Saturday disembarkation at 10:00 am…….airport by 11:00……..plane to Salt Lake City at 4:40pm….checked into hotel by 8:00pm…….. to bed early.
Sunday the Family History Library is closed so we are resting, preparing and tuning our research plan.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Days at Sea, Sailing towards, Tampa, Day 39
Last day aboard……spent some time at the pool…..ate some the last great meals…..took in the last production s
how….but then we had to pack.
how….but then we had to pack.Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, Day 38
Holland America Line's pristine private island offers everything you need for a day of play in paradise: a two-mile crescent of perfect beach; an interior lagoon; private beachside cabanas with butler service, showers and misters; and all manner of water sports and activities, including a children's aqua park and a buoyed personal watercraft course.
It was hot and sunny. We got there early claimed our Clamshell (cabana, No cabana boy however!) and jumped into the ocean. The water is so clear we could see all the beautiful fish the come to see what was going on (no need to snorkel). The water temperature was over 32C. We walked the beach…. saw some Sting Rays…
and had a big BBQWednesday, October 29, 2008
Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, Day 37
Named for the fez-like scarlet blossoms of the cactus that grows here, Grand Turk is a pristine place of simple pleasures. Float dreamily over vibrant coral reefs, dine on conch fritters, and set your watch to "island time”
The last hurricane did a lot of damage here on this island which is only 7 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. As we approached this morning the whether turned bad 35 mile an hour wind and 6 ft seas. The captain turned the ship around and left for our next port.
The last hurricane did a lot of damage here on this island which is only 7 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. As we approached this morning the whether turned bad 35 mile an hour wind and 6 ft seas. The captain turned the ship around and left for our next port.
Days at Sea, Sailing towards Grand Turk, Turks, Day 35, 36
Today we were invited to the Captain’s lunch were we were awarded the 50 day (of cruising) pins….. Most of the people on this cruise are frequent cruisers where 50 days of cruising is way below average.
Black and white Ball today with the officers in attendance
Sea days means cruise ship competitions. Our trivia team is still in the lead after 11 rounds. One rounds to go…today…….
Black and white Ball today with the officers in attendance
Sea days means cruise ship competitions. Our trivia team is still in the lead after 11 rounds. One rounds to go…today…….
Bridgetown, Barbados, Day 34
Some say this island is more British than Britain. Here cricket is the national sport, afternoon tea goes without saying and motorists hug left. The friendly island spirit, local rum and fried flying fish are strictly Bajan!
This port is simple….pick a free diamond shop shuttle……look at diamonds…drink complimentary rum…… walk around downtown …back to the por…..shop in the port shops for gifts … …perfect dinner and a show on the ship.
This port is simple….pick a free diamond shop shuttle……look at diamonds…drink complimentary rum…… walk around downtown …back to the por…..shop in the port shops for gifts … …perfect dinner and a show on the ship.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Days at Sea, Sailing towards Barbados, Day 31, 32, 33
We are moving down the Amazon, crossing the equator and the Amazon bar. This time we had 20’ of clearance as the tide was unusually large. We are now directly south of Greenland…….way south…….we are using the eastern time zone giving us a sunset at about 5:11 and a sunrise at 5:20 am.
Quiet sea days….we are resting up from the hectic activities, heat and humidity in the Amazonian ports. We are spending more time at the pool. The water temperature is running around 32C ….only slightly refreshing (lower) than air temperature.
We have our own version of Starbucks in the library complete with all the coffees and goodies.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Parintins, Brazil, Day 30
Sunny, Hot, Humid and officially on the way home.
Steeped in tradition, Parintins celebrates its centuries-old Indian culture each June at the Boi-Bumba Festival, a lavish event that rivals Rio's Carnivale, re-enacted for visitors at a local club.
Today was a quiet day of rest and relaxation on the ship. At 3:00 pm we had to tender into por,t as the dock had been condemned, to attend the Boi-Bumba Festival Show.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Mannus Brazil, Day 28, 29
We have arrived at Mannus 7,400 miles from Vancouver and 2 degrees south of the equator and a steady 95 F.
This jungle capital sprang up during the great rubber boom of 1896. Its splendid opera house, the centerpiece of this "Paris of the Jungle" where wealthy rubber barons enjoyed performances of Verdi and Puccini, has been magnificently restored. By 1920 the boom went bust and not until 1960 did the economy recover. At that time Brazil made this a area a tax free zone and attracted 400 major manufacturing facilities. They claim that they assemble, among other things, 75 % of all electronics in the world. The city is now over a million people and 2,500,000 in the area organized in what is now clear to me as typical Brazilian chaos.
Today it was sunny, 36C + and humid. We explored the flora and fauna of the Amazonian jungle. It is a hot house of plant and animal species even though the soil is incredible thin layer on top of sand. There are 3,000 species of fish, more than 100 species of new world monkeys, and 5,000 species of trees.
Many important medicines’ have been developed from plants found only in the Amazon. Only a fraction of its species has been catalogued. 
…….pictures to follow….
The fish, food and flee markets are next to the pier. We saw warehoused o melons and bananas. A bunch of bananas, about 40 lbs, went for about $2 USD
On day two in Mannus we explored the "Meeting of the Waters" where massive dark and light rivers meet and run parallel for miles without blending. We witnessed the vast river commerce,
moving of goods and passengers in and out of Mannus.
It is like our rush hour on the river.
Followed by what was billed as a jungle cruise. Here we got in motorized canoes (6 to 8 people). We wet about a mile into tributaries of the Reo Negro (the black river). Here we found primitive villages of river dwellers….surrounded by jungle…floating houses…..no electricity….. minimal agriculture ….minimal live stock.…primarily fisherman…
.just surviving 5 miles away from the city of 1.5M. Their pets are alligators, sloths, monkeys, snakes and dogs. We saw a rich variety of colourful birds and vegetation. The river at this point will rise 10m during the rainy season which is starting in December. This puts and end to agriculture for vast tracts of land supporting the Mannus and surrounding population.
later we went to the Teatro Amazonas Opera House.
This jungle capital sprang up during the great rubber boom of 1896. Its splendid opera house, the centerpiece of this "Paris of the Jungle" where wealthy rubber barons enjoyed performances of Verdi and Puccini, has been magnificently restored. By 1920 the boom went bust and not until 1960 did the economy recover. At that time Brazil made this a area a tax free zone and attracted 400 major manufacturing facilities. They claim that they assemble, among other things, 75 % of all electronics in the world. The city is now over a million people and 2,500,000 in the area organized in what is now clear to me as typical Brazilian chaos.
Today it was sunny, 36C + and humid. We explored the flora and fauna of the Amazonian jungle. It is a hot house of plant and animal species even though the soil is incredible thin layer on top of sand. There are 3,000 species of fish, more than 100 species of new world monkeys, and 5,000 species of trees.
Many important medicines’ have been developed from plants found only in the Amazon. Only a fraction of its species has been catalogued. 
…….pictures to follow….The fish, food and flee markets are next to the pier. We saw warehoused o melons and bananas. A bunch of bananas, about 40 lbs, went for about $2 USD
On day two in Mannus we explored the "Meeting of the Waters" where massive dark and light rivers meet and run parallel for miles without blending. We witnessed the vast river commerce,
moving of goods and passengers in and out of Mannus.
It is like our rush hour on the river.Followed by what was billed as a jungle cruise. Here we got in motorized canoes (6 to 8 people). We wet about a mile into tributaries of the Reo Negro (the black river). Here we found primitive villages of river dwellers….surrounded by jungle…floating houses…..no electricity….. minimal agriculture ….minimal live stock.…primarily fisherman…
.just surviving 5 miles away from the city of 1.5M. Their pets are alligators, sloths, monkeys, snakes and dogs. We saw a rich variety of colourful birds and vegetation. The river at this point will rise 10m during the rainy season which is starting in December. This puts and end to agriculture for vast tracts of land supporting the Mannus and surrounding population.later we went to the Teatro Amazonas Opera House.
Boca da Valeria, Brazil, Day 27
Grass huts, log canoes, hunting and fishing are part of daily life in this remote Amazonian village of 85 inhabitants. A trading post on a bend in the river invited 1,300 passengers of the Veendam to visit. The Veendam and some of the passengers put together a collection of school supplies to be donated to the school in the village.
We arrived early in the morning and as soon as we set foot on the shore two little girls attached themselves to Darliene and escorted her thought he village… pictures to follow
…..the locals showed us their homes on stilts…river rises during the rainy season…their crafts…… costumes…..their river boats. They offered rides into the river tributaries etc. It is very colourful but primitive.
We arrived early in the morning and as soon as we set foot on the shore two little girls attached themselves to Darliene and escorted her thought he village… pictures to follow
…..the locals showed us their homes on stilts…river rises during the rainy season…their crafts…… costumes…..their river boats. They offered rides into the river tributaries etc. It is very colourful but primitive.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Santarem, Brazil, Day 26
A lively trading center on the Amazon (Henry Ford invested millions in rubber here in the 1920s). Others call it the Dodge City of Brazil because of the gold rush, prospectors and mining in the past. Here, now, we see the rubber and Brazil nut trees; learn how the locals make tapioca, staple of the Amazon and swim in the clear blue waters of the Rio Tapajos.
The journey here, however, was problematic. The mighty Amazon River has changed much during the rainy season. The current is stronger than usual. Islands have disappeared and new ones have formed. The channel buoys have all gone requiring the pilots to navigating old school. We arrived at Santarem 4 hrs later than planned.
We did not participate in any tours. Instead we stayed around the port and watched the river boats and commerce.
We also saw a great deal of wildlife in the river including an Anaconda swimming near the ship. A sight which is ,I am told, extremely rear.Friday, October 17, 2008
Days at Sea, Sailing towards the Equator, Brazil and the mouth of the Amazon, Day 23, 24, 25
Day 21 at Sea, October 16th 2008 and the Pollywogs on the Veendam sit in judgement by King Neptune and the Captain Albert Schoonderbeck Hotel Manger William Van de Pol and senior staff.
The King Neptune Ceremony
The ceremony of crossing the equator has been a tradition by both Navy and merchant Ships around the world for centuries. Originally a test for seasoned sailors to ensure the new shipmates were capable the rough long times at sea. The sailors who have already crossed the equator are nicknamed “Trusty Shellbacks” often referred to the sons of Neptune; those who have not crossed are called “Vile Pollywogs”. King Neptune and his court often include her Highness Amphitrite and dignitaries representing the highest ranking seamen. Once the ceremony is complete the Pollywogs receive their new certification.
At midnight October 17th we entered the mouth of the Amazon. At this point the river is 50km wide. There is a sand bank which is shallow at low tide. The ship has to wait for the tide to rise before entering. Out clearance on this day was only 2.5 ft. further up the channel the marker buoys were missing. The sip had to use sounding to find the channel. In this age of technology the crew reverted to simple techniques of navigation.
At noon October 17th we reached and crossed the equator.
Ryder Cup
Meanwhile the golf competition reached the end of the 8th tournament and I am still ranked first among about 100 competitors. Today we competed for the final round in a Ryder Cup format. I was captain of one team of 10 competing against a second team of 10. Unfortunately we lost today 49 to 47 points.
The King Neptune Ceremony
The ceremony of crossing the equator has been a tradition by both Navy and merchant Ships around the world for centuries. Originally a test for seasoned sailors to ensure the new shipmates were capable the rough long times at sea. The sailors who have already crossed the equator are nicknamed “Trusty Shellbacks” often referred to the sons of Neptune; those who have not crossed are called “Vile Pollywogs”. King Neptune and his court often include her Highness Amphitrite and dignitaries representing the highest ranking seamen. Once the ceremony is complete the Pollywogs receive their new certification.
At midnight October 17th we entered the mouth of the Amazon. At this point the river is 50km wide. There is a sand bank which is shallow at low tide. The ship has to wait for the tide to rise before entering. Out clearance on this day was only 2.5 ft. further up the channel the marker buoys were missing. The sip had to use sounding to find the channel. In this age of technology the crew reverted to simple techniques of navigation.
At noon October 17th we reached and crossed the equator.
Ryder Cup
Meanwhile the golf competition reached the end of the 8th tournament and I am still ranked first among about 100 competitors. Today we competed for the final round in a Ryder Cup format. I was captain of one team of 10 competing against a second team of 10. Unfortunately we lost today 49 to 47 points.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
St George's, Grenada, Day 22
The heady scents of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves turn breathing into an exotic experience. Here, too, find mountain waterfalls, white sand beaches and lagoons of mottled blues.
30 C, hot….sunny…. and humid.
We walked the city center, harbour and spice market. Then we were too hot and too tired so we got a cab to take us around the Island. The driver gave us the history and background of life in Grenada while we visited the countryside around the poet city of St Georges, old plantations, forts, beaches and nutmeg trees and spice factories.
We finished the day by finding a tavern where all the cabbies go and had beer and chips while we relaxed and enjoyed the local life.
At 5:00pm were pulled up anchor and headed SE towards the Equator, Brazil and the Amazon. Just in time to miss the Hurricanes forming behind us around Aruba.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Oranjestad, Aruba, Day 20
Colourful floating markets, wondrous coral reefs and landscapes dotted with curiously bent divi-divi trees await on this, the "A" of the Netherlands Antilles' famous ABC islands. (Bonaire and Curacao round out the trio.)
It was hot and humid today.
In the morning we did the Atlantis Submarine tour. We visited coral reefs an dove to the depth of 130 feet to se two ship which were placed on the ocean floor to expand the reefs.
In the afternoon we walked the Warf area, visited the casino and drank Heineken (the local beer) at a sees side tavern.
It was hot and humid today.
In the morning we did the Atlantis Submarine tour. We visited coral reefs an dove to the depth of 130 feet to se two ship which were placed on the ocean floor to expand the reefs.
In the afternoon we walked the Warf area, visited the casino and drank Heineken (the local beer) at a sees side tavern.
Panama Canal, Panama, Day 18
Nearly every, of the 80 or so, hard-won kilometres carved through the jungle here carries a story - of rivers dammed, gigantic lakes dug; of malaria, misery and miraculous powers of will.
For us however it was the indignity of getting up at 7am as we were expected at the first gate at 7:45 am. 3 gates and 3 hours later we were 85 feet above sea level and traveling on our own power through the Culebra Cut….about 12.6 KM long….. and Gatun Lake.
In late afternoon the Gatum gates brought us back down to the Caribbean.
The Panamanian Canal Authority are now building a new channel and gates which will allow oversized ships to navigate the canal.
For us however it was the indignity of getting up at 7am as we were expected at the first gate at 7:45 am. 3 gates and 3 hours later we were 85 feet above sea level and traveling on our own power through the Culebra Cut….about 12.6 KM long….. and Gatun Lake.
In late afternoon the Gatum gates brought us back down to the Caribbean.
The Panamanian Canal Authority are now building a new channel and gates which will allow oversized ships to navigate the canal.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Day at Sea, off the coast of Panama, Day 17
Ride and Shine
I jumped out of bed…ready to go for an other day. My feet hit the carpet. ….SPLASH…our cabin was flooded…..a quick check out the window…..no we are not sinking…..but everything on the floor was wet….sounds familiar.
After some frantic phone calls the crew arrived to assess the damage….turns out that several cabins were affected by a leak in the fire suppression system a couple of cabins down the hall. We were exiled from our cabin for the day while they tried to clean up the mess. This is not the fun part of the trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was not successful however and we were invited to change cabins. Moving was also stressful as we had to pack….. not easy as our suitcases were also wet….. then unpack….we brought way to much stuff!!!!
The Captain is also having a bad day due to the heavy swells (big..#@&%... waves in layman’s language) we have not been able to refuel in the last few ports. The alternate plan was to refuel in Aruba but they are short of fuel now. So the captain decided to speed up the ship (lots of motion with out the stabilizers). This will give us extra time in Balboa, (near Panama City) Panama to bring a fuel barge along side to refuel tonight.
Otherwise we indulged in normal sea day activities:
• Eating
• Golf
• Eating
• Sun bathing
• Trivia
• Eating
• Stage show
• Drinking
• Etc…..
I jumped out of bed…ready to go for an other day. My feet hit the carpet. ….SPLASH…our cabin was flooded…..a quick check out the window…..no we are not sinking…..but everything on the floor was wet….sounds familiar.
After some frantic phone calls the crew arrived to assess the damage….turns out that several cabins were affected by a leak in the fire suppression system a couple of cabins down the hall. We were exiled from our cabin for the day while they tried to clean up the mess. This is not the fun part of the trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was not successful however and we were invited to change cabins. Moving was also stressful as we had to pack….. not easy as our suitcases were also wet….. then unpack….we brought way to much stuff!!!!
The Captain is also having a bad day due to the heavy swells (big..#@&%... waves in layman’s language) we have not been able to refuel in the last few ports. The alternate plan was to refuel in Aruba but they are short of fuel now. So the captain decided to speed up the ship (lots of motion with out the stabilizers). This will give us extra time in Balboa, (near Panama City) Panama to bring a fuel barge along side to refuel tonight.
Otherwise we indulged in normal sea day activities:
• Eating
• Golf
• Eating
• Sun bathing
• Trivia
• Eating
• Stage show
• Drinking
• Etc…..
Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, Day 16
It's wild, it's beautiful and Costa Rica's eco-factor is off the charts. Here find steaming volcanoes, lush rain forests and nearly half of all the animal species on earth.
Opps….. last minute change of port (now Puntarenas) and change of port adventure. We opted for the 6 and ½ hour Aerial Tram tour through the tree canopy of the Costa Rica Rain Forrest because the sky walk in the tree canopies (as it turns out) was to much for our old bodies.
So off we go at 9:00 am in an air-conditioned coach on a 90 min. drive through the Costa Rica countryside to a protected stretch of rainforest. There we gathered in an interpretive center were we were briefed and hopped on a gondola (Dopplemyer of course). A 60 minute guided ride through the treetops of the rainforest and a 45 minute guided walk followed on the forest floor. Only the pictures can describe the nature and manner of the vegetation, creeks, waterfalls, colourfully flora, birds (Macaws) and the 130 species of snakes. Strangely enough there were few if any mosquitoes, flies or wasps to bother us. Other than the heat and humidity it was a very comortable environment.
On our return trip we crossed a river that was teeming with large Crocodiles next to witch was a cattle range (not always compatible). The ranchers unfortunately loose a number of cows to the river creatures from time to time.
We got back to the ship just in time to leave on our next leg of the journey.
Opps….. last minute change of port (now Puntarenas) and change of port adventure. We opted for the 6 and ½ hour Aerial Tram tour through the tree canopy of the Costa Rica Rain Forrest because the sky walk in the tree canopies (as it turns out) was to much for our old bodies.
So off we go at 9:00 am in an air-conditioned coach on a 90 min. drive through the Costa Rica countryside to a protected stretch of rainforest. There we gathered in an interpretive center were we were briefed and hopped on a gondola (Dopplemyer of course). A 60 minute guided ride through the treetops of the rainforest and a 45 minute guided walk followed on the forest floor. Only the pictures can describe the nature and manner of the vegetation, creeks, waterfalls, colourfully flora, birds (Macaws) and the 130 species of snakes. Strangely enough there were few if any mosquitoes, flies or wasps to bother us. Other than the heat and humidity it was a very comortable environment.
On our return trip we crossed a river that was teeming with large Crocodiles next to witch was a cattle range (not always compatible). The ranchers unfortunately loose a number of cows to the river creatures from time to time.
We got back to the ship just in time to leave on our next leg of the journey.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Day at Sea, of the coast of El Salvador and Nicaragua, Day 15
· We get up whenever…...some days we get the steward to bring coffee and goodies as an eye opener.
· Darliene does a have dozen trips around the deck… I ride the bike foe 20 minutes or so.
· Breakfast in the dining room.
· Golf competition….this is the third in a series of competitions, the Holland America Golf tour. The aim is to qualify for the Ryder Cup competition at the end of the cruise. The top 16 will play for the ship championship in a team competition like the Ryder Cup. So far I am in the top 10!
· Lecture
· Progressive team trivia competition…also a team competition where scores are and standings are recorded……so far we are tied for the lead.
· Some mort pool time
· Get ready for dinner…formal tonight….. that means the photographers are out in force.
· Some dinner music and appetizers while watching the sunset….unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!
· Dinner in the dining room….great as usual
· On the floor show at 9:30… Las Vegas style production tonight by the Veendam cast.
· Darliene does a have dozen trips around the deck… I ride the bike foe 20 minutes or so.
· Breakfast in the dining room.
· Golf competition….this is the third in a series of competitions, the Holland America Golf tour. The aim is to qualify for the Ryder Cup competition at the end of the cruise. The top 16 will play for the ship championship in a team competition like the Ryder Cup. So far I am in the top 10!
· Lecture
· Progressive team trivia competition…also a team competition where scores are and standings are recorded……so far we are tied for the lead.
· Some mort pool time
· Get ready for dinner…formal tonight….. that means the photographers are out in force.
· Some dinner music and appetizers while watching the sunset….unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!
· Dinner in the dining room….great as usual
· On the floor show at 9:30… Las Vegas style production tonight by the Veendam cast.
Puerto Chiapas, Mexico, Day 14
The Chiapas area offers those looking for a close contact with mystic and natural world, the door to a magical place with wonderful regional tours enjoying unequalled natural beauties, alternative tourism, ecotourism and archaeology…………
Stop everything the gun boats are out patrolling around the ship again and there are armed guards on the pier. Are we being protected?????? Or are they looking for drugs again?????
Well the mystery remains unsolved and we did not make it far today. As this is the third port in 3 days we went for a walk to the port buildings where we found a wealth of tourist information on the area, local entertainment of dancers and musicians, and sold handicrafts which were unusually colourful and quite different from the Mexico experienced so far. We then retired to the local tavern and sipped some more Corona which are quite a bit cheaper than the ones the sell on the ship and enjoyed a very war afternoon ashore.
Stop everything the gun boats are out patrolling around the ship again and there are armed guards on the pier. Are we being protected?????? Or are they looking for drugs again?????
Well the mystery remains unsolved and we did not make it far today. As this is the third port in 3 days we went for a walk to the port buildings where we found a wealth of tourist information on the area, local entertainment of dancers and musicians, and sold handicrafts which were unusually colourful and quite different from the Mexico experienced so far. We then retired to the local tavern and sipped some more Corona which are quite a bit cheaper than the ones the sell on the ship and enjoyed a very war afternoon ashore.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Santa Cruz Huatulca, Mexico Day 13
We arrived in this sleepy village which is touted to be the gateway to the Mayan world in the Pacific, shrouded in mystery. Among the most well-preserved archaeological sites is the sprawling complex at Palenque, dating to 100BC. Here, vividly coloured murals offer glimpses into Mayan life while great stone temples guard inscriptions that have yet to be deciphered. But this day was different. We were met with 3 gunships and soldiers and sailors with machine gun every where. We later found out that there was a big drug bust. 4 tons of “H” was sized in a submarine that was trying to bring the loot to shore in this quiet part of the Mexican coast.
We, in our innocence, simply wandered the beaches and took in the untamed and exotic surroundings. As usually we checked out the shops for local handicrafts like tin toys, wood and stone carvings or colourful textiles.
It was Sunday and the open air chapel on the beach was full of local people celebrating mass in their Sunday’s best while the tourists walked around in their tourist shorts and loud t-shirts. We sat at a table in the local tavern on the beach…drank Corona… and absorbed the atmosphere….it was a good day in Paradise.
We, in our innocence, simply wandered the beaches and took in the untamed and exotic surroundings. As usually we checked out the shops for local handicrafts like tin toys, wood and stone carvings or colourful textiles.
It was Sunday and the open air chapel on the beach was full of local people celebrating mass in their Sunday’s best while the tourists walked around in their tourist shorts and loud t-shirts. We sat at a table in the local tavern on the beach…drank Corona… and absorbed the atmosphere….it was a good day in Paradise.
Day at Sea, Day 11
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Hot….. Sunny!!!!!!!!!
Sailed through the Sea of Cortez…….Lazeee day…….Typical day at sea….
That’s all I can remember
Sailed through the Sea of Cortez…….Lazeee day…….Typical day at sea….
That’s all I can remember
Acapulco, Mexico, Day 12
A world-class resort town renowned for its beaches, magnificent tropical villas and hotels, and, of course, the daring cliff divers of La Quebrada.
In 1964 we came here with the SS Oronsay. The town was no more that a small but famous resort of 200,000 people. There were just a couple of big hotels and they were world famous as the playground of the Hollywood elite. We toured by rented bicycles and a native boy as a guide. We saw the old fort, San Diego…. cliff divers of La Quebrada ……the old town and the market. The whole day cost us $5.00.
This time we found a city of 2,000,000 people with traffic jams and endless hotels. The beaches are still fantastic. We toured the city and surroundings by air-conditioned motor coach. Saw all the same places and a few more and got herded into the guides favourite Jewellery shops etc.
In 1964 we came here with the SS Oronsay. The town was no more that a small but famous resort of 200,000 people. There were just a couple of big hotels and they were world famous as the playground of the Hollywood elite. We toured by rented bicycles and a native boy as a guide. We saw the old fort, San Diego…. cliff divers of La Quebrada ……the old town and the market. The whole day cost us $5.00.
This time we found a city of 2,000,000 people with traffic jams and endless hotels. The beaches are still fantastic. We toured the city and surroundings by air-conditioned motor coach. Saw all the same places and a few more and got herded into the guides favourite Jewellery shops etc.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Day 10
95 F 90% Humidity, sunny, Too hot!
The Baja Peninsula, where the blue Pacific mingles with the Sea of Cortez in a whirl of watercolours. Even more spectacular: waters teeming with marlin, swordfish, sailfish, tuna and other fighting fish and the annual migration of the gray whale.
We did the costal Highlight tour….Wow this place has doubled or triples since we were here last about 5 years ago. Lots of hotel and beach development..
The Baja Peninsula, where the blue Pacific mingles with the Sea of Cortez in a whirl of watercolours. Even more spectacular: waters teeming with marlin, swordfish, sailfish, tuna and other fighting fish and the annual migration of the gray whale.
We did the costal Highlight tour….Wow this place has doubled or triples since we were here last about 5 years ago. Lots of hotel and beach development..
Day at Sea, 9
29 C , sunny, sea is calm…perfect
Today is a typical day and we are settled in a routine.
· We get up whenever…...some days we get the steward to bring coffee and goodies as an eye opener.
· Darliene does a have dozen trips around the deck… I ride the bike foe 20 minutes or so.
· We must be on of the pacific ocean major migrating routes, Darliene saw several schools of dolphins (100’s) , countless whales, at one time there were as many as 8, giant sea turtles, and flying fish, all before breakfast. The bridge announces all sightings during the day and we like lemmings rush from side to side to get a glimpse of the wildlife. I just hope the ship can take all that moving around by the herd of cruisers.
· Breakfast in the dining room.
· Golf competition….sea days are competition days.
· Lecture at the spa, not my idea!
· Salmon buffet (today) at the poolside and some sun and some quiet time with live music.
· Trivia competition…we kicked butt today.
· Some mort pool time
· Get ready for dinner…formal tonight….. that means the photographers are out in force.
· Some dinner music and appetizers while watching the sunset….unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!
· Dinner in the dining room….great as usual
· Flaming cognacs after dinner….very dangerous
· On the floor show at 9:30…the 3 tenors from Las Vegas….funny and good
· A brief walk on the deck and off to our cabin……………..What a life……..
· That’s all for now….we will sleep well tonight!
Today is a typical day and we are settled in a routine.
· We get up whenever…...some days we get the steward to bring coffee and goodies as an eye opener.
· Darliene does a have dozen trips around the deck… I ride the bike foe 20 minutes or so.
· We must be on of the pacific ocean major migrating routes, Darliene saw several schools of dolphins (100’s) , countless whales, at one time there were as many as 8, giant sea turtles, and flying fish, all before breakfast. The bridge announces all sightings during the day and we like lemmings rush from side to side to get a glimpse of the wildlife. I just hope the ship can take all that moving around by the herd of cruisers.
· Breakfast in the dining room.
· Golf competition….sea days are competition days.
· Lecture at the spa, not my idea!
· Salmon buffet (today) at the poolside and some sun and some quiet time with live music.
· Trivia competition…we kicked butt today.
· Some mort pool time
· Get ready for dinner…formal tonight….. that means the photographers are out in force.
· Some dinner music and appetizers while watching the sunset….unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!
· Dinner in the dining room….great as usual
· Flaming cognacs after dinner….very dangerous
· On the floor show at 9:30…the 3 tenors from Las Vegas….funny and good
· A brief walk on the deck and off to our cabin……………..What a life……..
· That’s all for now….we will sleep well tonight!
San Diego, California, Day 8
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Sunshine and fun are business as usual in San Diego.
29C, sunny….We are not used to this yet!
Walked along the waterfront and checked out the tall ships and the aircraft carrier. Then to the Horton Plaza where we did a little shopping.
Took a cab to the Sea Port Village where we indulged in ice-cream and walked along the shore and the shops. It was our first hot and humid day; this will take some getting used too.
We did not get to Coronado Island's sandy beaches, or the Old Town …the city's early Spanish days to life….. Which we visited with Matt the last time we were her.
Back to the ship and off to Cabo at 5:00pm
29C, sunny….We are not used to this yet!
Walked along the waterfront and checked out the tall ships and the aircraft carrier. Then to the Horton Plaza where we did a little shopping.
Took a cab to the Sea Port Village where we indulged in ice-cream and walked along the shore and the shops. It was our first hot and humid day; this will take some getting used too.
We did not get to Coronado Island's sandy beaches, or the Old Town …the city's early Spanish days to life….. Which we visited with Matt the last time we were her.
Back to the ship and off to Cabo at 5:00pm
At Sea, day 6, 7
It was tome to get familiar with the ship. We had some concerns as we read in the paper that The Veendam is to be refitted in the spring…on old boat???....So we did the grand tour and it is great after all.
Pools, Bars, Dining Rooms (very important as we do a lot of eating) the Casino and all the outdoor decks all look great.
Pools, Bars, Dining Rooms (very important as we do a lot of eating) the Casino and all the outdoor decks all look great.
Victoria Canada, Day 5
A touch of England with afternoon tea, double-decker buses, the famed Butchart Gardens .But for us it was a simple visit with Pat and Alan Traish. The picked us up at the dock….. went for coffee at their favourite place…caught up on the years since we saw them last…..and then did the scenic tour along the many wonderful neighbourhoods along the waterfront and marinas. It was a pleasant afternoon.
Back on to the ship which left at 2:00 pm for San Diego
Back on to the ship which left at 2:00 pm for San Diego
The departure of the Amazon Adventure. Day 4
Bob and Jan gave us a tour of North Vancouver, an other area that is growing exponentially; we embarked our ship and made ready to leave Vancouver for the short trip to Victoria.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Vancouver, British Columbia, Day 2, 3
Drove from Kelowna to Vancouver, 4hrs, …. As we drove to the hotel we passed by the exhibition grounds china town, gas town with its galleries, boutiques, colourful public markets, restaurants of every ethnicity. We checked in the Fairmont hotel across the street from the cruse ship dock.
That evening we visited with Jan and Bob Rogers friends of 46 years.
The next day we all visited Steveston Warf and the new Olympic Speed Skating Oval in Richmond, Vancouver’s Stanley Park with its 1,000 acres of forests, gardens, lakes and lawns in the heart of the city. English Bay, the Sylvia Hotel, Robsen Street, UBC where we lived for 6 years and qualified for 2 degrees and the ever expanding downtown area.
That evening we visited with Jan and Bob Rogers friends of 46 years.
The next day we all visited Steveston Warf and the new Olympic Speed Skating Oval in Richmond, Vancouver’s Stanley Park with its 1,000 acres of forests, gardens, lakes and lawns in the heart of the city. English Bay, the Sylvia Hotel, Robsen Street, UBC where we lived for 6 years and qualified for 2 degrees and the ever expanding downtown area.
Roger’s Pass, British Columbia, Day 1
Finally the day is here. We are packed. The car is gassed up and we are on the way at 9:00 am.
Drove as far as Banff and had breakfast at Phil’s. Took a good look at Banff’s new Main Streets improvements…looking good.
On to Roger’s Pass. The mountains look great in the fall colours. Lots of snow on the glaciers.
7 hours of driving to Kelowna …..and overnight in Kelowna. Visited with good friends Colleen and Robert Linttell… as usually Colleen and Robert created a great dinner..talked about old times and future projects.
Drove as far as Banff and had breakfast at Phil’s. Took a good look at Banff’s new Main Streets improvements…looking good.
On to Roger’s Pass. The mountains look great in the fall colours. Lots of snow on the glaciers.
7 hours of driving to Kelowna …..and overnight in Kelowna. Visited with good friends Colleen and Robert Linttell… as usually Colleen and Robert created a great dinner..talked about old times and future projects.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Day -1 Kananaskis 30th Anniversary BBQ
It was a great day! We drove down highway 40 with all the mountain scenery and fall coulours. It was impressive. The venue at Boundary Ranch accommodated over 200 and was prfect, the food was good and the company was special.
Specifically we met Param, Balbinda, Sandy and Fiona, and reminiced and told stories. We chated with Petetr Lougheed) at the bar, and with Ed Marshall and may others about old times.
Specifically we met Param, Balbinda, Sandy and Fiona, and reminiced and told stories. We chated with Petetr Lougheed) at the bar, and with Ed Marshall and may others about old times.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Getting Ready
This week is a real trial. Getting ready for a long trip, documents packing and making sure all affairs are in order.
While we are gone we are having renovations done to the house. We are upgrading the kitchen and a new media room in the lower level. Meeting with the contractor (MIG Homes INC. yeah that is the family business) but still communication is everything. Hopefully we have made all the design and material decisions. As we are not going to be here (a contractor’s dream not having the client looking over his shoulders) there will be no change orders or complaints from the client. (not until we get back anyway)
While we are gone we are having renovations done to the house. We are upgrading the kitchen and a new media room in the lower level. Meeting with the contractor (MIG Homes INC. yeah that is the family business) but still communication is everything. Hopefully we have made all the design and material decisions. As we are not going to be here (a contractor’s dream not having the client looking over his shoulders) there will be no change orders or complaints from the client. (not until we get back anyway)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Fairmont Hot Springs Retreat
Today we are sharing our retreat with the deers and bears. The berry and fruit crop is realy good and it is atracting the local bears. Our neighbour Bruce found some bear scat in his garden next to the rasbery bushes.
I guess this is a good time to pick the all berries.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Preperations
I looks so easy! Get on the ship and get pampered for 36 days.
First we have to get shoots. Fun!!!
I turns out we have to get "Yellow Fever, Hep "A" imunization and Malaria pills. Of course non of this is covered by our health system. $$$$
Then you need medical and travel cancellation and interuption insurance! $$$$
Then of all things we need to get a Visa to get into Brazil. The process for this seem unduly complicated. It turns out that just about everybody in the world can go to Brazil without a Visa but Canadians and US citicens are singled out for this special privelage. This looks like a fund raising project for Brazil as US citisens are charged by far the most for the pivelige to travel to Brazil $$$$$.
"BUT"
I turns out we have to get "Yellow Fever, Hep "A" imunization and Malaria pills. Of course non of this is covered by our health system. $$$$
Then you need medical and travel cancellation and interuption insurance! $$$$
Then of all things we need to get a Visa to get into Brazil. The process for this seem unduly complicated. It turns out that just about everybody in the world can go to Brazil without a Visa but Canadians and US citicens are singled out for this special privelage. This looks like a fund raising project for Brazil as US citisens are charged by far the most for the pivelige to travel to Brazil $$$$$.
The Plan
To get adjusted to the idea that we are off we are traveling from Calgary to Vancouver enjoying the Kootenay and the Okanogan areas while visiting friends and relatives on the way. Then the adventure starts for real! We are embarking the Holland America Line’s ms Veendam in Vancouver and for 36 days we travel down the west coast through the Panama Canal to Brazil and the Amazon River. We return to via the Caribbean to Tampa. On the return to Vancouver we will stop over in Salt Lake City for some genealogy at the Family Research Centre. After visiting in Vancouver we will make our way back to Calgary.
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