Xmas 2025-a

Photos are at:-  https://photos.app.goo.gl/pL9gio99WWFMhGC1A

Monday December 15th

Called in on brother) Ian and then waited all day. It rained again, but not as bad as the last time. Train to Cardiff and a pleasant wait in the waiting room. The train was not particularly crowded despite the previous train being cancelled. It thundered through the night, (in contrast Amtrak).to Reading and the change to Elizabeth line to Slough. Visited Tesco and got booked in to the Travelodge.

Tuesday 16th

Found the McD's and discovered that the two cards stored in the phone were missing. Got both of them stopped. Bus to Heathrow at 7am was £3 - a card was accepred at last. Flight to Dublin was good, had a window seat and we flew over the Bristol Channel and West Wales then up the Irish Sea. Rushed through TSA screening at Dublin only to find that the flight was delayed . Eventually it was cancelled. Tried calling BA but the line was terrible - panic that the phone was running out of battery, until I remembered that I carry a powerbank. Long line issuing hotel rooms but they could not re-book. Booked a flight on Kiwi via Lisbon at a cost of £560. Had to phone someone for that rebooking and they did for a flight from Heathrow
 

      I was supposed to take a BA Flight to Heathrow at 6pm but they had not done the re-booking correctly and that one was gone by the time they sorted it. However, there was a 6am flight to Heathrow which gave a 2hr layover. So it was hotel in Dublin with evening meal and 4am start on Wed. Whilst there I got an email demanding the service charges for the flats - so that took a little shuffling of finances. Not a good day.

Wednesday 17th

4am start to catch the shuttle bus to Dublin Airport. 45min queue for check in. Security guy insisted I would lose scissors to TSA, I failed to tell him they had already been through TSA - he wasn't listening. They usual palarver getting onto the plane. Then the pilot told is there was a 3hr delay due to low visibility at Heathrow. But he expected less and in the end we were an hour late. Luckily the re-entry and screening was very efficient and I was in the terminal before the gate was announced. No assistance from Princess. Flight was full and I was in 50B so 10hrs of worry about getting through USA Immigration. Luckily the flight was early, despite a late departure. Passport was not too bad. Another couple were in the queue and I considered trying to blag my way onto their coach but abandoned as it was not yet 2pm. I managed to get the 13.57 BART to Embarcadero. There was a Post Office on the way so I stopped to post presents. One old man - just like Men in Black 2. Made the boat and was even able to Facebook the fact. It was nice to have a shower and relax.

       I'm on Deck 15, and had forgotten how bad the lifts are on Princess Ships, still there is ice cream and lemonade available.. Departure was delayed as someone had to be removed from the ship, Called at Guest Services and all they could do was remove gratuities - I was willing to go down to $5per day. SF looked really pretty with all the lights.

Thursday 18th

Podcast Rare Earth helped me get a number of 1hr sleeps, (jet lag - another reason for leaving early) Up at 6am to the tune of a fog signal. Breakfast was pretty crowded even at 06.30. Made the mistake of letting a waiter get me coffee - it was too hot to enjoy. Lots of TV Channels not available. Attended a couple of presentations in the Theatre, very few people there and I failed to win the raffles. Lunch was a burger and a hot dog. Swapped out a James Patterson book for an Andy McNab and waiting (fighting the jet lag) to see if they will show the Thursday Night Game.
       Which they did and what a game! Seahawks v LA Rams and from 15pts down Seattje came back to win 38-36 on a two pointt conversion in overtime (addded to two others). Jet lag had me asleep for the first half of the third quarter though, and I missed the first 5 mins but got to see all the scores.

Friiday 19th

Still suffering Jet  Lag. Up at 7am having had more podcaststhrough the night. Found the lounge on deck 18 and read a little. Attended the theatre for an enrichment chat. Less waves now but still overcast, with glaances of sun.Got back to room to find that it had been serviced - not what I wanted. Seems I might have $150 ship credit.

Saturday 20th
This time it was Dan Snow's History Hit that enabled me to get sleeps. Up at 7am, Breakfast and up to the lounge to finish the Andy McNab book. Wander around and had an ice cream and cookie. Losing track of time and getting fed up with the piped Christmas music and constant selling. Plus the room was made up again! Apparently, we are between satellite coverage so no ESPN for 24hrs. Clocks go back again - games should start at 8am tomorrow. Went down to Theatre at 7.30 but it was packed so back and to bed.

Sunday 21st
Breakfast at 0700, clocks went back again so we are on Hawaiin time and games started at 8am, Two at a time for the early games, a short wander and then the evening game going on until 18.30..Actually made use of my travel mug for the first time today. Games were pretty good too!

Monday 22nd

Up to see us enter port and see the sun rise. Whales out at sea blowing as we tied up. Wandered up to Walmart and got toothpaste, probably too much, also got fridge magnets, discovered I had a double set once I got outside. Visited the Library and got a book (on England) and went through emails before returning to ship for a shower - it's hot and humid. Lunch, bit of relaxation and now the Monday Night Game. Which turned out to be pretty one sided.

Tuesday 23rd

Honolulu - and we were moored near the harbour entrance so it was further to walk to the Aloha centre and get wi-fi. Then on to the 7-Eleven and loaded the Holo card with $9. No1 bus was passing, so jumped on and made my way to the Pearl Harbour Memorial Centre via Skytrain and a bit of a walk. Rainbows up in the hills so bit of a worry about rain. Did the Aviation Museum first. Surprised at the size of F15's & 16's. Had to go back to the Visitor Centre to get to the Battleship Missouri. Good tour but below decks was a bit of a long trudge.
      On way back I attempted to get photos but ran out of wi-fi as the skytrain departed, Couldn't get online at the Aloha Centre my guess is you only get one access per day. Dinner and asleep by 2000.

Wednesday 24th

Up at 6am, to watch arrival after breakfast. Locked myself out of the lounge while taking a photo and had quite a run around to get back to my coffee cup. Confirmed that I have $150 onboard credit, so booked a tour in Ensenada, contemplating a day of internet access @ $40 for one device. It was a long walk to get out of the dock area, but the Maui Mall had various wi-Fi options. No Komoot wanders so I started out towards the beach. Past the Water Reclamation Plant (Sewage) and wildlife area. The beach was beautiful, especially with the wind and the surf (which does not show in photos), The airport had various "Keep Out" signs around which had me climbing a fence, unnecessarily as it turned out. I also ended up trecking across some old sugar cane fields. The airport was very busy, lots of planes coming and going. Wander was over 10 miles. Boat departure was delayed due to strong winds. Interesting watching her swing round inside the harbour and then the pilot getting off.

Thursday 25th

Last year this place had massive waves crashing against the shore, not this year, quite calm. The canoes were out. I was back to room for the first American Football match, dozed a little but saw most of it. Second one was late starting (or at least being put on the cabin system) and I nearly got dressed - it will now have to wait till half time. They keep announcing tender bookings - makes me wonder how long you would have had to wait if you wanted to go ashore. Third match - Football from 8am to 18.30 - a great day.

Friday 26th
Nice breafast and upstairs to the lounge and a bit of podcast and finished the James Patterson book. For some reason we stopped, no idea why, but there was a lone Gannet flying around. Still quite warm so afternoon in the air conditioned comfort of the cabin, which despite my request for privacy had been made up. Took some anchovies to put on pizza, they didn't seem as salty as they should have been.

Saturday 27th

Rather late getting up. Breakfast, up to Skywalker Nightclub and a period of reading before going to the theatre. American Football started at 12.30 and there were two matches, so that took care of the afternoon. I keep wondering about next Christmas - another cruise - or somewhere ashore? 

Sunday 28th
Another day of American Football, but with a more civilised start time of 9am. Cookies at lunchtime, an ice cream for tea and a look at future cruises reaching the conclusion that Hawaii does not fit in 2026, at least with Princess. Last game was a doozie - Chicago v 49ers. Up and down the field going down to the last play which Chicago failed to make - win for 49ers!

Monday 29th
Breakfast, up to Skywalker and finished large print James Patterson. Went to enrichment lectures and decided I could do a better job. Question is how do you get onto it - and how does it work. Going to be interesting. Waiting for the Monday night game. Which was also good going down to a final "Hail Mary" play. Falcons beat the Rams an upset as Rams are in Playoffs and Falcons have are well out of them.

Tuesday 30th
The room got made up again as the privacy please button reset itself. Overslept to almost 8am but was up in Skywalker by about 8.30. !0am wandered down to thre theatre for the "Meet the Captain" session. Stayed on for a session on Protected areas of the Pacific, but it was by the Frenchman and pretty incoherent ie content didn't really link. Though was interesting to see the area from Hawii which has been protected by being a National Monument - Obama getting around the paperwork - although first dedicated by Bush.
      I am now the proud owner of an artwork having sat through the Art Auction. Americans really love their bright colours!

Wednesday 31st

The best laid plans , , , Well at least the ship docked early and I was able to go through the emails before having to go back through security to get my tour bus. Hour and a half drive to the Blowhole, which was not blowing as the sea was flat calm. I'm not even sure it is a proper blowhole. However, I did see a seal and a dolphin going past and got a photo of the dsark gull. Got a magnet and took pictures of the flea market, as the guide called it.
        By the time we got back the rain was pretty heavy, so the plan to use the wi-fi and play on the internet went down the drain. More eating instead - that should stop soon. 4pm local is New Year in the UK. I think I can post to facebook via the Princess App - or at least the ship system - but apparently not. The Captain has just announced that we will be arriving in San Francisco early - like midnight. Everyone has to be off the ship by 9am. So much for getting photos of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Thursday 1st,  2026

So up early as practice for tomorrow and being thrown off early. Went and tried to purchase internet access but the guy just gave me the website address so that I could do it on the computer, which I have done and it has resulted in me staying in the cabin and playing on the internet all morning at least. No ESPN so no college football games which is unusual.

Tunisia

Friday 5th December 2025
Not really part of the holiday but I had to go to Dinas Powis and donate blood, which took most of the morning. Called in on my brother but decided to get home before the rain started, which I did, and boy did it rain!
     Luckily it stopped by the evening. Which dragged and then went very fast. I was able to catch the 10.45 bus into Cardiff. The place was packed out with scantily clad girls and young people. McD was crowded and swallowed the voucher I had created by doing their survey without paying out. Night on the bus to Gatwick was OK and breakfast at McD was pleasant if unecessarily rushed. 

Saturday 6th December

It was a long walk to the gate and then a long walk to the plane but at least I had a window seat in an overwing exit so extra legroom and not too far back. Sort of dozed most of the way. The transfer was nice and easy. Clear signpost but I began to regret the whole idea of this holiday as we drove along a lot, and lot, of nothing. Got checked, paying the local holiday tax. Room is OK but low class. The sink plug is missing, and it swallowed the toothpaste cap before I really got my head around it. However, I had packed my travel plug so that was OK Had a shower and sitting in the room waiting for dinner.
     Which was rather nice, never knew I liked Radishes but the salad was nice, Lasagnia was beautifully creamy and desert was mince pie like. And so to bed.

Sunday 7th

Breakfast at 08.30 was more crowded than last night. Plenty of bread. Then back and lay in bed all morning listening to downloaded radio programmes. Eventually decided I had to get out so walked to the railway station. No information available, so on towards the Medina. Two locals said hello, one coach driver and other security they said. I was my usual antisocial self. The Medina was impressive, wandered around and through it - putting off purchase of the inevitable fridge magnet. Seashore was pleasant - tried to get up to my step target but still short by over 500 steps at the moment.

    Spent the evening trying to watch American football, but the lack of bandwidth meant that it was very, very fractured. Got pretty good coverage of Chicago at Green Bay but fell asleep and gave up on the last 3 minutes with them tied. Maybe try later.

Monday 8th

Given how late I was last night I was surprised to be up at 8am for breakfast. Got back to the room and actually got into the Tom Clancy book (Red Storm Rising) shure I haven't read it before. Had Radio 2 on the computer but that kept cutting out due to bandwidth issues. However I was able to check train times and decided to walk to Bir Bouregba. Thouht I would make it in time to see a train but just missed the one going South. There was supposed to be a train to Hammermet but it didn't happen. Walk back to hotel, it should have done the distance 2.99mls to get there but somehow I was 1000 steps short on getting back to the hotel. I even got lost and was sure I walked further. My hip hurt. Went down to the beach before dinner and now have a little green bar. Dinner was nice. Salad, Chips and battered veal? plus chocolate crepe.

Tuesday 9th

Things are settling into a routine. Breakfast about 9am, morning reading the book and checking email then out for a wander. Today I was determined to get a little green bar, ie 12500 steps. I managed this by walking along what should have been the coast road but there were too many hotels complexes to be able to see the coast. Cut up to what is shown (I thought) as a station at Hammamet Azure (turns out to be a bus station). Walked along the railway line back towards town. At least it was quieter than the noisy road I was forced onto. Lots and lots of cats around.

     Dinner and an UKTRA Committee Meeting with the youngsters. I don't think Steve was very happy with the way our desire to attend the Champs was ignored. Still I hope he got the permissions he wanted.

Wednesday 10th 

 Same routine but this time I called Steve and we had a WhatApp Chat. He suggested hiring a car and getting around. I explained that the aim was not to spend money. The afternoon walk was very short, just down to the sea and along the road (they are very noisy). Back for an evening of reading and listening to BBC radio programmes from my Sounds.

Thursday 11th

Finished the Tom Clancy - not his best - and it petered out. The objective of the walk was to get souvenirs, the inevitable fridge magnets. Wandered to the Kasbah. Got acccosted by a guy who claimed to be the cook in the hotel. Everyone starts wanting to know where you are from - the classic introduction and friendliness. This one wanted to give me coffee, tea - anything. Ended up purchasing a belt for TDR40 (£10.26) the original quote on Monday was TDR10. Then went and got magnets, the guy was willing to do it for £2 - I gave him £3 in UK coinage.

(In USA they cost £6-8). Wandered the long way round. Noticed the sun going down and got to the beach in time to take some photos. Still 1ml off getting a greeen bar so it was back around the block etc. Pretty noisy outside this evening but I guess it was the equivalent of Saturday night.

Friday 12th

Breakfast as usual (Cold scrambled eggs followed by cheese & ham in french bread) and back to room listening to radio and lying back and falling asleep. The toothpaste is gradually getting harder to get out of the tube. The pick up time came online about 13.30 and check in with Easyjet has to be done at the airport. Pick up at 0940 seems quite civilised. Also checked and there is another coach from Gatwick at

1800 in case I miss the one I have booked. Don't know that I will even bother to go out and wander past the cats. There are so many here, all sizes and colours.  I have resisted trying to pet them, although some english guys did yesterday. The other notable thing is the plastic rubbish, it seems to be everywhere. Perhaps next time make sure there is a pool and I won't have to leave the hotel.

    In the end I went down to the beach and got some more photos of the sun setting, very pleasant with the call to prayers echoing around the beach.

Saturday 13th

Smooth is the only word to describe it. Breakfast as usual. The coach to the airport was early 09.35. Through security an time to sit around in the airport. Window seat at the front. Unfortunately, I put the Bill Bryson book in the seat pocket and forgot it when I got off. Clear air and great views Past Sardinia, the Alps and English Channel, even saw Bough Beech. Off the plane and through passport control really rapidly ,which gave time for a McD. Coach to Cardiff (which was heaving) but I made the 96 bus and was back in Barry by 23.15.

DFDS Amsterdam

Seeing as how I was going to be in Newcatle for BUSA Fleets I thought I would investigate the ferry to Amsterdam, Holland. It was offering a two night cruise and as the Discounts for Teachers brought the price down by £30 to below £100 it seemed like a nice idea for Monday Nov 10 to Wed Nov 12.

Problem was, the bus from David's to Newcastle was £2.50 and the train to the ferry a further £4, UK public transport. Going to try the Metro all the way and walk on way back.

Still, I got a good amount of food in Tesco's on the way.

It was dark as we sailed, so not a lot to see. Got the rest of the photos from BUCS Fleets sorted and enjoyed the gentle motion.

Up at 7am for the buffet breakfast, which was good. Shooed off the boat into the immigration queue, I think they have gone American, and this is before fingerprints are require! Bus to Centraal Station.

Took the ferry up to NKVD and looked at the artwork.

Seems you should pay for the ferries. No7 seemed not to be running, so I took the No4 back to Station and began walking the streets.

Souvenirs we're cheap, 6 for €5 and messaged Teilo. McD ice cream was €1 but the app didn't work!

Got carried away taking photos, nice architecture. The winter light makes everything stand out - very different from the summer. 

Then had to rush to the bus where I was last on, sitting next to a very intoxicated woman, luckily she went to sleep and didn't throw up. 

The boat got in around 09.30 (or 10.30 ship time which led to the confusion) Had an hour watching us come into and up the Tyne. Took the metro to the airport £4.70 and then walked 40 mins to pick up the car. Drive to Wales not stopping at McD took six and a half hours.

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 day of the UKTRA Special General Meeting. 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!