2026-07

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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

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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