2026 Iceland

Photos are at:-                  https://photos.app.goo.gl/s7djsshU8oohHfe17

Arctic Adventures tour    https://photos.app.goo.gl/gufxUFnuucAVhPX19

Sunday 31st May

Sailed in the morning and Rob (nextdoor) didn't want to chat, so it was rather a long afternoon as I waited. The busses don't work on a Sunday night, there is a late 304 but it is too late, luckily there are plenty of trains, so it was £3.00 to get into Cardiff. First McD was closed, so on to Queen St and used the voucher to get a Big Mac - and the guy took £1 off due to the hassle. Bus stop had moved and was relatively comfortable. seat at back of bus was OK

Monday June 1st

Arrived Heathrow at 04.30 finished grapes, realised I had forgotten the bread pudding, but I had remembered the wraps and put them in the bag ready for tea. Flight was pleasant, had a window seat d we were in 15 mins early. It didn't help passport control almost cost me the train, I had to jump lines and made it by about five minutes, Had I not jumped lines it would have been over an hour,  not the 45mins it took. 

Train was actually OK - I had to move once as I did not have a seat reservation and the train was surprisingly busy. Changed train in Aarhus -next train was supposedly cancelled but just as I had decided to visit McD they announced that it was leaving from a different platform. Got me to Aarborg Airport Hotel as planned. Reception was friendly and I am having a relaxing evening having booked a breakfast and had an ice cream.

Tuesday 2nd June

All seemed to go well. Up at 06.00 Breakfast at 06.30 and it was a good breakfast, no toast or sausages but there were beans and bacon (crispy american style) so the usual 4 courses and Hot Chocolate to finish. Back to room, a bit of You Tube TV and out about 08.15 to the train which was waiting in the station. It was the one I was supposed to catch. 08.43  to Lindholm,  didn't even need to change platforms and the next train was on time. I should have given Googlre maps more credit and got off at the previous station. Carried on to Hitishal and had to walk all the way back around the dock to get to the terminal and ship. I might have waited for the bus but there was no indication and it might have cost - I suppose I could have asked, but the place was pretty deserted. So much for roaming and using the phone! 

   Anyway arrived at the ship hot and sweaty, so had a second shower and changed before going out and exploring the ship. Nice upstairs bar with views, but having left port I am back in the cabin considering a siesta. Which was OK. Short period upstairs, saw the Norwegan Coast, but visibility was pretty limited. Most of time spent watching the Geographic Channel.

Wednesday 3rd June

Breakfast was strangely unsatisfying. It could have been having to wait half an hour for it to open, it would seem that when I checked opening times yesterday the screens had not been updated, opened 7am not 6am. It may hve been the crowds, it may have been the small cups, it may have been the fact that only black coffee was available or perhaps the lack of toast. At least there were baked beans, and I did manage many courses, so I should be set for the day but . . . strangely unsatisfying. 

   Visibility remains low - have seen a couple of gannets fly past but will stay in cabin for most of the day. Until we were approaching the Faroes, when I went upstairs. Nice scenery, but we were not allowed off the boat, despite unloading and loading taking well over an hour. outside again for departure, scenery wonderful but I am reminded that distances are huge - with me thinking hiking or kayaking would be fun - it's too far! Must explore by bus or maybe a commercial tour, this coming week will tell. Due to arrive 09.30 ship time 08.30 local they said.

Thursday 4th June

Arrived as predicted and heard that Saturday tour has been cancelled. Had time while waiting for the bus to do emails, port had wifi. Bus took us over the hill. Google had said it could be hiked in 7hrs, I'm glad I didn't. Planned a walk through Eglisstadir to the airport using Komoot only to discover that their maps included a ford which would have been unpassable, so had to backtrack. However, I got to airport, only to be confused by timezones and had an extra hour of waiting instead of walking. Commuter aircraft Bombadier - just after watching crash scene investigations on them! Arrived safely in Reykjavik and walked to the appartment, which is very nice. Light drizzle.

Friday 5th June

Relaxed awakening and arranged another tour for tomorrow. Out and located pick up for Sunday then on to Perlan Natural History Museum (over £40). Spent all day inside. Volcano ride was pretty effective at persuading you you were moving but implied vast caverns and open spaces below ground. Ice cave was pretty artificial but safe. Planetarium had nice explanation of Arora on other planets and then said they were UV and therefore invisible - typical! All of Icelands attractions in a totally antiseptic environment. Back around 4pm with visit to Netto and stuffed crust pizza purchase. 

Saturday 6th June

A day on a coach! Having booked a Wonders of the South Coast Iceland Tour with Reykjavik Excursions it was of to the bus station at 0800 for a 8am departure. The bus turned out to be waiting on the other side of the bus station, discovered as I threw away old receipts. It is a 2hr drive to South Coast. Emphasising how big and desolate most of Iceland is. The Wonders were honey pots with plenty of car parking and crowds of spectators. Too early in the year for puffins but there were fulmars around. It had me looking at the photos of my 2003 round Iceland with Hurtigruden. Particularly with views of the Vestmannaeyjarr Islands. Back and dropped off close to the appartmentt with time for a pizza supper.

Sunday 7th June (Tour Day 1)

Another day, this time in a mini-bus. Up at 06.15 packed and out by 07.45 and picke up at Hotel Orkin, just as I am phoning to find out where they are having seen one van go past at 08.10. Craig is the driver and tends to read his clipboard while driving. I am about the only person on the trip to wear a seat belt. 

    First half of day is Golden Circle which is new. Discover that the photos of the rift are a con as they are little canyons in a great big rift valley. Second half of day is a repeat of yesterdays tour but I use it to get videos of the waterfalls for when I get back. Get to hotel about 7pm so evening trying to sort photos rather than going to dinner.

Monday 8th June (Day 2)

A good breakfast and we were off into the rain at 08.30. There was an optional glacier hike, which I had not booked. However, Komoot showed a nice hike which was supposedly 2.5hrs and looked OK. First half was good, sheltered from the wind and only light rain. After the glacier view I decided to take the direct route down as it was clearly a marked path and was shown on the map. This was a little more exposed to the wind and had some large drops on the side of the path. I am getting more and more allergic to large drops since walking the Lavadas. Got back just after 12 and thought I had to wait until 1pm. The others failed to return from their hike untill 1.30 and were soaked, they must have had worse weather than I did. 

     From there it was a short trip to a place where others had lunch, I had an ice cream, and purchased what I thought was chocolate milk. Turned out to be UHT milk, which went well with the coffe when I got to the hotel. Diamond Beach and Lagoon on the way to Hofn

Tuesday 9th June (Day 3)

Had a short walk after breakfast and discovered that every little island in the bay has been named. 

    First stop today was Hvalnes Lighthouse. Nice sea views. I thought Marconi might have been there, as there was a pretty simple antenna set up between two wooden poles. AI informed me that it is part of the Super DARN system for monitoring The Aurora. We also stopped to watch some reindeer, pretty un-successfully. Stopped at Bragdavellir Cottages for others comfort break, Google told me it was 15 mins to the Snaedalsfoss, so I walked. There was a ford, with some stepping stones and it was slightly more adventurous than I had expected, but I got across without a problem. While others had lunch I wandered around, meeting a friendly sheepdog. Next stop Nykurhylsfoss and then over the pass to the Egisstadir valley and the Netto where I first had breakfast. Doubled back to the Wilderness Centre, which is home for the night. Quick Museum tour and I missed out on the communal dinner - it looked quite cosy.

Wednesday 10th June (Day 4)

Hexagonal basalt colums in a gorge were the first point of call, after an interesting breakfast chatting to an american from Virginia. Followed by another hot spring area, the lava field and lake, lunch. I actually tried a hot dog (and was not impressed). On to Godafoss, by which time we were running short on time for the ladies to make their hot spa, so we only had 20mins - a bit of a rush.

   At the spa I decided to go for a wander up the other side of the valley. Marker posts got a bit scarce on the top and there were snow patches to be crossed so was a bit more adventurous than intended. Got Craig worried -had a number of phone calls. He waited and saved me the 2mile hike into town. Hotel is up on the hill and I couldn't be bothered to go out so have eaten my last KitKat (or emergency rations) and struggled with the coffee machine. Nice to have UHT milk purchased at lunchtime.

Thursday 11th June (Day 5)

Breakfast was good. While others went whale watching I went for a walk around the airport to fill in the middle bit. Lots of birds and little ducklins which I need to identify. Got back just as the others were returning and surprised me in that they had seen some whales. Lunch at a supermarket and then on with the tour. This area much flatter and rolling, once we were over the pass. Short stop forr a waterfall and then on to the hotel. This being the last evening I got called down to join the group. Carl insisted I had to eat something with them. The beef was nice.

Friday 12th June (Day 6)

Cabin hotel tonight, breakfast this morning lacked pain eau chocolate or croissants so made do with a couple of chocolate biscuits. Back in the room I got on computer and time flew and I missed having coffee. On to Grabok crater. Very strong wind and at least one hat lost. On to Barnafoss which was impressive. Lunch at Deidartunguhy hot springs and spa followed by the horse farm, which had its own hot spring. That was the tour done, those on the seven day tour were dropped off at Borgarnes and we returned to Reykjavik. Dropped off at the Cabin Hotel, basic but nice. Booked airport transport, so an early rise tomorrow.

Belfast 2026

 Photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/pgELc4Q7C4UGLNNc9

Monday 11th May

That was a long day! Up at 05.30 to catch the 06.25 train, but actually was on the 06.13. 07.19 from Cardiff to Holyhead, nice views of the North Wales coast. Got to Holyhead at 1200, convenient time to take a call from Chris Parr. 13.15 sailing on Irish Ferries got in 1645. 
      Bus driver said he was leaving "Now" and then waited forever before leaving, drove as slowly as possible with the result that I arrived at Connoly Station in time to see the 17.50 leaving the station. Staff said I could use my ticket on the next train so I had an hour wait for the next train, arriving Belfast a couple of minutes past 9pm. Found the accommodation by 21.30.
      There is a Holiday Inn which does breakfast just across the road, I checked, but it is expensive £13+. Struggled with the TV it being an internet linked machine.

Tuesday 12th May

Wandered across to the Holiday Inn and attmpted to purchase breakfast and the guy said "Go on in" so I did, maybe he thought I was a resident. Anyway, after that we wandered down to the river and made our way to the Titanic Exhibition. £24 Not sure about it, it skated around Belfast and while there was stuff to read a lot of it was repeated. The fairground ride failed to make an impression, it was not as busy as the shipyard would have been. At least it covered most aspects, but none in any detail.
    From there it was on to City Hall in time for the 2pm tour. A spectacular building, the decoration was wonderful and the stained glass exquisit. On to McD for a Hot Choc, tourist centre for a fridge magnet and then back by around 4.15. Rest of the evening spent editing photos and playing on computer. What to do tomorrow is the question.

Wednesday 13th May

So I wandered across the road to the Holiday Inn Express and handed over £14 for my breakfast, A bowl of granola with fruit compote, orange juice, beans on toast, scrambled egg and four sausages, two croissants with butter and honey and two cups of coffee. So I won't need to eat again today.
     The weather forecast was for strong NE winds with heavy showers so I gave up on the idea of going up the hill and figured that following the river would be more sheltered. So I wandered down the Ormeau Road and picked up the Lagan Towpath. The first bit went quite well and I decided it would be possible to walk to Lisburn. Having decided this I got stubborn, the second half was a lot longer than the first, but I did make it to Lisburn Station. £5 for a train ticket back to Beelfast Central and a 25min walk back to the accommodation. Komoot says just over 11mls on Towpath, Health says just over 13miles walked in total. Not good, I was pretty tired. 
    Turns out the train is booked for noon tomorrow so I will need to do something in the morning. Can't check in for the flight from Dublin until 10pm.

Thursday 14th May

So a elatively gentle get up and wander to McD for breakfast. Time to kill so a wander through the Cathedral Quarter, noticing various plaques about the architecture. Hot Choc at McD and then on train to Belfast.
    Here it was a walk south of the river. It was crowded, lots of Japanese tourists looking at the Oscar Wilde statue. Molly Malone Statue, Bank of Ireland, Trinity College and Weatherspoons for an all day breakfast. Had to get some change as I could not really work out how the bus pass would work. Hailstorm as I waited. Turnsout the direct busses are 11Euro, the local bus cost 2.60Euro to the airport. Once again the plane was delayed and a 45 min wait for the 304 bus (radar said it was going to rain, but I think it passed pretty quickly. Home at midnight.

2026 May - 1 Spain

 Photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/FdAUXBsH4X45whDz7

Saturday May 2nd

Having got off the boat and with Google telling me I could not get to Ribes de Freser before Monday it was great to find a very helphul young man who put directions on my phone and showed me where to get a ticket (which was Gratis). Free because engineering work meant one train ride and two rail replacement busses. Hostel is OK. Went out and spent 10Euro on a charger, since I had failed to pack a continental adaptor. Various gadgets will have to share it, the problem is the compute doesn't like it and gets very tetchy using the USB port for charging.

Sunday 3rd - Rives de Freser

Up and out at just after 8am and able to have a wander around the rack railway exhibition before the 08,40 train up to Nuria. Really pretty ride and setting. Lots of photos taken. I guess I was feeling the lack of oxygen - not too enthusiastic about walking but I did one of the shorter ones on offer. I was rather worried to find a gully with snow still in it, slide down that and there was a large drop at the end. I missed a turn in the trail, but this time I turned back - mostly because of the prospect of further gullies need ing to be crossed, I did take a

large stick with me thinking it could act as an ice axe substitute. Anyway I survived and got back early but was able to change the booking on the train from 15.40 to 13.40. Killed a bit of time looking at displays and waterfalls. Went all the way to the end of the railway in the hope that the supermarket there would be open - but despite a notice yesterday I think they closed at 2.30. Found a shop in town and got a couple of KitKats. Back in the room with a green bar (ie 12,500steps done) at 1500. Most of time spent editing photos and at 2000 I really should be thinking of sleeping. I did while the computer charged slowly, it was squabbling with the phone this time. At 3am woke up finished photo editing and put them online.

Monday 4th - Tarragona

Overslept to 8am but that was OK. Wandered to station. Rail replacement seems to be the thing here at the moment. No problem, on the 0925 bus to Vic. Here I was determined to get a ticket, which I did Gratis to Barcelona. That got me to Barcelona Saint for nothing. Getting a ticket to Tarragona was another thing. They had ticket window by ticket, so you had no idea how long the queue was. The internet site put you in a queue with over 7,000 waiting so taking 6-7 minutes and there was a line for the automatic ticket vending machines.When I did get onto the vending

machine it didn't like the Lloyds card and sent ma back to the beginning. Second attempt seemed easier - it didn't ask for my passport no. and I got a ticket for the 14.03 train for 8Euro. Problem was an incident meant a bus replacement for over half the trip, so train to El Prat - bus to San Vicenc de Calders and then train to Tarragona. Turned out that becuse I left early the train from San Vicenc was the one I had a ticket for! Arrived in time for a couple of McD's before meeting the appartment host. Pretty neat appartment, apart from the fact that alll rubbish has to e removed at the end. Very modern vith all conveniences. Got food. Need to plan tomorrow. Which I did during an evening stroll. The guy at the ticket office said it was free and gave me a ticket ! ? !

Tuesday 5th - Montarell

What with breakfast and a sleep in it was past 9am when I got to the station. Had to change to R4 at Sant Vicenc de Calders but didn't trust myself and anded up with a one hour wait. During which I discovered that all Catalan regional trains seem to be free until the 8th of May.
     At Martorell I should not have been able to get to the Roman Bridge as there was construction work blocking the route, but there was a thin track down by the river. I then fell flat on my face at the observation place. From there it was uphill, under the motorway, onto the ridge and a walk past a

number of old forts or castles. The rock formations were fantastic and photos just don't do them justice. The track down was pretty hairy, some big drops off the side, hidden by vegitation. Navigation was difficult in a number of places. Got back to the station and had another almost an hour wait for the train, luckily at Sant Vicenc the Tarragona train was waiting although not at its usual platform, so I got back around 6.30 with pizza and an apple which was good unlike the trail mix which is very hard work.

Wednesday 6th - Tortosa

Went out to ctch the 08.44, which didn't arrive until 09.15. That is the reason that travel is free until Sat, apparently it is compensation for bad service. Anyway it was a nice hour and a bit journey. Wandered down to and along the river and then along the old city walls to the forts and generally enjoyed the scenery. Trains were every two hours so I decided not to bother with the last hill and caught the 13.11 train bacl to Tarragona and was back at the flat by 14,30.. Wandered out about 1600 with the intention of getting a magnet but they were still in siesta mode so went to McD and thought "Dam the expense" and had two coffees., while I played on the internet. Suddenly it was 18.00 and I secured the magnet and returned to finish off my pizza. Charging the laptop has been a problem, it has been plugged in all day to no effect but for some reason it seems to have aquired charge while I edited photos. Haybe because I turned the screen brightness right down. Who knows?

Thursday 8th

Out by 10am. Train all the way to airport nd as suspected nice views of the sea. Airport was well organised and we got directed to passport control before the gate was announced. I seem to be in the system as I could use the egate. Long wait and even longer as the flight was delayed by about an hour, not that they gave us any information as to why. Dublin was the usual long walk only to find that flight connections closed at 1300. Re-entered, wondering what advantage flight connections offered. Flight to Cardiff was delayed. Got in with the display saying 44mins for the bus and 55mins to walk home. Began walking but the app said 25mins so I waited at the bus stop at top of Porthkerry. The rail link stopped just to check. 304 had two of us on it Back by midnight but 2hrs unwinding, before sleep.

2026-April

Photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/PzfBNnFbKA6c2wkY8

and 

Wednesday 15th April

Up at 4.30am in order to catch the 05.30 train into Cardiff. All went smoothly, Elizabeth line to Farringdon, which was a little confusing, but train got me to Gatwick by 09.30 and I had to wait for chevck in to open. Got a window seat and after a long wait was able to doze for much of the eight and a half hour flight. Car pick up was the usual confusion of what extras do you want, went for the toll ticket and handed over $250. Then there was the problem of the car - couldn't hear the engine, couldn't adjust the drivers seat and had no idea how the lights worked. However I had managed to purchase a phone pack and the phone connected to the car via Android Auto so I was guided to The Villages and treated to a burger by Alan.

Thursday 16th
A day relaxing and doing absolutely nothing. We were joined by a couple of Gekos and a black snake. Pizza for dinner, extremely pleasant.

Friday 17th

Taken model yacht sailing by Alan. Was quite fun, although I suspect I am far too competitive to enjoy. Seems as technical as real sailing when it comes to rig set up. Supermarket visit and back for lunch. Short walk around lakes, so that it would show on Komoot followed by Chicken & Chips.

Saturday 18th

Up at 7am and taking my leave, after most excellent coffee, at 8am. Called in at McD. Had to update app, etc before I got a free sausage and egg muffin and a coffee. Should keep the account active. Got to fuel up only to find out that the filler cap was for electricity. Petrol was on other side and would not open, until I finally found a button hidden under the dashboard. Then the hose would not reach (by about 2inches) success on third attempt(and pump)! Then the rental return did not ask for the receipt. Shuttle and on to boat by midday. It doesn't leave till 10pm. Downloading offline maps as data allowance seems good.

Sunday 19th - Miami

Up early and out for breakfast. Then outside for photos of the dawn, and maybe the rocket going off but that was not to be. Instead I got covered in soot from the smokestack. After entering Miami and another breakfast it was back to the room and an attempt to remove the soot from the shirt. Didn't bother to leave the ship as I figured that there was no way I could walk out of the terminal and get anywhere. Attended a couple of quizzes (the prize was a certificate) Had a nice siesta and ate a lot. Ship  did  a 360 at the end of the cut, very impressive! Attended the comedy show - there is another show costing $18 - I will not be going.

Monday 20th - At Sea

Struggled out of bed after 7am and found that the sun was already up. Cold breakfast (Musli and Fruit) and upstairs to the lounge for a bit of reading, followed by hot breakfast. Had to go back to the room and get headphones so that I could sit and watch the sea go by. Captain said it was blowing 10kts. I don't believe him - it was no more than 4kts although it did get up later in the day. More food and back to the cabin for sieasta but turned into watching all sorts of disasters on the Nat Geographical Channel. Dinner at 6pm and now hiding from the "Elegant" evening. Maybe get the sunrise?

Tuesday 21st - At Sea
Well, no sunrise. For some reason despite having the alarm set the phone decided to re-start and it failed to go off. Muslii was not available and some girl was kind enough to get some from the not yet open counter - except it was a massive amount. Pause and then beans on toast with scrambled egg etc. 10.30 chat on destination, Siesta/TV 15.30 Quiz 19.30 Magic Show. Coffee and Brownies and I am now waiting for a comedy show at 2300. (A late night)

Wednesday 22nd - Philipsburg

Missed the sunrise again despite the alarm going off at 05.45. Same problem with musli and then back for shower and a short kip. Second breakfast at 08.30 and now wondering if it is too hot to go out, and whether the phone will cost me a fortune or are we in the EEC. Neither as it happened, when it did connect to a network it was "emergency calls only" and I failed to find a wifi network that was not password protected. However, there were text messages welcoming me to the system, but I didn't find them until I got back. Badly prepared in that I forgot the charging cable and local cash, but I did have my water and needed it to get over the pass.
    The coastal walk of was 9km and I saw plenty of wildlife - the tiny turtle was too quick for the camera and it was pretty hot. About 2hrs 15mins and I needed a shower and a change of clothes. I guess I won't be going back into town this afternoon, it was just too hot, luxuriated in the air conditioning. Had to go to the Theatre for 6.30pm. We were due to depart at 6pm but it didn't happen. The show was co-ordinated jumping so I came out for the sunset and departure. Clocks go forward an hour this evening.

Thursday 23rd - At Sea
There was no sunrise, despite me being up in time. Breakfast, snooze, breakfast, relax and down to deck 6 for the "Members Party". Not much of a party, but I did get two glasses of fizzy wine, which with the price of drinks must have been a win. Showers were building, perhaps I should have stayed up in the lounge relaxing, instead of watching TV. More food, some time in lounge, some more TV and then the Witney Houston tribute act. The original is so much better. Sunset photos and the NFL Draft starts - not sure I will follow it. I didn't.

Friday 24th - At Sea
Managed to get up in time for the non-dawn by not exercising or showering. However. I did see the plume of smoke swirling around the ship - not nice. Breakfast and back to bed until 09.30 and directly down to the talk on pirates. No second breakfast - I tried to make up for it by having sweetcorn at lunchtime. Started listening to "Call of the Wild" I'm going to finish my second book soon James Patterson's Cross Fire. Evening theatre show was something different, and fascinating. A woman with a lightboard making drawings using sand. Many photos taken, Clocks go forward again tonight.

Saturday 25th - At Sea
Despite the clocks I was up in time for the sunrise, helped by it being a little later at 06.35. Got greedy at breakfast and had it all at once including a sticky pudding. Sky lounge was closed for a private function (annoying) but from downstairs the swell became more obvious, not that we have the wind they say we have, in fact it is pretty calm. Stayed away from cabin as it was due to be cleaned. Saw the presentation on Dragons and finished the audio "Call of the Wild". TV is still not available, presumably we are out of satellite range - pretty unusual, I think. Buffet lunch was interesting, the server would not put the barbequed beef on the same plate as the pasta - annoying! Finished the Patterson Book. Ignored the dress code and went to the Tina Turner Tribute act but failed to enjoy it, Lots of dancing but you couldn't hear the words clearly and the emotion was lacking. Sunset was not good and the smoke was coming down to mar the view again. Clocks go forward again tonight!

Sunday 26th - At Sea
Sunrise is getting later, just after 7am this morning and despite the losing an hours sleep I was up to watch it. Breakfast (including extre sticky buns) and a pretty inconsequential lecture on Mermaids. Got a really weak excuse for the lack of TV - ranging from we are out of satellite range to we are working on the problem. Somehow the phone keeps giving me alerts for new facebook or whatsApp messages - along with incessant reminders from MSC. Something is getting through as they keep giving the identity of the message, not that they will let you see the message. Failed to find the unattended Trivia Quiz which should have happened. Another theatre show which as a solo singer with no dancing was OK. Sat next to an ex-welshman, now an American. Caught the sunset. Clocks go forward yet again tonight!

Monday 27th - At Sea
Sunrise was late this morning, not that I could check because the ship information is now offline - all we get is a screen asking for a password. It meant I had time for first breakfast beTore watching the glow in the sky. I then returned for second breakfast and my new favourite of sticky pudding, this one was still warm - nice! Back to catch up on sleep before a lecture on The Octopus. Not that interesting, although the thought that they can walk on two legs seems a bit strange camouflage was interesting. Spent some time in the dark listening to Yes and discovered that the headphones flash a light when in use. Went to a talk given by an astronomer, apparently the same guy who talks about the sextant. This was about sundials in Italian Churches - pinholes in walls and lines on floor. Seems to have been quite the fashon in 1500's. Enthused again to try and get a similar gig. Waiting for the 6.30pm Magic show. The cruise information is back on line but not the TV Channels - late sunset 20.30 and late sunrise 07.19. Magic show - I got bored. More food while waiting for the sunset. 
     And yet again the clocks go forward!

Tuesday 28th - At Sea
So a bit of a lie in before going out having set the make up the cabin sign. Breakfast, forgetting to get a photo of the first course. Another Private Function in the sky lounge so back to deck 6 to wait for the lecture on Funchal - the usual stuff, no mention of Levadas. Captain's - well ships officers chat in the rear theatre - that was impressive, the theatre that is. The chat had the usual bullshit - particularly regarding the lack of TV. Lunch of three cookies and coffee and back for siesta and now to play on the phone arranging albums (Hopefully). Did the show another one by the female singer – not good, but it passed the time. Up for supper and got greedy with pork, chicken and salmon, but the parsnips were cold and hard and the sprouts were tough. Sunset was nice – but not at the horizon.

Wednesday 29th - Funchal, Madeira
Up in time to see us come in and dock. Same berth as with mother on the P&O Ccruise, so memories. Wondering if I will hike, or what I will choose to do once ashore. Not that getting ashore was easy - wrong exits signposted on the monitors, and everyone trying to get off thru 2 gangplanks. Left it 20 mins and then had to queue for 20mins to get off around 10.20 Stupid! Guess what? I headed for McDonalds - only to discover that the town provides free wi-fi and internet connection. Could not get the phone to bulk upload photos - each one had to be done individually and then there was deleting all the emails that had appeared. That meant it was 12 o'clock when I started hiking.
    The idea was to get up to the levada and come across to the cablecar and ride down. Going up 600 metres is hard work and when I got to it the levada was flowing the wrong way, so I was still going up just more gently. Missed the turn which would have taken me to the cablecar. Must stop doing Levada's as I really don't like the drop off the side in places. The map appeared to show the path going up the hill to the Monte Gardens - but it actually dissapeared into a tunnel - which must have been over a mile long-  and went under the gardens. Time began pressing and I had to get back to the ship so walked out. Found a bus route which Google said would get me back to Funchal. The bus going up was on time - and just a little late coming back. Luckily, I had purchased a fridge magne, in order to get change so I had the fare of 2.05Euro. Got off early and hiked along the waterfront getting back at 16.25 for an all aboard at 16.30. A little too close for my liking. Washing done and looks like we might be casting off soon. But we didn't at least according to the Grandioso Cam - but it had frozen and when I went on deck we were well on our way. Thought I took three photos of the islands but they failed to come out, add that to the timestamp being incorrect on most of todays photos and it has not been good, At least the ventriooquist act was pretty good.

Thursday 30th - At Sea
Not much sleep but up at 06.30 for sunrise which was difficult, as we are sailing straight at it. We passed a ketch and had a glance at a marine mammal before returning to cabin. 10am talk wandered off the subject, 11am briefing on disembarcation was depressing - the letter at the cabin door even more so thanks to the new entryu system they anticipate 2hr waits - and there is no walk off. At least there was Lasagnia on the lunch menu and lots of beans. Went up and read book - sea remains flat calm, so there is nothing to look at - but TV in cabin is also crap now - Euronews - not even Sky! Lazed in cabin until going for a snack and consuming cookies taken at lunchtime. We are passing through the Straits of Gibrlatar but there is nothing to see, and suddenly it is 10pm Yet again the clocks go forward by an hour!

Friday May 1st - At Sea
Suddenly, there are lots of ships around, quite a contrast after the other days at sea. The sea remains glassy calm and by about 11am it is even misty. Last Patrick Lecture on Barcelona was interesting. Followed by the non appearance of the quiz at the pool and then a Tribute to Heroes in the theatre. Only Americans have heroes it would seem, very jingoistic - National anthem, stand and be recognised etc, I wonder if this is memorial day, or why they waited until now to do this ceremony? Still incredably tired and passed out in cabin until 3.15 when I went to the Fiddler show in the theatre at the back of the ship. Small snack and may pass out again before the 6.30 Abba Show.

Saturday May 2nd - Barcelona
Time to leave the boat. Usual breakfast and I might not eat again for a week, well, maybe two days. Usual hurry up and wait - fingerprints got taken but no photo, passport was not stamped. Paid 3 Euro for a bus which took us off the dock and then Metro to Barcelona Saint Station to find out if google was correct and I will not be able to get to my hotel before Monday Morning. That story will continue at:-

https://holibarry.blogspot.com/2026/05/2026-may-1-spain.html

2026 Alaska

 Photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/eRV5p93zNbmVUNpPA

Monday 16th March

Came back from Excalibur, dumped the race course and had a couple of hours at home before heading off and missing the 96 bus. So wandered down to the train station and got that into Cardiff. Also picked up another book. Mc D in Queen St and the Flixbus was early, so a comfortable wait. 
     Surprisingly tired and able to sleep on the bus. From Heathrow it was the A4 bus to the Travelodge and a garlic bread and cheese supper in the Toby.

Tuesday 17th

An all you can eat breakfast at the Toby and then the A4 bus back to Heathrow. Plenty of time to read the book. Delta flight - seat 33F which was quite near the front but in the middle. Guy on the outside moved, so we had a free seat between me and the rest of the row. Seattle saw me lose my water bottle. Phoned the hotel from Seattle before I discoverd the flight was running almost an hour late. (and they were offering $600 to switch flights). Turned out the shuttle was easier than I imagined and the driver was away before I could tip him,

Wednesday 18th

Down for breakfast at 07.15 - pretty good had sausages and scrambled egg + hot chocolate. Now need to do the UKTRA stuff. Then there was a chat to Jake and then a Principal's meeting on Teams so I didn't get out till midday.
     No one in the railroad office so I wandered through town and decided to go to McD in order to keep the USA account valid - the hot choc and wraps were quite nice. Amazing how the sidewalks have all been cleared. Spent too much in a supermarket and had to tote a paper bag all the way back.

Thursday 19th

Breakfast in preparation for a day on the train. Five minute walk to a crowded train Depot (as they call it hereabouts) Train was a little late and announcements were inaudible, assigned seating (what fun) and I had a lady from Florida assigned to me. A whole day of majestic scenery and Americans getting veryexcited whenever we spotted a moose. They go wild for animals.      Not so nice was the wait for the shuttle to get me to the hotel and the AI assistant cutting me off every time it attempted to transfr me to the front desk. Found a courtest phone eventually. I could have walked it quicker. 

Friday 20th

The sinks don't have plugs - guess it is that type of hotel. Anyhow I wandered down the river and into Pioneer Park which was interesting but everything was closed. Iin the afternoon I had a wander to Safeway via a mall with lots of stuffed animals. I managed to spend $50 on food - despite checking shelf labels for prices everything cost about 20% more than expected.

     In the evening 10.30 I wandered down the river again but the moon

set before I could get a photo and there was too much ambient light for me to see any aurora, though there seemed to be something there. (The camera picked it up with the colours) I like the cold!

Saturday 21st

Sort of attempted to lie in but got caught doing UKTRA stuff and had to rush out at 9am to get my breakfast at my favourite restaurant. Back by 11am and at least 2hrs spent getting their AGM Agenda together. Which it turned out has the wrong date on. 

 

  Afternoon wander to the visitor centre which had a nice film on the Alaska Pipeline and was a museum in itself. Attempted to sleep aterwards and failed and at 10pm began a hike to Creamers Field. The sidewalks wer the clearest I have had all visit, apart from the last bit which was hard packed snow and extremely slippery. Camera kept getting nice views of aurora despite cars not switching off lights but it was still just a grey cloud to me. The moon also failed to co-operate, it was a nice crescent but camera could not recoggnise this due to scattering of the light. It just vappeared as a bright blob. I tried hiking behind the building - no better - but I did nearly drown in soft snow and ended up with damp feet for the hike back to the hotel. Clothes stayed dry, it was so cold, but snow got into boots and pockets and then melted. The Aurora is a CON!

Sunday 22nd

Down to the lobby at 7am and shuttle to the station. The nice lady got my seat moved to car C and a D seat (which turned out to be the same side as I had on the way up}. Another day of spectacular scenery and reflections preventing good photos, although I did discover the vestibule and doors don't suffer as much, but it is pretty cold. Whilst the mountains are spectacular I have not been impressed by the frozen

rivers, would much rather see flowing water, but then that would mean lots of leaves on the trees. Even without leaves it is difficult enough to get a photo not obstructed by trees.  Not as many moose this time, just a couple towards the end. The sun was setting as we arrived at Anchorage. Hotel is really convenient 5min walk and finished the grapes.

Monday 23rd

Woke at 6am and superb breakfast, back in room by 07.30. Morning spent doing photos and blog. 

Out around midday and found the Coastal Trail, comes complete with moose. Don't know why everyone on the train got so carried away at seeing one or two. Advice sign on how not to get attacked by one came later in the walk Got carried away and went as far as Earthquake Park before turning back - it was a bit excessive and I was knackered by the time I got to McD's. Had the biggest ice cream I have ever seen but was still feeling tired so caught the bus back to downtown, as it happened to be coming along and I was at the bus stop and I had got change ready for the evening cost $1 - senior rate.

    Well, you can't say I didn't give Aurora a chance. Caught the No35 back out and hiked the mile to Earthquake Park and picked up the Coastal Trail. The moon was not even half ful and was casting shadows on the snow and the Aurora remained a grey cloud on the horizon. The photos make it look better than it is. At least I had long enough to see how it varies with time. Back at the hotel by midnight 30 which meant one mile of hiking got recorded as Tuesday. Should have been 15.5miles walked today.

Tuesday 24th -Wed 25th

Began the day checking in. Got the boarding pass for trip to Seattle but it steadfastly refuses to give me one to get to Heathrow. Breakfast at 7am and on computer at 8am. Checkout and shuttle to airport is 10am. Travel went fine, until I got to Cardiff. Although there was no duty free on the plane so I missed out on cheap gin. I suppose it is appropriate that I had to finish with a train trip. The busses had gone to one an hour, so by train I was home at the time the bus was just leaving Cardiff (worth £3.00)

2026 Tunisia

Photos are at:-   https://photos.app.goo.gl/QpU4EVGEhnd4Co5u5

Wednesday 18th Feb
The weather could not have been worse. It was Ok in the morning but by the afternoon the rain had started and as it got dark the temperature fell. Had to go to Sully for the club prizegiving, used the car and then it was bus to Cardiff.
    The bus tracker showed it some distance away so I wandered down to the Barry Hotel as there was a shelter there and would have less wind than up on the ridge. The 304 turned up within a minute of my arriving at the stop - so much for the tracker!. McD running down the points and an uncomfortable 40 min wait for the Flixbus which was warm and got me to Gatwick

Thursday 19th
Went to McD for breakfast from South Terminal then had to get to North Terminal for the flight. They checke the scissors again. Flight was closing in 10 mins and it was at a most distant gate - as I arrived at the gate there was just the end of the queue. All going far too smoothly or close to the wire. Plenty more people boarded after me so maybe it wasn't so bad 6.50 closure for a 7.25 flight which was wheels up at 8,20 (I think). I had an exit row so everything in overheads. 

       Enfidha passport wanted Hotel name - dragged it out of phone, Bus was waiting but I nearly lost my passport, leaving it behind. Hotel was not mentioned by the rep but as I had one sitting next to me it was not a problem. The problem was with the cards to pay the Tourist Tax. Had to use Euros and now I have about 10 Tunisian Dinars to spend - which is what I almost got out of a machine last time I was here so that is OK.
     No wifi in the room - The router is out in the hall (had a 7min conversation with Bob) and I suspect I can get it if I sit on the toilet but otherwise too many walls in the way. Nice sea view, and sound of breaking waves, with cockrels crowing. Think I could be sitting in the shade on the balcony reading books for a lot of the time.

Friday 20th

There was hot water , but the shower put a lot of it on the floor. Breakfast was cold but there was hot milk for the coffee, which was good. Lazed in the room all day, reading and listening to Sherlock Holmes podcasts. Eventually went down to the foyer to get internet, which is very slow and itermittent. ot as warm as I would like so not sitting on the balcony, but there is sunshine, and it isn't raining.

Saturday 21st

Breakfast lacked beans, but french bed was nice and coffee continues to please. Decided I should walk so wandered to the left. It was further than I expected but I got to the promenade and got conned, well the guy used the familiar chat up of "remember me . . " This time it was a security guard with a cousin in Cardiff. He actually asked for money and I gave him my coins, much to his dissappointment., and again it was the last day of some celebration.  On to the Medina purchased Fridge magnet 2.60 TDM. Visited train station and saw that Tunis might be possible in a day, if I wanted to risk it 9.20 departure would mean being out of the Hotel before 8am and on hour of hiking - we will see. Couldn't find the Metro, although that may have been the bus station which I also passed. Back at Hotel by 13.30 and getting stiff lying on the bed reading and relaxing.

Sunday 22nd

Pretty relaxed, spent the morning trying to finish the silly book. However, had failed by 1300 so went for the walk. Turned right and made it to the next marina - via the beach where there was a Laser 4.7. Also bought another fridge magnet before returning and finishing the book. Dinner was getting crowded, probably due to the time I spent on the internet downstairs. All the chocolate deserts had gone by the time I got to them, had to eat more cake!

Monday 23rd

Well, that was an error! A restless night as I knew I wanted to get up at 6am, which I did, Had breakfast and was out by 07.30. Walk to train station to find no 09.20 train to Tunis. It only runs on Sundays and holidays, but I had not noticed that. Still it saved having to see if I could purchase tickets using a bank card. However, I did find the Metro Station and should let Google know that they are wrong, While there is a railway line to the main station it is not in use, or electrified. It would have been possible to take the 10.10 to Sfax, but the return train was due about 10 mins after arrival so I judged it too risky. Will have to return and do a tour by train with stays in diffferent towns. Was back at the hotel by 10.33 having walked 8 miles, so that is me done for the day and into book reading. Unfortunatly it is just a little too chilly to sit out on the balcony and read.

Tuesday 24th

Failed attempt to sleep in saw me up at 07.45. Sea was flat calm but there was something strange out there which might have been a dolphin. The camera revealed that it was a diver, so I went to breakfast. Had the usual problem of the table being cleared before I was finished. Retrieved my saucer on the first trip and raced the waiter back to my seat the second time. It really is a pain. Now two days with nothing to do. I suppose I could walk inland but that seems pointless, as does visiting the Mall (I couldn't carry anything home). Reading matter might last a day and the weather may have warmed enough to sit outside.

Wednesday 25th

Well, I guess I finished the Baldachi Thriller and donated it to the hotel. Managed to find out the pick up time and check emails. Had to turn down a Match Racing invite for Rory Chetham.  didn't get as far with the Bill Bryson book. They continued building the breakwater, which was pretty noisy,  much banging in the morning.

Thursday 26th
Up at 7am. Fog has rolled in and I cannot see the sea. Hoping it will burn off and not delay the plane. Skipped a coffee and back in the room trying to sort out what needs to go in pockets and what I should spend my time on while I wait for the bus. Lost my water bottle at check in, which removes the worry about cleaning it. It was only an old plastic bottle. 
    Now back at Gatwick ansd saw the early flixbus leaving as I walked to McD. It was too close to risk booking it, so I have a 2hr wait for the next one which I hopee will get me into Cardiff in time for the last bus to Barry.