USA Sept 2025

 Photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/Xrp5nbf6Sv2dxJCX9

and at (Phoenix, Washington, Scranton) https://photos.app.goo.gl/DRUuvw2YV28gkLHB6

and at (Philadelphia/Atlantic City)  https://photos.app.goo.gl/A5Vh8KSzkayK83Ng9

Wednesday Sept 3rd 2025

Bus to Cardiff and Flixbus to Gatwick. McD Queen St was closed, so some rolls got consumed. Bus was on stand for quite a while. Saw poster for Tim Peak at New Theatre, couldn't believe it would cost £45! Will stick to Cardiff Uni.
    It's a long bus ride to Gatwick, better done at night. McD for food - sorted out the app. Train was cancelled - don't think delay repay is worth it for £1.60, but it was annoying that a return ticket was not available. I could have walked it faster, but there were showers around. Easy walk to Gainsborough Lodge in Horley, which is OK.

Thursday 4th
Decision to get the train was the correct one. Checked in and the tag did it's job. While I was at McD  the heavens opened, I would probably have been soaked. Not a window seat but a spare seat - despite this it was a long flight and a long time getting through passport control. There must be a better way.
      Transfer to Metro was good and the card worked, Hotel is OK - lack of wardrobe but in time for the game, which I had not expected. Only problem is there is no way to adjust the volume, at least not that I have found. Eventually I asked Google who pointed out a switch on the side.

Friday 5th

Managed to sleep fitfully. Out around 7.30 and breakfast at McD - the app actually worked and I could pay on it but not use the offers. Transport was OK but quite a long wait for the No10 bus.
      Arrived at SoFi Stadiun just before 11am and got transferred onto the 11am tour rather than wait 30 mins. only five of us on it. Unsual american fascination with the rich. It certainly is an outdoors indoor stadium - a very impressive hole in the ground!
      Back to a Mc D and the app didn't work but I got a code and the ice cream and wrap was nice. Back via a supermarket in time for the game - falling asleep half way through -but waking up to catch most of the second half

Saturday 6th

This time I couldn't pay on the App, but the code worked and offers were available. Then it was off to San Pedro via Metro and the 142 bus. The ride alone was worth it, the size of the container port and the view from up on the bridges was fantastic. Google didn't have the route quite right at the end but it was good enough, Maritime museum didn't open til 12 so Iowa was quite a good fit. Jeff the tour guide was good - the tour centred on the Presidents. Quite a ship.

    Once finished the 45min harbour tour was about to start, so I took that. Still some sea lions in the harbour and the one with a fish being mobbed by seaguls. Massive container port, a federal prison, coastguard station (with the inevitable movie reference - A Few Good Men?) Then the Maritime Museum which concentrated on the fishing fleets. Lots of model boats/ships. 

   Bus back was interesting. Timing by google was confusing and I thought I could see somethin that might have been a bus in the distance - and it was |(doing the usual thing of waiting for the time). Back in Long Beach I took the Passport bus around to the Queen Mary. Difficult to know if it is too far to walk but that is the plan for Monday.

Sunday 7th

One day I will get McD right - this time failed to get an egg. Back for a day of NFL on the TV and nibbles all day so got some more grapes and cookies on my way back.

    It went OK until the internet and air con went out for a second time and stayed out. A pizza place was recommended but even that was having problems getting the match (49ers v Seahawks) to show on their big screens. The Chicken pizza was OK, but more than I wanted, and the beer was extremely carbonated - all for $28.14 £20.98. Message that internet was back so came back to hotel at half time. Room was beautifully cool. Then there was the problem of getting into YouTubeTV. Eventually got back to the match in time for most of the fourth quarter, 49ers beat Seattle. Sunday Night game was spectacular with Buffalo coming back from 15pts down to beat Philadelphia in the 4th Quarter.

Monday 8th

Was Queen Mary day. Walked over the bridge enjoying watching the tern fishing and got to the QM. Booked a tour and got on board about 10.30. Had fun watching the cormorants and pelicans fishing.  The water was clear enough that you could see cormorants moving underwater - and they could move. Chatted to one of the guys varnishing the rails. The Tour - The Glory Days - was pretty good as well. Continued to tour myself, was lucky to be in the engine room when the engineering tour came through or I would never have seen the propeller shafts. There was also a pretty big cinema down there as well showing stuff about the ship. Kept wandering around until 3pm.
      Back in time for the Monday night game, Vikings v Bears. Another one that turned in the fourth quarter and Chicago were left stunned by the defeat. 

Tuesday 9th

Plan was to visit the Getty Villa so A and E line to Santa Monica and then bus for 4mls along the beach to the Villa only to find it was closed Mondays and Tuesdays so Plan B. This was a hike up the hill. The trail was officially closed but someone had battered the fence down so I went up to the "Official Trail" and scrambled up to Parker Mesa Overlook. Pretty spectacular views from 480m 1574ft. Back to the bus - the beach is as spectacular and McD ice cream and lemonade was most welcome even if it had only been 10km of hiking.

Wednesday 10th

Checkout day, but first McD for breakfast and use of the survey (buy one get one free) sce you don't get points for this it is not that good a deal. Got a "You are my favourite person" mug for Marylin at the supermarket, I just hope it survives.
      Check out about 10am and A Line to Union Station. Discovered that there is a 3hr limit on the Lounge Pass and they wouldn't take my bag so I had to tote it all day - since the day was meant to be transit all day that wasn't too bad. Took the B line to Hollywood Highland - Chinese Theatre, Walk of Fame and the Hollywood sign - so Extremely touristy - howerve, I got fridge magnets. On to Hollywood North in search of the G line which is a busway. Not very exciting so when the bus stopped at the halfway point I hiked off in search of a McD. Getting to like lemonade and an ice cream even if I indulged with a double cheeseburger. Went back to Best Buy and saw the 12" Surface (not impressed). Bit of a hike to get the "Commuter Express" bus back to downtown. LA Highway traffic meant it was slow and the views were not very good but I did see the Universal Theme Park and got a better view of the Hollywood sign. 10min walk to Union Station was through the historic district.
      Still had 45 mins to kill so took the A Line out to Pasedina. The mountains looked spectacular with clouds around them but couldn't get a decent photo, also failed to get a picture of the old bridge over the LA River. The App caused a slight hassle getting in to the lounge but I am esconced and knocking back lots of Hot Chocolate. What was not so nice was being chased out of the lounge about an hour and a half before departure. However, I gave this woman in a wheelchair a hand by carting her bag and ramps. She was shuttled from one end of the train to the other, which passed some of the time. Nice seat and I found the power socket!

Thursday 11th

On time arrival at Maricopa - unfortunately the van was not there, and when it did arrive it was not the best, no view but the driver was OK. Google did a great job after we were dropped at the airport. Caught the skytrain to Metro Centre then 4 busses and a walk to Marylin & Marvins.
      Harrassed by a homeless guy at one of the bus stops but otherwise all went smoothly, despite my getting lost.

Friday 12th
Half an hour in the pool and the rest of the day trying to sort the photos and watch Football. Having missed the NFL last night we got the repeat today

Saturday 13th
Spent most of the morning playing with itinerary for the January trip, sorting the photos online as I had duplicated a number and the order was weird as I put a number together so that they are all in TV format.

Sunday 14th
Half hour in the pool, hicory flavoured baked beans on french toast and three NFL Games - it doesn't get much better.

Monday 15th

Marylin insisted on taking me to the trailhead, so we were there by 8am thus avoiding the worst of the heat. Cholla Trail up and Echo Trail down. More of a scramble than a hike and under 5km so was done by 10.30 and the temperature was only 89F. The scanners failed to take my fare on both busses and the third bus is free. I was back soon after noon and Marylin was still present. Rocky (the cat) was put in the car and is off to the vet. Marvin has collected chinese food but I am waiting to hear the fate of the cat. Cat was OK but only half the procedures necessary were completed. First game was good but second sort of fizzled after the first half. Don't know how those out East could stay up to 1am, 10pm was bad enough for us.

Tuesday 16th

Another perfect start to the day with half an hour in the pool and hickory beans on toast. Then quite a long wait until it is time to leave for the "RedEye". Which was at 6pm and the sun was setting as the No80 bus took me to Paradise where I got the 44 down to the airport. Plane left at midnight had the aisle seat and no one in the other two so a little sleep on the way.

Wednesday 17th

Eventually got the pass to work and took the Metro to Rossalin where I got a Senior Card. There was a McD outside so I had breakfast and then decided to walk to the Mall alng the Potomac. Wandered around the place looking at Memorials, Korean War, Lincon. etc. Decided to go to White House - the perimeter has become huge. Ended up at thte Eisenhower Memorial, which is well hidden, chat by park rangers 1:1 as there were two of them and two of us. 

   Off to hotel, which was a dissapointment as was trying to sort out the transit cards but I think we have that solved. Booked a Capitol visit and bus to New York as train was $200 - dynamic pricing methinks,

Thursday 18th

Breakfast was hardly worth getting up for, two rounds of toast, I couldn't see a way of warming the oats, but the orange juice was OK. Took the Metro in and made the line for the Washington Monument before 08.45. 9am ticket took some time to get us inside. I thought my capitol ticket was for 11.20 but turned out to be 12.20. Off to Union station to find the bus stand. McD did not have screens so coffe at Dunkin Donuts and playing on computer put me behind schedule - ended up on the 12.50 tour. This made me late for the 2pm timed entry to the Air and Space Museum, but no one seemed to care. Rest of the day looking at planes and comparing the IMAX. Verdict - one of the better ones. Dinner at McD and back in room by 18.15. Contemplating a real early start in the morning. Booked SF & Reno hotels for new year,

Friday 19th

Up at 05.30. Bus worked, got to Crystal City in time, finding the rail station was a problem, as was getting a ticket, my debit card is a credit card over here. Anyway at a cost of $5 I got my train ride, McD at Union station was a rip off - would have been cheaper to have 2 meals rather than the extra muffin which was not a sausage and egg as I ordered. 

   Slept most of the way to New York - the stop was at Penn Station so I knew where the McD was, problem was that it insisted I needed a table flag if I was to eat in - and there were none. Third time lucky and the shake and coffee was nice. Bus to Scranton (I think there might have been trains available. Google failed to recognise that the bridge was out and got the bus time wrong. It was a bit of a hike to EconoLodge which was as expected.

Saturday 20th

Out at 8.30 to catch the bus at 08.45, and they took the $1 coin. I hadn't intended to walk 2miles to McD but that is what it was, although most of it was alongside the river. Nice but expensive breakfast. Got to Steamtown just in time for the 11am tour of the workshops. They are behind UK in having working steam engines being Federal funded. Then over to the Trolley Museum which was private so tax on prices. Went up to the Raddison (Original Station). There was a convention going on so just a few photos of the interior, I had been looking forward to a hot chocolate. Wandered through town and found a supermarked for lots of food. I might have overdone it one and a half pounds of cookies, a pound of M&M's, 6 bananas, Grapes, nuts and two frozen pizzas. Rushed to Transit Centre as the timetable said bus at 16,25 - it eventually turned up at 16,40. Drivers first day so could not advise on the route and she kept consulting her route cards but we got back to Econo Lodge only to find that the key had to be re-programmed. A good day.

Sunday 21st

Today is football day. I did go out and get the complimentary breakfast, Sorting photos on computer is somewhat spoiling the viewing. Not to mention booking Denver accommodation for the New Year and travel from New York to Atlantic City. I did watch the end of the Bears against the Dallas Cowboys, which looked settled but now Dallas is coming back. Could be a nail biter. It Wasn't!

Monday 22nd

Out at 0940 after my Coffee and Honey Bun. Walked down the highway with its usual variable sidewalks but got to the Lackawanna Heritage Trail before the freight train shunting shut the path. Passed a Welsh Chapel. The trail did not have a particularly good view of the river and I discovered that there was a footbridge at Elm St. That was an excuse to pause the hike and have one of the biggest McD cones ever! On and back through town to the Furnaces. There was supposed to be an admission charge, I thought but they were just open air buildings with interpretation signs. Back to the Transit Centre (more photos of trains) and on the 14.30 bus back to Econo Lodge and a wait for the game to start at 20,15. Pretty good game Detroit Lions beat the Baltimore Ravens.

Tuesday 23rd

Honey Bun breakfast and out at 9.50 - the bus was late but I was expecting to walk anyway. Got to McD at 10.45 only to discover that breakfast ended at 10.30. Bus was at 13.30 so I wandered up to the Historical Society and had a look around their 1912 house. 

     Bus was about 5 mins late but got into NY about half an hour early, or it would have been if it hadn't taken so long to get around the corner and into the lot. Meant there was no roblem getting to the Port Authority bus station at Times Square. 45mins to wait - spent a lot of that time watching the balls move through a kinetic sculpture. Greyhound seemed more modern and comfortable than the Flixbus. Out into Atlantic City and found the Bus Station. Google decided there were more busses than it had indicated earlier. No 554 got me to where I wanted to be for $2.60. This Days Inn seems OK.

Wednesday 24th

A toasting machine that actually toasts to a nice brown! Cornflakes Coffee and a sweet bun sort of continental breakfast. Nothing like a McD! Anyway out for the 9.40 train to Philadelphia, almost 2hrs later we arrived in the city.

     Walked to City Hall. Purchased a fridge magnet and promptly lost it $12 wasted. On to the Liberty Bell Visitor Centre, got my ticket to Liberty Hall and passed security to Liberty Bell, almost losing my power bank (Could have been where I lost the fridge magnet). Tour was not particularly exciting I don't think there is enough emphasis on how difficult travel was in those days. 

    From there it was off to get a Philly Cheesesteak. It was nicely gloopy but the meat was still real meat, rather than fall apart meat. At least it is done now - back to McD. After that it was in search of the Rocky Steps - or the Philadelphia Art Museum. Turned out it was further away than I thought - but I did discover a Museum Quarter - we will return. Spent the return trip planning how to get to the airport and booking the bus from Heathrow. Forgot to mention that my right ear is coping with an infection again.

Thursday 25th

Rain forecast so planning to take the coat with me to Atlantic City.

   Walked to the Absecon Lighthouse, which was interesting - more examples of how he eye is drawn to text while the photo ignores it - the names of the casinos seem so prominent and yet they just don't show in photos. Over 200 steps to the top, good views. Then on to the Boardwalk, which was OK at this North end but got pretty depressing as I got towards the middle - many souvenir shops closed as season is over. 

   Went shopping and the coat came in handy as I had purchased too much for the plastic bag I had with me, so wrapped it in the coat. Decided to take the bus as it reduced the walk at the other end. It didn't rain.

Friday 26th

The dayof the SGM. Worried about train but they all worked. \Skipped breakfast at hotel in favour of a McD breakfast. Walked to the Boardwalk which was depressing and then you find the information boards on integration. Not really enough to keep my interest and very humid. Back to McD for lemonade and an ice cream before taking the train back to Hotel. Martin on the phone, but it seems to be within the allowance. Meeting went OK and now |I seem to have a repeat of the Thursday night game on TV.

Saturday 27th

Having researched and given up on finding a McD in Philly close enough for breakfast I ate at hotel. Wandered to train station via a crab fisherman on the bridge only to discover there is no 08.30 train on a sat. Set off for a wander and discovered a McD in Absecon. Got Sausage & Egg McMuffins but had to eat them as i walked back to the station. It was worth it. Now on train to Philadelphia which is 50mls or one and a half hours of travel.

   The riverside trail to the Art Museum/Rocky Steps was crowded. The Waterworks was a good Museum, discovered accidentally, and the Yanks were forming a nice orderly line to have a photo taken with the Rocky Statue. The Washington Statue at the bottom was pretty impressive. Constitution Museum was not free $11 to see the propaganda. On to Race St Pier. But Google said I could make the 14.23 train and it gave me an excuse to ride the subway. At 14.30 it was doing Last Call. So I made it, after I had reconciled myself to a 2hr wait with a visit to McD for ice cream & lemonade. Breakfast tomorr will have to do and I can survive tonight on chocolate cookies.

Sunday 28th

Cornflakes and stealing creamer from breakfast - except they were little pots so had to be returned to the room before I wandered off to McD's. And very nice it was too.

   I then did the Memorial Park, nice fountains and the Galloway Veterans Memorial Park. Didn't find the museum that Google said was there but there was a very short trail called Glenn by the Bay. Fascinating creatures in the ponds probably small crayfish, and a nice view of Atlantic City Skyscrapers. It meant that I got my five and a half miles in and was back by noon. Plenty of time for American Football but really spent the time trying to sort photos. Despite the fireworks, supposed it could have been gunfire so I had a look, just like Tampa, photos are up to date.

Monday 29th

The plan is to check out the 08.30 train ready for tomorrow and the flight home. Which worked as I wokw early and even had tie for breakfast. Helped a little old lady with the ticket machine at the station and we chatted for quite a while. I declined to give her my phone no, and regretted it later - her grandchildren were military and might have been interesting.

     Took the metro into Camden and walked down to the waterfront.

Once you have done one Battleship you've seen battleships, so I didn't visit the New Jersey. Instead I hiked across the Ben Franklin Bridge to the Seaport Museum  and the Dreadnought Olympia - must be the only Dreadnought in the world. The  big 4 master was of more interest but is now a restaurant. Missed the trsin to AC and had a 2hr wait so visit to Tim Hortons. 6pm by the time I got back. Games are not that good.

Tuesday, Wed 30/1st

The Facebok post says "Five trains, one aircraft, a coach and a bus, 27hrs to travel from Atlantic City to Barry. Fun, including M25 being blocked 3hrs on the scenic route from Gatwick to Heathrow, at least the plane made up the hour it was late on leaving JFK."

   Breakfast and the train to Pennsauken Transit Center, Light Rail to Trenton, put off McD by the reviews so ate the biscuits during the 2hr wait for the Amtrak to New York. Long Island Railway to Jamaica and Skytrain to the airport (I'm not sure I should count the Skytrin but I did). Back in the UK and forecast is for a named storm at the weekend, after all the hurricanes missed the USA!

Spain 2025

Photos are at :- https://photos.app.goo.gl/JAQ4sB3r1NE58rFv8

Wednesday 20th August
Doesn't look as if I am going to get a rough passage, as the first hurricane of the season is heading to the north of the UK. And so to sleep, getting up only 3 times during the night.

Thursday 21st

Inevitably I was awake earlier than needed, had set the alarm for 07.00 but was awake at 06.20 and decided I might as well get up about 10 mins later. The excuse was that I had to put the rubbish out, which meant going down to the garage to collect it. Also feeling guilty as it is not supposed to be put out until the night before so it will be out all day for the seaguls to peck at. Despite this I found myself waiting for time to pass, left at 08.30. The train to Cardiff was the one before the one I had to catch and was late - apparently it broke down on the way from Barry Island and had to be re-booted (shut down and re-started). The waiting room on Platform 1 was surprisingly empty and is quite comfortable, unlike the seat on the train.

     Arrived Southampton and it was quite a long walk to the Mayflower terminal. I was thinking I should try the shuttle bus from the car park, if I knew where that was. Ship is nice - turns out it was the old Rotterdam, so is the same class as I did Hawaii last Christmas - comfortable lounges and nice promenade deck. The TV entertainment looks pretty good as well, but the buffet has now closed until 18.00. Spent a long time on deck 10, outdoors with the sun on my back as we came out of Southampton Water and around the Bramble Bank, past Cowes. Dinner was OK but as usual stuff got cleared away between courses.
     The show "Ledgends of Las Vegas" was one of the best I have seen, but I still spent too much time looking at the technical aspects. The Theatre is old style and impressive, quite the contrast with the Virgin offering. Sort of determined to see the supper buffet at 11pm.

Friday 22nd
Pretty much flat calm as I got up and went to breakfast - so much for the Bay of Biscay.

      Had been dreaming overnight about having an International Outdoor Festival for Scouts in Porthkerry Park - interesting given the talk was about where you get your identity from - where is my identity?
      Attended the talk on excursions and a talk from Dawn Sanders on "How to prepare for retirement like an Olympian" in the afternoon it was "10 Things you might not know about Northern Spain" which was not a lot of assistance. However I wish I had been more detailed in my research - will I take the train (as researched) or will I just walk around Santander? Must do better! Ate a lot - the burger was really good but you had to order via a waiter they didn't have the remote machines like on previous cruises. Trying to knap between eating and so far the supper remains the best meal - pity it is at 11pm.

 
Saturday 23rd

Up in time to see us entering Santander, and in time to be told off because the buffet wasn't open until 7.30am. The channel is very close to the beach, or is it a sand bar?      Ashore just after 9am and found the station and even the right one for the C1 line to Reinsoa. Couldn't cope with the ticket machine though. I now have a Tu Card, which got me onto the platform, where there was no information, I had been told by a helpful security guy that it would be leaving from platform 1, but with about 5mins to go the display lit up and it was going from Platform 5 and had been sitting there all the time! Great two hour ride but not as spectacular as it could have been as the leaves on the trees hid the rivers and anyway there was very little water in them. I suspect I got quite high but didn't really notice the train climbing (I noticed it descending on the way back)

     The hike was out to the Roman Ruins of Luliobriga, with a couple of navigation mistakes. The Romanesque church was also interesting, even if it was from a different era. I bagan to get worried about getting back in time for the train as google had given the wrong time for the train up returning and was saying miss this one and you will miss the ship. Don't know how giving the number of trains we passed on our way back (it is single track with passing loops). The river walk would have been nicer without that worry and I could have got the train from Rio Ebro (the stop before the end of C1) Anyway I completed the full circuit and had 2hrs of scenery all the way back. Cost £10 return. The 2 fridge magnets cost 6Euro! Phone battery was overheating again and my right leg is beginning to show its age.
      Pretty knackered but the prawn wrap, burger, chocolate sponge and ice cream was sort of reviving. Ship is sailing along the coast and due alongside Gexco at 11, so it's going to be a long day if I go up and watch and then have supper.

Sunday 24th

I was out by 9am and began walking along the coast. The bridge at the end of the Metro Line seemed a good target but turned out to be a little ambitious. Plenty of people out walking and the path for the first half was really big and textured concrete. However, there were too many beaches with valleys leading down to them so instead of the cliff top walk I expected it was more up and down. By the end I was cutting corners and looking for an escape. Mind you Plentzia was a very pretty estuary and I think I saw a Gem Micro on one of the moorings.

      Took the Metro in to Areeta and walked to the transporter bridge, getting magnets in the souvenir shop before walking along the seafront back to the ship Health App says it is a new record at 35,329 steps or 15.48miles for the day. Anyway I was pretty knackered and there were no tables free so I joined one of the staff singers for lunch which was pleasant enough. Rest of day spent doing photos, watching departure and the stand up comic show. Made the 11pm buffet - but it was not particularly well stocked.Have taken to bringing a plate back to the cabin rather than eat up there.

      Had a letter complaining that they have not been able to service the room and could I arrange a time for them to come and inspect. Something to look forward to as I have to hide the extension lead. Also they want us out of the cabins by 8am tomorrow - at least we should be getting the hour back but it is still much earlier than Virgin who had an off ship time of 10.30.

Monday 25th
Absolutely flat calm this morning! I did see a couple pf porpoises heading south on my way to breakfast (they seemed too small to be dolphins) Morning on photos, wandered out about 11am and spent some time in the Observatory until the music drove me away. Singularly failed to find the library and the Chocklate Fudge turned out to be a chocolate sponge, and there was nowhere to sit. It remains flat calm and everyone is outside. At least I have ordered the duty free, I find it difficult to believe we are allowed 4l of spirits.

      13.15 got bored and went to see about some nibbles. Buffet was allocated seating and nothing I fancied. Burger bar was no seating, Observatory was setting up for afternoon tea and had a video game going, it was getting hot outside and only loungers available. They won't let you sit in on a technical rehersal in the theatre, so here I am back in the cabin, rather than find a lounge and be pestered to purchase a drink. Went up and had tea and decided to stay in the cabin and watch TV rather than go to the show or anywhere. Slight problem getting the duty free delivered as the "Do not Disturb" sign meant tey would  not knock - I got a phone call to open the door. 2litres of gin increased the weight of my backpack considerably.

Tuesday 26th

An hour extra in bed as the clocks went back, but still had to be up at 07.30. Breakfast and off the boat by 0800. No reply from Goddaughter but figured a trip on the ferry would be fun anyway so went Red Funnel on a day return which at £15.60 was the most expensive excursion I have had on this trip. Turns out she was off boating so came back and got back for the 12.11 train. Problem was that it had a lacl of staff so terminated at Westbury. I now have to do a delay repay claim!

Iceland 2025

Photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/y9iDkdGhhZXDywkY9

Wednesday 6th Aug
Having waited I almost missed the 304 bus. Luckily the driver stopped at the roundabout and let me on. 3 other passengers on board and when we left Barry I was the only one. Missing it would not have been a total disaster as we had the 96 and train in reserve. Passed the 96 at King Square. Cardiff bus terminal wanted me out by the quickest route.
        McD supper and onto Flixbus, having to get some girl to move her bag. Got to Gatwick and lost yet again on my way to McD, one day I will get it right. McD app refused to work and I had to use kiosk, Hot Choc was pretty watery. In through security and found my quiet corner without refilling water bottle so will have to go do that but currently have an hour to kill.

        Disaster! The flight to Dublin was delayed and by the the time I got through security I had missed the connecting flight to Reykavik. So lots of time on the phone - My trip was the first port of call but the best they could offer was an overnight. Not quick enough to get the Icelandair which left at 12.15. Virgin were really difficult to get information from - eventually determined that the boat doesn't leave until Thursday (Strange) and got them to approve my joining tomorrow. Then it was back to MyTrip who have now booked me through Zurich (leave DUB 6.30pm and then with an early flight 6.25, check in 05.50. There is a capsule hotel at Zurich and I cannot decide if I will book a bed.

Thursday 7th

Well, I didn't book the Capsule hotel which would have been £68. I followed the signs to the Transit Hotel, but they wanted £170 for the night, so I slept on a couple of chairs. Luckily, the phone had picked up the local time (1hr ahead) so got me up at the equivalent of 4.30am. Broke the headphones, in the same place as the old ones. Flight was 4hrs, strange as it flew directly over the UK. Got to Iceland by 9am, it being an hour behind the UK. £25 for the bus into Reyjkavik. Walked to the ship, 5km about an hour.

             Got settled in, shower and food. It's very complicated and very American. Can't decide if I like it. Reception and security seemed particularly sharp. The food looks good, many station type buffet, but you have to ask for it. Decided to take the shuttle bus into town and had a wander around. I wanted some glue but failed. Lines to get the bus back and to get aboard were quite long. Pizza and ice cream for dinner, neither as good as I would liked. Forgot that sunset would be later here. It's 10pm and still light and I'm watching the film "Dave" There's a good selection of films available.Decor is modern although some things in the cabin seem small.Sea is building and alarm set for after midnight as there could be some lights.

Friday 8th Isafjorden

No Northern Lights! Weather not looking good. Up and out to breakfast. Considering a change of plan, is it worth getting soaked. to wander to the waterfall, which doesn't look that spectacular or do I stay here and watch some films. Have started with "Yesterday" Haven't found a lounge - the cabin seems the most comfortable place.
        Well I did get out, got a bit of a way before Komoot started recording but went to the Bunarfoss Waterfall, which was closer and more popular than I had expected. On a little further and then back,

didn't really get wet but changed socks.. Looked for some glue, as the string holding the plug on the phone was coming loose. Got some glue, only to find that the plug was gone. Used the glue on the broken headphones. I was reminded that I had a Newsheet to get out for Sully. Got it done but failed to notice the ship had sailed, but then there is nowhere to really watch it from. Enjoyed dinner, it was much less crowded than at 3.30! Boat is moving a little.

Saturday 9th Akureteyri

We were in port by the time I woke up. Breakfast, despite the presence of toast was still cool, maybe I will have to give up beans and sauages.
        The route was a combination of two existing routes and was pretty good except that the top bridge was for horses only. I crossed it anyway but then had to go up the road to find the path across. Coming down was as good, following a much smaller stream past a childs play area. Came out near the aviation museum so spnt some time in there before coming back to the boat. Explored options at Lerwick - but the earliest tender that could be booked is at 11.30.

Don't know if it will be worth it as I was planning to take the ferry across to Bressay. Brought a couple of packets of wraps back but instead of the turkey (as the sign in the display said) they were both veg, with not much mozerella. Saw the Viking ship leaving.

Sunday 10th At Sea
Clocks went forward last night, Watch is now accurate and phone an hour late. Not many people at breakfast as a consequence I guess. Tried varying breakfast by going for muffins, but they were sohard the egg got shot out - not too much a mess but definitely not McD. Got bored with movies and watched a bit of BBC on phone. Lunch was crowded and took a long time. Vhips (Chrisps) with everything, including the wraps I have brought back for tea.

Monday 11th At Sea
Following an early night I was up by 7am. Well, I discovered a lounge, but no comfortable chairs. Breakfast was good but once again cold by the time I got to eat it. Watching the birds and trying to finish The Aviator. As usual too much to eat. Brought tea back to the cabin and discovered that the tray did not fit the fridge, Afternoon show was an american comic and time passed pretty rapidly.

Tuesday 12th Lerwick

Had hoped to watch the coast go by but it was raining and visibility pretty poor, couldn't see anything. Late getting up for breakfast. Have abandoned the beans and went for a French Toast Burger instead. At least that had a warm plate but it was american bacon. Had the room cleaned and now waiting with trepidation to go ashore. Last visit saw a wait of over an hour, in the rain, to get on to a tender. Not an experience I want to repeat and with the late departure there probably isn't anything I want to do.
 

          However, I did wander down just after 11am and got on a slightly earlier tender. There was half an hour before the ferry to Bressay left so I attempted to find a wi-fi signal, and failed. Ferry cost £2.80 return - not the £6.50 I was expecting. 3.5mls to the other side, about an hour, and it was. Wandered along the coast path as indicated by Komoot, nearly lost my fleece, and didn't stick to the path. Back in time to miss the 3pm ferry back - 45 min wait but the weather had improved significantly.
        Our departure was considerably delayed - I thought the anchor might be the problem but the tender took someone ashore, probably a medical evacuation. When it returned we left, probably an hour late. Nothing on TV so it is down to downloaded Sounds or I-Player on the phone. Discovered I had forgotten to switch phone to airplane mode and was connected to the marine network, here's hoping.

Wednesday 13th At Sea
The TV remote broke, not that there is anything worth watching on TV. Up at 7am back on the baked beans and cold sausages, but a couple pf aain au chocolate made up for it. Spent the entire morning trying to get photos rady for uploading. Decided that they need to be formatted for wide screen tV so any cortrait shots had to be doubled up. Have also watermarked then so I will know where they are from.. Seems there is no comedian this afternoon. But there was a piano player at 4pm so I went to tht and then stuffed my face with the panini's which I had put in the fridge. Took a photo of a disappointing sunset.

Thursday 14th Arriving Amsterdam 1500

Forced myself out of bed and up to breakfast. Came back to room and composed the hike data into photos ready for uploading.. Getting good at it as that was done by 10am by which time we were approaching the coast. Entered the harbour about midday and we have locked in and are currently in the canal. Fun watching the rope handlers in the lock, they had a van with a windlass on the back, but had to chock the wheel before using it. Contrast with other places where a couple of men have hauled the lines ashore. We are now in the European heat

wave and it is now too hot to stay outside, not to mention that there is practically nowhere with a decent view. The bow camera on my cabin TV is the best option, so I am watching the countryside slip by from the comfort of the cabin bed. The phone seems to have picked up the local time, ship is staying on British Summer Time according to the messages.
        Arrived on time and eventually went out for a wander. The terminal has wifi but I will wait to upload everything as there is nowhere to sit, maybe McD in Portsmouth if I have to wait for a train. Filled up on cookies and peanut brittle, getting chocolate on the sheets, ugly!

Friday 15th Amsterdam

Got fooled by the phone and was at breakfast for 7am ship time. It was surprisingly busy. Outside seating area was not available, another cruise ship has arrived, at least this place is big enough to absorb them. Got out around 9am, avoiding the line for passport control. Walked up to the station and took the ferry actoss to the other side. The plan had been to visit the film museum, Discovered another thing called "This is Holland" but it was E27 and I couldn't see that it would be that good. the Film Museum was E22 but seemed to be concentrating in Kirasawa, so I decided to give that a miss and just sit/stand outside and watch boats going up and down the river. Eventually walked up to NDSM-Werf which was an interesting setting of industrial and art in an old shipbuilding building. From there to the longer ferry vack to the Central Station and a Canal Cruise. This was nice, but the phone overheated so had to be switched off meaning that I could not follow the route and photos were limited. Back to the ship and a line to get in, but no line for a passport stamp, but it was hard for him to find the incoming stamp (turned out to be Zurich). Best bit - watching the ship manoeveur and get down the canal - though it had to be via the bow camera. Went and watched the comedian in the theatre - not sure I was impressed.

Saturday 16th At Sea

Once again confused by the phone time and the ship time. A light breakfast, just a couple of croissants and coffee, as I will probably go back there. Another stage show at 3pm, They want $200 for a tour of the ship! Needless to say I will not be doing it. Played with photos till 11, then went in search of elevenses and was unsatisfied, not that I know what I want.. Discovered the daily programme sheet which I should have been picking up daily. Probably not delivered as I had "Do not disturb" sign illuminated. Lots of ships as we approach the English Channel. For a while I thought the promenade on deck 7 might give a view from the bow, but it just goes through a tunnel.
        No Fries for 10 minutes, the tacos were not wrapped. Lunch was curry - not to my taste. The app said you MUST book a disembarcation slot only all the slots are SOLD OUT. Nearly time for afternoon comedy show. Which was OK but not astounding. I couldn't manage to watch any movies and the news is just repeats. Sunset was around 8.20 so I went up and took pictures of that and will try downloaded radio and early sleep (as usual).

Sunday 17th Portsmouth

Alarm at 06.30 once again in the middle of a dream, up and off to breakfast. Packed and escaped, no one asked about the bookings we were supposed to make in order to get off the ship. Got to McD, the app is insisting that I still have an order pending, so ordered with a code. The wi-fi was extremely slow, so gave up and went to the station. Tirned out the train was from Portsmouth and Southsea Central and not the Harbour. All the way listening to downloaded radio "I haven't a Clue" Good connection to Barry and back by 14.30 to do this and photos.

CONCLUSIONS

Virgin Voyages is different.
        I like the longer stays in port (Particularly as it meant I didn't miss the entire cruise). The ship is ugly and the lounges are all inward facing, nowhere to really sit and watch the world go by. There is no information from the bridge - this is a moving hotel rather than a ship.
        The cabin is OK - I remain unconvinced that a balcony is worth it (This was a special offer and cheaper than internal) The bow camera gives the best view. Bathroom is very small and the idea that everything is controlled by the tablet is annoying - have to get up to switch the lights off and the bedside light is totally inadequate for my old eyes. Have to squeese past the end of the bed at the risk of hitting the TV. There is a fridge - plugs are american and one european. The little chip/fob they give you as a key is not particularly good,, has to be really close to the touchpad to work and is not exactly a souvenir worth having (Princess did a better job).
        The buffet is OK but a number of the stations close remarkably early, so I have been bringing stuff back to the room. They provide food in take away containers. None of them are help yourself, so you end up asking for more, and some of the selections seem to change randomly. Confectionary is available on Deck 7 but I was not impressed with the Hot Dog or their idea of sausages. Breakfast came on a cold plate and was cold before I could really finish it.Pain-au-chocolate is nice and big though and the chips (French Fries) are to die for, thick and crispy.
        The entertainment has a heavy emphasis towards stand up comics and less on the gllitsy shows which is good for me. TV offer is lots of films, three news channels and BBC maritime (which does not suit me and has no guide as to what is on anyway - you have to search the internet). Events scroll through so you can only read half the description and then it has to scroll through the next 24hrs before coming back to something you might be interested in. The app is riddled with errors - ship's time will not change - yet it has changed a couple of times. Booking slots for tender or going ashore has been met with sold out. There is no notification when they send a message - you have to check. OK that's down to the settings on my phone.

MSC Norway 2025

 Photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/DZfggzyesFNAszd8A

Video of Waterfalls at:- https://youtu.be/6o4EJT2JGsQ

Saturday 21st Southampton
All seemed to be going well, until I got outside the flats and found myself locked out with no keys. I had left them in the door to the flat when I checked that I had my passport. Decided it would take too long to sort and went to the station. Made the connection in Cardiff and found Rob on Facebook and was able to message him. He messaged back and called so that was good. Discoverd that I have left the spare battery behind.

      Getting on board was fine, surprised at the lack of pedestrian crossing lights on the road outside the docks. Cabin was due to be ready at 14.30 so off for food and then reading a book in the lounge. Cabin was ready about 1300. Lots of people around, holed up in cabin reading a Michael Crichton book from 1994. Cannot believe the cost of drinks packages £47 per day cocktails, Premiun drinks £89 per day Alcohol Freee £29 per daay £20 per day for kids soft drinks, £12 per day to upgrade from what to what I don't know..  Waved to Tanya as we passed Cowes.
      Abba Tribute this evening. As usual I failed to get the idea of theatre, the tunes were nice, but the originals better and young people leaping around and shaking their bodies does nothing for me.Sparkly suits and pretty light projections.

Sunday 22nd At Sea
So up and at breakfast befor 8am before it got busy. Up to the lounge and read my book before going back for a couple of sausage and egg rolls. Excursion chat got me out of the cabin for a while - TV is pretty limited.

Monday 23rd Lerwick

Up at 6.30 and directed to the queue to get a tender ticket half an hour meaning that breakfast was not as deserted as I would like and I failed to see us coming in to the port . Got ashore at 9am and leisurely wander around the two headlands as planned with it only spotting with rain. Called in at the local Museum and got my magnet by which time it was raining, A short diversion past Town Hall and Library and then down to the line for the tender return to the boat, 55minutes standing in the rain. Phone was short of charge despite early efforts to preserve battery.

Tuesday 24th Alesund

The clocks went forward an hour last night so getting up for an early breakfast was hard work. We came at Alesund from the other side, which was pretty picturesque, even saw the Hurtigruden boat come in to her berth on the other side. Found the downloaded hikes and have to decide what I will do, but for now waiting for gangplank and formalities to be completed.
      Got off the boat at 11 and headed for Sukkertoppen. Pretty boring through the town and arond. Decided that rather than follow the route I would go up the track. The top kept tempting and in the end I gave up short of the top. Back in the town I found more tracks and paths but was getting tired. Looking for a fridge magnet and was reminded of Teilo by the troll magnets so got one of those. Back on board and given a handout. SUNRISE SPa Special - only £109 - and for my convenience they will add a 15% service charge. Had a shower and watching TV. Went to the comedy show and fell asleep during it. Was more of a pantomime show - not much comedy.

Wednesday 25th Flam
That plan didn't work. Idea was to get up and have breakfast at 7am and watch arrival at Flam. Problem was that we were arriving at 7am and by the time I had eaten we were already moored. Train is at 09.30 so retired to cabin awaiting announcements.

      There were no announcements, but I got off the boat around 9am and joined the queue for the 0935 train. Sat next to a guy from Bridgend. Waterfall stop was fun. At Myrdal I got directed the wrong way, at least I got a fridge magnet, The walk was interesting, very steep at the start zig zags next to a waterfall. Upper valley had lots of waterfalls and was very scenic. There were far fewer trains than I expected and more water in the rivers and streams than I remember from last time - must check. Really worried about the phone battery which did die eventually last 10% vanished instantly. Last 5kn was pretty hard. Dack at ship by 15.30 and a shower and change. Objective of trip achieved!
      Up on deck for the departure but there is nowhere with a clear view forward. 2hrs wandering around admiring the scenery and the way we had to dodge overhead power lines.

Thursday 26th At Sea
I wonder what went wrong this morning. There were walnuts but no almonds, had to hunt for muslii. Coffee only available at one station. Usual buffet station was not open and did not open, Went up and read book in lounge, Visibility was ot too good but a pleasant couple of hours - nothing to see. Couple of sausage and egg baps and back to the cabin to play on computer and watch TV. Back up for more reading from 14.30 to 17.20. There was no tea this time, looked as if they closed early. Back in cabin - still overcast with nothing to see. Amused by the sign on the big screen saying "Don't reserve sunbeds" - the pool and sunbeds were deserted! Aching right leg at the back of the knee, nerve damage moving down?

Friday 27th  Zebrugge

A lot of shipping around as we arrived in port. Breakfast and watched it dock. Slight kip and not out until 10am. Discovered the coastal tram and took it north with bank card and then bought an all day pass. I had wanted to take it all the way south but Google said there wasn't time for that, so got off at Ostend and took some photos of the railway bridge. Back to Zebrugge and was forced through security to use the toilets, Would have gone out again but the phone battery was dying so I am back in the cabin contemplating more food.
      Have booked accommodation at Rutland for the end of the month and the NSSA Regatta.

Saturday 28th Southampton
Arrived Southampton. I was up early enough to get breakfast, but not quick enough in getting off the ship. Missed the 08.10 train and had to wait 50mins for the next one. Back in Barry around midday and Rob let me in. Drove to Ipswich. 1pm to 6.30.