Oahu Photos

Hilo, Hawaii

We sailed into our last port of Hilo and found the Osterdam waiting for us.  The town buzzed with all the new tourists and buses required to tour them around.  Our little group gathered for a trip up the coast to view waterfalls and caves and lastly a black sand beach.  The scenery was beautiful as we passed the shores and learned about the flora and fauna in this area.  Hawaii is the largest island and has every climate of the tropics here, including live volcanoes.  These we only saw in the distance but walked upon the cold lava flows and climbed down into a lava tube.  Very rough terrain to walk on but beautiful to see.  The waterfalls were spectacular and photos do not do them justice.  (but these people should see Niagara Falls!!!)  We had all hoped to do more hiking on this tour but ended up on the beach looking for turtles, seals and fish among the surf.

 

Hilo market drew Dale and I to the jewelry stalls again while Dennis walked on and George went back for lunch and dry clothes.(he had gone swimming at the last beach)  The town is small and we did not wish to visit either Hilo Hattie's or Walmart!!   so returned to the ship a bit early for refreshing drinks and snacks.  Our only lunch (except George) had been small bananas, macadamia nuts, yum, and coconut milk drinks while on tour. 

 

Now five days at sea to while away.  We will continue our card tournament, girls ahead!!, read, work on our beading and art projects, attend the letures on history, travel, computers or culinary adventures.  There is really something for everyone!!  Next stop...Vancouver , Victoria and hopefully a long suspension bridge to hike across!!

 

Aloha

Honolulu

A couple days at sea to relax again with only  few events.  I participated in the On Deck for the Cure 5K walk and enjoyed the exercise.  What a challenge to walk on the windy and wet deck while remaining upright!  I walked with a woman from Queensland, holding her hand to help steady her gait.  She had broken her leg in 5 places and walked a bit crooked.  We chatted the whole time and I learned of her amazing plans of 3 months traveling around the world now that she and her husband are retired.  At the end of the walk she gave me her recipe for Anzac cookies which we have all learned to like.  These were made to send to the soldiers during the war and are very hardy for shipping.

 

Honolulu looked much like it did on our last visit here in 2000.  For today the four of us went in different directions.  Dale to hike Diamondhead and find the International market, Dennis to Pearl Harbor and George and I to rent a car and drive around the island visiting beaches.  We met back at the small market along the pier after a successful day of exploring.  We  had stopped at many beautiful places and beaches but did not have enough time to spend at any one of them unfortunately.  Dale found treasures at the market and Dennis was moved at the memorial.

 

We sailed at 6 for Hawaii, far too soon we thought.  Hilo will be our last stop before Vancouver and we look  forward to an adventure there.

Fanning Island, Kiribati

After two days sailing we have arrived at the atoll of Fanning Island or Tabuaeran.  Very few have been here as it is isolated and very small.  The island was created by coral formations around a volcano which then eroded away.  We had to tender in as the ocean is 17,000 feet deep here and we cannot anchor nor can the ship enter the lagoon.  Residents were waiting to sing, dance and show their wares to the third cruise ship of the year to visit.  Only one more is expected in the fall.  The only other means of livelihood is coconuts  and seaweed.  The land is only a few feet above sea level and is in great danger of the rising seas and storms.  Islanders may move away eventually. 

Unfortunately the squalls showered us all with rain most of our time on Fanning.  We watched the tiny hula dancers and listened to lovely singing, walked among the breadfruit trees, coconut palms and small pigs which roamed about.  The baskets and jewelry made by island women was nice and Dale and I were happy to help the economy by purchasing some to take home.  Some from the ship brought school supplies and clothing to donate here.

There is no electricity or plumbing and very little foodstuff.

After waiting for some time for the rain to stop we finally gave up our quest to walk the beach and returned to the ship. We were sad not to see this island on a sunny day as it looks like paradise.  But a warm shower and dry clothes felt great!  We will play some cards later and then enjoy a supper in the Italian restaurant aboard.

Yesterday we crossed the equator and the crew held a ceremony for those crew members who were first timers.  Fun to watch!!  We have received certificates saying we crossed as well.  Today is the 23 and so is tomorrow!!  due to date line crossing a couple of times.  By the time we reach Hawaii I am not sure what the date will be!!...I think the 25th???

Samoa Pictures

Samoa

Our arrival in Samoa began with a beautiful sunset seen from our veranda.  What a wonderful way to start the day.  George brought coffee and we drank as we gazed at the sun rising over the islands.  Two tugs guided the ship through the coral reef guarding the harbour.  A longboat arrived with dancers and singers to welcome us to Samoa.

 

After a good breakfast we met our tour to Tafa Tafa Beach and boarded a bus with a lei around our necks.  Guide Joel talked about the sights as we made our way around then over the mountains to the beach.  Waterfalls again were flowing through the green forest.  Beautiful.   I noted the open sided building that were vary frequent along the road, interspersed with small houses.  Joel told us that these were the typical home for the people.  Much more suitable for the hot and humid climate and that they were still used.  "modern" homes offered more privacy but the traditional was much more comfortable.  We saw them with furniture, curtains and beds all along the road side.

 

The beach was finally reached after about 90 minutes of driving over narrow roads.  Lovely black sand beach with Falafa's for us to use. (covered raised floor huts)  We walked the beach and sampled the local beer and fruit and waded into the warm waters for a swim.  After rinsing off with local fresh water we boarded the bus again for the short ride to a family land where we watched the food come out of the fire pit and coconuts husked.  All was there for us to eat.  I tried bread fruit which tasted like bland yams.  some butter and seasoning would have helped the taste.  We found cocoa tree and cinnamon tree and tasted the fruits.  Again a beautiful waterfall was in sight. Amazing to live in view of such beauty.

 

Back to the ship again Dale and I perused the small market set up.  I spent all my samoa talfa on native jewelry. George wonders how much I can need...need is not the question here at all of course!!  Nothing expensive, just native creations that I find interesting.  We sat on deck and heard the band play as we sip drinks and watch the ship sail from Samoa.  Dinner and a show then three sea days to enjoy.

 

Love to all...M

Fiji!!!

We all had to pinch ourselves that we were really in Fiji..a place we hoped to see one day.  The ship docked in Suva, the capital, which was a port city with all the ugliness that goes along with shipping.  The culture now relies on tourism ...many years ago they would have eaten us!!  Few have cars so there were busses everywhere.  If the seats are all filled people sit on your knees as no one is allowed to stand.  No springs and no air conditioning!!  and very bumpy roads.

 

Our little group took a long busride to a small place on the Nuvo river where we boarded long boats with motors.  Seven to a boat.  We road up the river, muddy and swift, along the mountains and rainforest.  Fijians fished along the river or swam but all waved and shouted Bula!! or hello.  It was very beautiful with waterfalls streaming down and rapids to cross occasionally.  After about an hour of riding we reached another rushing stream that we followed by footpath to the source.  A high rushing waterfall running across rocks to the river.  again very picturesque and beautiful.  We waded rather than swam but some braved the cold.  As we left the falls the sun came out and remained with us for the rest of the day.  Very unusual in this rainy season.  We felt blessed.

 

Down the river again to the small village where we met a fifth generation woman from the founder of the village. He was white and stayed alive with the use of his gun and was the only white to live with the cannibals.  He advised the chief and was given a wife.  The descendants performed a Kava ceremony to welcome us.  After their and our chief (David) drank, we all had some.  Strange tasting and I hope not to get sick from the shared bowls!

Everyone was gracious and sincere in their welcome but many jokes about the tasty meal we would make!

 

Today is another sea day so we will do a few chores and relax.  Life at sea is lovely..wish you could all enjoy this adventure.  We have met many others who have traveled all over so our list grows and grows.  We all feel very fortunate to be able to make these amazing journeys.

 

 

Lunch of traditional food.  I liked the cookie best and not the tarro root or leaves.  Some native dances and then back on the bus.  George and I stopped for a bit of shopping then wound our way back to the ship.  The lands looked beautiful as we sailed from the harbour...amazing..Fiji!

Older Tasmania Pictures

More New Caledonia Pics

Somewhere in the South Pacific - New Caledonia

Pictures-New Caledonia

Ile des Pins and Easo, Lifou, New Caledonia

Once again we are having trouble sending photos so will do when able.  Ile des Pins was a lovely tropical paradise with little but beach to do.  The one side was snorkel friendly if you had your own to use and the other a beautiful soft sand beach.  Dale climbed the height and reported it challenging but a,  wonderful view.  G and I walked the first beach, found a boutique, then enjoyed the second for a few hours.  Absolutely lovely and quiet except for we cruisers.

 

Today we were off early to hike up to the point of Lifou.  A bit of rough going but not like yesterday.  Through the rain forest and overlooking the sea.  Beautiful vistas.  We then found the snorkel bay and D&D went in to see the fish.  G and I walked on to the beach and then up to the other church.  This island had coral beaches with rough footing.  Water shoes were a must.  The wind also blew swiftly on the beach.  Much less than Iles des Pins.

 

We all tendered back to the ship early and had some lunch on Lido deck and enjoyed the live music when it started.  We seemed to leave a bit later than planned.  Seems there was an earthquake not too far away that they are monitoring.  Tsunami would not be fun to experience although we have decided that a ship is the place to be.  The captain made an announcement about "passenger safety being more important than schedule" but we couldn't hear exactly what he said.   We think he is just watching and waiting to see what might change.  At this point we have a sea day tomorrow and will be in Suva, Fiji the following day.

 

Quiet evening as they are repeating the show we saw earlier.  G & I have cd of HBO Rome we are enjoying when we have time in the evenings.

 

Miss our family...M

Ile des Pins

We are anchored off this small island today and are being tendered in to walk the beautiful beach and visit settlements.  Dale planes to climb the 800ft peak this morning while the rest of us take our time leaving the ship.  G & I will walk to the village and explore a bit then settle on the beach to enjoy.  I will take my sketching materials and see what inspires me.  This island is hilly with tall araucaria or norfalk pines dotting the landscape.  They add interest to the otherwise tropical rain forest.  Land was once part of New Zealand..pre dinosaur of course!

 

Deck party was nice..lovely evening and smaller venue made it look busy.  Nicely done.  Barbeque on deck this evening entices us to eat there rather than formal dining.  Love to try all the new dishes though, some successful and some not!!  I love the pumpkin soups.

 

We are off to a late breakfast then off to Ile des Pins.  French here too...oh boy..or mon dieu!!  M

New Caledonia wi fi cafe!

Here we are in an open air cafe trying to get the wi fi to work for us.  Everything on the blog is in french now.  boy, I should have studied it before leaving!!  We visited a cultural center today and ran into a group of school children who were thrilled to meet us.  My bad french and everything made them laugh.

We are still trying to post more photos of Sydney and hope to get them through eventually.  This place is beautiful and no one knows much about it at all.  The US troops defended it during the WWII but it remains French.  Lovely island country..hope to send photos.  Tomorrow and next day we are at Essau and Ile de Pines for mostly beach days.   A little walking up hills and some snorkeling if equipment is available.  Very low key days.  Then to Fiji and Fanning Islands and some sea days in between.

It is lovely on the verandas now with the warmer weather. Tonight is a deck party on Lido deck hope the clouds above do not mean rain!!

Love to all....M&G

Sydney Photos

Sydney

After another nice sea day we awoke to this view from our balcony!!  A beautiful day in Sydney and after breakfast three of us set out to see the sights, leaving G with the icks.  Decided to take the Hop on Hop off Tour bus around the city to see it all.  Right outside the terminal we spoke with a information guide and then were interviewed and photographed for a brochure on Sydney..we will all be stars I am sure!!  The double decker bus turned out to be a great way to see everything and get our bearings for the day.  Dennis and I spent most of the tour on top deck, cold, windy but great views if you watched out for the tree branches!!

 

Coming around to Darling Harbor we saw the Chinese Garden and Hard Rock Café so decided to get off.  After a quick pit stop at Star Bucks..of course!! ..we walked to Hard Rock Café to buy pins. Walking thru the promenade, we took many photos of the Chinese gardens, a gift to Australia from the Chinese people. It was an oasis of serenity in the middle of a big city.

 

We picked up the bus again and rode to The Rocks. We enjoyed the shops housed in the old buildings of Sydney, as well as the view of the harbor and bridge. After a power snack, we climbed up and walked half way across the bridge. Back at ground level once again, we enjoyed a draught at a pub.  I boarded the ship for cocktails and watched the lights come on in the city, as nighttime fell.

 

As the ship prepared to set sail, fireworks exploded over the opera theater.

 

 

Sea Days, Tasmania & Melbourne

After leaving the Fjordland park we continued sailing to Tasmania with two days of sea time. It was relaxing to play cards, trivia games, and get a bit of sun while wrapped up in blankets! It is the coolest weather yet here. Our night ended early as we had to be at a customs meeting at 6:30 am and then to our tour group for a trip to Cradle Mtn , Tasmania (another world heritage area) via..yes, another bus.

G is really tired of tour busses but it seems to be the only way to get to the interior locations. We stopped for an hour in Sheffield but little was open at 8 on Sat. of the "Holiday". Big draw there was the several murals which had been painted on the various buildings around town. It was quaint and might have been fun if more was available. As we climbed the mountains the scenery became lovely. Waterfalls, mossy trees, rocks and ferns. Some of the trees are over 500 years old..amazingly slow growers. The ground is covered with ferns, lichen, moss and it almost glows green. Looks like fairies should hide there or maybe trolls! Cradle Mt. was beautiful with Dove Lake in front reflecting the view. Unfortunately it was very cold, and damp with only a few glimpses of sun and blue sky.

Lunch was at rustic Cradle Mt. Lodge ....pumpkin soup, Italian dishes and salads. Panna cotta dessert with fruit and cheeses. Not so Aussie but good. Except pumpkin soup...that is a common ingredient in many Aussie dishes. Good thing I love it!!

Back on board we had a nice dinner then G and I went to a movie while D&D turned in to read. Movie called "Red Dog" and is based on a true story. Sad at end but great dog acting!! By the time I got to bed it was obvious that dinner had not agreed with me. I was sick until late yesterday. I thought those "straight shrimp" were odd..or was it that Indonesian sauce??

Everyone but me got off for a traipse through Melbourne visiting places we missed the first time around. They saw the Botanical Gardens and Victoria Market while G was with them. I was sorry to miss it as I was going to see about the opal store again but oh well. I've discovered they are fairly expensive...sorry girls!! I enjoyed room service and had the stewards make my bed while I watched them work...luxury for me!!

So today we are back to normal. A sea day before docking in Sydney at the foot of the Opera House!! We are going to bingo at 11 to try and win a cruise and not sure what else yet today. Still working on my bracelet..Dale has finished two!! The weather will start getting warmer now and "hot and humid" seems to be in the forecast.

Joanne..love to read your comments and thanks for putting the link on the GG site. Happy Birthday Jane!! We love and miss the family but this is a great adventure!!

We are trying to post more photos, it uses lots of pixels up and we need to figure that out. Love...

 

		Sea Days, Tasmania & Melbourne VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL This album has 1 photo and will be available on SkyDrive until 7/8/2012.

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Port Chalmers, Dunedin & Fjordland National Park

The sights and sounds of the last two days have been incredible! Ship docked at Port Chalmers as the bay was not deep enough at Dunedin,NZ for us to dock safely. We walked into the little town and visited an old church, the grocery and pharmacy as well as a very talented jewelers. Dale and I poured over his jewelry and the beads !! he had for sale. She bought a hand made bead and I a necklace. Added to our cellar again as well.

After a lunch back at the ship we boarded a small van for our trip to mt. Cargill. Only 6 of us were brave enough to try the climb. We four, an 81 year old and a cruise ship employee. Our guide wore shorts and hiking boots, we were bundled up with whatever shoes we thought would work. He drove us to the access of the "track" and stairs to begin the climb. Setting off at a brisk pace he soon lost me and Henry with Z (from the ship) bringing up at the rear. Steps gave way to steep rocks and gravel, boards, and mud. We climbed the 800 ft additional elevation to the Organ pipe formation at the top of 1700 ft mountain. You can see them in some of the photos as well as rocks that have broken off from the group. Tea was served at the top! We tasted fuchia berries, a lemony and a peppery leaf, and anything else he could show us to eat. There are no dangerous things in NZ..amazing isn't it?? Only sand flies are annoying. Trip down was much easier and guide ran us through Dunedin so we could see it a bit. Sorry to not have more time here as it looked like a nice city with lots of bustling students.

Back aboard we saw the show and had a good dinner as usual. Tired from all the walking and climbing.

Yesterday we sailed around the bottom of NZ and into Fjordland national Park. It amazed me that the ship could go into those narrow channels between islands. Absolutely beautiful and very close up to the mountains and waterfalls. You can see the glacier in the distance. Some of the day was spent in the crows nest watching the scenery and with Dale teaching me a new beaded bracelet. I am not too far along due to tearing it out several times until I got the hang of the stitch. Now to learn turning the row and finishing it up.

We have two sea days now as we sail to Tasmania..should be relaxing. We have already exercised and eaten and now to see what is happening aboard.

Hope you are enjoying this blog!! Pass it along to others. I love to read the comments. Love to all......

Picton & Akaroa

The last two days have been early starts and long days. George captured a beautiful sunrise over the sound before breakfast at 6. Docking in Picton we took an early coach tour to the Okaramio Valley then boarded a boat for the trip back down the Queen Charlotte Sound and Picton. Landscape was beautiful but bus ride got very long..as did the boat. Much too tame for this four wheeling crowd!! After a quick lunch aboard the ship we walked around Picton which kept it's stores open despite it being Sunday. I bought a few things and more wine. (this ship lets us bring bottles aboard at every port so we are keeping up the cellar stock aboard) Nice to have with dinner and on the veranda if we have time!! Dinner and a show ending at 9 finished our day and allowed us to get ready for today's early start.

Up again at 5:45 to get breakfast in before the tour which was 9.5 hrs. Because of the Christchurch earthquake the ship has to anchor in Akaroa and tender us in. That also makes the tours extra long due to distances. Another coach ride..2.5 hrs over and around the southern alps range. Many turns and twists to the road. Ending up at Waimakarri Gorge to board jet boats for trip up the gorge and through the canyons. Beautiful scenery and fun ride. George did not want to stop!! Off the boats and into 4x4 vehicles for a 1.5 hr "tussok" ride over the lands of Flock Hill Sheep Station. Many many acres and beautiful views over the slopes. The Trans Alpine train runs through the station and over the gorge. Arriving at the station, which is now a conference center too, we had a gourmet lunch waiting for us. Back on the coach for the long ride back to ship. They had to hold it for our group as we were a bit later than expected.

Light dinner for us and D&D walked, hot tubed and ate in Lido. Our table mates were from New Zealand trying their first cruise and seeing a bit of their country. Interesting couple..he had migrated with a children's relocation plan from England at age 12. Fun singer in theater which we almost skipped but were glad we hadn't. Dennis joined us too.

Tomorrow last NZ port..Dunedin. We will do a walking tour then hike Mt. Cargill to look at some rocks. Only 1/2 mile but ascends 800 ft up..Yikes!!

I'm glad we can sleep in a bit...am looking forward to the two sea days coming up as this is a lot of work!!!

G'day

 

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