MCS Norway

 Friday 19th May 2023

First impressions - not good, but not bad (apart from the rubbery chicken)

It's a big ship and I have yet to find a way to get outside - the atrium is quite impressive. The cabin is quite spacious, has a phone and coffee facilities, but at the moment the Gin is working. A few hours later and I would have had to use the umbrella. 

Saturday 20th

At Sea - I was surprised to be able to pick up a signal on the phone. Turned out we were following the Danish coast which was why there were so many ships around being 20 stories up helped as well I suspect. Found the Sky Lounge which was adults only and not too crowded at first. Gala evening, so after an afternoon tea (and lots of cookies) I retired to my cabin and hid. Mixed Coffee and gin, which had me going to the loo every 10mins. Got the book finished getting to sleep early.

Sunday 21st Haugersund.

Up at 6am and ready for breakfast early as the fog cleared and we entered Haugersund. 

No announcement when we could go ashore but I wandered off at 10am. Four and a half thousand people crossing the bridge into town. Picked up a map and did the walks I had planned - but in the opposite direction to that planned. Nice and got a little green bar on the phone. Back on board about 2pm and had a siesta. Failed to find anywhere quiet and comfortable to sit and read new book, so I am back in the cabin. Haven't activated my cruise card - charges are ridiculous - behind the scenes navigation tour 1.5hrs for £42. Gin tasting session wasn't priced internet £10 per day of £15 to stream.

Due to sail at 1800 

Monday 22nd Olden

Up at 4am in order to see the voyage up the Fjord. Fantastic but why did it have to be so early. Breakfast at 7am and back to cabin to rest and change.

Out and walked up to the waterfall and then climbed up to the viewpont. Couldn't have been better weather. Felt sorry for the Japanese couple who wanted to walk to the Glacier, getting up to the viewpoint was hard enough. Particularly since google maps tried to make me climb a cliff. Followed the signs. Back in the ship by 1.15 and time for a siesta. Downloading photos by Bluetooth is slow and noisy. 

  Watched the departure and took in a short show - Some mind reading comedian. Still finding my way around the ship. Phone charger is misbehaving and taking forever to charge the thing.

Tuesday 23rd Flam

Up at 5am shower and dressed. Overcast, the edge of the Fjord going up into cloud. This Fjord is 90mls long but I only caught the last 10 miles as we arrived at Flam at 7.30. Wandered 6 miles up the road, wonderous scenery and waterfalls, and I eventually got the hang of the train timetable. Except that I decided to climb to the railway and got the timing wrong, thought I would have a heart attack! Too many pictures. Bought the compulsory fridge magnets and tried to rush back on board. That didn't work as the line was hidden inside the ship. All a waste as there were no cookies on display anyway. 

  Attended the ealy show The Abba Songbook. Still trying to decide if I lke Theatre. By the time I had been back to the canteen it was quite late and I was tired.

Wednesday 24th Kristiansand

Except that we are not due to arrive until 2pm. So a lie in to 8am. Skipped the cooked part of breakfast but got a little carried away on the pastries having discovered the sticky buns. Too cool to sit outside and I suspect the Sky Lounge will be pretty full so back in cabin doing photos.

  Arrival on schedule and wandered off ship. Port Wi-fi was good and updated apps and downloaded some more radio. Wandered along the waterfront. An interesting sundial seen. couldn't work out how I might make one. Then on to the park as intended. Wandering was great. Toilets and interesting city park with an isolated area behind. Followed the orange trail, but got worried that I was running out of time so didn't make the target lake but te other were beautiful. Called at the rail station, no trains scheduled - just a stop on the line between Stavanger and Oslo.

  I just happened upon the McDonalds and had an ice cream (would have had a milkshake but I didn't see it until too late - and resisted) managed to get chocolate sauce on shirt, it came out in the wash. Was downloading photos via Bluetooth when we left port so missed that, but did manage an extra meal.

Thursday 25th At Sea

The clocks went back by an hour, so I thought I was getting up at 8am - turned out to be 7am. Breakfast again No Pumpkin Seeds, but lots of sticky pudding, Decided it is really Lardy Cake but done as chelsea buns. Latest book is really annoying  but the large type makes me think I can get through it before too long. Which I did and got onto the Clive Cussler. Interesting the way they reflect the concerns of the day. Food and Food, passed Dover about 8pm and retired.

Friday 26th Southampton

Up at 6.15 in order to get showered etc, have breakfast and pay off my cabin bill. Off the Ship at 8am. Found McD and stayed until 9am. Wandered to Decathlon who didn't have the boots I waw last time and would have bought. Visited Currys and then had to wait for the midday train at Soton Central Station. Train was very crowded, but I got a seat. Train to Barry left from platform 6 which is unusual, lots of youngsters on it going to Barry Island - so they decided to terminate the train at Barry and make them walk to the Island. They nearly ended up going back to Cardiff as they didn't hear the announcements. Home around 4pm. Dog walking arranged for the morning.

All Photos can be seen at https://photos.app.goo.gl/fZyAe5e5EQkfE7sT7

Madeira 2023

 Wed March 1st

One day I will really mess up on the last bus to Cardiff. This time I had decided to take the slower 304, as I had been waiting and waiting and tracker showed it at Cardiff airport. Off I set only to see it pass me as I got to the top of the hill. So it was a 5min wait for the 96, and extra time in Queen St eating my McDonalds.

The rest of the travel went really well. Oxford Circus was closed so I jumped off the Victoria line train and caught a District to Westminster and then Jubilee to Stratford (Don't know why Google said take District to Mile End). Bus sign directed me to the other side of Stratford Station for the bus to Stanstead. This reminded me of why I hate air travel. Long queue for security and bag having to be unpacked. Toothpaste put in a plastic bag, belt, watch & boots removed. Then a long hike through the shops and a long wait in departure  area. Aisle seat son no view, but there was nothing to see until coming in to land, very close to the cliffs etc. The bus ride into Funchal was pretty scenic as well! lots of gorges to be crossed, straight into tunnels, or winding roads only just big enough. Two busses met on the bend, one had to back up.

Went to wrong hotel initially and then when I got to the Greco I was told something had happened to the room and I was transferred to The Windsor. Seems OK.

Wandered around town, pretty crowded. Chickened out and purchased a Levanda tour. That solved the problem of breaking my E50 note (38 Euro gone). Ice Cream at McD's and lots of biscuits from the supermarket as I attended the Sully AGM and Committee meeting.

Thursday March 2nd

Breakfast and off we go, I Hope.

And I was picked up at 0850 and taken on a tour of Funchal as we picked up the fellow travellers. Then a 40min or so drive including a coffee stop to the venue and a walk of around 6 miles. The rainbow on the way out was nice, and it did stop raining, well more misting and the sun came out. Scenery was great, views less so as there was too much foliage to see far. Way back was reverse with half hour break and 45 mins of driving. Never knew there were so many tunnels.

Wandered around town looking at food options - eventually a sundae in McD's and the last of the lemonade. Hard work planning tomorrow.

Friday March 3rd

Decided that the 10am bus to Santana was a good idea, with the aim of getting to Ribeiro Frio and take my chances on the return bus. Seems a lot of people had the same idea and I almost didn't bother to get on. They had a second bus ready so this is obviously a popular option. The climb is spectacular and the bus emptied at Rio Frio. 

Balconies PR10 was a short walk to a spectacular viewing platform. Photographers trying to tempt birds into their hands and failing. Then onto the main route PR10 Portela via Levada do Furado. Much lesss crowded and you begin to understand the warnings about vertigo  given about the walk. Got pretty much waterfalled out. Came across yesterdays group near the end. At the end we were waiting for the bus when a taxi offered us a group fare back to Funchal. At 5 Euro it was an OK deal and I was back by 4pm. Total cost about 9 Euro.

Tried to get information from the local tourist office but they were prety useless. They couldn't understand the idea of being on a bus for 3hrs. Ponta do Pargo is pretty much off list as the 5pm return bus does not exist any more. It has however suggested a Sunday trip to the Eastern point.h

Saturday March 4th

Discovered Hot Chocolate at breakfast, machine coffee is too bitter. I must be innumerate as I got on the wrong bus, 39 not 36 (had to look it up then). Anyway I got off it as it wasn't going the way google said the 36 should. Google said go back and start again but the track of the 36 looked quite close so I thought I would walk the gap and catch it half way. What I forgot was that most of the roads in Funchal are pretty near vertical. Still it was a nice day and pretty.

The clouds began to roll in as the route started and hovered around most of the time. I wonder if it was raining on the other side of the Island. Missed the suggested end of the road intending to take the City Lavada down - only problem was that it was closed. So I had to continue to Monte and the cablecar. I had been so happy that I would be going downhill - but this meant about another 300ft climb. The bus was half an hour wait so I went a bit further and avoided the tourist crowds.

Had a break at the Hotel and loaded a Funchal Tour which took me to the Natural History Museum. Then the usual Sundae at McD's and back to the internet. 9pm and time to watch some downloaded TV.

Sunday 5th

Part of the idea was to see if breakfast could be had as usual and still give time to catch the 9am bus to the airport. That part was a success as I was at the city bus station in plenty of time, only to realise that it was probably a SAM bus that I needed.. It's the same stop as the Aerobus, which is the only SAM service that Google recognises. 

Bus turned up about 10 mins late and a crowd got on board - another adventure on Madeira roads. The Ponta de Sao Lourenco was pretty crowded, cars both sides of the road. The path wasn't much better, in fact probably worse. After the Levadas it was a bit of a shock to be going up and down, only around 70m but practically constant. It was also warmer and a Force 4 so I went through the full water bottle.

The cliff views were spectacular and I did see the Desertas Islands and Porto Santo. Despite staying in the slow bus, I was back in  Hotel Windsor by 3.30 with a further 3 miles to walk - so it looks like another wander around the town and Sundae to be had.

Interesting wander, I had never noticed the castle and the Franco Museum might be worth a look at, and I enjoyed the sundae.

Monday 6th

Early at the bus stop on Avenue dos Mar, so walked to the SAM depot, two cruise liners in port. Bus out
to Portela.. Vereda das Funduras started with a forest track but soon left the levada. Could have been in Porthkerry Park but on a much larger scale. Pyle driving noise reminded you that civilisation was close. Some interesting Mushrooms and some very noisy frogs. The descent was hard work, had to be taken slowly and I pitied the couple who were going the other way.

At the intersection with Levada dos Marocos I turned left and contoured my way towards the coast, still looking down on aircraft flying in to land. Suddenly it becomes the Levada da Canical -Machinco. In the Walks guide they are two separate walks. The water in the Levada did get quite dirty. Got to the end and had a nervous wait for the bus. Google doesn't have any SAM times so it was saying the earliest bus was at 6am. Changed to th the express bus and was back around 5pm. Both apps agree that it was over 13miles.

Tuesday 7th

It was pretty dull at the beginning of the day but it cleared up and was as bright as usual by the time the 53 bus got around to Referta (constantly translated to Reference by timetable) 

The Levada do Castelejo didn't turn inland as quickly as I expected,. about 4km was along parallel to the coast. At least I got a chance to get pictures of the wildlife, lizards, dragonfly frog and flowere. On turning up the valley it got pretty precipitous. They were working on the fencing and I felt my vertigo getting worse.

At the top of the Levada I decided to try and walk out using the path. Once again a pretty large amount of up and down until it got to an old Levada, so last bit was OK. Found the bus stop and spent half an hour waiting for it, then half an hour worrying, but it did turn up. Strange routes as they go up ridges and then have to turn around and come out again. It was pretty fast going around the edge of the island. Tunnels are amazing. Back to Funchal and Sundae. 

They only sell the ham and cheese in flakey pastry in sets of four, so I'm pretty full and checked in with Easy Jet.

Wednesday 8th

The bus turned up at 9.30 not a problem as the flight was delayed 1hr. Got to the airport and thought the
view was pretty good. Then the delay went up and instead of the original 11.35 departure it was going to be 3.10pm. So I booked a train at 7.30pm down to Wales. Then the departure time went to 5.30 and I was unable to change the ticket online as the site said there was "no delivery option". Called the travel insurance. Eventually, we got on the plane only to be told we would be sitting there for 45mins as they didn't have a slot at Gatwick. They said it had been 4hhrs de-icing the plane and then the crew had run out of hours, they substituted an aircraft as my seat number got changed. They said we had too many passengers in the front and moved 4 people to the back.

   Eventually we got off at 1800 and went the long way round due to avoiding French airspace (they were having a strike) but we had a strong tailwind they said. Arrived Gatwick just after 9pm. Found the EasyJet office and banged on the door as instructed by some airport person. The supervisor turned up and handed me a voucher for a night in the Sofitel. 

Thursday 9th

Sofitel breakfast was good. Thought about walking to the station but it was raining so took the shuttle to South Terminal. Just as well cos Google had me walking along a dual carriageway, with no footpath (typical airport). Train to Farringdon, Elizabeth line to Paddington, Coffee on points at McD and half a train to Cardiff. Back in Barry around 2pm.

Footnote 

We now start the process of getting money sorted with claims to EasyJet, GWR & travel insurance.

All Photos can be seen at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/5GGicuGf7arYKfWJ6

London

 

So, with the RYA Judges and Umpires Conference at the Royal Thames I was going to have to go up on Friday anyway, so treated myself to an early train with the intention of doing the tourist stuff.

Only problem was that I had booked an Easy Hotel - and they said my card was declined. Then when I read the small print check in was for an hour and a half between 3pm and 4.30. Having paid £20 for a ticket to the London Transport Museum, which is valid for a year, I figured I might as well get checked in, so took the tube to Gloucester Road. Their card machine was not working so I had to get cash anyway. The room was a pod. No way of controlling the temperature, but it was OK.

Went to the British Museum, I had a ticket for 1800 but got in about half an hour earlier. The aim was to see the roof, which it turns out was installed 22 years ago. The building is very impressive outside, but the 2 acre roof has made it less impressive inside. The massive facades just seem a little miniaturised by the roof. 

The  place was quite crowded and finding things was a problem - I decided I wanted to see the Sutton Hoo Treasures and without purchasing the app found it quite difficult.  I eventually succeeded.

Morning walk to the Conference at the Royal Thames was good. Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert are impressive buildings. I also had time for a leisurely breakfast at McDonalds.

Two days at the Royal Thames - and an early departure in order to catch the train back to Wales.

Malaga, Spain

Vueling offered a flight from Cardiff to Malaga and back for £37.77 and Expedia had a hotel at half board for £140 so a couple of days in Spain seemed attractive. Especially when you consider that my train fare to and from London next weekend is £36.60. The room is about the same price but with no food and it is advertised as not having a window.

Saturday 14th
Inevitably I was ready early. Flight was 14.30 but I caught the 10am bus to the airport (heavy showers forecast and umbrellas are on the forbidden list. Don't remember a lot of publicity about needing a mask but cruise experience in mind I knew that Spain still requires them on all public transport. Seemed logical to waste time at the airport rather than in my place. Good seat right at the back and by a window, noise cancelling headphones working overtime. Bit of a delay getting off the plane, and onto bus to terminal.
Train was good, it seemed to be tap on tap off with bank card. Hotel OK, no window and finding a TV channel that did English was difficult, but wi-fi was good enough for the Wild Card Games, Food average, but adequate. Shor walk around the area.

Sunday 15th

Breakfast and back to room to get the second game. Got out of the room about Midday. Walked down to the beach and turned left towards Malaga. It was pretty windy but offshore, so no waves. Got quite a distance before I realised that my masks were back at the hotel and would be needed for the return journey by train. Found an unused mask on the floor after about 200m of thinking this. Lucky!
The Littoral Park was nice and the promenade was never ending. Got to the station feeling thirsty. Found McD and had an Ice cream - decided a drink would be nice but it had a lot of ice in it (which I crunched)
Renewed enthusiasm and crossed the river, saw the old market before walking back to the station and back to hotel. Matches started at 7pm local time, the same time as dinner so had to put that on pause while I ate but got back to live by half time. Good match, interspersed with walking around the room to get my 22,100 steps (10.3mls) done.

Monday 16th
Breakfast and back to room for first of the two matches I am behind on. An upset as NY Giants beat the Vikings.. 
It was even windier today, but sunny. Having got a digital guide the plan was to get the train into Malaga and do the sites, only I was on the wrong platform. So it was a walk to next station to kill time and check out where I might be walking. Train turned up and I got to the end of the line. Walked down the main drag and was feeling thirsty when I came across a McD - this time I personalised my drink - no ice.

Main sites photographed, including the bullring. The area round the harbour has been very nicely modernised good wander and at 3.30 I treated myself to an Ice Cream at McD 1euro, and I like their soft ice cream cones.
Back at Hotel and blogging before I forget. Still have to work out timings to get to airport, Gate closes 07.10, but they say I should be at gate by 06.50. First train is due at airport at 06.45. Ten minutes to get through security and to the gate (or is it really 30mins?) Walk to the airport is 1hr 15.If I leave at 0500 I should be there by 06.15 which is a bit early but do I trust a walking access to the airport?

Tuesday 17th

Well, the alarm worked at 04.30 and I got up. Bit surprised to find a crowd in the Lobby waiting for their coach. The Google track had one error in it, and I was worried that another road was blocked in the same manner, but there was a track that got me through. Photo shows the moonlight walk, interesting number of cockerels crowing. Then there was the problem of getting into the Airport itself. Slight cut on hand getting into car park. Once in the building it seemed to be as far to the gate - don't think I would have done it if I had been on the train, and as it was a bus to the plane it would have been bad. Security had a good go at me, had to take boots off and then I got chosen for an explosive test.

Plane was pretty empty. Having got a seat on the left the wind at Cardiff was out of the east so we came in over Llantwit and St Athan - so I didn't get the nice pictures of Barry that I was hoping for. 

Started walking but it was cold and the bus was coming so I caught it at top of the Porthkerry Lane and went back to the airport - and then on home. Had been able to download the Tampa/Dallas match at the Airport and it came with the adverts. Question is how prompt will I need to be next weekend to get them, only four matches, so they would fill the week.

Balmoral Cruise

Satuday Dec 10 2022

Up bright and early, well 6.30, Shower, took out the recycling, delivered Rob's Card and shut down the boiler and electrics before heading to the station. Just made the 7.30 train (15 mins before the required train) which gave time for a McD in Cardiff, but it was a bit rushed, as the train out of Cardiff was about 10 mins earlier than I had expected, and was crowded and freezing. 

   Arrived Portsmouth and walked to the terminal, calling in at McD on the way for a brownie and Hot Chocolate (which was cool), Boarded without problem, apart from nearly losing the house keys. First impression is quite reasonable - the Palm Cafe seems to have a reasonable buffet, limited but nice range. Didn't particularly like the cheesecake but the cookies were good. Cabin is OK, sort of got the TV working. Problem is that all food outlets close between 1600 and 18.30 So have to wait for tea. 

  HMS Bristol looked unloved. Sailed out of Portsmouth and I have a couple of nice photos as it was a clear night and lots of lights. About to get settled in to a football game.

Sunday 11th At Sea

Despite the notices the catering did not open until 8am, however, I was able to photograph the sun coming up. Sea was flat calm, it can't have been more than force 2 as the ship captain announced F4 - and expecting F8 tomorrow. 

   Attended two talks, neither of which were very clear. Sunday lunch was crowded and no chocolate, went back for seconds. Watching a movie so I have missed the sunset and the Captains reception. Looking forward to dinner and late night supper. Then finished the book at 2am.

Monday 12th At Sea

I was going to skip breakfast but was up anyway, so had a healthy breakfast Muslii and fruit with just a few pastries. Found the library and started another book. Disappointed with the talks. Realised that with Lisbon tomorrow, I might get a chance to download this weekends NFL games so have to get through the games I have. Tom Brady comeback in the last quarter!!. Then there was a helicopter evacuation - quite interesting. Now, will I make the comedy show. Which wasn't up to much. Supper was good though.

Tuesday 13th Lisbon

Early for breakfast having put clock forward ready for Spain - but this is Portugal. Trouble getting off the ship, as they changed gangway.

So we weren't ready for disembarkation as announced, at least they were correct when they said there was wi-fi in the terminal (and it was fast).

Wandered a little way and got a 24hr ticket. Didn't see ANY trams. Bus to Belem, the Navigators Monument was the wrong side of the tracks but the Maritime Museum was excellent and under 4Euro. Bus back to the square and tried the Metro, caught out in the rain, no funicular or elevator running either so back to the ship, collecting more football downloads on the way.

Dinner was disappointing, directed to a non-made up table (they made it up quickly enough - but . . .) Table cleared while I went to get seconds, then all the cheeses were soft, and the custard was thin. At least I was ale to stop the cabin being cleaned out but there was no chocolate tonight - just a candy. The game was good, Kansas and Mahomes v Denver and Russell Wilson. Problem was they gave the score of the Tampa v 49ers which is the next one to watch out of those downloaded. What will supper bring? 

Wednesday 14th  Cadiz

Supper and breakfast was OK. The pastry selection did not include chocolate, but I am getting used to being relatively healthy and not having sausages, beans etc. at breakfast. The book I am reading is getting stupid, and the lecture I attended this morning was all about plants and gardens in Madera. We are not due in Cadiz for another couple of hours. Can't figure why the shore time is so limited.

   However, that meant that I had time for lunch before wandering around Cadiz, which was pretty interesting as an example of a fortified city and marine base. I don't know how difficult it would have been to get into in an old ship, there are plenty of shallows and reefs around it. Resisted the temptation to purchase some gin, decided that since I am eating far too much the alcohol can wait. Found the train station!

  Departure was interesting, she used a tug to swing the stern, despite having a bow thruster. Supper was good - thinking it is the best meal of the day.

Thursday 15th At Sea

Well the boat is moving, the Captain says F9 I say F7 at least at some point during the afternoon the white horses became more numerous. I wonder if he is correct in saying we won't be in port until 3pm tomorrow - lucky that Funchal was the place I was thinking it would be most difficult to fill the time at. 

   Got two Football matches out of the way, do I do another tonight or carry on with the silly novel or start a different novel? Must write a feedback note about the "smart" TV - there is no way to find out what is on which makes watching a total lottery.

   Supper was excellent, as usual, goats cheese and onion in some bread followed by cookies. Began readig Alex Cross book, large type and short chapters.

Friday 16th  Funchal

And the late arrival (around midday) allowed me to finish the book and see the scenery as we approached the harbour. Many memories of visiting with Mother. At least this beats P&O. We moored close in but the crowds getting off and the careful handling of wheelchairs and buggies were reminiscent.

 Had to wander into town to find a free wi-fi signal and I suspect it was severely slowed after 1gb - took about an hour to download the Thursday night game. I ended up having a beer and ice cream, partly as I was waiting and partly as a than you.. Yes they expect you to pay for ice cream on this ship - it seems to come under their speciality ideas, along with chocolate.

   I did visit a supermarket and could have got a bottle of Gordons for 13E 70cl but decided I will eat myself to death on board and drink myself to death over christmas. Can't get excited about 50 Shades Freed so it will be back on its way to the library. Will I finish the Narrowboat book?

Saturday 17th Funchal

All due back on board by 12.30. And here I am, with over an hour before I was supposed to be back in board and having only walked 4 miles! Madeira has so much more to offer but the need to be back makes one reluctant to go far. I will return and do the Lavant walks, and explore the area and take a boat ride. Probably early Sept would be best. Didn't even have a drink ashore, as the bar was closed. Plenty of memories of visiting with mother, and plenty of photos. 

Sunday 18th At Sea

Day at sea, looks as if with a following wind we might be in Vigo at a reasonable time - they are talking about 10.30am. 

   The interview with the Captai and the session on Charts were not particularly interesting. Charts that the Navigating Cadets in deep water. Charts and gyro compasses old and modern. Got through the 2nd book, Patterson writes silly thrillers. Also got through week 15 games and the Thursday night game. Question now is can I find as good a download spot as Lisbon.

   Food is getting boring fish pie and Lasagne (which had dried out top) Deserts was a suet pudding, they are generally aerated and lack cream or ice cream. At least the floating hotel is moving and groaning again as the sea builds.

Monday 19th Vigo

Interesting parking the boat, pretty close to the other Fred Olsen boat. Got ashore about 11 and totally failed to find a wi-fi location that would enable me to download an American Football game. Instead I got to the station and got a ticket to Santiago de Compostella and back. Train left at 12.30 and followed the river/inlet for and then went back out to the coast before going inland again. Great journey. 

Santiago is amazing not just the Cathedral but all the buildings, definitely a World Heritage Site, just a little damp. Train back was about 20mins late.

Watched the boat push off, got itself going sideways and then turned round. Probably getting the nearest to the forecast - Force 7 as we have all trip.

Tuesday 20th A Coruña

I think the phone got a little upset at being put in a pocket as I rushed back to get some lunch. It decided that I had walked 10 miles, which I don't believe. Anyway after breakfast I was off around the peninsula that is La Corunna. Came across the fort and spent one Euro in cash to look around. It was pretty good with an English guide which I will have to photograph. Continued to the Tower of Hercules, which if you believe the sign was closed due to strong winds anyway. I had decided not to climb it anyway. On around the bay. At the sport centre I decided it was time to find the railway station. Spent a penny there, an impressive station, gave up on getting a football game into my phone and rushed back to the ship. Photos of the coast on departure and time for a siesta before I process them.

Wednesday 21st At Sea

Last day at sea, we have to be out of the cabin by 8am tomorrow, but the clocks go back an hour so it shouldn't be that bad, apart from the time of my train out of Portsmouth, so I could be spending quite a long time in McD's. The Captain was correct, with a following sea this ship moves as much as ever and there is no sign of any white horses, so it's only F3 - wrong forecast again, should be F7 - he said.

   Reflections on this cruise - it's been very British. Lots of people at the quizzes, and singing. The shows have not been as elaborate as they can be in a bigger ship. Engagement didn't amount to much - lot of gardening and flower watching, little practical or historic info in the chats, lot of "my travel photos". Food after 12 days is becoming monotinous - strange combinations have been possibe. London prices on alcohol and all drinks, again small ship - having to make money. I have run out of downloads so now sitting in cabin enjoying MY music.

Thursday 22nd Home

In port at some ungodly hour so no chance to view. Early breakfast and thrown off before 8am. No hot choc at Morrisons and McD's wifi was slow, but the chocolate was nice. The shopping centre wifi was as good as Lisbon so I got 3 games downloaded. No waiting room at the station so spent 2hs at the library - hot choc twice the price of McD @ £2.50.

Train back. Unsual mess at Cardiff, with trains being shown on the board and then not arriving and overcrowded. 

Home around 6pm.

The full Photo album is at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZHCSa73VLgSoLMmu5

Being Yellow

Tuesday September 13-15 2022

This was not a successful trip, but it was nice. 

Everything started going wrong before it even started with the McDonalds app messing up and causing problems getting the Monday Offer. Then the 1am Megabus to London had the air con running flat out. Luckily, I had packed a fleece and oilskin in anticipation of the Pyrenees, so I hunkered down with the hood over my face and got a little sleep.

Having frozen on the way up I was then cooked in the tube, the Victoria line was hot! Coffee at Kings Cross McD and onto the 7am Eurostar and a kip. 

Paris was having problems with the RER but a line D train turned up and got me to Gare de Lyon where I got onto the wrong carriage! Easy move but annoying. Train hurtled South. Phone refused to charge so no watching football.

I had forgotten how pretty the ride along the Camargue is. Lots of pink flamingos and water. Sete looks like a really nice place. Accommodation was directly outside Perpignan station and good. Checked at station and there are only busses doing the route tomorrow due to industrial action, so the whole trip was a waste of time. Got the phone charging from the TV.

Nice lie in and a good breakfast. Watched the Sunday Night Game and then had a wander around town. It was hot and humid and I had left my hat behind on the basis that I would be in trains all the time. Went back and watched the coffin move from Buckingham Palace to Westminster. Easier to bear when the jabber of the commentators is in French. Followed by the Monday night game and dinner from the Lidl just down the road. 

Thursday morning on the 07.05 TGV to Paris. Downstairs, so not as good a view. RER is now practised so an hour spare at Gare du Nord. Eurostar at 15.13 back in London by 16.30. Took tube down to Westminster just to have a look. Very crowded and they have pedestrianised it. I didn't see the queue.

6pm Megabus back to Cardiff. Arrived about 5mins late and the driver of the 96 wouldn't let me on so it was the 304 back to Barry and home before midnight.

Now have to re-plan how I do the Yellow train but I think it stops at the end of Sept. Also need to claim the fare back.

Germany 2022

Monday 1st August

Put off packing thinking there were plenty of busses I failed to get a shower and almost missed the 96 into Cardiff. Stuffed with food (as a result of emptying fridge) I still couldn't resist the McDonalds offer. Bus was OK, not as easy to sleep as expected.

Tuesday 2nd

London was OK. Arrived 5.30am and walked from memory. Footpathe to the Mall was closed, so had to walk through Regents Park and the down and outs sleeping there. Very sweaty. Eurostar check in crowded and long. They didn't want the case opened. Eurostar was OK. ICE was crowded and I couldn't check in to my seat as suggested, it was supposedly reserved for regular travellers. Then the train was an hour late getting into Cologne, and was cancelled there so lots of unhappy people going to Frankfurt. Refused to pay for loos.

Got to Wuppertal and checked in. Great relief to have a shower. 

Did the Wiperthal monorail from end to end. Worried about ticket till I saw the 9E ticket advertised on their ticket machines. Back to hotel and discovered charging problems. Computer was being sensitive and lead did not work. Phone charged from television USB port. Good night sleep.

Wednesday 3rd

Today I had five trains to catch, four changes, starting at 9am. Every single one was delayed, by anything varying from 10minutes to half an hour. Luckily, all of the connctions worked.It was very hot and humid. Waiting was quite uncomfortable. Wansee by 6pm. Walked to the club.

Thursday 4th

Jury meeting at breakfast was quite relaxed. Jens Villumsen IJ DEN Chair, Dr Rainer KKornfeld IJ AUT, Stephan Zeyn IJ GER, Rurchard Britzke RJ GER and Daniel Wachter RJ GER. No racing as there was no wind. Threats to go out at 6pm did not materialise. Forest fire was the main topic of discussion. Went on boat  trip in evening and saw the smoke, and Potstan etc.

Friday 5th

Long day on the water. Afloat at 10.30, first race did not start until 3pm and he then ran 4 races. Ashore around 7pm. Protest time limit about 8pm. One boat arbitrated? into 30% penalty. ? was discussion that appendix T allows arbitration for boats, not for jury protests. Interesting.

Saturday 6th

Got out on time but with a very unstable notherly it took 4 attempts before the RO was happy enough to let race 5 proceed. At the end of it he put AP over A up and we all come in. Well it was very shifty. Now working on photos etc. Took forerever to sort out the mess Missed doing some and had to renumber and re-upload them, and still havent sent the link to people.

Sunday 7th

No breakfast, and problems getting out of the club grounds. The little blue button was not at all as obvious as the card reader, and why would you have a button to open the gate if you have a card reader. 

Then got on a train going the wrong way, changed to the S bahn at Potstan, and luckily, it wasn't as crowded as the RE Train.

McDonalds for breakfast, Coffee not a success but McRib was nice. A&O hotel check in was 3pm, no early check in but they had a bag room, so that took care of the bag and I was off to Berlin. Saw the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, on way to Technical Museum. Admission was free, Sunday? Great Museum, lots of trains and boats and planes. Came back via Checkpoint Charlie which was a mecca for tourists and beggars. Nice walk back along canal/river. Had to ride the subway, got my 10 miles in. No ice cream at McD's so nuts and chocolate biccies for dinner.

Monday 8th

Having been considering the Goltzein Viaduct and lack of accommodation nearby, decided that the best option was two nights in Leipsig, so booked hotel before breakfast. Good feed and it is 09.30, what to do? 

Got out walked the River Speer, or so I thought. The architeture was wonderful. Turned out I was following the canal, but it got me the pictures I wanted. In order to get the 10miles in I had to go out in the evening and visited Aldi.

Tuesday 9th

Decided to take RE3 and have a 2hr wait in Pasewalk was OK as I could get the RE4, rather than having to get on a bus. It was rather nice. Got to Szczecin and the Moxy was rather nice. Had a drink with Chris Lindsey who is now chair of a World Sailing Committee.

Wednesday 10th 

Fleet Umpire Seminar. All day in the hotel but lunch was included. Finished Aldi purchases for dinner. Came across one of Bill Brockbanks web pages, spent the evening playing with HTML, then discovered I could do similar on Google sites.

Thursday 11th

Another day in the classroom and the Umpire test. Had to rush to get through it. I hate those diagrams, I hate tests. Results tomorrow. Went to the dinner restaurant with the group and then pulled out. Came back to the hotel and did the laundry, in the sink! and started on the Gin.

Friday 12th

Passed the test, but only just, thanks to some silly mistakes. Got to Lidl and collected goodies. Afternoon at the regatta venue and afloat.

Sat & Sunday 

Afloat and Umpiring. Failed to pass the practical. Photos at:- POL Umpire Seminar

Had all day on Sunday with Chris and had to drive every time so had a feeling that something was wrong but with no feedback I failed to change anything - suggestion was get a Team Racing Umpire test, but I know I would fail that on complex situations.

Finished off the Gin and tried to do photos but there were over 600 of them.

Monday 15th

Train to Leipzig. RE at 11.01 to Pasewalk was late but the connecting 11.44 RE3 waited, so I got a seat to Falkenber 15.10 even though the train was crowded. Had to stand on 1600 RE10 from Falkenber to Leipzig (an hour) and the train was late. Then the check in to the A&O took forever and the room was hot.

Finished the photos and got them on line.

Tuesday 16th

The plan was to do the Goltzsch Viaduct which meant 0940 train to Netzschkau. That meant a change
at Werdau to the VBG RB2. Would have worked well but the train was showing Zwickau on it and was leaving in that direction and there had been announcements (which I didn't understand) so I got off. Getting bored I changed platform and got on the next RB2 to Zwickau. Driver was nice and waited for me. It was interesting, the main line train went into town with tram track, sort of dual guage track. It then turned into the train I wanted and got me to Netzchkau. Went over the viaduct but the top looked modern.

Walked 1.6km to the viaduct - it is massive, well worth the trip. Pretty hot walking back into town, and the return train was late (and I was dying for a pee - only possible on the train) 

Decided to visit Dresden as it was only 2pm so off at Reichenbach (Vogtl) ob BF (Nothing to do with Sherlock Homes). Route into Dresden was quite scenic, must find out what the hills are. Dresden itself seemed very modern - so only had half an hour there. Bought a pizza, I thought, turned out I had bought 2, may be a minimum credit charge? As the train left it crossed the Elbe and you could see the Cathedral and the old town - needs a proper visit.

Back in Leipzig by 7pm.

Wednesday 17th

A full day on the trains. Breakfast at 7am and finished off the S5X at 0823 by going to Halle. Next train 09.02 RE9 to Kassel was no problem, apart from my getting on to the wrong train. Luckily I realised in time and got on the right train. The RE 30 was Cancelled but got on the RB5 at 12.15, (the original

plan) slow train to Fulda. It was really packed, but I had a seat. The RE50 at 1407 which was late 1412 and late into Frankfurt. Didn't wander very far before getting the RE2 to Koblenz. The Rhine Gorge was great, really what I wanted but too fast. It was 20mins late and I missed the connection to Dusseldorf costing me an hour. That meant I had time for a pizza, tried for a milkshake at McD's only to be served a plain ice cream with chocolate sauce. Got to hotel which is OK except the internet doesn't work. Internet TV though. Room very hot, opened windows which made it very noisy, with them closed it is OK.

Thursday 18th

Greatly dissapointed with McDonalds as their Breakfast menu did not have a fatburger in it. Bacon or ham and cheese toasty only, but the hot Chocolate was nice even if I didn't get the milk I ordered..

 Morning wandering around Dusseldorf taking photos of statues and watching the boats on the Rhine. Shop at Lidl and had lunch in hotel, further walk and getting bored. Checked validity of ticket - good for trams. However, had intended to go to Essen, but the train was late so went for a tram ride instead. Somewhat surprised when it turned into an underground, but achieved the object of crossing the Rhine. Back from Dortmund Messe on RB39 - also late.

Friday 19th

Reluctant to get up and get going but was out around 10am. Skipped breakfast and on RE1 to Aachen, arrived around 11.45. 

Wandered into town and indulged in McD (Rib, double cburger and large choc). The medeaval centre, cathedral, town hall were interesting, could be worth a visit to the museum. ICE at 14.21 (10mins late) to Brussels. Check in opened at 1600. They wanted to see the leatherman, but were happy with it. More things on sale in the waiting room. 17.56 Eurostar, got into London at 1900. Tube Strike so had to walk to Paddington (40mins) 20.48 was running on time. Milkshake time. Train was noisy and missed the Barry train, so caught the 304 bus. Saved walking up the hill, nice as it was raining - well lightly.

Back in the flat by midnight.

Photo album can be seen Here