Photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/pL9gio99WWFMhGC1A Cruise/Hawaii
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZvRKxGqexyRp8nMv9 SF, Reno, Pheonix, Chicago
https://photos.app.goo.gl/441fs7fD9MDqQsW3A Texas Eagle, LA, SF
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 - San Francisco
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 - Narwiliwili - Lihue
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
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 - Kahului
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 - Kona
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 - Ensenada
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. ESPN has returned, so I have College Football to watch, and it was a good game with Ole Miss winning.
Friday 2nd - San Francisco / Oakland (End of Cruise)
Up early, breakfast and off the ship around 8am, Wandered down to the Ferry Building and got my Senior Compass card. Then took the ferry to Solsoleto and hiked back across the Golden Gate Bridge, Should have done it the other way around, or by bike. Bus back to Fishermans Wharfe - the visitor centre was just doing a tour of the quay so I joined and then, as it began to rain I took the ferry to Oakland. Jack London Inn is not as bad as the reviews would have me believe. Televiion was sorted promptly.
Saturday 3rd
Turns out the room s next to the laundry room and the driers are pretty noisy. Breakfast was very basic. Went out for a wander in the rain - down to the station and up to Lake Merritt. Plan was to visit McD but the one shown on Google was closed. Wandered down Broadway snapping the architecture and then headed for the other McD, avoiding flooded intersections. Getting logged in to the appwas a pain but I got there. I also found the credit cards which I thought I had lost. Got a total of 6 miles after going back to Walgreens for a bunch of goodies which will mean I won't need to go out again. Football watching.SF have just lost to Seattle - guess I liked the 49ers.
Sunday 4th
Breakfast and back to the room ready for a day lying in bed watching American Football - but first a dose of Classic Batman. And attempt to sort out how photos treats my composited photos - got that sorted by changing the date created - time remains a problem though as computer remains firmly on UK time. Baltimore Pitsburg was quite a match (at least in the last quarter) with missed field goals from each team.
Monday 5th - Reno, Nevada
Packed up, had a quick bowl of cornflakes and was at the station to use my ticket from Okeland to Emeryville (cost me 188 Amtrak points for the 5min journey) Zephyr was not showing on the departure board but we got shuffled out into the cold early. Seats allocated but I moved and got a window. Just as well, this must be one of the most spectacular rides in the world. Views across the bay to SF and the bridge (we even had rainbows. Then up the river over the flats before following the American river up into the snowy Sierras. See the snow dropping off the trees, Then down the Truckee River to Reno at about 3pm. Wandered to Ceasar Ceasar and got regestered. Since it was still light I wandered down to McD and spent 6,000pts on a double quarterpounder. Felt guilty, so went over to supermarket and got some fruit.
Tuesday 6th
Breakfast at McD as I was up at 7am. Back and a short nap before going out at 10.30 to wander up and down the Truckee. Very pleasant but I was back before 2pm and spent the afternoon sitting in the chair looking out at the hills and WhatsApping Jake. Also thought about how I might kayak the Truckee and found a tour company. Decided I was not going out, so in bed by 5pm.
News programmes are reporting a shooting and police arrests yesterday 10am at the Motel 8 which I walked past on my way to McD.
Wednesday 7th
3am and next door was being woken by Windows. Back to sleep and out for breakfast. They didn't bring my breakfast to the table this morning, just shouting my order number and expecting me to go and fetch it - rather annoying. Wasting time and wondering what I will do while waiting for the train.
Turned out the Sully SC Committee Meeting was at 11.30 so I checked out and went to the Amtrak Station only to find they had no wifi. Found a link at the Reno City hall and a set of chairs at a cafe that was not open. Waste oh one and a half hours.
Train turned up from an unexpected direction departed on time 15.37. We didn't quite beat the snow and it got dark quite quickly. $45 is the charge for dinner - if you have a roomette it's included.
Thursday 8th
Crossing the High Plains. Spectacular scenery for hours. Flat topped mountains in the distance, gradually getting closer until we are passing below sandstone cliffs with fantastic rock formations and boulders balanced, ready to fall or scatterd across slopes where they have fallen - and it goes on for hours. And then there are the little things like the set of swift nests (or was it Bats) nestled under an overhang, or the Bald Eagle sitting on it's nest in a tree. The trees with scraps of fafed foliage gullies in the soft soil, banding of the rocks, snow clinging in bands to the higher slopes. Only problem is that I cannot get a photo of the train tracks shaking through this scenery as I am near the front. Photo of the shadow of the train would not come out, as it shows up intermittently.
Changed to Mountain Time at Grand Junction. Due in Denver around 18.30 - will I get another dinner? The attendant said yes at lunchtime, as we entered the canyons section and snowfall, I think we passed the continental divide (wrong - the divide is inside the Moffat Tunnel) soon and then emerged into cattle country about 14.20. Pools are frozen so it must be pretty cold out there, oh the comfort of the train! Less comfortable was dinner as the train was about 40 mins early into Denver so eating was a bit of a rush, I managed it! WiFi in the terminal got the route to Motel 6 $2.25 fare and a bit of a hike but it's OK. Too much traffic around for bad people to be around.Checked in to American Airlines and phone roaming activated. Now need to find the Phoenix bus app!
Friday 9th Denver Colorado
Got lazy and stayed in bed then walked across the road, actually under the 6 lane highway, to McD. Had brreakfast before returning to Motel 6 and playing on computer until checkout at 11am and then going direct to airport by light rail. Security confiscated the whiskey bottles, I had forgotten that they counted as liquids - just as well they were cruise credit as it was a case of easy come easy go - and it did lighten the bag considerably. Flight to Pheonix emphasised the value of the sound cancelling headphones, back of the plane was quite noisy. From Pheonix to Marv & Marylin was easy, though the bus app failed to work on both busses so credit remains on account. Only problem was Marylin insisting on picking me up - the co-ordination was not easy but we managed in the end. College game was a massacre. Hoosiers crusned the Oregon Ducks.
Saturday 10th Phoenix Arizona
Second game at 6pm is on Amazon Prime only. The app exists on the TV but I may need to take out an Amazon Prime account. Turned out we were able to watch the game, and I was not asked for a password or even my email, will need to check that I am not paying for Amazon Prime - think it may have been because I am registered in UK Anyway it was great to watch another exciting game.
Sunday 11th
Three games today starting at 11am and running through to 2100, with time for dinner at 5.30ish. All games have been single score differential and come down to a score / non score in the last 2 minutes. A great day on Marylin's sofa.
Monday 12th Chicago Illinois
Conversation with Steve re UKTRA started my day Marylin did a large delicious breakfast and I had a chat with the pool guy before packing up and starting out on travels again. The cat Rocky was sitting on the bed and didn't appreciate being disturbed. Marylin insisted on giving me a lift along Shea to Tatum. Bus was 20mins and I was at the gate and scribbling this by 1300 for a 1526 departure. Flight was full, there was a waiting list for standby and upgrades. Sound cancelling did a good job, 4hrs. Walk to the hotel worked OK apart from crossing a 6 lane road. Made it in time for the second half of the game as Texans slaughtered Pitsburgh and Aaron Rogers.
Tuesday 13th
Clocks having gone forward an hour and breakfast finishing at 9am meant getting up at what I felt was an early time. Breakfast was good. Cinnamon buns particularly. Also have a view of train line.
Had a feeling that I might have updated blog at Chicago Station but I guess not. Anyway, out at 11am and Airport transit to Terminal 2 and the Metro, which rejected my credit card and I had to purchase a ticket. Once in town wandered to the canal for a short while - there was a canal cruise in progress but no time for that. Hot Chocolate and snacks in the lounge before being herded to the train. They do like the hurry up and wait system.
Train coach is a slightly updated version. A cupboard for coat (so hope I don't forget it) shower is modular with glass door v curtain. Food however is a hike - 4 carrages away and served on plastic plates covered in tinfoil as opposed to the realistic looking plastic plates on the Zephyr. Seating is also much less crowded and they are not inviting coach passengers to join us. They keep asking people to sit up and not occupy two seats - but there is tons of room in coach. Crossed the Mississippi at St Lois - I was on the wrong side and didn't realise the Arch was on the West bank. Looks like an interesting city from the map.
Wednesday 14th
Woke at 5.30am. Shower and coffee before going to breakfast at 7am - I think they make last call at 8am. Missed the sunrise - it is pretty overcast. We are travelling through some prety flat country with woodland, streams and lakes/ponds. Plenty of abandoned/poor housing. Dallas was shiny skyscrapers, crew change at Fort Worth but quite a wind blowing so stayed on train. San Antonio had problems with a bridge but we got in about 10.30 and weren't due to leave till 02.30.
Thursday 15th
Woke at 6am - no coffee - no attendant. Tried to watch the sunrise but we are now travelling west, as opposed to south south west, so the sun was behind us. We have been tagged on to the Sunset Limited and are travelling backward. It's still a hike to the dining car (just in the other directio) but our meals are now served without the tinfoil covering and on prettier, but still plastic plates.
Friday 16th - Los Angeles California
We arrived at 5am. The Metropolitan Lounge was opened for us as there were a number of other passengers transiting, so there was not the usual checking and anticipated argument. Previous gatekeeper having been quite hostile. Anyway, was good to have a couple of hot chocolates and while away time till 06.30. Cought the A Line down to Long Beacj $0.75 being deducted from my card and went to McD for breakfast. Called at Hotel about 0830 intending to just leave my coat and bag but the receptionist said they had a room so I dumped the coat and bag in there and started wandering. Hiked down the beach to Belmont Pier. Tried sitting there in the sun but failed and decided
to visit the California Science Scentre. This was amazing - only problem was that the Space Shuttle was not on display and I don't think I got around half of it. Their aquarium was great water from the desert exhibit stirs the kelp and it has a short walk through glass tunnel. Also the best hands on displays for kids. Thought about re-visiting but it's an hour and a half travel to get there - maybe \i will. Returned to the room and struggled with the Roku TV.
Saturday 17th
Woke 6am and lay in bed realised that I want to sort out the clipper card for SF but service centre doesn't open until 9am. That was a disaster, 11min wait time on first call going to 44min on second. Guess I will need to check at a machine on Tues. Went to Exposition. The Natural History Museum wanted $14 (Senior Rate) and I only had an hour before I had to return to watch the Playoff Games. Visited the top floor of the Science Centre and the aquarium. Train worked, attempted to find some grapes and failed. Two turnovers to Denver so far, maybe three. Updating on the mobile has changed the formatting of all the photos! First game was good, I feel sorry for the Bills Quarterback. 49ers got slaughtered by Seattle.
Sunday 18th
Plan to visit the Sport Science display went out the window with the game starting at noon (I thought it was 3pm) Instead I got off at LATTC and went taking photos of their murals and the churches. Returned in time for an ice cream (it was gigantic) and lemonade at McD. Got the game - eventually, Roku TV takes some getting used to New England get the first score over Texans. Chicago go out to LA Rams in overtime - getting to overtime was epic.
Monday 19th - Oakland California
Up and out at 7am. Breakfast as usual and Metro at 10 to 8 to Union Station arriving just before 9 for a 9.40 train, so as little wander around. Allocated a window seat on the wrong side. However, was able to take photos of the coast and Vandenburgh Rocket site plus the S just past San Luis Obispo before it got dark. A lot of photos. Failed to get the Clipper Card sorted. Wandered to the Jack London Inn and seem to have been allocated an accessible room which is not as good as the last room and the TV needed fiddling with - wrong input. Great fun getting boarding passes sorted - British Airways seems to be the problem, or maybe it is just getting back into the UK.
Tuesday 20th
Breakfast at 7.15 and waiting to see if Clipper can be fixed by phone. Lines open at 8am Lines open at 8am and the wait time was 16 mins. So wandered up to the 12th St BART and found a machine which told me I had just under $10 on the card - added $2 - which was probably too much. Had a wander around the quayside and took some photos also checked out the time of ferries to SF. Still fascinated by the train coming down the middle of the street. Caught the 10am ferry to SF. Wandered around - rode the cable car up Nob Hill - ran down my McD points and took photos of/on Market St before catching the BART to the airport - Discovered that the Clipper card had no credit on it and wouldn't let me out. Strange as the Cable card didn't seem to take my fare. I wonder? Visited the \Museum and sat for quite a while watching the planes. I'm not sure it is as nice an airport as the independent said but it was a nice swivel chair with a good view. Phoenix another wait and line to get passport checked - they changed my seat too a window and it turned out that I had the entire row to myself.
Wednesday 21st - Barry Wales
Plane got into Heathrow on time and I had an hour to kill before the 1425 Megabus to Cardiff 18.30. Rain. Busses to Barry all left at 19.10 so I got home at 20.30. Huge relief as I had been uninsured - failed to extend past 30 days. Now I need to claim compensation for the cancelled flight.
