Iceland

Tuesday 8th August

Its good when it works. Up at 5am, out of flat at 5.45am and the 6am no 94 turned up on time. Got off in the right place - before wood St and was at Sophia Gardens by 7am for the 7.20 National Express to Heathrow. Through security by 10.45. The gate was announced at 12 and it was quite a walk to get to it. Had a window seat at the back and with miserable weather we joined the queue to get airborne. Weather cleared a bit over Scotland and was brilliant as we arrived in Iceland. Flat lava flows.

Iceland Airport was a maze, mixing arrivals with outgoing passengers, then a 45km coach ride to the ship. Fellow passengers cheered at the announcement that there was no McDonalds in Iceland. Urban myth about the last Big Mac not decomposing and being a museum piece was told.

On board issued with expedition jacket (I am a Gannet) and into cabin, eventually sorted out the TV. Did welcome party, dinner was good as it was a buffet and I didn't have to share a table. I guess I slept enough on the bus and plane not to feel too tired.

Wenesday 9th August Stykkisholmur

Up at 6am. Coffee in top deck, too strong. Breakfast at back of boat was surprisingly un-satisfying, as was lunch. Kept us going on the walk around town though. Had a burger, which didn't really fit the bun, and came with fries, but the milkshake was good and did the trick. 20.30 and I am tired. 

Day has been beautiful. Scenery wonderful but what can you do with it?

Thursday 10th Patreksfjordur

Overslept, not as good an early breakfast on Deck 9 and main breakfast continues to unsatisfy, but the sausages were cooked a little better and there was an interesting cheese egg. 

No announcement about the hike and they left without me. However, within an hour I had caught up with them and given the number of times I needed a leak it was just as well that I left them behind. I did get overtaken by some jogger, and we both saw the other fjord. I then decided to do the ridge in the hope that I could get down the ravine to the west of the village. Got there in plenty of time but the streambed emptied out over a waterfall that would have been over 100ft high if there had been any water in the bed. In fact the sphagnum was totally dry, so travel was not as arduous as it might have been, but the boulder fields were interesting. Looked at a couple of ravines and might have been able to get down the scree slope but decided to play it safe and retrace my steps. That said I missed the path and came down on the opposite bank of the stream to the ascent. 

Total was 15 miles according to Samsung and 12 according to Google. Two crab sandwiches and a milkshake - which was just as well as I went to diner which was waiter service and tenderloin of pork was tiny. As was the icecream.

The book gets even sillier. (Clive Cussler - Oregon Files)

Friday 11th Expediion Day

Once again I overslept. spotted a couple of whales, confirmed as Humpbacks from the bridge. The breakfast was more filling, as I added some ham and cheese rolls into it. Got jam from the croissants on my shirt so had to change. We were the first group off for a trip in the Zodiacs. Pretty windy, 20t+ gusts. Seeing Seals in the distance doesn't exactly fill me with the same thrill as everyone else.

Moved across the fjord at lunchtime and got ferried to an island. Lots of Arctic Terns getting agitated, also Guillemots and Puffins. Doubt that I have any good photos. The island had power, the guide didn't know about the transits for the electric cable. I also think he expected the traditional boat to float. Spoke the the island owner who admitted it would be too dangerous to launch her as the weather could not be trusted while she took up.

Back on board and got Beer and hot dog - those on the late shift to the island probably missed it. Crab sandwich for dinner, lots of people looking to miss the vegitarian evening. I'm trying for an early night.

Saturday 12th Djupavik

Getting up at 6am was OK. I still have a problem with coffee, but breakfast was good, 4 courses. An early start on the expedition, which went OK but was finished, with whales, by 11.30ish. Didn't feel hungry, so wandered around. Didn't get back in time to join the visit to the "art centre" and was 2 miles off the target distance, so walked it. Back on board and still not hungry. Waiter was friendly, so had a snack, which spread everywhere. Talk on rocks was basic.

More whales and a MoB drill and more whales. It's cold outside so sitting in my cocoon. New book (Michael Crichton - Next) Discovered keynote and films on the TV but want an early night.

Sunday 13 Akureyri
Quite a large town and with tour scheduled for 12.50 I decided it was a good day to catch up on the computer and watch a film. Dune sort of finished, no wonder there is a second chapter coming (at least this version sticks pretty close to the book). 

Weather continues to be wonderful which meant that with a fleece and jacket I was too hot. The walk was pretty uninteresting, apart from the timescale. Everything has developed since 1900. Decided £6 was too much for a fridge magnet, returned to the ship to hear a talk on the Norse Gods, which again seemed to date from around 1900, at least most of the illustrations were from that late victorian period. 

Would have been another early night apart from listening to "Sounds of the 70's" Internet connection seems pretty good. Did venture out to check my transfer details. 7am coach from the ship, with breakfast starting at 05.30.

Monday 14th Grimsey Island
Woke up to thick fog, had breakfast and returned to cabin to do diary. Looked up and fog has burnt off. Tendering ashore starts at 09.00 and my group is due to be called at 09.15. It's 9km around the island we are told.

So I wandered around the island attempting to take photos of Puffins and other seabirds. Convinved myself that I could see Greenland - only 250 mls away. Have now becom convinced that it was an Arctic Mirage. It was good enough to explain how the Vikings would have sailed there. The ship seemed to be holding position on engines. Got to next port in the evening. Just failed to hit target paces - no little green bar today.

Tuesday 15th Husavik

Early start for the hike which went up the mountain by a circuitous route. I left them on the way back and wandered up to the lake and then back to the ship so I got my little green bar today. Failed to find the route I thought was there, maybe didn't go far enough. Departure was 1500 so was back in time to have lunch and then got the nibbles later.

Managed to join Hesters (RYA Development Officer) Teams meeting. Should have been on wifi (I hope) there was no phone reception according to the phone.

Wednesday 16th Baccagerdi
Up early enough to find the ship enveloped in fog. Interesting experience of seeing the mountain tops above the fog as we came in. The Fjord crept up on me while I was having breakfast. Another early start for the hike - wondering how I will like it as it is up and over and then back again, vertical gain of 800m.

Well, it was OK - the leader set quite a pace but it was OK. However, the other side was steeper, and all it did was go down to a beech, so I decided to go back. Wandering the peaks was not an option as I was embedded in the group. Should

have stayed out but the hike gets off on the first tenders. At the bottom I hiked to the village, which was quite tedious, and not far enough according to Samsung. Just missed the bus back, so had half an hour watching the water and oystercatchers. Wandered around the harbour trying to get the distance in. Sent a photo of the harbour office to Chris. Got the distance on the boat. Happy hiker!

There was a problem with the tenders, a shackle or something failed, dropping a tender. Didn't see it but watched he recovery operation. We were an hour late leaving. About F5 (maybe) so a little movement

Thursday 17th Heimaey

Due alongside at noon. The entry to the port was quite spectacular, very narrow and steep cliffs. The hike was interesting, through the lava fields and up onto the ridge. There were a number of information boards showing how the lava had buried houses, and the way the entrance was narrowed was quite spectacular.

Thought about going out again and getting the three miles I was short but gave in to having tea, well a burger, crab roll and the usual chocolate milk shake. Checked in with BA for the flight home.

Departure was equally spectacular as we moved up the harbour and did a 360. Seemed to swivel on the azipods, without much use of the bow thrusters. The pilot boat was one of the ugliest I have seen, and had a child aboard! Captain took us around the island, but not down to Surtsey.

Friday 18th Reykjavik
So up at 05.15 for breakfast. Packed and off the boat at 7am. Usual waits for the flight and on arrival breezed through passport control and had a 20min + wait for the train to take me from T5 to T2 to catch the coach. Ian met me at Sophia Gardens and gave me a lift home. It was had been raining and was a wet and windy night. Real Iceland type weather..

The Official video is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHwAffj0CqI

2023 France

 Friday July 21th
Remarkably smooth departure from the house, only to find that the 7am train had been cancelled, back across bridge to catch the next one, 15 min delay for me half an hour, if you are at Barry Island.   Plenty of time allowed for a McDonalds breakfast in Cardiff, which was just as well as the app is taking longer and longer and needs to be re-loaded practically every time.

Train to Bristol, Bus to Airport - usual problem with shoes at airport- they can't decide what to do with steel toecapped shoes. Plane was an hour late which in the end was an advantage.

It's a long walk from Orly arrival to the train but an even longer walk around Paris. Very pleasant though, as a found a Supermarket and indulged as I walked along the Seine and back to the station.

As suspected, just a seat on the overnight train. I survived. 
Saturday 22st

Train arrived in Cebere 10 minutes late. Seemed to be quite a wait and doubtful that there was a train to Portbou so I decided to walk. Google was not a lot of use, as here are a lot of tunnels. Unfortunately, you are not able to use the train tunnel, so it was over the mountain on a trail, the road wanders, this was pretty much straight up, and only slightly less steep down. Took about an hour, google was right on that but it was hard work as we still had high temperatures 30C. Found a fountain outside the station to replenish water but it didn't taste nice. 

   Got my Gold Card, had to pay cash, and ticket to Barcelona 12.35 and arrived at 15.10. Hotel thought I had only booked one night but coped. An air conditioned room, small but has everything, TV only in Spanish. Dumped bags and set off for Catalonia Rail Museum on an 8 Euro ticket which included return train and admission. Nice collection of engines but makes me want to investigate the history/timeline of Spanish railway development. A long day.

Sunday 23nd
Up and out early, 7am got ticket to Latour de Carol. Breakfast at McD and 8.30 train - quite civilised, and quite an impressive journey to the high plains. Arrived about 12 and had an hour and half to wait for the return. There is nothing at Latour de Carol! Totally unable to make out te Yellow Train timetable, it was due to arrive 10mins before we left but it was 10 mins late, so all I got was a glimpse of it, as it nearly got there. The big thing is that it is a metre gauge and uses a third rail. It's hard work sitting on a train. Got back to Barcelona at 5pm. A pretty full day for under 16 €. Retired to air conditioning and discovered I have the wrong dates on tickets for Yellow Train and 2 day tour. Still considering options, favourite at the moment is to pick the Night Train up in Carcassonne or somewhere. Went out and indulged in a generous McD, with beer!

Monday 24rd

Lay in till 8am. Considered going to the local supemarket for breakfast, but it didn't open till 9am so it was another leisurely breakfast at McD. Purchased a one day travel card (10€) and the hotel have said they will look after luggage but the aircon is so nice I am reluctant to get moving. Spent the time booking a Travelodge for October. Got out around 10.30 Metro down to the harbour, wandered up to try and get on the cablecar. Google couldn't find the funicular, so I had o climb the hill, only to find that the cablecar is not included in the travel package 20€ for a return trip. However, I found the Funicular for the way down, and celebrated with a drink and ice cream at Guess Where?. On to Segrada Familia, you have to don't you. I remember the roads being bigger and not as many parks, it's certainly impressive but such a honey pot. Tried to get back to the seaside but line 4 is closed and, when I found the replacement bus stop the bus ignored me. So wandered to Arc de Triomph, which didn't have an arch but was an old rail station partially converted into a coach depot. 

Collected bags and sheltered in the air conditioned rail station. Of course the app decided not to work as I was entering the waiting area. Turns out there is a high speed line to Perpignan, which does not run along the coast. Arrived on time, bigger room, still no English telly.

Tuesday 25th

Breakfast was not too good, no ham, anyway leisurely Out 11.10 and it was a tain, so arrived 12.00. Walked up to Villefrache la Confuence, which was a nice fortified town and a good wander, purchased the inevitable fridge magnets, in the hope that I would actually manage to get the Yellow train. Waited to get photos of it as it left, reaing a Jack Reacher thriller, as the footpath was closed. (finished in evening and picked another from the hotel). 14.10 was a bus which arrived 15.41. Procrastinated, finishing the Reacher book and Lidl was closed, so no supplies for tomorrow.

Wednesday 26th

Up and out in time for the bus to Villefraiche la Bain at 07.11. Typical rail replacement bus wandered all over the place, took an extra half an hour and put me in Villefraiche with an hour and a half to kill. Wandered downstream, despite the barking dog. They have a levante but it is not half the quality of the Madiera levantes, and as I got to the view of the bridge I wanted to photograph it ws closed. Took the photo anyway and returned to the station. Yellow Train was good. Lots of tourists. It is slow , takes 3hrs, but incredible georges, until you get on the high plain,s when it is a bit of a switchback and wanders all over the place. Late into Latour de Carol, but they held the regular gauge train to Toulouse (another 3hrs) More spectacular scenery, and a tunnel under a pass, you could see the cars climbing over it. Then onto the plain for the last hour.

One hour to kill in Toulouse, found an expensive McD and a Lidl which had me worried I wouldn't make the Perpignan train 17.16 I needn't have worried. However, I didn't risk going all the way and got off at Rivesaint, which gave me a 20 min wait for the Night Train (in theory I would have had 3mins in Perpignan, maybe even 8 as it was running 5 mins late) Surprised to find I had a couchette, which was quite nice.

Thursday 27th
Alarm woke me up and I rushed off the train, as it was already in the station, leaving my book on the train. Needing a toilet but lacking the 20c to get the station one to work. Found a quiet corner which was obviously used by all the tramps (plenty of human excrement). It was officially a 2hr wait. When the train arrived it wasn't a TGV. Sat in wrong seat but not a problem apart from a power outage between Auber and Nantes which made us about an hour late. As I had a further 2hr wait at Nantes this was not a problem. (I even earned a 3.25 Euro voucher. Local train was stopped at St Nazairre 

Friday 28th
Dull and misty for the round robin, but we got in before the rain. Had a hearing, about points allocation for collision damage, which meant dinner was conveniently timed, an hour of beer drinking.

Saturday 29th
They pushed on, 3 flights finished the round robin and we went into quarter finals and a "King of the Hill" Even pushed into some of the semi-finals. Another long day on the water and this time dinner was not as convenient, so walk back to the hotel to kill one and a half hours. 

Sunday 30th
Regatta over I discovered I was checked out that morning. With that fixed I visited Spar and purchased a bottle of gin, which I am hitting as I do this and attempt t sort out all the phptos. I have over 400 of the sailing and 250 tourist photos. Gin, photos, Sounds of the 70's, great end to the regatta!
Regatta Photos are at https://photos.app.goo.gl/p7oJZt6K17yM4mLs9

Monday 31st
Up as usual at 6.30. Breakfast by 8am and off to the station. Train to Nantes was pretty full. Once on the TGV I was able to start on photos. !0 mins late into Montparnasse, remembered correctly about the distance to the Metro line 4 but at least they now have travellators. Usual hassle with Eurostar, probably it's the small waiting area which makes it so like air travel, you have to show your ticket to get on the TGV. More work on photos 1600 arrival in london. Killed time in the British Library and then walked to Paddington. Amazing buildings to be observer on the way. McDonalds App continues to frustrate, but I am now on the train to Cardiff and it is civilised.

In Cardiff I had a a 20 min wait for the train and discovered a waiting room on platform 6/7. 22.10 train got me into Barry by 10.30, so I was home and in bed by 11!

All the holiday photos are at:-  https://photos.app.goo.gl/eZSaMZiRnwGn8nwy9

Turkey

Tueday June 13th 2023
Up and finished packing with nearly an hour to spare - due to catch the 10.15 from Barry.

Getting out of the house was difficult as I new I had forgotten something, went back twice for nothing, then when I was 200yds from the flat I realised that I had put the charging cable out on the bed, had to go back for that. Arrived at the station with the display board saying the train had arrived, only it hadn't - only a minute wait.

In Cardiff I was surprised that the train had an old Disel pulling some old (but revamped) carrages. It seemed to take forever to get to Crewe. Had half an hour so popped out to McDonalds on the basis that I wouldn't get an airline meal.

Manchester Airport was a disaster. I had frozen a couple of bottles of water, but they hadn't thawed and I was unable to reduce the ice so had to abandon them before going through security.

Security took over half an hour. The X ray machine was rejecting bags and not producing an image so lots of trays were going through twice -except that you had to wait 15 minutes for them to get round to discovering that they had no image of your tray. Then they route you through all the duty free shops and circle you round past security to get to the gate. Boarding pass said the gate closed at 17.25, which I just made - they began boarding at 18.15. Not a very full flight but maybe Manchester is best avoided in future.

3hr flight getting into Turkey after 1am. Transfer coach waiting but it was a long way and arrived at around 3am. Not a particularly good room. Shower head holder is broken, no sink plug, no soap, no TV and a bit of mould on the wall of the shower. Good news is the pool is just outside but you ain't supposed to take towels out to the pool, and you aren't supposed to bring food into the hotel.

Wednesday 14th 

2hrs ahead of GB tme so I started looking for breakfast quite early. Petty simple and not very filling. Bread and cheese and bread and honey - the labelled Hot Chocolate tuned out to be hot milk.

Returned to room and read and slept till 2pm when I went for a short wander and had a £5 (150 TL) ice cream and bought some stuff 60 TL (£2.50) so now have a handle on the local currency. Back in room more reading, playing on phone, computer and reading. Very relaxing. 

Thursday 15th
Had breakfast and returned to room and read book all day. Occasionally going out on to the balcony to read. Thought about going out to eat but didn't.

Friday 16th

Guess I'm not going anywhere today. Rumbles of thunder over breakfast and louds. So back to the books. Might eventually get to look at the meeting amd produce some minutes. Except I didn't, ended up pack in book. By the afternoon it had cleared up and I went down the shop and got myself a couple of days worth of nibbles. Ended up finishing the first book.

Saturday 17th
Breakfast is turning out to be not as nice as I would like. The white bread is like paper and the cheese not quite right. Honey doesn't do it. Weather was supposed to be raining so I planned to stay in, turned pretty humid, and my sock had a hole in it. No one has even attempted to clean the room and currently there is a party going on outside 7.30pm. No invite or notice given. Managed to complete the UKTRA minutes this afternoon.

Turned out it was Turkish Night at the Hotel Yelcin so we had Turkish dancers outside until 10 and then a disco until midnight. He kept saying it was the last dance and then kept going.

Sunday 18th
It was reasonably cool this morning at breakfast time and I thought about walking but the clouds looked fluffy so I came back and continued the book. Popped out around 2pm and did some shopping and was glad that I hadn't as it was too hot. The room is a nice temperature so it is back to the book and hopefully "Sounds of the 70's" at 1700. Tonight is Full Sunday Roast followed by Bingo so I guess I should also try and get a nap - or aybe tomorrow - same as going in the pool - always tomorrow.

Monday 19th
Didn't go out all day. Had a whole tray of Turkish Deleight to get through. Didn't really enjoy it, despite it's look.

Tuesday 20th
Breakast for the last time, and back to the book for an hour and a half. As usual I couldn't keep to the desired programme so I was out of the roo about 11.45 (Checkout was 12) Found a comfortable chair and continud to devour the laest book. 8pm moved into reception to get better light. 

The transfer bus turned up on time. Airport had three security checks, on arrival, to get to the international area and at the gate. Plane was pretty empty but at least I got moved to a window seat. Got half way through the latest version of the "Dune" movie before the entertainment system failed.

Wednesday 21st
Turns out this was the lonest day, which explains why it was light at 4am as we arrived. Over an hour wait for the first train to Crewe. Got out and got a McDonalds breafast (despite the App failing). Got on the 07.13 train to London, only told that it counted as a peak time service, so I got off and took the 07.09 to Cardiff (just 2 carrages). The other train would have connected with the cross-country via Birminghm and Gloucester which would have given nice views of the Severn and Wye but taken half an hour longer. In Cardiff I made a quick connection with the Barry Island train, so I was back by 10.10 -15mns early. Lots of families going to Barry Island. Couple of hours kip and will be off to Sully later.

MCS Norway

 Friday 19th May 2023

First impressions - not good, but not bad (apart from the rubbery chicken)

It's a big ship and I have yet to find a way to get outside - the atrium is quite impressive. The cabin is quite spacious, has a phone and coffee facilities, but at the moment the Gin is working. A few hours later and I would have had to use the umbrella. 

Saturday 20th

At Sea - I was surprised to be able to pick up a signal on the phone. Turned out we were following the Danish coast which was why there were so many ships around being 20 stories up helped as well I suspect. Found the Sky Lounge which was adults only and not too crowded at first. Gala evening, so after an afternoon tea (and lots of cookies) I retired to my cabin and hid. Mixed Coffee and gin, which had me going to the loo every 10mins. Got the book finished getting to sleep early.

Sunday 21st Haugersund.

Up at 6am and ready for breakfast early as the fog cleared and we entered Haugersund. 

No announcement when we could go ashore but I wandered off at 10am. Four and a half thousand people crossing the bridge into town. Picked up a map and did the walks I had planned - but in the opposite direction to that planned. Nice and got a little green bar on the phone. Back on board about 2pm and had a siesta. Failed to find anywhere quiet and comfortable to sit and read new book, so I am back in the cabin. Haven't activated my cruise card - charges are ridiculous - behind the scenes navigation tour 1.5hrs for £42. Gin tasting session wasn't priced internet £10 per day of £15 to stream.

Due to sail at 1800 

Monday 22nd Olden

Up at 4am in order to see the voyage up the Fjord. Fantastic but why did it have to be so early. Breakfast at 7am and back to cabin to rest and change.

Out and walked up to the waterfall and then climbed up to the viewpont. Couldn't have been better weather. Felt sorry for the Japanese couple who wanted to walk to the Glacier, getting up to the viewpoint was hard enough. Particularly since google maps tried to make me climb a cliff. Followed the signs. Back in the ship by 1.15 and time for a siesta. Downloading photos by Bluetooth is slow and noisy. 

  Watched the departure and took in a short show - Some mind reading comedian. Still finding my way around the ship. Phone charger is misbehaving and taking forever to charge the thing.

Tuesday 23rd Flam

Up at 5am shower and dressed. Overcast, the edge of the Fjord going up into cloud. This Fjord is 90mls long but I only caught the last 10 miles as we arrived at Flam at 7.30. Wandered 6 miles up the road, wonderous scenery and waterfalls, and I eventually got the hang of the train timetable. Except that I decided to climb to the railway and got the timing wrong, thought I would have a heart attack! Too many pictures. Bought the compulsory fridge magnets and tried to rush back on board. That didn't work as the line was hidden inside the ship. All a waste as there were no cookies on display anyway. 

  Attended the ealy show The Abba Songbook. Still trying to decide if I lke Theatre. By the time I had been back to the canteen it was quite late and I was tired.

Wednesday 24th Kristiansand

Except that we are not due to arrive until 2pm. So a lie in to 8am. Skipped the cooked part of breakfast but got a little carried away on the pastries having discovered the sticky buns. Too cool to sit outside and I suspect the Sky Lounge will be pretty full so back in cabin doing photos.

  Arrival on schedule and wandered off ship. Port Wi-fi was good and updated apps and downloaded some more radio. Wandered along the waterfront. An interesting sundial seen. couldn't work out how I might make one. Then on to the park as intended. Wandering was great. Toilets and interesting city park with an isolated area behind. Followed the orange trail, but got worried that I was running out of time so didn't make the target lake but te other were beautiful. Called at the rail station, no trains scheduled - just a stop on the line between Stavanger and Oslo.

  I just happened upon the McDonalds and had an ice cream (would have had a milkshake but I didn't see it until too late - and resisted) managed to get chocolate sauce on shirt, it came out in the wash. Was downloading photos via Bluetooth when we left port so missed that, but did manage an extra meal.

Thursday 25th At Sea

The clocks went back by an hour, so I thought I was getting up at 8am - turned out to be 7am. Breakfast again No Pumpkin Seeds, but lots of sticky pudding, Decided it is really Lardy Cake but done as chelsea buns. Latest book is really annoying  but the large type makes me think I can get through it before too long. Which I did and got onto the Clive Cussler. Interesting the way they reflect the concerns of the day. Food and Food, passed Dover about 8pm and retired.

Friday 26th Southampton

Up at 6.15 in order to get showered etc, have breakfast and pay off my cabin bill. Off the Ship at 8am. Found McD and stayed until 9am. Wandered to Decathlon who didn't have the boots I waw last time and would have bought. Visited Currys and then had to wait for the midday train at Soton Central Station. Train was very crowded, but I got a seat. Train to Barry left from platform 6 which is unusual, lots of youngsters on it going to Barry Island - so they decided to terminate the train at Barry and make them walk to the Island. They nearly ended up going back to Cardiff as they didn't hear the announcements. Home around 4pm. Dog walking arranged for the morning.

All Photos can be seen at https://photos.app.goo.gl/fZyAe5e5EQkfE7sT7

Madeira 2023

 Wed March 1st

One day I will really mess up on the last bus to Cardiff. This time I had decided to take the slower 304, as I had been waiting and waiting and tracker showed it at Cardiff airport. Off I set only to see it pass me as I got to the top of the hill. So it was a 5min wait for the 96, and extra time in Queen St eating my McDonalds.

The rest of the travel went really well. Oxford Circus was closed so I jumped off the Victoria line train and caught a District to Westminster and then Jubilee to Stratford (Don't know why Google said take District to Mile End). Bus sign directed me to the other side of Stratford Station for the bus to Stanstead. This reminded me of why I hate air travel. Long queue for security and bag having to be unpacked. Toothpaste put in a plastic bag, belt, watch & boots removed. Then a long hike through the shops and a long wait in departure  area. Aisle seat son no view, but there was nothing to see until coming in to land, very close to the cliffs etc. The bus ride into Funchal was pretty scenic as well! lots of gorges to be crossed, straight into tunnels, or winding roads only just big enough. Two busses met on the bend, one had to back up.

Went to wrong hotel initially and then when I got to the Greco I was told something had happened to the room and I was transferred to The Windsor. Seems OK.

Wandered around town, pretty crowded. Chickened out and purchased a Levanda tour. That solved the problem of breaking my E50 note (38 Euro gone). Ice Cream at McD's and lots of biscuits from the supermarket as I attended the Sully AGM and Committee meeting.

Thursday March 2nd

Breakfast and off we go, I Hope.

And I was picked up at 0850 and taken on a tour of Funchal as we picked up the fellow travellers. Then a 40min or so drive including a coffee stop to the venue and a walk of around 6 miles. The rainbow on the way out was nice, and it did stop raining, well more misting and the sun came out. Scenery was great, views less so as there was too much foliage to see far. Way back was reverse with half hour break and 45 mins of driving. Never knew there were so many tunnels.

Wandered around town looking at food options - eventually a sundae in McD's and the last of the lemonade. Hard work planning tomorrow.

Friday March 3rd

Decided that the 10am bus to Santana was a good idea, with the aim of getting to Ribeiro Frio and take my chances on the return bus. Seems a lot of people had the same idea and I almost didn't bother to get on. They had a second bus ready so this is obviously a popular option. The climb is spectacular and the bus emptied at Rio Frio. 

Balconies PR10 was a short walk to a spectacular viewing platform. Photographers trying to tempt birds into their hands and failing. Then onto the main route PR10 Portela via Levada do Furado. Much lesss crowded and you begin to understand the warnings about vertigo  given about the walk. Got pretty much waterfalled out. Came across yesterdays group near the end. At the end we were waiting for the bus when a taxi offered us a group fare back to Funchal. At 5 Euro it was an OK deal and I was back by 4pm. Total cost about 9 Euro.

Tried to get information from the local tourist office but they were prety useless. They couldn't understand the idea of being on a bus for 3hrs. Ponta do Pargo is pretty much off list as the 5pm return bus does not exist any more. It has however suggested a Sunday trip to the Eastern point.h

Saturday March 4th

Discovered Hot Chocolate at breakfast, machine coffee is too bitter. I must be innumerate as I got on the wrong bus, 39 not 36 (had to look it up then). Anyway I got off it as it wasn't going the way google said the 36 should. Google said go back and start again but the track of the 36 looked quite close so I thought I would walk the gap and catch it half way. What I forgot was that most of the roads in Funchal are pretty near vertical. Still it was a nice day and pretty.

The clouds began to roll in as the route started and hovered around most of the time. I wonder if it was raining on the other side of the Island. Missed the suggested end of the road intending to take the City Lavada down - only problem was that it was closed. So I had to continue to Monte and the cablecar. I had been so happy that I would be going downhill - but this meant about another 300ft climb. The bus was half an hour wait so I went a bit further and avoided the tourist crowds.

Had a break at the Hotel and loaded a Funchal Tour which took me to the Natural History Museum. Then the usual Sundae at McD's and back to the internet. 9pm and time to watch some downloaded TV.

Sunday 5th

Part of the idea was to see if breakfast could be had as usual and still give time to catch the 9am bus to the airport. That part was a success as I was at the city bus station in plenty of time, only to realise that it was probably a SAM bus that I needed.. It's the same stop as the Aerobus, which is the only SAM service that Google recognises. 

Bus turned up about 10 mins late and a crowd got on board - another adventure on Madeira roads. The Ponta de Sao Lourenco was pretty crowded, cars both sides of the road. The path wasn't much better, in fact probably worse. After the Levadas it was a bit of a shock to be going up and down, only around 70m but practically constant. It was also warmer and a Force 4 so I went through the full water bottle.

The cliff views were spectacular and I did see the Desertas Islands and Porto Santo. Despite staying in the slow bus, I was back in  Hotel Windsor by 3.30 with a further 3 miles to walk - so it looks like another wander around the town and Sundae to be had.

Interesting wander, I had never noticed the castle and the Franco Museum might be worth a look at, and I enjoyed the sundae.

Monday 6th

Early at the bus stop on Avenue dos Mar, so walked to the SAM depot, two cruise liners in port. Bus out
to Portela.. Vereda das Funduras started with a forest track but soon left the levada. Could have been in Porthkerry Park but on a much larger scale. Pyle driving noise reminded you that civilisation was close. Some interesting Mushrooms and some very noisy frogs. The descent was hard work, had to be taken slowly and I pitied the couple who were going the other way.

At the intersection with Levada dos Marocos I turned left and contoured my way towards the coast, still looking down on aircraft flying in to land. Suddenly it becomes the Levada da Canical -Machinco. In the Walks guide they are two separate walks. The water in the Levada did get quite dirty. Got to the end and had a nervous wait for the bus. Google doesn't have any SAM times so it was saying the earliest bus was at 6am. Changed to th the express bus and was back around 5pm. Both apps agree that it was over 13miles.

Tuesday 7th

It was pretty dull at the beginning of the day but it cleared up and was as bright as usual by the time the 53 bus got around to Referta (constantly translated to Reference by timetable) 

The Levada do Castelejo didn't turn inland as quickly as I expected,. about 4km was along parallel to the coast. At least I got a chance to get pictures of the wildlife, lizards, dragonfly frog and flowere. On turning up the valley it got pretty precipitous. They were working on the fencing and I felt my vertigo getting worse.

At the top of the Levada I decided to try and walk out using the path. Once again a pretty large amount of up and down until it got to an old Levada, so last bit was OK. Found the bus stop and spent half an hour waiting for it, then half an hour worrying, but it did turn up. Strange routes as they go up ridges and then have to turn around and come out again. It was pretty fast going around the edge of the island. Tunnels are amazing. Back to Funchal and Sundae. 

They only sell the ham and cheese in flakey pastry in sets of four, so I'm pretty full and checked in with Easy Jet.

Wednesday 8th

The bus turned up at 9.30 not a problem as the flight was delayed 1hr. Got to the airport and thought the
view was pretty good. Then the delay went up and instead of the original 11.35 departure it was going to be 3.10pm. So I booked a train at 7.30pm down to Wales. Then the departure time went to 5.30 and I was unable to change the ticket online as the site said there was "no delivery option". Called the travel insurance. Eventually, we got on the plane only to be told we would be sitting there for 45mins as they didn't have a slot at Gatwick. They said it had been 4hhrs de-icing the plane and then the crew had run out of hours, they substituted an aircraft as my seat number got changed. They said we had too many passengers in the front and moved 4 people to the back.

   Eventually we got off at 1800 and went the long way round due to avoiding French airspace (they were having a strike) but we had a strong tailwind they said. Arrived Gatwick just after 9pm. Found the EasyJet office and banged on the door as instructed by some airport person. The supervisor turned up and handed me a voucher for a night in the Sofitel. 

Thursday 9th

Sofitel breakfast was good. Thought about walking to the station but it was raining so took the shuttle to South Terminal. Just as well cos Google had me walking along a dual carriageway, with no footpath (typical airport). Train to Farringdon, Elizabeth line to Paddington, Coffee on points at McD and half a train to Cardiff. Back in Barry around 2pm.

Footnote 

We now start the process of getting money sorted with claims to EasyJet, GWR & travel insurance.

All Photos can be seen at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/5GGicuGf7arYKfWJ6

London

 

So, with the RYA Judges and Umpires Conference at the Royal Thames I was going to have to go up on Friday anyway, so treated myself to an early train with the intention of doing the tourist stuff.

Only problem was that I had booked an Easy Hotel - and they said my card was declined. Then when I read the small print check in was for an hour and a half between 3pm and 4.30. Having paid £20 for a ticket to the London Transport Museum, which is valid for a year, I figured I might as well get checked in, so took the tube to Gloucester Road. Their card machine was not working so I had to get cash anyway. The room was a pod. No way of controlling the temperature, but it was OK.

Went to the British Museum, I had a ticket for 1800 but got in about half an hour earlier. The aim was to see the roof, which it turns out was installed 22 years ago. The building is very impressive outside, but the 2 acre roof has made it less impressive inside. The massive facades just seem a little miniaturised by the roof. 

The  place was quite crowded and finding things was a problem - I decided I wanted to see the Sutton Hoo Treasures and without purchasing the app found it quite difficult.  I eventually succeeded.

Morning walk to the Conference at the Royal Thames was good. Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert are impressive buildings. I also had time for a leisurely breakfast at McDonalds.

Two days at the Royal Thames - and an early departure in order to catch the train back to Wales.

Malaga, Spain

Vueling offered a flight from Cardiff to Malaga and back for £37.77 and Expedia had a hotel at half board for £140 so a couple of days in Spain seemed attractive. Especially when you consider that my train fare to and from London next weekend is £36.60. The room is about the same price but with no food and it is advertised as not having a window.

Saturday 14th
Inevitably I was ready early. Flight was 14.30 but I caught the 10am bus to the airport (heavy showers forecast and umbrellas are on the forbidden list. Don't remember a lot of publicity about needing a mask but cruise experience in mind I knew that Spain still requires them on all public transport. Seemed logical to waste time at the airport rather than in my place. Good seat right at the back and by a window, noise cancelling headphones working overtime. Bit of a delay getting off the plane, and onto bus to terminal.
Train was good, it seemed to be tap on tap off with bank card. Hotel OK, no window and finding a TV channel that did English was difficult, but wi-fi was good enough for the Wild Card Games, Food average, but adequate. Shor walk around the area.

Sunday 15th

Breakfast and back to room to get the second game. Got out of the room about Midday. Walked down to the beach and turned left towards Malaga. It was pretty windy but offshore, so no waves. Got quite a distance before I realised that my masks were back at the hotel and would be needed for the return journey by train. Found an unused mask on the floor after about 200m of thinking this. Lucky!
The Littoral Park was nice and the promenade was never ending. Got to the station feeling thirsty. Found McD and had an Ice cream - decided a drink would be nice but it had a lot of ice in it (which I crunched)
Renewed enthusiasm and crossed the river, saw the old market before walking back to the station and back to hotel. Matches started at 7pm local time, the same time as dinner so had to put that on pause while I ate but got back to live by half time. Good match, interspersed with walking around the room to get my 22,100 steps (10.3mls) done.

Monday 16th
Breakfast and back to room for first of the two matches I am behind on. An upset as NY Giants beat the Vikings.. 
It was even windier today, but sunny. Having got a digital guide the plan was to get the train into Malaga and do the sites, only I was on the wrong platform. So it was a walk to next station to kill time and check out where I might be walking. Train turned up and I got to the end of the line. Walked down the main drag and was feeling thirsty when I came across a McD - this time I personalised my drink - no ice.

Main sites photographed, including the bullring. The area round the harbour has been very nicely modernised good wander and at 3.30 I treated myself to an Ice Cream at McD 1euro, and I like their soft ice cream cones.
Back at Hotel and blogging before I forget. Still have to work out timings to get to airport, Gate closes 07.10, but they say I should be at gate by 06.50. First train is due at airport at 06.45. Ten minutes to get through security and to the gate (or is it really 30mins?) Walk to the airport is 1hr 15.If I leave at 0500 I should be there by 06.15 which is a bit early but do I trust a walking access to the airport?

Tuesday 17th

Well, the alarm worked at 04.30 and I got up. Bit surprised to find a crowd in the Lobby waiting for their coach. The Google track had one error in it, and I was worried that another road was blocked in the same manner, but there was a track that got me through. Photo shows the moonlight walk, interesting number of cockerels crowing. Then there was the problem of getting into the Airport itself. Slight cut on hand getting into car park. Once in the building it seemed to be as far to the gate - don't think I would have done it if I had been on the train, and as it was a bus to the plane it would have been bad. Security had a good go at me, had to take boots off and then I got chosen for an explosive test.

Plane was pretty empty. Having got a seat on the left the wind at Cardiff was out of the east so we came in over Llantwit and St Athan - so I didn't get the nice pictures of Barry that I was hoping for. 

Started walking but it was cold and the bus was coming so I caught it at top of the Porthkerry Lane and went back to the airport - and then on home. Had been able to download the Tampa/Dallas match at the Airport and it came with the adverts. Question is how prompt will I need to be next weekend to get them, only four matches, so they would fill the week.