Author: Bill

Traveling to the northern parts of Queensland is a unique experience that few people actually attempt. The roads become sparse, the weather unpredictable, and facilities such as gas, food, and lodging become difficult to find. Unlike the dry, arid central or center part of Australia, the northern part, especially the north eastern part in Queensland is semi tropical, warm, and hosts much vegetation … until you get inland a ways. The most common people you find here are the “Gray Nomads”. These are retired people who buy caravans (Camping trailers), load them up with all kinds of gizmo toys, and head north for the winter to avoid the cold weather down south. They stay up here until spring then head back to their homes. The roads are loaded with big SUV’s pulling big caravans. Many of them “Bush Camp” which is free camping somewhere along the road they can find a spot to set up. Others go to commercial campgrouds (which are getting to be very expensive) and spend two to three weeks visiting friends from previous u=years that show back up. An interesting life.

Nancy and I have decided to do a road trip that takes us up the east coast as far north as Cairns, then west and north to the Carpentaria Sea, then west across the most desolate part of the area to Daly Waters on the Stuart Highway. The route from Cairns west to Daly Waters is called The Savannah Way and follows National Highway 1 most of the way. We plan to make a few deviations, then pick our way back home …. yes, we do have to go home eventually. The lawn will need mowing.

Because this is our third trip up the coast along A1, The Bruce Hiway, I won’t be taking many pictures. There are already too many of them in previous posts. Please feel free to check them out. They can be found in “Caravanning to Cairns (December 2023)”. We had a pleasant trip up to Cairns, we spent the night in a small town named Ayr along the way and a night in Cairns to have a night out before heading west. It’s approaching Winter here so everything is drying up a bit. Makes more of the roads passable for us and provides some warmer temperatures than we are having in Tannum Sands. Here’s a few shots from along the way and in Cairns.

From Cairns we followed the Savannah Way west to Georgetown where we spent the night. Shots from along the way.

We left Georgetown for a short day and arrived in Karumba, Queensland. A small town located on the Carpentaria Sea and the Norman River. Quite the Outback sort of town.

Had an okay night in Karumba. These little remote towns don’t offer Motel ^ level accommodations. Most are for the workers that come through needing a place to spend the night. Think Spartan. Anyhow, we rose early and hit the road. It was Sunday and most everything was closed yet so we drove west. All the Wallaby’s were up. They were standing in the sun along the clearing along the road. Most of the time they just jump back into the bush, sometimes they just stand and watch you go by. Sometimes they choose to run across the road before you can get there. There are literally hundreds of dead kangaroos and wallaby’s along the road. This brings in the large carnivorous birds like crows and hawks. They don’t want their breakfast disturbed so they wait till the last minute before taking off. Early morning and late afternoon driving requires a great deal of attention. In addition to the marsupials and birds, we also saw wild horses, ferrel pigs, some dead some live, and countless cattle.

Our destination was Hell’s Gate Roadhouse located some 400 kilometers away from Karumba following The Savannah Way. After studying the route we found it was a mix of good road, narrow road, narrow road with no centerline, gravel road, and narrow gravel road. All with various river crossings along the way. Australia floods a great deal in Spring and during the rainy summer. Floods are common and traffic is sometimes stalled for days waiting for the water to recede. They don’t put in many bridges. Instead, they pave right across the creek or river using concrete. As I have shown in other drives, they put up little yard sticks to show you how deep the water is. It is very dangerous to cross a river that is overflowing. Even if it is not too deep, a car or light truck can be swept off the roadway into the stream by the current. We crossed a number of river beds today, three had water, one had a fair amount.

Our trip today.

We finally made it to Hell’s Gate, got our room, fueled up, and had dinner. Tomorrow is the toughest part of the trip. Most remote, worst roads, more rivers to cross. SO, in case we don’t make it, here’s where we spent out last night.

Hopefully, we’ll be here, on line, tomorrow.

WHEW!!!! We made it … and had an awesome time doing so. Six water crossings, two flat tires, many dead and live animals, virtually no pavement, mostly sand and packed dirt. Our first flat tire I changed myself and we were on our way in minimum time. The second was not as cool cuz we had just used our spare. The first had deflated slowly so I figured it was a small puncture. I carry a plug kit that has saved us a number of times so it was time to roll it out again. I dug out the first flat, hooked up a hand pump to put some pressure in it to find the leak, and the hose broke … BIG disappointment. Just then a man and his wife pulled up and asked if we needed help. (This is something EVERYONE does on these roads. No one is left stranded. Two more Utes pulled up and I had an entire crew of helpful Aussies helping me out. We got the first flat inflated (Aussies always have all the toys … this guy had an electrical pump to inflate my spare), found the leak and plugged it. Once plugged we all had a beer while the plug set. Then back to work. Take off the second flat, mount the repaired tire, load all our junk back into the Tucson, tell everyone “Thanks Mate” and we were off. Now we are running on two repaired tires and no spare. Made it to Borroloola in the Northern Territory. As I mentioned, today’s drive is the most difficult or challenging so the rest of the trip will be easier … just as interesting, just less drama. Here’s today’s trip.

So we made it to our destination, checked into the hotel motel and tried to make it to the coast just to take another peak at the sea, Didn’t make it, no roads, so we came back.

That’s it for today. An exciting day with a lot of interesting events. Best part, we met some nice people …They are all over, all you gotta do is say “Hi”.

Raglan, Queensland is a very small, seldom noticed village in north central Queensland. It is about 35 or 40 miles from where we live and a ways off the main road into the hills west of the coast.

Nancy and I noticed advertisements for the Raglan Air Show and decided we would give it a go .. se what it was all about. When we mentioned to our friends that we were going they all were quite enthusiastic and said they had been a number of times. Some were even going again this year. Several of them went early and camped at the Raglan airpark campground where they could stay free if they helped with the airshow.

So, come Saturday morning, the 24th of May, we went. First of all it was really out in the boonies. We left the main road and followed the side road till it turned to one lane, then to gravel. As we popped up over a hill, there it was . Masses of cars parked, caravans (campers) trucks, all kinds of transportation, all parked. We parked and walked close to a mile to get from where we parked to the entrance. Ninety bucks for admission and we were in!

All we knew about the show was what we found on line and what our friends told us about. Neither was very inclusive so we just had some ideas where to go. I wanted to see the Tractor Pull. They advertised they would have all sorts of tractors, and having been raised on one, I had an interest. Nancy went cuz she likes to watch airplanes.

The tractor pull, located another mile on the other side of the field (you had to walk around the end of the runway) had a number of tractors but they were all about the same size with different modifications to make them more competitive. It was obvious this was some what of a tractor pull circuit. We watched for a while, walked around looking at the various tractors, and decided to go back to the main side of the field and wait for the airshow.

When we were walking in we past a bif collection of old Semi tractors that moved Australia from coast to coast along the road. These old trucks looked bigger than the ones we have in the states. They were big, old, and well presented. There was also a number of older cars, some customized and some restored to their original state. Not to be outdone, the motorcycle crowd had a big display of motorcycles, old, new, hot, casual, customized. Lastly, there was a bunch of airplanes. Old, new, every kind you can imagine. Several old War Planes offering rides, many helicopters offering rides, and many, many, small aircraft, parked all over the field, with tents by them. People fly in for the airshow (a three day event), set up a tend next to their plane, and party for three days while looking at every one else’s airplane. Quite the airshow for such a small town. It is estimated that 11,000 people attended and there was over 250 aircraft on display.

The airshow was good, basic aerial stunt flying by a number of different aircraft. It was an interesting day. Here are some random pictures of the event:

We had a good time. It was quite warm so we stayed in the shade, enjoyed the show, and came home. Another Aussie adventure. We will probably do it again.

Okay! We are all excited because we are about to take the longest cruise ever … longest for us anyhow. The map above shows our route. We start in Singapore and end up in South Africa. I’m going to try and update this post every day in case we get lost or captured, the search parties will know where to start.

We begin our journey by driving from our home in Tannum Sands to Brisbane where we we will catch a flight to Singapore. Singapore is where we board the VIKING SKY and begin our long sail. We are spending a couple days in Singapore just to see a couple places that are new and then we will be on our way on the first of March. As is our custom, we drive down the day before our flight so we don’t have to leave at midnight to catch a morning flight. As is also our custom, we are creatures of habit, we try to have a superb Italian meal at Geno’s in Brisbane. This trip we split a pepperoni pizza and a veal dish. Both were delicious and we left happy and content.

The next morning we boarded our Quantis flight from Brisbane to Singapore. A seven hour flight. Nancy had a nap and I, as I can’t/don’t sleep on airplanes, caught up on my movies. I watched Dead Pool, Dead Pool II, and Dead Pool Wolverine. I am now a Dead Pool expert! We landed and slipped right through Customs and Immigration, picked up our bags, and took a cab to our hotel. We actually only had one day available in Singapore between arriving late in the day and getting our stuff over to the ship on the day we sailed. One day is enough. We walked from our hotel to a newer Bayfront area that featured a large park and several impressive buildings that hosted displays of flowers and plants. It was quite interesting and we spent the entire morning and part of the afternoon walking around seeing things … as expected, I took a bunch of pictures so now you get to see them!

To finish up our time in Singapore. We continued our exploring the Botanical Exhibit which included a rainforest mountain. An elevator took you to the top then you walked this winding path, called the Cloud Walk, around and down the mountain. Very beautiful. This was located in the smaller but taller bubble you see in the opening pictures.

From there we went to another high walk amongst the metal trees they had there in the park. It provided a unique view of the area, the city, and the plants they had growing along the walk. A bit redundant but still interesting.

That pretty well wrapped up the day for us. As I may have noted, it was VERY HOT so we just chilled in the hotel, had a nice dinner, and enjoyed the opportunity to rest.

1 March – We took a taxi to our ship and boarded it. As the ship is on a world cruise from Ft Lauderdale to New York going west (180 days) we are on it for just a portion of the route (35 Days). Because of that, the boarding process was much easier and only a hundred or so people got on. The rest were all there on the ship waiting for us. We got settled in fairly quickly and felt right at home because the ship was identical to the one we sailed around the southern tip of South America (see menu if interested). It was like coming home … everything was the same, except the people. More on that later. We left Singapore and set sail for Malaysia where our first stop will be in Kuala Lumpur. We have been to KP before but only to the airport enroute to Indonesia. This time we will spend at least a day there and get to see some of the highlights. Here’s some shots of the ship:

2 March – To get to Kuala Lumpur we sailed through the Strait of Malacca. This narrow passage between Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra was a major route for early traders shipping glassware, precious stones, camphor, ivory and sandalwood. Today, it is one of the busiest shipping channels in the world, linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Along this historic waterway, the lush shores of Sumatra grace the horizon to the south, stretching out to lowlands, mangroves and swamps. The more urban skylines of Malaysia—George Town and Kuala Lumpur among them—shimmer in the distance to the north.. We spent the entire night, the next day, and the following night to get to KP from Singapore. I think the Captain was taking it easy as the visibility was fairly low and there were so many ships around us.

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Starting here I use description of our stops that were provided by Viking. The words are not mine but do better explaining what we are to see or saw. I did this during the time I was not able to upload photos. The photos have been added now and the captions in the photos are my words.

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3 March – Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia. The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur was built by Chinese tin prospectors in the mid-1800s. Since then, the city of KL, as the locals call it, has grown into a stunning mix of colonial, Moorish, Tudor, neo-Gothic and Grecian-Spanish architecture. The two-story shophouses of Old Market Square, with storefronts below and residences above, reveal the lives of merchants. The magnificent Petronas Towers are the centerpiece of this fascinating city; the side-by-side twin spires resemble a pair of rockets, connected by a two-story sky bridge that spans the 41st and 42nd floors. We found ourselves docked at Port Klang in Kuala Lumpur. We booked a shore excursion where we saw the Blue Mosque, and spent some free time in the city’s Golden Triangle. Then we rode from port past impressive new developments, enjoyed a photo stop at the landmark Blue Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, it can hold 24,000 worshippers. Next, we saw the National Monument, a bronze statue honoring soldiers who died during the Communist Insurgency in the 1950s. It was designed by Felix De Weldon, who also created the Iwo Jima monument. After lunch we saw Independence Square, had a stop for a photo of the world’s tallest twin skyscraper, Petronas Towers. Near the Golden Triangle, we had time at the Karyaneka Handicraft center to shop for pewter, crystal, glass, and textiles, or to watch a batik painting demonstration. Before returning to port, we rode to the top of the needle-like Kuala Lumpur Tower for 360-degree views.

4 March – George Town, Malaysia. Capital of the Malaysian island of Penang, George Town has long been a crossroad. Today, it is a glorious celebration of culture, one of Asia’s most colorful corners. Malays, Indians and Chinese all share a past here, as a ride around town via a pedaled trishaw will show. George Town’s unique cityscape features shops from colonial days, Buddhist and Taoist temples, and kongsi, brightly painted clanhouses that traditionally open their doors to all who share a surname. The town’s rich literary past includes residents such as Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham and Noël Coward.

On our tour we explored the melting pot of cultures that have helped create Malaysia’s oldest city. George Town is where East meets West and old meets new, with an intriguing blend of British and Southeast Asian influences. We took a scenic tour by motor coach through the city. Our guide explained how George Town developed as a trading post in the 18th century. We also saw snapshots of old England at Downing Street—which, as in London, was once a seat of government—and the whitewashed facade of St. George’s Church. Later, we took a guided walk through the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and view the whimsical street art. Finally, we boarded our coach for a scenic drive past Kek Lok Si, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, and the eye-catching State Mosque. We also passed the sacred Hindu Waterfall Hill Temple, Botanical Gardens and Fort Cornwallis en route to our ship.

5 March – Our second day in Georgetown we visited some of the island’s most notable temples, discovered traditional handicrafts and visited lush market stalls. First off was the Thai Buddhist Temple (Wat Chaiyamangkalaram), which houses one of the largest Reclining Buddhas in the world. Across the way, the Burmese Buddhist Temple hints at Penang’s cultural diversity. We continued to the Batu Ferringhi region, stopping to visit a batik factory, where colorful cloths are patterned with a centuries-old wax and dye process. We then continued past fruit orchards and plantations growing clove and nutmeg, pausing at a farmer’s fruit stall, a burst of color and fragrances. Lastly, we explored the legendary Temple of the Azure Cloud, or Snake Temple, dedicated to the deity Chor Soo Kong. The god’s disciples included pit vipers, tamed by incense smoke. After escaping that, we returned to the ship.

Tonight we were invited to a Captain’s Reception for all the folks who came aboard in Singapore. It was a nice affair, got to meet the Big Guy and most of his key staff. All nice folks.

6 March – Phuket (Patong Beach), Thailand. The Thai island of Phuket offers more than picturesque beaches and sweeping vistas of sparkling azure waters. The island was long a major stop on trade routes between India and China, often mentioned in ship logs of European sailors. Around 1545, one Portuguese explorer called the island Junk Ceylon, and the name stuck for decades. Later, the French, Dutch and English competed for the island’s tin trade; the French East India Company won and played a role in local politics until 1688. Today, old Sino-Portuguese shop-houses and monuments to Buddha dot the island.

Our tour today we went to see Phuket’s stunning viewpoints, beaches framed by ribbons of blue water, and colorful temples, cafés and crafts. We stopped at Promthep Cape on the southernmost tip of the island to enjoy spectacular views of the Andaman Sea and picturesque Nai Harn Bay. To the north, we took in expansive panoramas along the length of the coast. Promthep also boasts a shrine depicting the god Brahma as a “Four Face Buddha,” surrounded by more than fifty colorful elephant statues, each one draped with garlands of flowers. From tHere we went to Wat Chalong, Phuket’s largest and most sacred temple. Inside its tall spire lies a splinter of bone believed to belong to the Buddha, and around the complex were three gold-leaf-encrusted statues of former abbots. At the Sriburapa Cashew Nut Factory, we observed the process of extracting Cashew nuts from their shells and browsed the on-site shop. Afterward, we returned to our ship.

7/8 March – At sea sailing the Gulf of Bengal in the Indian Ocean, from Phuket, Thailand to Colombo, Sri Lanka. These “Sea Days” are restful, educational, and interesting days as we sail across the longer stretches of ocean. We normally get up a little later, go to one of the dining rooms and have a light breakfast, then back to the room to clean up and plan our day. There are lectures available by local experts who talk on subjects related to places we have been or are going. Sometime we play cards, sometimes I work on my website, then lunch at the pool cafe/bar. A cozy place where burgers, wings, and hot dogs are available along with salads and deserts, and, of course, your choice of beverage. The afternoon is spent sunning, walking (four trips around deck two is one mile), napping, or some of the same activities as the morning. We then get ready for dinner, preceded by a toddy in the Explorers lounge. There is also a piano bar we occasionally have our afternoon toddy at. It is smaller but more cultured with classical music by a pianist or string musicians. Which one we go to depends on how we feel. On the days before we have an excursion there is a briefing late in the afternoon where highlights, schedules, logistics, customs and protocol, etc are discussed. After that we normally eat dinner in a sit down restaurant that has a new menu each day. If you are not into that, there is another dining room that is buffet style with a varying menu. There are two much smaller dining rooms that are specialty meals; one Italian and the other is the other is a Chef’s Table where a paired meal is presented. We don’t frequent those two very often but occasionally, a special meal is nice. The dining room we usually eat at is very nice with attentive table service, and excellent selection of beverages, and great food. We usually wind up the evening back at the explorer Lounge for a nightcap and some companionship with folks we have met. We like the Explorer Lounge because the front of it is also the front of the ship and has large windows so you can see where we are going.

9 March – Colombo, Sri Lanka. Brimming with old-world charm, Colombo is Sri Lanka’s cultural epicenter. With its large harbor and strategic seaside location, Colombo quickly earned favor among ancient traders. The island was first colonized by the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch, then the English, who ruled until the country gained independence in 1948. Still today, evidence of all three nations is clear in the cuisine, language and architecture. Within the city’s 19th-century fortress stands the neobaroque Old Parliament Building, and the city’s streets carry the names of former British governors.

We arrived late in the day so we chose not to go off ship on a short tour. Instead we just hung out and watched all the activity in the harbor and listen to Allen on the guitar in the Explorers Lounge

10 March – Today we visited a Dutch Colonial Fortress, the largest remaining fortress in Southeast Asia, built by its previous European settlers, and The Maritime Museum in Galle. During the 16th century, Portuguese explorers built a mud fort to control the most important port in Sri Lanka: Galle. The Dutch took the city in 1640 and built the mighty fortress, which today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We embarked on a scenic 2 hour drive by motor coach through the plains of southwestern Sri Lanka en route to Galle. Enroute our guide snuck in a quick visit to a native fish market so we got to see how they harvest fish. Once at the fort, we walked around it to see evidence of its previous occupants on a visit to the Dutch Church, and observe the lighthouse and clock tower. We marveled at the inspiring sea views from the ramparts before heading to the Maritime Museum, which occupies an enormous old spice warehouse, and learned about the seafaring history of Galle. To wrap up the day in Galle we stopped a local hotel for a traditional lunch of rice and curry. The two hour trip back found many of us napping.

11 March – Sail the Laccadive Sea. Today we sail the azure waters between the island nations of Sri Lanka and the Maldives at the tip of India’s southern point. The Laccadive Sea has been a thriving region for pearl fishing for thousands of years. A Sea Day. We sail the Laccadive Sea enroute to Male, Maldives.

12 March – Malé, Maldives. Male, the capital of the Maldives, is the gateway to this enchanting, low-lying archipelago scattered across the equator. Remotely situated some 620 miles southwest of India and Sri Lanka and consisting of 26 atolls covering approximately 115 square miles, Asia’s smallest country is a tropical paradise full of white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees and tranquil lagoons teeming with birdlife. Offshore, colorful reef fish, sea turtles and other marine life mingle among the vibrant coral gardens, making the Maldives a premier destination for curious divers and snorkelers.

We arrived at Male’, the principle city in the Maldives, early this morning. The 26 inhabited atolls and islands that are slowly disappearing as the sea rises. The islands have a long history during which traders, kings, warlords, and Emperors ruled the people who live here. The Maldives became an independent country in the twentieth century and now takes care of itself. It’s biggest economic effort is tourist, luxury tourism. You often see it advertised with huts on stilts strung out from a white sandy beach. The huts being private luxury hotel rooms. Male’, completely fills the 3.8 sq mile island and hosts most of the Maldives’ 500,000 people. Male’ is 100% muslim, you must convert to Islam to live there, and while being quite strict about dress and alcohol, liberal exceptions are granted to the luxury resorts around the Island. There, females can sunbath in bikinis and all can imbibe with their adult beverage of choice. As our luck would have it, we arrive during Ramadan, a fasting and observance period for Muslims. As such, many of the local shops and restaurants are closed during the day. Not to be deterred we elected to take a submarine ride to get a close up look at sea life and corral. As advertised we discovered the Underwater World of the Maldives. We Embarked on an immersive journey to explore the captivating underwater world and marine life of the Maldives. We boarded a submarine, where we initially descended to a depth of 120 feet. At this level, we were greeted by a vibrant display of coral and a diverse array of reef fish species. As we venture further into the depths, we navigated through an enchanting underwater garden, teeming with tropical fish. As the coral formations shift, we had the opportunity to observe species such as the common lionfish, yellow box fish and turtles. We were awed as we journeyed through this picturesque underwater garden, illuminated by the external lights of the submarine. Witness the various species of fish seeking refuge within a cave, and perhaps catch a glimpse of white tip reef sharks and Napoleon fish. Afterward, we ascended to the surface and returned to our awaiting ship.

The pictures do not do justice to the variety, color, and number of fish, coral, and other animals we say. It was a very interesting experience. Photography was tough due to the low light and reflective water

13/14/15/ March – We left Male’ after sunset and began a three day crossing of the Arabian Sea or Indian Ocean. We have see nothing since leaving Male’. No boats, no airplanes, no water skiers, just a few flying fish skitting out from the wkae of the ship. The weather has been hot so everyone had been complaining. Yesterday, 14 March, Nancy and I evolved from being pollywogs to become Shellbacks. As we crossed the Equator southbound, kissed the fish, we swam across the pool, and we toasted with a shot of Aquavit. A prestigious and long held tradition for sailors who cross the Equator for the first time on a ship.:

Still on the 15th here. We are still at sea and expect to be in Victoria, in the Seychelles tomorrow morning.

16 March – Mahé (Victoria), Seychelles. Victoria, the capital and largest city of the Seychelles archipelago, sits on the island of Mahé in the western Indian Ocean. Originally settled by French colonists and called L’Établissement, it was renamed after Queen Victoria during the early 19th century when it became a British colony. Exuding tropical charm, its landmarks include the Clock Tower, an iconic structure erected in 1903 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. The Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, bustling with vibrant colors and flavors, showcases the island’s abundance of spices, fruits and fish.

We pull into Victoria Harbor in the Seychelles early in the morning. Nice weather, nice sunrise. We will be here just for today and have booked a general tour of some of Victoria’s more interesting attractions. The Seychelles consists of 126 different Islands and has a population of around 120,000. Where the Maldives were populated by early settlers from India, and SouthEast Asia, the Seychelles were populated mostfrom African nations. Here’s what we plan to do today. We will discover Mahé’s (name of the island Victoria is on) striking natural beauty during a scenic excursion across the island’s north end. The largest island in the Seychelles, Mahé is a renowned tropical paradise. Our drive will take us through lush vegetation, past charming villages and white-sand beaches. Admire views of the dramatic granite peaks that dot the island en route to the Seychelles National Botanical Garden. Here, we’ll stroll the grounds, keeping watch for giant Aldabra land tortoises, fruit bats and more than 200 species of endemic flora. Then, set off on a brief guided walk around the town’s center, passing local landmarks, including many colonial-era buildings, the old courthouse and a replica of London’s Little Ben. We will then return to Victoria, we’ll stop for refreshments at an elegant hotel. Afterward, you will return to our ship.

We will leave the Seychelles around sunset today and will be at sea for the next two days as we sail towards Mombasa, Kenya. See ya.

17 March … Happy Birthday Sam!💋 Happy St Patricks Day to everyone else 🍀. We are at sea and the weather is good. Attended a little Irish song fest and lunch. Had a nice time.

We now continue on. See you in Mombasa, Kenya. There has been a schedule change and Zanzibar, Tanzania has been taken off as a stop. Some issue with other countries accepting us if we go there due to Colera or yellow Fever issues. Viking decided it would be better to skip Zanzibar than miss other opportunities later. Consequently, we will spend three days in Kenya, then have two days at sea before getting to Madagascar.

18 March – A day at sea. Stopped by the Explorers Lounge for a pre-dinner cocktail and watch the sun set while litening to Allen on the guitar.

19 March – Mombasa, Kenya. Kenya’s chief port and a coastal gem, Mombasa is a melting pot of traditions. Located on a coralline island and linked by a causeway to the African mainland, it boasts a rich tapestry of Middle Eastern and African cultures, having been a key Indian Ocean port since the 14th century. The narrow streets of Mombasa’s old town are lined with ornately styled architecture and home to mosques, cathedrals and Hindu temples, while lateen-rigged dhows and small vessels anchor in its ancient port between trips to trade with the Arabian Peninsula, Persian Gulf and India.

Arrival in the Port of Mombasa, Kenya. Mombasa was the original Capitol for East Africa and later Kenya. When the country was let loose from the British, Kenya’s new government set up the capitol in Nairobi, where it still is. Here are some pictures as we came iinto the Mombasa Harbor (It’s the end of a large River) and our mooring activities.

Our activity here was a tour of the City. Our goal is to discover the history, culture and wildlife of East Africa’s most metropolitan port. Set out on a panoramic drive through the former capital of British East Africa. Gain a deeper understanding of the city’s rich history as you pass by several important landmarks. Tour the Mombasa Terminus, the modern railway station whose concentric circles and central tower were designed to represent an ocean ripple. Pass under the symbolic metal elephant tusk sculptures that cross bustling Moi Avenue; these four tusks were built in 1952 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s visit and form the letter “M” for Mombasa. Discover the well-preserved Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the nearby Butterfly House before enjoying lunch. Then travel to the wildlife sanctuary of Haller Park to observe hippos, impalas, giant tortoises and more before returning to our ship. Here’s what that looked like:

A very long day, very hot, but interesting. We did return to the boat and spent the evening relaxing and comparing notes with friends who had done other things. Naturally, a big thing when you come to Kenya and the east coast of Africa is going on a Safari to go on game drives and see if you can spot the “Big Five”. Several different excursions were offered by the ship to do this but we did a big Safari trip back in 2015 and enjoyed seeing all the animals and the vast plains of eastern Africa. Because of that we chose not to do a Safari this time. We do have a small Game Drive booked for later in the cruise. It is interesting to talk to the people who return from these trips. Our conclusion (no bias here) was our Safari was much more exciting than what most people are coming back with. You can view our Safari, it’s in the munu in four or five parts under AFRICA.

20 March – Today we lunch on a Traditional Wooden Boat — We will sail around Mombasa’s old town while enjoying a four-course meal of fine
cuisine. Take a scenic drive to the North Coast, where you will board a dhow, an authentic Arabic sailing vessel. Once used to trade cargo along Kenya’s coast, this seaworthy ship has been refurbished for a pleasurable dining experience. Upon arrival, you will be guided to your onboard table and served a signature cocktail of vodka, honey and lime. As your boat sets sail around the mangrove-lined shores of Tudor Creek, you will see Mombasa’s historic old town, including Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese during the 16th-century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will moor at a peaceful spot, where lunch will be served. End your meal with a cup of Kenyan coffee served from the traditional Arabic brass pot called a dallah as we cruise back to our ship.

The meal was good, the company better, and the views were great. A very lovely harboor bay, encircled in high rises and big homes. None of them are occupied by the people you see teaming in the streets. They all belong to wealthy people who come in for some time at the beach. A dramatic split between the haves and have nots.

21 March – today we decided we had seen enough of Mombasa so we stayed on the ship except for a short sortie to The Mission to Seafarers Center located close to where we are docked. I volunteer at a Seafarers Center in Gladstone so I always make a point of visiting other ones as we travel. There are some 200 located around the world. Mostly ran by volunteers and mostly supported by donations and the Anglican and Catholic Church they provide a safe and restful place for Seafarers to go to when they are docked. Seafarers spend months at sea away from their families and home. Seafarer Centers provide a bit of respit from that life. Here are a few photo’s from the Botswana Seafarers Center,

The visit was short. The lady there was kind of bashful and didn’t want her picture taken. She didn’t speak a lot of english so we just walked around and facilities and I took some pictures. She did say most of their “customers”, the Seafarers, show up later in the day after the work is finished on the ship. The have a swim, relax for awhile, maybe spend some time in the chapel, then have dinner at the restaurant and get taken back to their ship.

22/23 March – Back at Sea today and tomorrow. Sailing the Indian Ocean, the 3rd largest in the world. It is almost six times the size of the United States, spanning more than 6,000 miles from Africa’s southern tip to Australia’s west coast. 

Two pretty normal days at sea. We are finding that using a cruise to see places on our bucket list is not really very compatible. A cruise like this one that covers a big distance takes a long time to get from one spot on the globe to the next. Consequently we have a lot of sea days. Then, when you get to that place you booked the cruise to see, you only have time for one excursion in many cases so you need to pick and choose what you see. If we had just flown to that place, we could have seen everything we wanted to see and done everything we wanted to do. So, there comes the distinction between travelers or explorers, and cruisers. Travelers and explorers spend time each place they go, from morn to night and often several days, or even more depending what you want to see and do. Cruisers, on the other hand, enjoy hanging out on the boat and doing all those things they do in retirement or over 55 communities, every day. Play cards, knit, eat, read, swim, etc … everything but golf. Then they get off somewhere for a few hours and exclaim they have been to Sydney! or Madagascar! or wherever. It is true they have been there, but really only a touch and go. This cruise, the segment we are on, has 35 days on the boat, 15 of those are sea days. My point? Make sure you are getting what you want out of travel. It’s costly enough but to not get what you expect is very disappointing. I think many of the people we meet prefer to travel in groups, safety, planning done by others, group think. Therefore cruises and bus tours are right up their alley. Nancy and I on the other hand like the independence of traveling alone, the excitement of meeting new friends nearly everywhere we go, and the flexibility with schedules, finances, and changes. In all fairness, Viking does offer longer excursions, some many days long, but they are quite expensive and you miss what out were on the boat for when your gone …. and still paying for that portion of the cruise.

I know this sounds like we are not enjoying our cruise but that is not true. If you recall my opening blurb about why we took this cruise it was to see if we would like to take longer cruises. Now we pretty much know. We may well take other cruises but smaller ships, shorter itineraries, or more focus on shore activities will be what we will be looking for. …. enough whining. Here’s sunset from the Explorers Lounge on the 23rd before we get to Madagascar.

24 March – Nosy Be (Andoany), Madagascar. Andoany, formerly known as Hell-Ville, is the small capital city of Nosy Be, an island off Madagascar’s northwest coast. The island is known for its crater lakes, waterfalls and rainforests, which are home to an array of wildlife. The Lokobe Nature Preserve hosts endemic lemurs, bats, reptiles and birds. Nearby Nosy Komba allows glimpses of the rare black lemur. The waters offshore support extensive coral beds, attracting divers and snorkelers. Nosy Tanikely, a small uninhabited island, is famous for its unmarred beauty and frequent sea turtle sightings.

Here we are pulling into Madagascar. Sometimes called the eighth continent because of its size and uniqueness. It too once belonged to the greater land mass now known as Africa but like Australia and Sicily, it broke off (A while before we were born). We have planned an excursion to see some of the outlying islands, some Lemurs, and some local villages. Here’s the plan. Meet Madagascan primates and enjoy lunch at a fishing village in Madagascar’s archipelago. Depart from our ship and board a boat before setting sail for the tiny island of Nosy Antosha, a private reserve where five species of endemic lemurs live. Here, these small, endangered prosimians are familiar with humans and will welcome you with playful interactions. Afterward, sail to the tropical paradise of Nosy Iranja, two islands connected by a short sand bar that is walkable at low tide but completely submerged when the sea rises. You will visit the larger of the two, inhabited Nosy Iranja, for a lunch of fresh seafood in the village. Then, walk along the beach to an old lighthouse with panoramic views. We can also swim and sunbathe, and look for sea turtles who often nest here, laying eggs in the sand. Later, head back to the port and our ship. Here’s what that looked like.

That completed our time in Madagascar. Not really what we expected but very interesting with friendly people. We did not go into any of the cities but I would expect it to be like Mombasa or cities we will see as we progress doen the African coast.

25/26/March – Now we are back out to sea for the next three days. Then we will be pulliing into Mozambique. See you there.

27 March – Not quite there yet but … For a changeup to our daily routines, the ship and crew have put on a Grand Brunch for us. Although there is no shortage of places to eat on the ship, the Grand Buffet was a step above, and something new and different. Here are just a few shots of the buffet. It was served in the pool area and it was a pleasant day so it was well enjoyed.

28 March – Maputo, Mozambique, Though the Portuguese landed here in 1544, they did not fortify the nascent town until 1787. One hundred years later, as neighboring South Africa grew in economic prominence and gold was discovered nearby, the need to deepen the harbor for shipping increased. A rail link into the port from inland reaches further bolstered the city’s prosperity, and by the mid-20th century, South Africans and Rhodesians (today’s Zimbabweans) were vacationing in Maputo for its fine hotels, restaurants and beaches.

Today we arrived and spend the day in Maputo, Capitol of Mozambique. We have just docked at Eight in the morning and will spend the day discovering the vibrant capital of Mozambique on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Maputo features colonial Portuguese architecture and wide avenues lined with jacaranda and acacia trees. Founded as a port town by the Portuguese, the influence of travelers and traders from Africa, Asia and Europe has made the city a diverse and lively metropolis. We will enjoy a scenic drive past some of Maputo’s most important landmarks, including the domed bronze CFM Railway Station, which dates back to 1910. We will see the bronze statue of the country’s first president, Samora Machel, and the gleaming white Roman Catholic cathedral and neoclassical City Hall that surround it. Lastly, we will enjoy time to explore a local market on our own and after refreshments, take a guided tour of Maputo’s fort. Afterward, we will return to our ship.

29 March – Richards Bay, South Africa. Located on the Mhlatuze River, Richards Bay is home to Africa’s deepest natural harbor. Established during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 as a make-shift harbor, it was registered as an official town in 1969. Visitors can explore some of Africa’s wildlife; Hluhluwe-imfolozi Park is Africa’s oldest, and within the vicinity is the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to bathing hippos and crocodiles. The town’s small-craft harbor offers captivating views of tugboats, yachts and other vessels amid a vibrant waterfront atmosphere.

Today we elected to try some up-close Encounters with Wildlife, Including Rare White Rhinos — We set out in search of exotic African wildlife during a game drive through one of Africa’s oldest nature preserves. We embarked on a scenic drive by motor coach on a journey to the Memorial Gate, where we boarded our four-wheel drive vehicle and entered Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Covering more than 8,8000 sq mi, the park is a sanctuary for the wildlife of Zululand, including its small population of rare white rhinos. We learned about the conservation efforts as you traverse the hilly landscape, keeping watch for local wildlife. In addition to rhinos, the reserve is also home to other members of the “Big 5”—elephants, lions, leopards and buffalo—as well as blue wildebeest, zebra, giraffes, cheetahs and more. Afterward, we returned to Memorial Gate and reboarded our coach for the transfer back to your ship.

The preserve was about an hour and a half from where we docked. The trip oout to the park was interesting with new sights and things to see. The Game Drive was about two hours of riding in a bumpy truck but was interesting to spot the wildlife. The trip back seemed much longer but we made it back to the ship, had a beer and a slice of pizza and called it a day. A good day. Tomorrow, Durban.

30 March – Durban, South Africa. The largest city in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, Durban’s Zulu name translates into “bay.” Durban is graced with stately Victorian touches, from the old Town Hall to the tree-lined Esplanade. The waterfront promenade invites leisurely strolls kissed by Indian Ocean breezes. The Durban Botanic Gardens are Africa’s oldest, founded by British colonialists in 1849 as an extension of England’s Kew Gardens. Durban is home to the largest Indian population outside India, infusing the city with a rich Hindu spirit and curry aromas.

The tour we decided to take was called “Cosmopolitan Sights and Botanical Delights” — It was a drive through cosmopolitan Durban and immerse in its cultural mix of Indian, Zulu and post-colonial influences. Travel by motor coach past the city sights, including the Victorian-style main post office building that was erected in 1885. Pause for photos at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, then drive along the Golden Mile beachfront and pass the tree-lined Victoria Embankment, also known as the Esplanade—one of the city’s oldest and most famous streets. Admire the vistas at the Currie Road panorama viewpoint and enjoy a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens. Currently the oldest surviving botanical garden on the African continent, it was developed in 1849 as a station for the trial of agricultural crops. Today the gardens focus on core areas of biodiversity, education, heritage, research, horticultural excellence and green innovation.

We returned from the tour in the early afternoon so we decided to take a shuttle bus over to an “Adventure Marine Venue” to see what it was like. It turned out to be kind of like a Disney thing with an Aquarium, shops, it was on the beach and had a pier you could walk out on. Today was Sunday so there were many people, many families, there enjoying the cooler weather now that Fall is approaching. We didn’t stay there long but found it interesting. Pretty well kept and ran.

31 March – East London, South Africa. The colonists built forts on the Eastern Cape to defend against the indigenous Xhosa people and approaching ships. German settlers arrived later and lent some surrounding towns, such as Berlin, their names. As East London grew, the harbor we saw today was constructed to support trade. Today, East London is a cultural center rich in history, resting where the nation’s Sunshine and Wild Coasts meet. Stately Victorian buildings recall its British past and the fascinating East London Museum holds unique ecological specimens, such as the world’s only known dodo egg.

We had a tour planned here but chose to cancel. We didn’t arrive in East London until a little after noon and our tour was scheduled for three PM. We chose to take the day off and take care of a few personal things like laundry and such. Nice looking town but quite small. Here are a few pictures I took from the ship.

That’s it for east London. Tomorrow we land at Cape Elizabeth where we have another Game Drive scheduled. See ya then.

1 April – Gqeberha, South Africa. Previously called Port Elizabeth, the city’s name was changed in 2021 to the Xhosa and Southern Khoe name for the Baakens River that flows through the city. Along with the surrounding towns and townships, Gqeberha forms part of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Its urban coastline is dotted with picturesque, Blue Flag beaches which are popular hotspots for locals and visitors alike. In addition, the city serves as a gateway to the Eastern Cape’s wildlife and great outdoors, including safari adventures to witness the “Big 5” game species.After Nancy April Fooled me first thing in the morning, we prepared for our Game Drive. It was a windy and rainy morning and the ship had difficulty getting into the harbor. The Captain finally got her parked, we were briefed on the delays and conditions, and were off to load the busses.

Here’s the plan. Pumba Wildlife Sanctuary and Africa’s Famous “Big 5” — Explore the African bush in search of the “Big 5” and more during a safari at the Pumba Private Game Reserve. Embark our motor coach for a scenic drive up the coast to this picturesque wildlife sanctuary. Upon arrival, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink before boarding your 4×4 vehicle and heading out into the African bush. This 16,000-acre reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including Africa’s “Big 5”—lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants and Cape buffalo, as well as giraffes, hippos, wild dogs and more than 300 species of birds. Keep watch for the rare and endangered white lion as our park ranger and guide points out the different plants and animals that inhabit this rugged landscape. Enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to the main gate, where we will board our coach and return to our ship.

First there was the 90 minute “scenic drive”. Interesting but long. Was along the shore for much of the way so that was interesting. Then, because we were late due to the docking delay, our delicious lunch was served to us in a box as we boarded the trucks for the drive. A good call because we wanted as much time as we could get on the drive and didn’t need to sit around eating and having a refreshing drink. So off we went. Here’s what it looked like. First the bus ride:

Then the Game Drive:

That was the game drive. We were all very pleased at what we got to see, had a quick potty break, climbed back on the bus and “enjoyed” another 90 minute bus ride back to the city and the boat. A good day in spite of the delays, rain, mud, and food.

2 April – Our last day at sea before reaching Cape Town. We are using the day to collect and pack our stuff. Tomorrow we dock in Cape town and Nancy and I have a Wine Tour scheduled. After that we will finish packing and get ready to disembark on the morning of the 4th for our flight home.ht doing an informal “going away” party. Said “See Ya” to many friends we have met

3 April – Woke up this morning docked in Cape Town. Big harbor. Had a nice eveniing last night doing an informal “going away” party. Said “See Ya” to many friends we have met over the past five or so weeks. The ship had a special ‘Cote de Boeuff’ (rib of beef) in the pool are for dinner las night so it was a bit more festive.

Cape Town, South Africa – Cape Town enjoys one of the world’s most picturesque settings at the foot of the iconic Table Mountain. The cosmopolitan city is the gateway to dramatic coastal splendor, a thriving wine country and a rich array of cultural venues that embody the spirit of the “Rainbow Nation.” The city’s heritage took root in Company’s Garden, where 17th-century European settlers grew food to stock ships rounding the cape. In and around the celebrated Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, historic architecture and delicious cuisine reflect an array of African, Dutch, English and Malay influences.

We opted for a moderately long tour of the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and a wine tasting at Brut Constantia, a local vineyard. We departed from Cape Town, skirting the slopes of Devil’s Peak en route to the renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Covering more than 1,380 acres on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, the park is home to more than 8,500 species of indigenous plants. Upon arrival, we set out on a leisurely stroll, taking an opportunity to immerse ourselves in these idyllic surroundings. Later, we traveled through upscale suburbs into the oldest wine producing region in the southern hemisphere and where South Africa’s wine industry began more than three centuries ago. In Constantia, participated in a tasting of local vintages. Afterward, we took a scenic journey over Constantia Nek to Hout Bay and through seaside communities en route to your ship. Both were interesting and fun. I didn’t take a lot of pictures because we have many from our earlier trip to Africa. You can view them in “AFRICA” then select “Cape Town”. Here are the ones I did take:

This was the last event of our cruise. Now all that’s left is a ride to the airport tomorrow morning, a 10 hour flight to Dubai, a two hour layover, then a 13 hour flight to Brisbane where we will spend the night. Next morning we recover our car from the car park and do the 500 kilometer drive home.

As promised earlier, our thoughts on the cruise. It has been an interesting experience. The ship had about 950 passengers aboard and we were told the average age was around 80. Not sure if that is all that correct but, after observing and interacting with many of the people I think it fairly close. We have concluded that we will not, for the foreseeable future, take a long cruise. Only short cruises with less than 100 passengers, if at all. Nancy and I have once again confirmed we enjoy traveling on our own schedule and arrangements, avoiding tours, boats and busses. Sometimes you have no choice but whenever we can, we avoid those two situations. Although we did enjoy meeting all the people we interacted with during the cruise, we have concluded you meet as many like minded people traveling by yourselves. The flexibility, the lack of accommodating other people’s desires, and the privacy, out weigh’s the “Group Think” of a cruise or bus tour, plus the frustrations of the “quickie tours cruise lines offer. We don’t fault the age of the guests on the ship, nor the desire to do things in a group. It is good to see older people getting out as long and often as they can. We have just found we don’t feel a strong need to be part of that. Perhaps, some day, when we have less energy and a diminished curiosity, we will find cruising the right way to do it. Until then, It will be “Just the Two of Us”.

Thanks for coming along. Next trip is a road trip to the Northeast most point of Australia and Queensland. See you there.

We ran into some VISA issues in September and were not sure it would be wise to depart Australia again this year. Nothing serious, just a matter of not being able to get back into Australia if we left. Australia cannot keep you here but they can refuse you entry or re-entry. That being the case and having a fairly big gap of time to fill with travel, we elected to go to Tasmania, or Tazzie as the Aussies call it. We have always wanted to go there and this was the opportunity we needed to make it happen. We had three options regarding travel. One; we could fly to Hobart, rent a car, drive around Tasmania, fly back home. (yawn) Two; we could take our caravan, camp all the way down to Geelong (the port the ferry to Tasmania sails from), take the caravan across on the ferry, caravan all over Tasmania, take the ferry back and caravan all the way home. (Hmm $$) Three; we could drive down to Geelong, making the trip in two days and staying in a hotel at night, take us and the Tucson (our car) on the ferry across to Tasmania, drive all over Tasmania seeing the things we wanted to see and do, take the ferry back and drive home. also give us the opportunity to do some touring in southeast Australia on the way back.

Flying and a rental car did not appeal to us. That is the way we normally go to far away places and it did not appeal to us this time. I guess because Tasmania is not that far away. Taking the caravan nearly doubled our time on the road because of the reduced towing speeds. Gas mileage also gets cut in half so the expense of gas, campgrounds, and time ruled that one out. So we went with number three.

We chose the two different routes because the inland route has less traffic and fewer tourists. It allowed us to make maximum miles each day … our goal was to get to Geelong. The way back was following A-1 or M-1 all the way home. The M designation is for motorway where it is upgraded to be an interstate type highway. The A designation means its often two lane, undivided, with access from all sides. Both ways were very interesting. We didn’t know how fast we wanted to return home after getting off the ferry on our return so we had no hotel reservations on the way back. We would decide where we wanted to stay each day. We had no idea how we would feel or what the weather would be like when we got back to Australia so we left it all open.

A quick note about the pictures. They are worse than usual because my camera was acting up. It’s gone now (the camera) but I can’t retake the pictures so you will just have to put up with these.

The Ferry

We spent a pleasant evening in Shepparton and a great dinner at the RSL (like an American Legion Club except very nice, well attended, great meals). We were tired after two very long days so we hit the sack early. The next morning we sort of slept in because we only had about a hundred and fifty kilometers to go to get to Geelong and the ferry. That was the way we planned it to ensure we had time to deal with any delays before boarding the boat. We took our time and got to Geelong and the ferry terminal just after noon. The ferry didn’t board until three thirty or so which gave us some down time. At three thirty we started boarding the ferry and by four thirty we were parked and on our way to our cabin. The crossing departs at six PM and arrives in Devonport, Tas around six AM. You don’t have to get a cabin, they have lounge chairs you can sleep on, and cinemas for movies. We decided to get a cabin and get some sleep. All this had been reserved a month ago with firm dates and no changes allowed. Our schedule was centered on the ferry crossings, both ways. Only traffic problen we had was meeting OVERSIZED loads. Some filled up the entire road … both sides!

We arrived in Devonport, Tasmania at six in the morning of 26 October. We had enjoyed a good nights sleep with the gentle rock of a smooth crossing and were ready to go. Here is our plan for our two weeks in Tasmania:

We drove off the ferry and headed out for Launceston. From there we proceeded to Scottsdale, then over to St Helens where we had a hotel room booked for the night. The trip was about three hundred and fifty kilometers but was over many small mountains with steep roads and curves.

It was our introduction to Tasmania and it was quite remarkable. The first thing that hit me was how green it is. Because Tasmania is so far south, the temps never get that high so it has a pleasant moderate climate. It gets cool but snows and freezes mostly only in the mountains. The rest of the country enjoys pleasant weather and ample rainfall … thus green, everywhere. Where we live in Queensland, everything is brown most of the time unless you come across a large area that was burned off in the last year or so. Even that browns out during the hot dry summer.

Many cattle and sheep stations, farming, and small communities. Because the land is so lush, ranchers can put many more head of livestock in an area than other parts of Australia. Consequently, you see much bigger herds of cattle and sheep. Here are some shots from along the way. As the map shows, we drove from Devonport (upper left corner, to the east coast via Launceston and Scottsdale.

When we arrived at St Helen’s we were delighted to find our room was ready and we could check in even though it was just shortly after noon (remember we started a six!). We made dinner reservations at the hotel, moved some of our stuff in, and decided to see Binalong Bay where the rocks were on fire and the sand was like sugar. We drove along the bay, got out several times and walked on the rocks and beaches. We drove all the way out to the tip of the bay and back. Everything they said about the area is true. The rocks along the beach are covered with an interesting red alge that makes them look red hot. The beaches were pure white where the sand had pushed back the rocks providing beautiful places for people to sun and swim.

We wound our way back to our hotel in St Helen’s for a bit of cleaning up and reading befor dinner. There was some interesting scenes behind our hotel.

The area behind the hotel was partly marshy and it turned into a harbor for the city. Many kinds of water foul in the marshy area.

We enjoyed a pleasant evening with a delicious dinner at the hotel we stayed at. A young couple from Chile ran the bar and restaurant. They worked very hard and made everyone’s evening enjoyable.

The next day we were up, had some breakfast, and headed south. Our destination was a small town called Swansea. We had booked a room there so off we went. Here’s the route and some scenes from along the way.

Our drive was very interesting. We wanted to stay near the ocean (The Tasman Sea) so we stayed on the scenic byways. One turned into a gravel road as it crossed a small mountain. The road was steep and curvy but we did fine. Many farms, many forests, some seashore, little towns … an interesting drive.

One the way we diverted to Freycinet National Park. It is a peninsula that forms a large bay. Very nice. There was a hike out to Wineglass Bay that we decided to take. Took several hours but was very scenic, steep in places, many steps (400) carved into the rock, but we made it. Even passed some younger folks.

So here’s the drive, the hike (two actually, the second was a short hike out to a light house) and the place we stayed in Swansea.

Freycinet National Park is one of Tasmania’s most famous and best cared for parks. The hike was challenging but very rewarding in the views and terrain we enjoyed. We left the park and went on to Swansea, checked into our little Chalet, had dinner at a local pub, and go a good nights rest. Hiking will help that happen.

The next morning, after a leisurely cup of Joe, we loaded up the car and headed south. The plans for today are to get to Hobart, Tasmania’s largest city and Capitol, and divert over to Port Arthur on the way. Here’s the plan:

Again, it was not that many kilometers but slow narrow roads. We made it to Port Arthur late in the morning, parked and started our visit.

Port Arthur was one of the early and main prisons where they sent people from England as punishment. It was actually a sadistic plan by the crown to get cheap labor to the new areas of the realm. No one wanted to go to Australia or Tasmania, so the crown sent them to Tasmania for whatever crimes they could cook up. Once there, they were used as slave labor to cut trees and harvest whatever else the crown wanted shipped back to England. Anyhow, we decided to visit the old prison site.

We finished up our tour, had a bit of lunch, and drove off to Hobart. We have several days booked at Hobart because there are several things we want to see there. The trip from Port Arthur ro Hobart was uneventful, we had an apartment right on the marina so we were downtown but away from the traffic and had a nice view.

One of the things that was recommended to us was The Mona (Museum of Old and New Art). It was supposed to be in an impressive building on the shore of the Derwent River which Hobart sits on. Right across from our room was a pair of snazzy looking ferry boats that took people to the Mona providing an viewful trip with snacks and cocktails served. We arrived in Hobart late on a Monday so we planned to go to The Mona the next day and take advantage of the ferry. The next morning we were not feeling like a ferry ride so we decided to drive out to The Mona and have a look what all the excitement was about. We were greatly surprised when we arrived that the Mona is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. We were leaving on Thursday so the Mona came off of our “Must See” list. We later found it was a modern art kinda place and while we don’t do many museums to begin with, a modern art one is even lower on the priority list. Instead we decided to drive to the top of Mount Wellington, a very big 4,200 foot high mountain next to Hobart. Off we went. We also wanted to see a wildlife sanctuary Nancy had read about so we could eye ball some of the interesting species of animals they have in Tasmania only. Lastly, we walked about the city, the marina and port mostly, just to see what was there. Interesting place. Here are some pictures of our adventure:

The shelter was a bit of a disappointment. The few animals they did have were very difficult to see. I understand giving animals their space but it would have been nice to at least see them. It was like trying to read a book without opening the cover. Some you could spot amongst the grass and brush but it was difficult to get a picture of them. Lots of kangaroos though.

Our last full day in Hobart we decided to take a break and just hang out for the day in our apartment. It had a washer and dryer so Nancy did a load of wash so we didn’t have cart our dirty laundry around … plus I didn’t want her to get out of practice! We walked to a nearby coffee shop and enjoyed a couple of Flat Whites with a sweetie. We walked around the marina and explored the shops and other establishments.

While we were in Hobart we ate at several places. They were all good. Abundant seafood, great Mexican, then conventional Aussie food at the Brick factory which once was the location of a factory that made bricks, and the Ball & Chain which was built by prisoners (they didn’t become restaurants until later). We found Hobart to be a pleasant place with welcoming people and a mild climate. It is notably cooler this far south. Tasmania is only the size of West Virginia and is a little farther south of the equator as West Virginia is north. Plus it is surrounded by waters that flow up from Antarctica. The Seafarers Mission I mentioned is a world wide organization dedicated to providing a welcoming place for the crews that come in on the ships. Kinda like our USOs are. There are 200 of them located in fifty different countries around the world. I mentioned it because I volunteer as a driver at the Seafarers Mission in Gladstone near where we live. The big ships that bring in coal and oar to the smelters here and haul off the Alumina and Aluminium, as well as other freight like grain, beef, etc all have very international crews. They are paid very little and don’t get much time off. The Mission runs a center here that provides books, clothes, CDs, Movies, and a small rec center for them to relax in. We also transport them to a nearby mall where they can do some shopping. You can google it if you want to know more. The next day we left for Strahan on the west coast of Tasmania. There is a famous water fall along the way that we want to see. It is in Mount Fields National Park. There is a short hike out to it and back.

As I have said before, It’s not that far across Tasmania but the roads are narrow and mountainous so we are planning to use the entire day to cross the country along with stops at Russell Falls and other spots. Here we go:

That road got us to Strahan in mid afternoon. We checked into our hotel, found where our cruise was leaving from, had a beer and some early dinner, and settled in for the night. We came to Strahan because of an ad I saw for Gordon River Cruises. It’s a nine hour cruise (includes lunch) that takes you all over Macquarie Bay and the Gordon River that feeds it. One of the earliest prisons were establish here on Sarah Island. The men were forced to harvest trees and make ships. It was closed down when the prison at Fort Arthur was opened. We got up the next morning, found a coffee shop and had a bit of breakfast and prepared to board “The Big Red Boat”. The Big Red Boat is a modern tour boat with two levels of seating with comfortable chairs. The engines drive thrusters rather than props so it is much quiter. The Captain narrated much of the trip and also gave us time just to look and enjoy what we were seeing.

That was our cruise. Very pleased we did it. Extremely interesting and entertaining. When we got off the boat we spent a few minutes looking at the saw mill and goft shop. Nancy bought a nice piece of Huan Pine that we are going to do something with. I think make a car … when you step on the accelerator it will go “wooden, wooden!” I make joke! Anyhow, after we finished shopping we dove around a bit to make sure we had not missed anything. Low and behold we discovered another waterfall with only a two kilometer walk out to see it. Off we go!

We walked back to the car, had dinner in the only pub in town and got ready to shove off in the morning. Our next journey takes us from the southwest corner of Tasmania to the Northwest corner of Tasmania, via the interior, to a small town named Burnie. The western part of the state is far more undeveloped than the east. Mostly forests and mountains it is thick and quite tropical even though the weather is so cool. A few shots from the drive:

Burnie is right on the ocean and had a long sandy beach with rocks along the back side where the land starts. This beach and these rock are home to a unique breed of Penguins who live here. The adults all go out every morning into the ocean and don’t return until the sun is setting and twilight is approaching. The penguins are known as Little Penguins (how original is that?) in Tasmania or Blue Penguins in New Zealand and Fairy Penguins in mainland Australia. They are the worlds smallest species of Penguins and stand just 10 or 11 inches high. When we got to Burnie we turned west and went along the coast a little ways just to see what it was like … Rocky and sandy with beautiful water. We then returned and checked in and took a walk on the beach. Cold and windy but sunny and fair. We found where we could see the penguins later that evening. As it started getting dark we walked out on the boardwalk to watch for the Penguins. They live in little burrows amongst the rocks above the tide line. The chicks hatch and remain in the nest while the adults are gone all day. They get hungry towards evening so you can see them peeking out to see if Mom is coming yet with dinner. All the talk about dinner made me hungry so we had dinner and waited for it to get close to dark. Then we walked out on the boardwalk looking for little penguins.

When the adults get together with the chicks, the chicks assault the adults looking for food … it’s a real food fight once Mom starts burping up the fish she has been eating all day. Anyhow, that was it. Something you can see only in Burnie, Tasmania.

Our next destination is Cradle Mountain.

One of the highest peaks in Tasmania and a very popular hiking area. We had reservations at a lodge type resort and spent one day and two nights there. Unfortunately it was raining the entire time we were there. To make it even worse, there was a heavy fog that hung over the mountain so you could not even see Cradle Mountain. We did see it the day before driving in but that was it. Here’s the trip to Cradle Mountain and a small hike we took close to the resort.

It was a nice stay. Bit cold and rainy but you can’t have sunshine all the time. From here we are headed back to Launceston for a couple days. We booked the ferry some time ago and have three days before we depart so we will be exploring in the Launceston area and getting some rest.

On the way to Launceston I wanted to stop at Tazmazia (not misspelled) & Lower Crackpot Village. It was advertised to have miniatures of famous landmarks and an amazing maze. We got there early and it was still closed but looking through the hedgerow it became obvious to me it was for little kids. I swallowed my disappointment and we visited a lake that was not too faraway that was a training camp for international rowing competitors. No one was there but it looked like a nice facility. We pressed on to Launceston.

We made it to Launceston right around noon because we didn’t spend any time in Crackpot village. Our room was ready so we moved in and decided to take a tour of the James Boag’s Brewery. The tour was very interesting but much like many other brewery tours we have been on. Beer is made pretty much the same way everywhere. What was interesting was the history behind the brewery. Every brewery has an interesting history so that’s why we go on the tours. Best part was the sampling after the tour. There was just one other couple on the tour, a couple from Canada so we visited and enjoyed the different kinds of beer James Boags makes.

We ate dinner in a downtown restaurant that evening. Actually, we had dinner at a downtown restaurant all three nights we were there. Two were great, one was marginal. The next day we decided to take a river cruise on the Tamar River. Actually it was just a harbor cruise that lasted about ninety minutes. We did get an interesting history of the city and some good ideas where to go next. The next place was a place called Cataract Reserve Gorge. We were not sure what it would be like but decided to check it out anyhow. It was great. The pictures, first the Harbor Cruise:

That was our river cruise. The guide talked about the Cataract Reserve Gorge so we loaded up the truck and headed out that way. What a great place!

That was it. We had a lovely time, took a long walk, had a coffee and a sweetie, enjoyed the flowers and peacocks. Well worth the visit. That was our morning. We decided we wanted to drive north all the way to the sea along one side of the Tamar River, come back down to the bridge that crosses it, drive back north on the other side to a Platypus place, then a distillery, then back to Launceston. So we did.

Interesting drive. First time we’ve actually seen real Platypus plus they had some Echidnas which were very entertaining. Then we stopped off at a wine cellar door to sample some wines, followed by a tour of a distillery, (very little consumption at either), then back to Launceston. Quite a day. Here’s the pics … order is kinda screwy but from two cameras … just enjoy the pictures.

That was our day trip. Very enjoyable. the next morning we left for Devenport and our ferry. Again, plenty of time to get there. No new pictures for this part. Just the route.

The trip back across was just like the one coming. We had a cabin, had something to eat on the ferry for dinner, listened to a guitar player for a while and turned in. Soon the lady was announcing it was five O’clock and we should be getting ready to disembark … so we did.

The trip back to Tannum Sands (where we live) from Geelong was interesting. It was foggy when we left the port and was still foggy when we drove through Melbourne. Fortunately it was early so there wasn’t much traffic. The next day we drove through Sydney, it was Sunday so again, not real busy. The rest of the way was a piece of cake. We stayed in three different places. All coastal towns with beaches and resorts (they all kinda look the same). We were going to stop in Byron Bay but it was another rainy, foggy day so decided to press on. Made it home safely. One interesting thing we saw along the way was nets and posts they put along the road for flying squirrels. Most of the area we drove through was either coastline or forests. we kept seeing these narrow little nets strung high above the road but from one side all the way to the other. Curiosity got the best of Nancy so she googled it. The nets and posts are put there so Flying Squirrels can get across the highway without becoming crow food. Here’s a couple pictures. One is the net and the other is a set of three posts that the squirrels jump from one to the next.

That concludes our trip to Tasmania. I again apologize for the quality of some of the pictures. I have discarded my camera and will use my iPhone from now on … promise. Hope you enjoyed Tazzie as much as we did. It was a great adventure.

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Our Granddaughter, Samantha, is finishing her degree at Western Australia Academy for Performing Arts (WAAPA) this November. Part of her graduating requirement is for the everyone in the class to produce a short play and present it. Each student is either an actor or part of the production staff for two of the plays (an actor in one and a production staff in the other). The students are teamed up partly by themselves and partly by the faculty. There were two five play programs that ran for four nights each with a three day break between the first and second program. Nancy and I wanted to see both of the plays Sam was part of so we bought tickets to the last night of program one and the first night of program two. We booked a flight and flew to Perth the day before the last night of program one. Sam was the director for one of the plays in program one and her play was the last play of the evening set of five. While we did enjoy all five of the plays, we had a vested interest in the last one and enjoyed that the most.

Before we flew out, Nancy did some research regarding things to do in Perth. Wave Rock was one thing we decided we wanted to see, then maybe a winery and, a must when in Perth, the Chocolate Factory. This was how we were going to fill the three day break. As these plays are the finals for her course, Sam was quite immersed in getting ready. She did spend some time with us one day and we had a great time.

First, the school and plays. WAAPA is a well known and difficult to get into school. They select only twenty six students each year. The class attends all the classes togather and each year another twenty six people are added. The program last for three years. Their most notable graduate, at least in my opinion, is Hugh Jackman. We are all very proud of Sam for being selected and now for graduating. The plays:

So that is what we came to Perth for.

During our three day break we went out to the Wave Rock (350 Kilometers each way). It was an interesting a pretty drive as it is Spring here now and all the wildflowers are blooming. It was also the first time we saw large herds of sheep.

As I mentioned, there were many interesting things to see along the way.

That was our day long adventure to and from Wave Rock. An interesting place. You can always google “WaveRock western Australia” if you want to learn more about it.

That took care of one day. The next day we decided to explore Perth a bit. Plus Sammy had a day off and spent it with us. Perth:

We walked all over Perth and ended up in a Belgian Beer Hall. We tried a few beers, ate some junk food and called it a day after taking Sammy back to her school.

The third day we drove out to the Swan River and visited a winery, did some tasting, had a very nice lunch, and went to the chocolate factory.

The day of Sam’s second program, Nancy and I just took it easy most of the day, then walked over to the theater Sam’s plays were at. We met Sam for an early dinner, wished her a broken leg, and sent her off to get ready for her play. She did great!! We are very proud of her. No pictures of any of the plays … photo’s were very prohibited. Sorry.

The next morning Nancy and I flew out, got to Brisbane at five PM, checked our car out of the parking garage, and did the six hour drive home. We would have normally spent the night in Brisbane but the next day was our daughter-in-law’s birthday and we didn’t want to miss that.

That’s our Perth story.

The church we attend in Tannum Sands has a group of active people that do some sort of social activity each month. The group is called “Bits & Pieces”. Various people in the group volunteer to head up each month’s activity. Nancy and I were on deck for the annual fall campout. We have been attending this church for over a year and a half now, have attended and participated in many of their monthly social events, so everyone figured it was time we took the lead for an event. We like camping so that’s we volunteer for. Not being overly familiar with local campgrounds and not being sure how far people wanted to travel we ask some of the longer tenured members for recommendations. Cania Gorge Tourist Retreat was one of the recommendations and after seeing where it was and discussing a group event with the owners we decided that’s where we were going to go. Have a look: caniagorgeretreat.com.au A big feature of the place was that it offered small cabins as well as Caravan and tent site. The sites were with or without power so everyone could choose to camp as they liked, or stay in a nice cabin.

Nancy and I, as well as our family, celebrated the 4th of July there as a test run to see how things went. Everything went well so we pressed on with signups and information posts. We had everyone make their own reservation so they could get exactly what they wanted. The event lasted from Friday evening to Sunday morning. There were some scheduled events and a number of activities people could participate in if they chose. There was no hard and fast program.

To kinda get ahead of the crowd Nancy and I went out a day early. We arrived early afternoon on Thursday and set up our caravan.

The add-on is kinda new so it takes us a couple minutes to get it set up. We had a nice day and everything went well. We finished early so I told Nancy I would take her out to Cania Lake. She had not seen it before so we drove out there.

Friday afternoon people started rolling in. We had twenty people who signed up and came so it was a comfortable group.

Friday evening everyone brought something to the camp kitchen and we all had a pleasant dinner. After dinner everyone had a chance to tell their favorite joke or story or displany any special skills they had. I demonstrated my Hooey Stick that responds to voice commands. Many folks told jokes or interesting facts. One lady played the Ukulele for us. A fun time.

Saturday was open for people to do whatever they wanted. Some people hiked, some did sand painting, some played horse shoes, some just sat around talking and enjoying the nice weather.

Saturday evening one of the members who had rented a cabin hosted an informal late afternoon tea. Then people wandered off to prepare their dinners. Some ate in the kitchen, some in their cabins or caravans. Later everyone wandered over to one of the caravans that had pleant room and we all sat around a big fire enjoying the evening and each other’s company.

One of the highlights of this campground is the bird feeding at four PM. The owners wife is a Bird whisperer and when she brings out the bird treats, birds show up by the dozens. She hands out food and who ever has some gets visited by birds … lots of birds.

Everyone enjoyed the encounter.

As evening set in, after everyone had finished eating, we gathered around a big fire. No pictures of that as it was rather dark.

Sunday morning we had a little worship service on one of the front decks of the cabins. People had to be out of the cabins by ten and the campers gone by noon so after the service we all broke up, packed our gear and headed for home.

All in all a very pleasant weekend. No injuries or problems. The Camp ownership are very accommodating so everyone had a good time. Hope you enjoyed the story.

Every year the Tondoon Botanical Gardens in Gladstone decorate the entire park in lights. Trees, displays, light shows, light art, you name it, if it has to do with light, it’s there. Nancy and I went there to see what the hype was all about and we were amazed. I took a few pictures but they fail to capture the beauty and effects of the hundreds of thousands of lights, reflections, and effects presented. There was something for everyone but definitely attracted children. We had a great time, enjoyed everything and plan to go again next year.

So that was just a small sampling of what there was. An amazing event and show. Hope yoou liked it.

Nancy and I were put in charge of organizing a group campout for our church this coming August. One of the areas or campgrounds suggested to us was Cania Gorge National Park. There is a small campground there where our church has camped before. I looked it up, talked to the folks who run the campground and booked it sight unseen. Feeling I needed to check it out, we invited our family to join us for our annual 4th of July celebration at the park. Andy didn’t get any time off (I guess the Aussies just don’t recognise the significance of our Independence Day!) but managed to take a day and a half of vacation. So, we all trooped out there on the 4th, set up and commenced to celebrate the 4th. First thing I would like to point out is that we are in the middle of Winter here in Oz so it was not real hot. The second thing is we usually get rained on when we camp over the 4th. Getting the picture here? Cold … wet. Okay. Here’s our camp, all set up:

We got set up before dark. Got a fire started and Nancy, Candy, Sammy, and Christian all started with the 4th of July fireworks … that would be sparklers and light tubes … all they allow here.

Before it got dark we did have the traditional meal of hotdags and hamburgers, potato salad and beans … all served on red, white, and blue plates, utensils, and napkins. It felt so patriotic!

The next morning we all decided to go hiking. Cania Gorge is a spectacular gorge with steep rock walls, big trees, and plenty of vegetation. There were many trails to choose from so we picked several short ones that linked up and did them. No one in the group is a serious hiker but we do like hiking and seeing nature. There is a great deal to see but in pictures it’s just rocks, and trees, and dirt so I’m not going to point out which is which. Our walks:

That night we enjoyed relaxing and recouping by a bonfire and some yummy chow. It didn’t rain much so we escaped that part. The hiking was fun. Incredible views once you got up above the floor of the gorge.Australia has very rugged terrain. The valleys and gorges are steep and deep, usually covered in heavy vegetation.

Saturday morning I drove out to Cania Gorge lake to do some fishing. Didn’t catch any fish but I did take some pictures:

The campground also has a kitchen that provides a fridge, stoves, a microwave, and tables if anyone camping needs these facilities. It also provides a place you can wash you dishes, pots, and pans.

You can’t see it but there is a quite a bit of seating available there as well.

One of the neatest features of the camp is the bird feeding. Every day at 4 PM the hostess comes out with a bunch of corn and bird feed. King parrots, Lorikeets, Apostle birds, Magpies, Crows, and Cockatoos all pile in for the feast. They eat from your hands, stand on your head, and enjoy the feast. An interesting sight indeed:

That was it. We woke up Sunday morning to a nice warn sun, took down the camp and went home. A successful 4th of July weekend.

Nancy and I first visited the Hawaiian Islands when I we met there during my R&R week from Vietnam in 1971. We had five wonderful days together and I went back to finish my tour and Nancy returned to Wisconsin. Since then we have been there a couple of times either on vacation or some sort of business. We did fly to a couple of the Islands on past visits but decided we wanted to see the major islands all in one trip. Norwegian Cruise Lines offers a week long trip that takes you to four of the Islands with stops and a chance for an excursion at each stop. As we hate packing and unpacking, flying, finding places to stay and places to eat so we thought a cruise would solve most of those problems. So, we booked a seven day cruise around the Hawaiian Islands. We did not pre-book any excursions. We wanted to see what was offered at the time we got there, and we were not sure if we were even going to take any. We were going there to relax. Here’s what the cruise looked like:

And, here is what you are supposed to see, at least on O’ahu:

So that’s basically what we did. We went there with an “Aloha Attitude” so we were determined not to try and do everything there was to do at every stop. We ended up getting off the boat twice and had a very relaxing and enjoyable time … in spite of being on a cruise ship.

The Spirit of America (Norwegian Cruise Lines) has been doing this trip since 2015 … every week, all year long. It is one of the few ships doing passenger cruises that is registered in the United States and consequently, by law, crewed by a majority of American citizens. Now, if you have been on other cruises you probably found most cruise ships are crewed by non-Americans. Also, if you have spent any time in America, especially near a tourist activity (except Disney World) you have noticed a difference in attitude between the foreign cruise crews (yes, a homonym) and American service personal. Same thing on this cruise. Service was good, could have been better. Servers were good, could have been better … at least by cruise standards. That said, because we are not fussy people and are perfectly competent to care for ourselves, we did fine, had a good time, and saw what we wanted to see.

Because we travel a great deal and have been disappointed several times by airlines not getting us to where we were going when they said they would, we booked into Hawaii a day early and spent our first night there in Honolulu. Yes, that does add to the cost of the trip but not as much as missing the first day or two of a cruise and being bounced around and wind up on an abbreviated cruise all stressed out and fatigued. We arrived in Honolulu early but by the time we went through immigration, got our bags, found a taxi and rode to the Hotel, it was close to noon. The hotel was gracious enough to allow us to check in early so we did. We ditched out stuff, put on some comfortable clothes and walked down to Waikiki Beach. It’s Winter here in Oz and while there is no snow, it is cool, relatively speaking. Waikiki was warm and sunny. We spend most of the afternoon walking along the beach front, looking in stores, watching the surfers, and enjoyed a nice dinner. Our hotel was close to the beach but our room was a “mountain view” so we looked the other way. Not bad but not the beach. Here are a few interesting views:

We had a pleasant arrival, nice dinner, and turned in early ready for our trip the next day.

So, here we are at the next day. Took a cab to the port and boarded the ship. Boarding was quick, easy, and simple. Everyone was pleasant and we were aboard just after 12. What they don’t tell you is that when you board early to avoid the rush, you wait for hours for your cabin to be ready once you are on the ship. As we were in our “Aloha Attitude” we just said “No Worries”, got a couple of Tequila Sunrises, found a deck chair, and vegged out till our room was ready. Easy Peasy!

While you are waiting for your Tequila Sunrise and cabin, I will show you a couple pictures of the ship and our cabin:

Our first stop was in Maui. We didn’t get off the ship. Too popular means too crowded. Remember, we came here to relax … Aloha!

Next stop was Hilo … didn’t see anything on the itineraries that interested us so we continued Chilling on board … but we did find going into the harbor interesting:

When we got to Kona we decided to get off the boat and see what there was to see. We disembarked and took a taxi to the local market. Interesting … yes, Nancy did find things to buy there, I was shocked!! We walked and shopped for a couple hours and headed back to the ship. Kona:

It was an interesting trip. Nancy got to buy some “Souvies” and we were back on the ship. As you can see from the picture of our itinerary, we now have a long trip to the North and Kuau’i. While we were enroute we decided to do a trip to the Waimea Canyon State Park when we got to Kuau’i. Waimea Canyon may look familiar to you as parks of “Jurassic Park” were filmed there. When we docked in Kuau’i the next morning we filed out and got onto out bus. This is the part I really dislike about cruises … excursions by bus! I don’t like big crowds of people on a tour … more than four is a big crowd. Here we had about 25. The thing that save this one for me was the “Rogue” bus driver. He said he had been in trouble several times for going “off track” on his tours but he was going to do it again. Loads of useless but colorful information as we drove along. He grew up here so now we know his life history … interesting. The tour was good. Here’s the Canyon:

The driver took us on a quite a tour to supplement the canyon tour but, I must admit, it was interesting and scenic. No one else on another excursion got to see all we did. I’m okay with that.

So then it was back to Honolulu. We pulled in the next morning and prepared to disembark. That also went quite well with no waiting in some holding place till it was your turn. If you didn’t have checked baggage from the night before, you could walk off any time. We only had two roller bags so we didn’t turn them in the night before, had a nice leisurely morning, and walked off at about 10. Caught a cab to the hotel, and checked in. Due to connecting to Australia we needed to stay overnight and catch an early flight out the next day … Boo Hoo! Same hotel but the Waikiki side. More pictures from Waikiki (mostly from our balcony:

We found it to be ironic that “our” ship was doing one more turn around Hawaii as we were preparing to leave. It was even more ironic it was right at sunset with the sun right behind it. The perfect ending to an interesting cruise. Hope you enjoyed coming along.

A shorty here. Nancy and I decided to try taking the Caravan out going a ways on the first day, setting up, staying there for few days, then going back home. We have never really camped like this as we are usually on the move every day with only an occasional longer stay. We decided to try caravanning as the Aussies do and spend more time at one place and less on gas. We picked Coolum Beach because it was a nice drive south of where we live, we had not seen that area before, and it sounded interesting. Also of interest was meeting a couple friends we had met on our 2022 Christmas cruise around South America. So we made reservations at a Caravan site next to the ocean and off we went.

We got a leisurely start on Wednesday morning. We had packed everything we thought we would need the night before, I had hooked up the caravan and all was ready. We had some coffee and took off South to Coolum Beach. It was about a 5 hour trip (450Km) with our usual stop for a bakery sweetie and coffee (a flat white) at our usual place along the way in a little town named Childress .. they have a great bakery there.

We got there early enough to get set up with daylight to spare. Another reason we wanted to spend a few days in one spot is that we bought a patio for our caravan and wanted to learn how to set it up in a campground. We put it on once at home but that’s under ideal conditions. We wanted to practice the real thing. We got the patio because the caravan is quite small and if it’s raining or in the evening and we need to stay inside it get pretty confining. The patio is completely enclosed and adds about 80 Sq Feet of living space hooked right onto the caravan. Not a lot of pictures here but you might be liking that.

There might be a couple more pictures of it later. Meanwhile, the next morning we decided to take a walk on the beach. We are still on the lower edge of the Coral Sea.

That was exciting. We had a luncheon date with our friends that we met on the cruise so we polished our shoes and headed north to Noosa Heads where they live. We had a wonderful time and spent all afternoon talking and catching up. They have a beautiful home right on the green of one of the holes of the golf course they live by. The fairways drives straight up towards their home so you can watch players from tee off to putt. Great time, great people.

So we spent the remaining days just relaxing and practicing taking it easy. Not a normal thing for us but we are learning. Here are some random shots around the campground of different Aussie camping getups. Some are quite unique.

We were forecasted to get rain and it did. We were worried about taking everything down in the rain or when it was still wet. Fortunately Saturday was sunny and breezy so in the late afternoon we took everything down, packed it up, had a quiet evening, and left Sunday morning. Trip home was uneventful and we logged in another successful campout.

See, I told you it was short! Next up is our cruise around Hawaii. See you there.