2026 Australia

Saturday August 29th

UK service! The bus puts us off at a closed Bus interchange, go piss in the streets is the attitude - we are closed. Cardiff is crowded on a Friday night. Bus was OK despite my sitting in the wrong seat. Spent 3hrs sitting in arrivals as there are no seats in departures. Went too the lounge at sbout 7am and got in. Slightly cramped and not a lot of hot food on offer, but good cerials and pastries. Gate announced before 10 am so out of lounge and at the gate.

2026 Gibraltar Cruise

 Photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/MnTReQAvB6nA4s3EA

Saturday 15th August Depart Tilbury

Up at 0515, Train to Cardiff @0610, quick McD and 0710 bus to London which got in 30min early @10.30. Tube from Victoria was packed but soon thinned out Change at West Ham and Tilbury Town by 12.30. Half hour walk to cruise port. Google did not show the footpath and, since there was a river I ended up walking on the road. Tried to report it.

  Line for security was long and they were trying to get people to wait until their allotted time but I got on early. Cabin was ready but the itinerary has been changed, so I need to get the map and walks in almeria downloaded. (Then realised that I don't tis Europe).

    Sailing down the Thames was great. Lots to see including Container Port, Southend Pier, Explosive Works and the Anti Aircraft towers plus wind farms. Pork belly for tea and problems getting it out of my teeth!. Picture editing all evening. Bloody lightswitches at head of the bed are a pain - lights keep going on or off as I lean against them. The cabin is designed to take four with fold down bunks on either side which makes getting into bed difficult - well inconvenient. Plus I am beneath the stage, so lots of thumping on the roof as the evening show performs.

Sunday 16th August - At Sea

It's a British boat! Ready for breakfast before 7am - finally got someone to serve me museli. No baked beans, and when they did arrive I was told 7.30. Only on a UK boat would the food be out and ready but the staff not serve it, preferring that it sit for 15 minutes and dry out. Skipped the cooked food. Enrichment chats were good and I made do with a burger for luch. Slept through a lot of the afternoon lecture - jet lag? Scones and light tea. Read in Observatory, during the ukeleley lesson and then in cabin. Finished the James Patterson book - should find out how many and in what order the Alex Cross novels are. Still leaning on the bloody light switches at the head of the bed!

    Went up to the buffet for dinner. Very dissapointing - decided on pasta but the portions doled out were tiny - a couldn't be hassled to keep on asking for more - then it came to adding salmon - the fillets were TINY! I gave up - wasn't going to ask for more - the attendant offered more saying words to the effect that I had got the two I asked for. That's why I don't like these british buffets. Just coming off an Alaskan cruise where the salmon portions were massive did not help.

Monday 17th August - At Sea

Overslept!  Woke at 08.50 and the first talk was at 9am. Luckily, I had decided that as I had done nothing yesterday I could wear the same clothes, so just lept into them and got out without a shower. On getting up to The Observatory the lecture was going on and not particularly interesting, so I just sat by a window and sort of listened.

    Lectures on Wildcats and Corruption and completed a John Mortimer Rumpole book. Nothing eaten and I'm wondering if I can be bothered to go and eat. At least the lifts seem to work on this ship - probably because of it's small size and my choosing the times when I use them.

    I went up to the buffet but there was nothing appealing, not that you could see much, as most of it was in iron pots and covered up - had a coffee instead - at least the insulated mug is paying its way, it takes two cup of the unajustable coffee machines. The evening entertainment a singer was pretty good songs from the movies - big contrast between an american audience and the brits - yanks will clap at anything and want to take part, for the brits it's like getting blood from a stone!

Tuesday 18th August - Vigo

Up before the dawn and managed to get a full three course breakfast, and a bit of reading as we docked.

Out before 9am and turned right to the dockyard and shipbuilding yards, on to the beaches and then followed a good path up the River Llagares. The fish is the river were nothing compared to the salmon at Ketchekan. Unfortunately, the path was closed in a number of places, which was a pain. After a couple of Medeavil bridges I began to return to the ship via the main drag, taking in the famous statues and even stumbled across some good ones at sea level. Including Jules Verne again (got him last time I was here - this must be my third visit. Pretty sure I did it with mother and then when I took the train to Santiago. Duty free at Virgo had gin for 14 Euro so I suspect I paid more on the ship, annoying! Back on the ship at 15.15, hot and sweaty, so sat in The Observatory until we departed. Dinner was baked crepe with spinnach. Plan is to do photos while I wait for theatre. The later start (20.30) is a pain. Queen songs around a womens football theme - it was OK, this time the audience clapped after every song.

Wednesday 19th August - At Sea

Skipped the third course at breakfast, had a cheeseburger for lunch and nothing tempted for dinner, so just a coffee. I continue to be dissapointed by the buffet. Have also gone off the orka chats, as they seem to be so simple. My Grisham book is also not too good either, but there is a library when I get through my books.

    Went up to the Observatory Lounge and fell asleep listening to sounds and woke up having missed the afternoon theatre chat also began to overheat in the sun, so retreated to cabin and continued listening to The 39 Steps and editing Virgo photos. Evening theatre was classical, so not tempting. Expect to be up most of the night as I have been sleeping most of the day. Should be ready for an early start tomorrow.

Thursday 20th August - Cadiz

Once again up before the dawn, and a full breakfast - sausages are always cool.

Ashore at 9am, the terminal had wifi so I was there for an hour sorting emails. Out of there at about 10am and wandered around the coast. The temperature seemed to be hotter than yesterday, despite the forecast that it would be lower, perhaps it was the humidity. came back at the Cathedral - went on to the train station and discovered that my card had expired. Came back to the ship at around 1300 and discovered that I had lost my cruise card (probably in the station) It was surprisingly easy to get a replacement (we will see if I get charged). Next visit to Cadiz I must use the train to get somewhere else - would have cost 10 Euro. Investigated using the train in Malaga probably 8Euro.

Friday 21st August - Malaga

Breakfast at dawn - bowl is so small fruit was in a separate one - and I did manage to get bacon beans rather than bacon. Arrivl was around 9am and I think the first bus out was 09.30 and I was on it. Walked to the rail station - Maria Zambrano rather than Central (which does the C1 & C2 lines. C2 out to Alora was not until 11.43 bought a return ticket £7.00, set the alarm and wandered around Malaga failing to find one McD but managing an ice cream in the station McD. Nice wander. At Alora I hiked up to the castle which had some fantastic views and is set in a mountain village with steep narrow lanes. Came back on the next train, forgetting to stop the tracking. There is another hike in that village up to the cross on the top of the mountain, google also says there are some hikes at the village before - Pizarra - Raja Ancha & Cueva Oscura look promising on a cooler day. Got back at 2.30 and made the 1500 coach back to the ship. Cabin was made up - I thought I should let him do it at least once in the trip but it is annoying the way everything is the way he wants it rather than as I like it. They are rehearsing in the theatre so much thumping on the cabin ceiling. Annoyed that the port duty free here is also 14Euro for gin £12 says google.

Saturday 22nd August - Almeria

Once again a night of not a lot of sleep - well awake during the early hours 3am-5am probably - jet lag or just out of sorts?

The terminal had wifi but no connection to the internet, so data used flushing out emails then on to the Alcazaba or fortress. They let us in without charging, though due to Brexit we should have been paying 1.5 Euro. From there I went on to the Cathedral and railway station. Station was in the process of being redeveloped and only the busses could be seen. Then on to the Cable Ingles Cruce - a loading pier for ore. Back on the boat by 1pm

   Shower and change of clothes as it had been 30C during my wandering. Lot of eating and a little reading. Sat in Observatory as we departed and now back in the cabin - can't/won't be bothered with the theatre performance - maybe tomorrow when it is a comedian.

Sunday 23rd August - Gibraltar

Out at 9am and hiked towards the Nature reserve. A lot of stairs. Paid my 30Euro at the cave and paused the tracker while I went inside. Much emphasis on WW2, which seems to be when they built the majority of the caves. On to the next set of caves which was up a dead end. These had much more empgasis on "The Great Seige" of late 1700's. Didn't go all the way through to the east side. Walk towards the top despite a rather intimidating sign. It is impossible to get to the very top as they are MoD sites (it would appear). Came across the monkeys, which are very cute and amusing and the Skywalk which is intimidating. O'Hara battery did not have a clear view of Europa point, so took the Mediterranean Steps and regretted it. My fear of heights returning. A real trail this but without the view as promised. Almost left out St Michaels Cave - misread the map - there was a lot more climbing than I anticipated but they were stunning. Not sure that the light show added much but the cave themselves were amazing. Suspensin bridge and down to McD for a well deserved Ice Cream before return to ship. I really wanted a lemonade at McD but that appears to be an american speciality. 

    Set sail at same time as the german cruise liner and followed it out. I did attend the comic show - extremely British - and not sure that I enjoyed it.

Monday 24th August - At Sea

Clocks went back an hour and breakfast is 30mins later when we are at sea. Usual routine taking my coffee up into the observatory and watching the sea/reading. Not really getting into Len Deiton's Faith, so playing on computer. The swell is beginning to make the ship move a little. Usual chats in the theatre bit of salad for lunch - usual small portion doled out. Same problem with afternoon tea, you just don't get what you want. Smart night so retired to cabin at about 4pm and attempted to sort out the Almeria photos, having copied them twice the file numbering has gone crazy. Not helped by bing unable to read the file names as my eyes deteriorate.

Tuesday 25th August - Leixoes

Also known as Porto's port! I was up and having breakfast as the pilot got on board, but didn't rush to get off. 9am when I got out of the port. Got to the Metro and eventually decided that a 3 zone card would do, only discovered later that there is a tourist card available which covers all zones. Also worked out that it was impossible to do the Duro Valley in the time available, so purchased a ticket to Paramos on the Aveiro Line. Once that train had left I discovered that it did not stop there. It didn't matter as I saw the boardwalk and got off at Espinho. Last visit I had decided I wanted to do the boardwalk by the sea and I was going to get off at Espinho anyway as it was the closest to Paramos anyway. The promenade and boardwalk took me two miles back to Granja and was good. Watched the trains run past and the beach and Ocean. Back to Sao Bento and then Metro to Matosinhos Sul and McD for an ice cream. No cones so a 2 Euro Sundae. 

    Decided I had time to go to the lighthouse, a nice promenade, but there was no way to get into the lighthouse so treated myself to a Strawberry Sundae at the second McD. Nicely air conditioned but not up to the standard of the one in Porto. Back at the ship by 17.30 for a 20.00 departure. Photos copied to computer and two days at sea now to organise them. Went to the theatre and didn't really enjoy the comedian - started listening to music on the earbuds about half way through his act. Although the final bit with a big balloon was quite amusing.

Wednesday 26th August - At Sea

Usual routine - 45mins before breakfast opens I get up, half an hour later on a sea day. It was raining really heavily, in fact there was quite a bit of lightning. Breakfast and take my coffee to The Observatory and listen to the Orka group chat. Not sure that their figures are accurate 20,000 ship strikes per year seems a bit large for me. Chat on miscarrages of justice was not as good as I expected a re-hash of known cases. Didn't bother with the invite to a solo's lunch, but did put in the cut in gratuities down from £7/day to £2 so £24 in total, which I still think is excessive. Took computer upstairs to do some editing, finished the Len Deighton book. Pizza lunch - a stingy portion and scones with cream and jam for tea before retreating (it's another Formal evening). Finished photographs, and gave up on a railway accident book. Thumping from above as the show gets going.

Thursday 27th August - At Sea

Quite a nice day. Usual routine breakfast, The Observatory Lounge, Theatre for a talk (an expedition to the Congo trapping bats) Captains announcement at 12. Due to collect duty free at 1400. Cherbourge Peninsula visible to starboard. With time to pass I got back into the railway book and the meat feast Pizza - not that they will give you enough, went back for a second helping and again had to ask for an extra portion. They finally produced a true brownie but when I went back for extra the place had closed. 1800 and I have given up. Waiting for the paper which will tell me the times for getting off tomorrow.

Friday 28th August - Tilbury

Up at 6am, breakfast and packed and out of cabin by 0730. Off ship and on 08.06 train to Fenchurch St (Screaming at Google as directions were lousy) Made Victoria McD at 09.30. Thinking I might be able to pick up the camera. Bus it Cardiff is at 11.30.

2026 Alaska Cruise

 Photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/JD71AJVn5UrAXoqv6

Wednesday 29th August

Awake at 4am still trying to work out what time to get up in order to catch the 05.30 train. Lay in bed a while and did get out of the flat just as the alarm telling me to leave went off. Not that urgent as there was another train which would have got me to Cardiff in time.
    Breakfast was dissapointing - blew all my points on a double sausage and egg burger but it had no egg in it, and the flatbread was more like cardboard, shame the wraps are so expensive. Anyway the bus left on time and was a head of schedule at most stops. Arrived Heathrow 10.20 and the gate was not even announced until 12.30 so a bit of a wait - able to send regatta photos.
    Flight was just over 10hrs and the window seat gave some nice views of Datchet, Iceland, Greenland, the Northern shield and Californian volcanoes. Immigration was quick and would have been quicker if I had used the App (must remember for next time except it won't work with the cruise), Was able to load my compass card and get to the hotel around 18.30 local time.
    Went for a wander but no enthusiasm, couldn't work out the Jack menu and there were no prices in the convenience store. Discovered the 49ers museum doesn't open until Friday noon so will need change plans.

Thursday 30th Aug

Bloody TV refused to work so no weather forecast, so much for "Smart" TV's
    Breakfast was good and I cought the N line out to Ocean Beach. Walked along the coast to The Golden Gate Bridge. They are correct it is one of the most spectacular coastal walks possible. Caught the bus back in to Fishermans Wharf and the vintage trolley up Market St for lunch. Visited the railway museum, which was not as good as I expected. Lots of information and small relics but as they said, their main exhibits were out on the street. Took the ferry out to Larkspur and back.
    Found a Safeway and decided that the member discounts were so good that I had to get membership - this took a lot of doing including a new email, all for a saving of $6. Also discovered I had blown through the $20 on my compass card. Guess the ferry was not as inexpensive as I thought. Back at hotel by 6pm and the TV works, I also have a microwave.

Friday 31st August

Spent an hour trying to sort out Queensland, Australia trains. Got first one sorted with the pass. Out at 08.30 and enjoyed breakfast. T line station was closed, with fire service in attrndance. Got to Powell and managed to put money on card but when I got to CalTrain station was told I could not use Clipper to buy a ticket. $8 for a day pass. Now the train has hit a shopping cart. Guess it is better than a lorry, but I does seem that I am fated to hit things when riding trains in California. Last one was on my way to Yosemite! Almost left hy hat on the train!
    Transfer to the Orange line and travel to Levi Stadium was easy, arrived 10 mins before the Museum opened. An interesting combination of trying to tell the history by artefacts that I fail to see as valuable - just because a star player used them. It was a surprise to see how long ago the M era was.
    Went for a hike along the river, enjoying the climate, seeing little birds, martins, dragonfly and aircraft out of San Jose. However, car parks and houses on the other side of the embankment. Flat and boring, a good cycle route. Back on the train, that ride was also not as intersting as I expected, a great train but travel through suburbia.
    Called in at customer services and have found out why I cannot register my clipper card - wrong email registered. Will see if it ever gets sorted. Spent rest of the evening booking train rides for Queensland Australia.

Saturday 1st August San Francisco

Awake at 6am but managed to stay in bed until 7am. Found American fotball programme on TV but was out by about 08.30. Enjoyed a pleasant breakfast in McD and wandered through Chinatown to get to the ship. Luckily they were not blocking access to th cabins, so I was able to dump my kit there. Buffet and then went for a walk down to Pier 39 and a view of the sea lions. They really did not want to let me off the ship. The Golden Gate Bridge was covered with fog, just the tops showing but by the time I got back on the ship the fog had vanished.  Ice Cream and Cookies and back to cabin awaiting departure.

Sunday 2nd August At Sea

Decided it was not worth trying to catch the dawn but was still up for breakfast just after 7am. Took the book along and that worked well. Went upstairs and read until it was time to go to the theatre and have the chat on shopping during the trip. That overran so I only got the tail of the Natural History chat. Had Lunch and went to the Art Chat which was pretty animated and interesting. More food and the retreat was being closed so I came back to the cabin and sort of watched "The Devil wears Prada 2". More food and back to the cabin with a cup of milk and cookies. It's a formal evening so I am staying put. Only took three photos today!

Monday 3rd August At Sea

Surprisingly busy day. Up early, breakfast and read in Skylounge until 10am Theatre presentation on Marine Mamals tayed in the theatre for the 11.30 Ketchikan Shopping Show which was followed by a raffle at the Effy Shop. Got some sort of necklace (I think). Then it was time for an enrichment lecture at 1300 on Alaskan Histor supposedly. (No time for the art auction). 1400 was more info on Ketchikan Information followed by the Second Officer and the Navigation show at 1500. Sat in on a Quiz show at the Explorer lounge and finished the book. Book was about Apache Helecopters in Afghanestan - rather ironic given the way it ended. By this time it was 17.30. Spent about half an hour trying to find out about the Canadian Customs declaration - not very good service - they ignored my message on the app.I must have spent some time in the cabin and after dinner ended up watching the sunset and taking some photos. Just a busy day at sea. Wondering about Ketchikan. Google says the Rainbird Trail is closed and there are going to be five ships in port!

Tuesday 4th August Ketchikan

Breakfast room was very busy, I guess everyone was keen to get out and catch Ketchikan.

I got out and decided that it was crowded and nowhere was providing free wifi, google said the local library was only half a mile away so I headed for that. What it forgot to mention was the 500ft climb to get to it. Anyway it was very nice but didn't open until 10am so chatted to some woman, also visiting and looking for some hiking trails. WiFi done and BBC Sounds working again I was off to do the Deer Mountain trail. This turned out to be pretty hard, I gave up at the halfway point having climbed over 1,000ft in 2.5miles. And the viewpoint wasn't up to much - couldn't see the cruise ships, five of them in port. Discovered I am entitled to go into the Skywalker lounge between 4.30 and 6pm for Captains Circle, so did. Then Dinner and The evening theatre presentation was pretty good, combined dance and magic and reflections on life.

Wednesday 5th August Juneau

Breakfast, watdhed a couple of porpoises go by and a whale blowing in the distance - it was flat calm, Skywalker lounge for a read, then down for the presentation, which was in the Explorers Lounge while I waited in the Theatre. But realised and made it at 9am. Won the raffle so now have a tote bag and a lot of useless stuff to get back to UK. (nail varnish, kiddies T shirt, adult T shirt).

    10am in Juneau - municipal free wifi - but I think Ian no longer uses the live email (Need him to tell the camera repair guy not to get impatient) Facemessaged him later. Played Debora Treasure Hunt as I had to pass the jewellery stores anyway then got up onto the Perseverence Trail. Hiked that up to the end with a waterfall. On the way back did the Gold Creek Flume - which was in a better state than last time and open, despite the sign. There were five ships in, three were Princess  ships, one of them had to tender ashore (glad I missed the crowds), Back at ship around 4.30pm. Stopped to do internet stuff and cooled off and became stiff on the way. Skywalker with a coffee, dinner and then did the comedy show, which was not exactly crowded. Now to sort photos.

Thursday 6th August Haines

Usual massive breakfast and I was on the quayside by 08.30. Picked up a trail map at the information centre, which confirmed what Komoot was telling me and off I went with the intention of going around Haines Hill. This meant using the Lilly Lake Trail and the Mount Riley Trails.This proved to be extremely hard work, the trail up the mountain was very steep and long. I guess doing 11 miles yesterday did not help. Eventually got back to ses level thinking my uphill stuff was finished, only yo find that the Battery Trail and road went up quite a bit, and the road was just a slog. It turned out to be a total of 10miles, back at 15.30 so 5hrs says app, 7hrs says the maths. I went up to the buffet and consumed a lot of lemonade. Up to the Skywalker Lounge for Captains Club, followed by Explorer Lounge for Trivia Quiz and then Theatre for a Whitney Houston tribute act. All I hear are the things that make it not like the original. Feasted and came back to cabin.

Friday August 7th Endicott Arm

I guess we were lucky with the timing, two other cruise liners came out to let us in and we were quite early with a 10 am arrival time at the Dawes Glacier. At least we got closer this time than last, although not as close to a glacier asd we did on the Royal Caribean. Anyway, we were all out by 11.30 and after a short break it was a busy afternoon. Art auction began at 12.30, I was able to go to the Birds talk and get back before the end of the auction and collect my "free artwork". Then the Prince Rupert briefing took us to 16.00, missing the North to Alaska Enrichment chat (may get it on playback) Finished my Ben Elton book and donated that to the library, also had to re-do my canadian entry declaration as they had lost the original. 7pm was the Captain's Circle Party where I got my second free drink of the day, first was a glass of champagne at the auction, now a free beer - even if it was american. Dinner was ribs (again disappointing) and lasagne which although looking ugly was good. Back in room with Cheese, Cookies and Brownies.

Saturday August 8th Prince Rupert

Despite the clocks going forward an hour I was awake at the usual time. Skipped the second course of breakfast, as I was feeling full, think last night was to blame. Got ashore easily, could not log in to Safeway wifi as my Safeway app is on the american phone which I left on the ship. Tim Horton enabled me to get everything done and enjoy an excellent Hot Chocolate (should try large next time) The hardware store had some new cartoons up (I think - had to go back and get a better photo of one). Visited the museum, which had a single pannel about the railway. Bought a fridge magnet to remind me of my last visit and the eagle coming down the street. Avoided the trail as I wanted to retain pleasant memories of it. 

    Ship sailed at 13.30 back into fog for a while. Attended the dancers explaining their careers and the Skywalker Lounge. Dinner and the 1900 comedian - very gentle. Retired at 20.00 to play with pictures and this diary.

Sunday August 9th At Sea

No photos today, but plenty of enrichment. Formal evening, so hiding in cabin.

Monday August 10th At Sea

At least I took a couple of photos today. Also investigated future cruises - seems they have a shareholder scheme (100 shares at a cost of about £2500 would give $250 credit on a 14 day cruise) Not worth it - last time I lost the whiskey at the airport.

Tuesday August 11th Arrive SF

Off the boat and caught up with email by 08.30. Walked to Embarcadero and took the N Line out to th Golden Gate Park and wandered through that to the end of the N Line. Still had time to spare so took a Trolley Bus out to California and Presidio - but it was still some distance from the Presidio. Bart out to the Airport and still some $20 on my Clipper Card.

Wednesday August 12th Arrive LHR

Slept well on the plane, waking up over Ireland. English countryside looked parched. We were in at 12.15 and the bus was supposed to be 14.45, so well over an hour finishing the Alan Sugar biography in a quiet corner of Terminal 3. The bus was late - left about 15.30. Cardiff at 17.40 and confusion over te timing of the96  bus to Barry. I should have taken the train. Back around 9.30 and put the fridge magnets on the board. All ebay purchases had arrived.

2026-07

 Photos at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/Nv66XQ3CDoAL12Tg9

    and         https://photos.app.goo.gl/Heu2c8GYV3hftheh7

Sunday 28th June

Panic over - I couldn't find my passport! Had put it in the wrong draw.
     Left house at 9am to catch the 94 bus to Cardiff. Time there for Brunch before catching the 11.45 Flixbus to Gatwick which got me there around 4.30. Met some sailors who had just been to Wildwind - no foiling for them and I have no idea who she was. McD again for a largre chocolate milkshake and then to the local bus stop where I caught the No4 bus and then walked to the hotel. Did my Jack Reacher thing.

Monday 29th June

Awake at 7am so decided to walk to Gatwick. The route was a mistake, no sidewalk and busy with morning traffic and the runway was hidden behind trees so nothing to see. Still a nice McD Breakfast. No problem at check in, the label appeared to do the trick, and I got a window seat. 6hr flight. Interesting to see the darkening window, having just read about it's replacement.
     Immigration did better than Copenhagen, 45min. Airtrain was the most expensive part of the trip now $8.75. Long Island Railway to Penn. Amtrak allowed me to change the ticket to the 6:40 so I had time for dinner at McD - but rushed it. So got to hotel around 8.50.

Tuesday 30th June- New Haven

I messed up and booked a train ticket to Mystic, before I checked the map as it was beyond New London and the plan had been to do it later in the week. Also in order to get a $10 return trip ($66 going) I was booked on an 8pm train. Anyway, had breakfast and caught the 9.40 train so was at Mystic Seaport Museum around 11am. I look at these places and think nothing has changed since my youth. Tools, layout stocks of wood are all as I used to remember them. Then there is the schooner they are rebuilding - even they admit that it would be cheaper to build a replica from scratch - I don't think there will be an original piece left when they finish. Same broom, fourth head and sixth shaft kept going through my mind. Still it was nice to sit and watch people going out in the craft available. I thought I might like to try out one of their traditional sailing boats but the brass on my boots might have damaged them. At least that was my excuse truth is I was scared I might cock up.

     Eventually decided that $40 on a river cruise was a nice way to kill the two hours rather than trying to walk around town so did the cruise. There were some very nice boats and some very expensive properties along the river, and sailing classes still going on as we returned.  Dinner was salted mixed nuts, Doritos and M&M'sT rain was the second to come along and luckily the ticket seemed to work but it was crowded. Back around 9pm a long day - processed some photos but not all.

Wednesday July 1st.

Boiled eggs and burger meat for breakfast - doubled up on the cold oats and nice OJ. Bit of internet and then out to the rail station where I booked an earlier train to Boston. NCL really annoying with pre-cruise info and sell up.
       Took the shuttle bus into town thinking I might do a hike. The green was very pretty and I did get to the beginning of the Canal trail but with the heat and humidity building I decided I needed air conditioning so went to the City Museum. $4 - interesting, usual over emphasis on paintings but some were modern. Amistat Exhibition was good - nothing about the building itself.
     From there it was on to the Peabody Museum. Natural history, geology, fossils, dinasoars all very well displayed and free! Walked through the old buildings to Yale Visitor Centre and read the history 1701 to today. Crossed the green, contemplating a pizza, as a result of the Museum telling me New Haven was the capital of pizza, but the bus arrived and it is a Subway from the Rail Station and an evening to go through photos.

Thursday July 2nd - New London

Checked out and was at the station in time for the 0940 - only to discover that my ticket was for the 09.50 stopping train - which was nice. It wasn't as crowded as previous trains. However, arrived in New London at 11am so had to do something until check in and it was pretty hot and humid. Hiked to Fort Trumbull to try and check out harbor cruises but they had no information, They did have an information centre/museum $6 which was air conditioned so went in there before starting the hike across the bridge.
     The plan had been to go to the submarine museum, but it looked to be a bit of a distance and I had got my days mixed (thought there was a harbor cruise at 3pm). Anyway, I wasn't going to make that so went to the Rodeway Inn and checked in. Thoroughly drenched in sweat - did a Jack Reacher and was naked when the door got opened as some woman attempted to come take my room - I think she was supposed to be in 203. Spent rest of day playing on the internet and trying to plan the next two days.

Friday July 3rd

Woke before 6am. Somehow fiddling with the computer removed an hour and it was 8am before I left to begin the hike to the Submarine Museum. Tried Jersey Mike's for breakfast but they didn't open until 10. Subway was open (it hadn't looked it) so breakfast sub and 3 cookies $13+. Arrived at the Museum around 09.30. It wasn't as big as I expected and was fun for about 3hrs but as the plan was to catch the 3pm cruise it was a bit of a drag after that. The cinema was only showing half of the history film.

       The cruise was OK but the narration was not particularly historic - places were ponted out but it didn't come together as a narrative. The lucky thing was that when we got back I checked the bus time and the No2 was delayed by 13mins. Made it and it accepted debit card and it was cold. Didn't make the pace count but with the temperature near to 100 it was probably wise. Back at 1700. Things are not drying!

Saturday July 4th

There are no busses today it being Independence Day. So I was out at 8am in order to beat the heat and walked to McD and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with Lemonade, Ice Cream and Hot Chocolate. 

    I then wandered down to the ferry and got the 10am over to Orient, a one hour twenty minute cruise. When I got off it was very hot and humid and there was nothing there. A bus did turn up which would have taken me to the railhead but getting back could have been a problem. So I caught the 12.30 ferry back to New London. Feeling pretty tired on the ferry. The terminal being about 200yds from the town I decided that beginning the hike back would make sense. Picked up some supplies before the bridge and was back at the room by 15.30. There were some small parties happening, one outside the room but July 4th seems to be a day of small scale celebrations. Have found nothing local but the TV is making a great thing of it - have to be out early tomorrow to catch the train anyway - however tempting another McD breakfast is I keep telling myself I will get more than I need on the boat. Have received yet another email reminding me to arrive at my allocated time.

     Local residents has their fireworks and then He had a real firework display as the thunderstorm arrived. Everything in America is bigger and better.

Sunday July 5th - Boston (Norwegan Breakaway)

Up at 6am out by 7am. Very tempting to visit McD but hiked directly to the rail station which had a nice waiting room. Train was about 15 mins late and crowded. Small windows meant not much of a view. Boston South Station is now in the middle of a well developed area - not as it was 40yrs ago.

    Wandered to the cruise port via the Tea Party Museum. Big line to get checked in. After all the emails there was still a paper health form to fill in. Security required the disposal of all plastic bottles which was a real drag - I will have to find a replacement. Security was perfunctory but the cabins were not ready so public areas were really crowded. Managed to dump bags in the room by ignoring signs went and ate - now back in cabin. went out and ate again, and attended the welcome show. NCL is definitely targeted at a younger age group (or Americans) lots of enthusiasm and clapping. I doubt that I am going to find a quiet lounge with a view. Thinking that I should look for smaller boats with less entertainment - the Aaskan Marine Highway or Hurtigruden come to mind. Stood in line to change gratuities only to be told that it couldn't be done until 9th July. Discovered we are tendering at Halifax so tried to book a tender on tv - it was hidden under "entertainment" first four fully booked but still being offered eventually got a booking on tender 5. Not helped by the back button not working on the remote.

Monday July 6th - At Sea

Up to get a sunrise photo - couldn't get out on deck 7. Checked out the bar - which opens early. Called at Guest Services, as it appeared that we had to register as transit for Canada - another deceptive notice - I didn't have to and they failed to understand why being programmed to usual requests.

    Buffet was open before 7am, Good breakfast - baked beans have a great sauce - fruit was still frozen. Attended the moblle phone talk, which was quite useful and the sell was quite soft at the end. Also attended the timepiece talk which was just a heavy selling session. Lunch was supposed to be a couple of whales, but all I saw were a couple of porpoises.

   Siesta - slept most of the afternoon. Did the show 

Tuesday July 7th - Halifax

Up at 0530 to see the sun rise and our approach to Halifax. Breakfast and returned for a shower - did I mention how pathetic the shower is. Waiting to be called to thende - my booking is for Tender 5. They have announced that Group 1 is being called - does Group1 include Tender 5 or do they just mean Tender 1 - the problem of indistinct communication continues! My guess is that Group=Tender.

   Eventually ashore called at 7.45 and it was about 9.30 when I got ashore. At least there was wifi and I was able to chat to Guy who was at home. Hiked to the ferry - seniors were free today for some reason. The initial walk was a bit difficult as they are working on the path. Canal displays at the begining were interesting - there was an incline plane. The lakes less so - it was impossible to walk around the edge. Visited a museum small display on the explosion. Considered walking to other terminal but didn't seem worth it so back to the ship via the train station. Back on board at 15.30 - time of the last tender. Missed the departure. Attended theatre and comedy club which was packed - standing room only so I departed after a short stay - would have liked to stay longer but it was just not comfortable standing at the back.

Wednesday July 8th - At Sea

I guess I got up at the usual early time. Went and had brakfast and then came back and slept until the daily announcement.

Spent the day eating and reading in the cabin. Had a short time reading in the lobby after tea while waiting for the theatre to open. Show was Rumours - Fleetwood Mac. Pretty well done but it has me listening now to the original recordings. Live tribute bands never quite get it right.

Thursday July 9th - Royal Dockyard, Bermuda

We arrived early, while I was having breakfast and I was out by 09.30 (Published arrival was 10.00) Had time to sort emails, wander around the shops and have my attempt to get a senior travel card declined (only available to local residents). Then caught the 11am NCL ferry to St Georges. I thought it was going to Hamilton actually but fell asleep during the 1hr journey.

Had a hike around the northern forts. $5 for the St Catherine Fort Museum was pretty good value - it showed a lot about the fort. Made it back for the 3pm ferry. 

    Extremely hot and sweaty as a result of temperature and humidity so shower before dinner and trying to relax reading the Richard Hammond book. Back to cabin and evening spent sorting photos. Reception finally accepted the change to gratuities and she filled it out for the full amount (I think) before I could stop her and put in a nominal sum. Guess I will just have to feel guilty.

Friday July 10th Royal Dockyard Bermuda

Breakfast was surprisingly crowded, I guess with the 3pm departure all the tours started early. Extra coffee and read, as I was not in a hurry. Found the "free" 09.45 tour of the dockyard and joined it for a while. It was really good, as it linked up with people in dress as it went on. However, it was hot and humid and I figured I wanted to do the National Museum, so went and paid my $18 to get in. Queens Building was air conditioned, which was good, as were the exhibits. It turned out that there was a dolphin pool in there, which was also pretty cool, but I probably might have benefitted from having the Fuji with me.

 

  Lots of guns and exhibitions in the main house, as the Carnival Cruise liner left at midday. I started to feel rushed and only had a brief look in the cave and Magazine, with it's displays on the Boer Was and how Bermuda was a pow camp for that. Back to the ship around 1.30 and a shower. I was literally soaking in sweat. Cruise director was leading the welcome back gauntlet run. Phone message marketing future cruises this time.

   Another dance show - I must say that the dancing is good. The other good thing is soft ice cream is available on demand and this evening there were even some chocolate cookies. However, current worry is getting off the ship in time to catch my 09.40 train. currently they are saying earliest exit will be 08.45 with immigration procedures on the ship. Guess I could end up having to catch a bus.

Saturday July 11th - At Sea

Trying to work out the laundry arrangements. Breakfast and pain au chocolate which was chewy - not the usual crispness to them. Wondering how you might find out what is being shown on TV (having come across The American President again) No-wegan cruise line is not doing well. I found the Adult area at the back of the ship yesterday but it was an open deck area. The humidity is still over 80% so outside is not comfortable (but dropping now 77%) And the wifi keeps dropping out, whenever I want to use the app I need to log in again. At least there are no dressy evenings.

    Saw a couple of dolphins over lunch, in the distance. Afternoon in the cabin. Dinner was king prawns - followed by the comedy show - which I thought was average. Lots of photos of the sunset.

Sunday July 12 - Providence RI

Yesterday, the screens were saying arrival at 08.45. I was off the ship at 07.30. With the train booked for 09.40 this gave me time to have a look at Boston 250 and all the sailing boats in the harbour. Which was good but the worry was totally unnecessary. No-way-wegian again!

    The train journey was quite short. Check in was not until 3pm so I had to wander around Providence. Google informed me that the RISD Museum was free on a Sunday, so I wandered there and was able to store bags in their cloakroom lockers (also free) while I wandered around the exhibits which were quite extensive and impressive. Not impressed by the Hot Chocolate from the cafe though. Caught the 3.15 bus to Motel 6.

    Peanuts for tea and a pleasant air conditioned evening.

Monday July 23 - Newport RI

The bus was going there so I got out at 09.15 and spent an hour and three quarters on the bus going to Newport. The aim was to see the Sailing Museum and Hall of Fame. Lots of interactive displays - all lacking the natural feel of a real boat.  Also very USA oriented. Much more impressed by the International Yacht Restoration School.

     Newport has changed since I last visited. It is now a tourist trap - all restaurants, souvenir shops and pubs. Plus it was relatively hot -low 80's so I decided to get the 2.30 bus back - it should have been $1 but the driver said there were no senior discounts and took $2 not bad for the time and distance (20mls)

     Back around 4pm and have just realised that I have not downloaded the photos.

Tuesday July 14th

Woke at 05.50 and decided I might as well get up and catch the early bus. Luckily it stopped for someone and then waited for me. Gave me time to look around, walk up the river and have a leisurely breakfast (guess where!). The Acela train was not as good as expected. The seat behind me wanted the blind down, so view was very limited and seats were just normal (for a train). It also appeared to bank the wrong way at times - very strange. In NY I made an easy connection with Long Island train and arrived JFK over hrs before flight. Air train from Jamaica to the terminal cost twice the price of the train from the city. Long wait.

Wednesday July 15th

Flight in at 0630. Breakfast at McD and off to North Terminal to get bus. At Heathrow I discovered my brother in the seat opposite! He was on his way back from Australia. Stuart gave us both a lift home from Cardiff. I spent the rest of the day booking another August cruise!

    

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, 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, another tour, 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.

Saturday 13th June 

Modern travel is amazing (the internet is not) this is the second time of writing this.

Picked up at 06.30 for transfer to Bus tation and Flybus to Keflavik (at a cost of over £30) The gate was announced at 0900 and passport control was better than Copenhagen and I was airside with 10mins to spare. Short delay at Gatwick as the airbridge was not working but I still had time to visit McD (15 min there 20min eat, 15 min back) Flixbus (16.15) was a long ride (under £15) getting into Cardiff at 21.20. Next bus to Barry was after 2200 so it ended as it began with a train ride. Went to Queen Street and it was crowded with young people going in and from Cardiff Central crowded with an older clientel going home. Amazingly, I could have caught the 96 bus up the hill but I was home by 22.30 and hit the gin.

    Videos will eventually get edited and posted