I missed the supposed 2pm boat. Got sent back to landing 3. Found a brochure which confirmed a 3.20 boat to TT. However, I almost missed it, as it left from landing 1 and I was waiting at landing 3.
    This boat was half an hour late. Got  off at Traben-Trabach - well - Trabach actually and crossed the bridge to Traben to get to the station. Local train on time but at the change at Bullay trains were delayed. the fast one by 30 minutes, which meant I could catch it instead of the scheduled slow train. (makes up for Monday). Saw a Cruise ship passing an RV park - horrible both ways. Offset by Egrets fishing at the waters edge.
    Total failure with VPN's Old phone didn't last the day either.

Wednesday 27th

Up at 0630 breakfast and got to the station, inevitably the train was a little late, but I made the connection in Dusseldorf. The connection was even later, which meant I missed the connection in Venlo, but trains were every half hour. Schiphol was nice, didn't go on the terrace, instead went to the gate and spent an hour doing photos.

   Flight was a bit bumpy, but quick, we landed from the west, so my great plan to get pictures of the centre and Barry failed. Stepped out into heavy rain but it soon stopped. Pretty rainbows.  Bus was not due for 40mins so I figured to walk a little, there is a bus shelter at the top of Porthkerry, weather was good so I continued walking. Eventually got home beating the bus by a good 10mins (it was 15mins late). Must remember it is a 1hr walk Porthkerry is a Country park so very pretty.

Full set of pictures can be seen at https://photos.app.goo.gl/Q6BqgW5ZKtZuMcMx8

   

Iceland

Tuesday 8th August

Its good when it works. Up at 5am, out of flat at 5.45am and the 6am no 94 turned up on time. Got off in the right place - before wood St and was at Sophia Gardens by 7am for the 7.20 National Express to Heathrow. Through security by 10.45. The gate was announced at 12 and it was quite a walk to get to it. Had a window seat at the back and with miserable weather we joined the queue to get airborne. Weather cleared a bit over Scotland and was brilliant as we arrived in Iceland. Flat lava flows.

Iceland Airport was a maze, mixing arrivals with outgoing passengers, then a 45km coach ride to the ship. Fellow passengers cheered at the announcement that there was no McDonalds in Iceland. Urban myth about the last Big Mac not decomposing and being a museum piece was told.

On board issued with expedition jacket (I am a Gannet) and into cabin, eventually sorted out the TV. Did welcome party, dinner was good as it was a buffet and I didn't have to share a table. I guess I slept enough on the bus and plane not to feel too tired.

Wenesday 9th August Stykkisholmur

Up at 6am. Coffee in top deck, too strong. Breakfast at back of boat was surprisingly un-satisfying, as was lunch. Kept us going on the walk around town though. Had a burger, which didn't really fit the bun, and came with fries, but the milkshake was good and did the trick. 20.30 and I am tired. 

Day has been beautiful. Scenery wonderful but what can you do with it?

Thursday 10th Patreksfjordur

Overslept, not as good an early breakfast on Deck 9 and main breakfast continues to unsatisfy, but the sausages were cooked a little better and there was an interesting cheese egg. 

No announcement about the hike and they left without me. However, within an hour I had caught up with them and given the number of times I needed a leak it was just as well that I left them behind. I did get overtaken by some jogger, and we both saw the other fjord. I then decided to do the ridge in the hope that I could get down the ravine to the west of the village. Got there in plenty of time but the streambed emptied out over a waterfall that would have been over 100ft high if there had been any water in the bed. In fact the sphagnum was totally dry, so travel was not as arduous as it might have been, but the boulder fields were interesting. Looked at a couple of ravines and might have been able to get down the scree slope but decided to play it safe and retrace my steps. That said I missed the path and came down on the opposite bank of the stream to the ascent. 

Total was 15 miles according to Samsung and 12 according to Google. Two crab sandwiches and a milkshake - which was just as well as I went to diner which was waiter service and tenderloin of pork was tiny. As was the icecream.

The book gets even sillier. (Clive Cussler - Oregon Files)

Friday 11th Expediion Day

Once again I overslept. spotted a couple of whales, confirmed as Humpbacks from the bridge. The breakfast was more filling, as I added some ham and cheese rolls into it. Got jam from the croissants on my shirt so had to change. We were the first group off for a trip in the Zodiacs. Pretty windy, 20t+ gusts. Seeing Seals in the distance doesn't exactly fill me with the same thrill as everyone else.

Moved across the fjord at lunchtime and got ferried to an island. Lots of Arctic Terns getting agitated, also Guillemots and Puffins. Doubt that I have any good photos. The island had power, the guide didn't know about the transits for the electric cable. I also think he expected the traditional boat to float. Spoke the the island owner who admitted it would be too dangerous to launch her as the weather could not be trusted while she took up.

Back on board and got Beer and hot dog - those on the late shift to the island probably missed it. Crab sandwich for dinner, lots of people looking to miss the vegitarian evening. I'm trying for an early night.

Saturday 12th Djupavik

Getting up at 6am was OK. I still have a problem with coffee, but breakfast was good, 4 courses. An early start on the expedition, which went OK but was finished, with whales, by 11.30ish. Didn't feel hungry, so wandered around. Didn't get back in time to join the visit to the "art centre" and was 2 miles off the target distance, so walked it. Back on board and still not hungry. Waiter was friendly, so had a snack, which spread everywhere. Talk on rocks was basic.

More whales and a MoB drill and more whales. It's cold outside so sitting in my cocoon. New book (Michael Crichton - Next) Discovered keynote and films on the TV but want an early night.

Sunday 13 Akureyri
Quite a large town and with tour scheduled for 12.50 I decided it was a good day to catch up on the computer and watch a film. Dune sort of finished, no wonder there is a second chapter coming (at least this version sticks pretty close to the book). 

Weather continues to be wonderful which meant that with a fleece and jacket I was too hot. The walk was pretty uninteresting, apart from the timescale. Everything has developed since 1900. Decided £6 was too much for a fridge magnet, returned to the ship to hear a talk on the Norse Gods, which again seemed to date from around 1900, at least most of the illustrations were from that late victorian period. 

Would have been another early night apart from listening to "Sounds of the 70's" Internet connection seems pretty good. Did venture out to check my transfer details. 7am coach from the ship, with breakfast starting at 05.30.

Monday 14th Grimsey Island
Woke up to thick fog, had breakfast and returned to cabin to do diary. Looked up and fog has burnt off. Tendering ashore starts at 09.00 and my group is due to be called at 09.15. It's 9km around the island we are told.

So I wandered around the island attempting to take photos of Puffins and other seabirds. Convinved myself that I could see Greenland - only 250 mls away. Have now becom convinced that it was an Arctic Mirage. It was good enough to explain how the Vikings would have sailed there. The ship seemed to be holding position on engines. Got to next port in the evening. Just failed to hit target paces - no little green bar today.

Tuesday 15th Husavik

Early start for the hike which went up the mountain by a circuitous route. I left them on the way back and wandered up to the lake and then back to the ship so I got my little green bar today. Failed to find the route I thought was there, maybe didn't go far enough. Departure was 1500 so was back in time to have lunch and then got the nibbles later.

Managed to join Hesters (RYA Development Officer) Teams meeting. Should have been on wifi (I hope) there was no phone reception according to the phone.

Wednesday 16th Baccagerdi
Up early enough to find the ship enveloped in fog. Interesting experience of seeing the mountain tops above the fog as we came in. The Fjord crept up on me while I was having breakfast. Another early start for the hike - wondering how I will like it as it is up and over and then back again, vertical gain of 800m.

Well, it was OK - the leader set quite a pace but it was OK. However, the other side was steeper, and all it did was go down to a beech, so I decided to go back. Wandering the peaks was not an option as I was embedded in the group. Should

have stayed out but the hike gets off on the first tenders. At the bottom I hiked to the village, which was quite tedious, and not far enough according to Samsung. Just missed the bus back, so had half an hour watching the water and oystercatchers. Wandered around the harbour trying to get the distance in. Sent a photo of the harbour office to Chris. Got the distance on the boat. Happy hiker!

There was a problem with the tenders, a shackle or something failed, dropping a tender. Didn't see it but watched he recovery operation. We were an hour late leaving. About F5 (maybe) so a little movement

Thursday 17th Heimaey

Due alongside at noon. The entry to the port was quite spectacular, very narrow and steep cliffs. The hike was interesting, through the lava fields and up onto the ridge. There were a number of information boards showing how the lava had buried houses, and the way the entrance was narrowed was quite spectacular.

Thought about going out again and getting the three miles I was short but gave in to having tea, well a burger, crab roll and the usual chocolate milk shake. Checked in with BA for the flight home.

Departure was equally spectacular as we moved up the harbour and did a 360. Seemed to swivel on the azipods, without much use of the bow thrusters. The pilot boat was one of the ugliest I have seen, and had a child aboard! Captain took us around the island, but not down to Surtsey.

Friday 18th Reykjavik
So up at 05.15 for breakfast. Packed and off the boat at 7am. Usual waits for the flight and on arrival breezed through passport control and had a 20min + wait for the train to take me from T5 to T2 to catch the coach. Ian met me at Sophia Gardens and gave me a lift home. It was had been raining and was a wet and windy night. Real Iceland type weather..

The Official video is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHwAffj0CqI