AnnieD and John M Travel Log - 2006

Tuesday, 26 August 2008

Location: Vancover, Canada

Annie decided on a trolley bus tour of Vancover etc, so boarded said transport right outside the Pan Pacific front door. A great way to learn about the city, its hotels, shops, and facilities etc.
The first part was round the area near the Pan Pacific stopping to collect more passengers. This service enabled you to get on and off where ever you wanted to and use the ticket for up to 2 days!
Discovered there was a Hudson Bay Co store plus a Sears, so remembered where they were for future!!!
Proceeded from the town into Stanley Park (which we could see accross the bay from the hotel) Lots of Canada Geese on the grass, and and area famous for its rose gardens too-- they were stunning. Then an area of totem poles representing various Indian tribes!! Various points were pointed out, including the 'sulphur pile' - bright yellow, and the saw dust pile from a logging operation nearby -- not things usually seen in the UK. Also a Chevron petrol station in the middle of the bay, no I've not gone mad, but used to refuel boats!! Great views of the Lions Gate suspension bridge which we will sail under tomorrow as we leave for Alaska. Left the trolley bus at Prospect Point to enjoy views of the far shore and exit route in and out of the harbour. Decided to try the 'trading post' for a spot of lunch-- prawns in garlic butter and dippy bread --- wonderful!!! The a pure indulgance -- maple walnut icecream!!!! Re boarded the bus to continue the tour, all round the car showroom area -- no I had not said I'd worked for BMW!! Saw deadman's island, yes, a former burial ground, now a US naval base! Some very old cedar trees here, one of 150 yrs old. Also redwoods. Not that there were any about, but black squirrels, chipmonks, bald eagles have all been seen here, sadly not today. Past through the West End, the smart area of town where $575 dollars is about the starting price for a small condo. There are 200 Starbucks coffee shops here too!! The Granville Market with a huge fruit and veg part plus nick nacks too!! I spotted a Seaforth Highlanders base here flying the Scottish flag!!! Then Yaletown, now all resturants and cafes, but it used to be the garment district. Got off at the strange looking library and just managed to get caught in a rainstorm before reaching the hotel.

Monday, 25 August 2008

Location: Canada

Thank goodness the rain had gone, but a distinct downturn in temperature from New York and Seattle, sweaters needed!!!!
Walked into historic Gastown, not impressed with the 'down and outs' wandering about and begging, so did not linger long here, making for the newer shopping streets and good window browsing.
Light sandwich lunch in the Vancover club, meeting some interesting members and visitors lke ourselves.

Sunday, 24 August 2008

Location: Vancover, Canada

Awoke to a dull and misty am, and to our dismay rain too!!
Found our way round the hotel, and booked a table for a jazz brunch for 1pm, Mary and John Race were arriving here this am to join us.
Had a good catch up of news etc with them, Mary and John had flown straight to Vancover from Manchester, then to Victoria for 3 days, so we had to catch up with each others news.
The brunch stunning, Annie definitely overdid the puds, could not resist a waffle smoothered in maple syrup!!!! As it was too wet to go out a snooze called for watching a oo7 movie on tv.
Later the 4 of us went across the road to the Fairmont for a light supper.

Saturday, 23 August 2008

Location: Seattle, USA

6 am call, such a shame we were not in this lovely hotel longer to enjoy the scenery etc and to see the city of Seattle too.
Two massive cruise liners came in to dock whilst we were packing, seagulls about too.
Walked with a bellboy and our luggage to the Victoria Clipper dock at pier69 and boarded the cataraman for Victoria, Canada -- 71 miles away. This took 3 hours, speed of 30 knots in 132foot boat with 330 passengers. Wonderful fjord type of secenery we saw en route.
Docked in Victoria and had to clear Canadian customs, we think as we had a huge pile of luggage this gave the customs lady a good chance to quiz us madly!!! Perhaps she thought we were emigrating here!!
Taxi to coach depot behind the Empress hotel (sadly did not have time to call in here --Mary and John Race our friends from Cheshire we staying here prior to us all meeting in Vancover on the 24th)
Coach ride north from Victoria to the BC ferry terminal 40 mins away. This a roll on roll off ferry, and our coach was first on in deck2. Here we got off the coach and up to deck 5 for a snack, eaten whilst enjoying fantastic scenery as we sailed past the islands of the Puget sound.
A nature talk provided by the boat gave insight into the 5 types of salmon found here plus ocra whales, seals, bald eagles and turkey vultures. All we saw however were two young seals diving near the boat.
Docked, and styaed on the coach for another hour journey into the greyhound coach terminal. John stayed with the luggage whilst Annie went off in search of the taxi rank. Much to Annie's surprise, on returning to find John, three security men were wheeling our luggage out to the taxi point in order to help us (that would not happen in the UK!!!!)
Taxi to downtown waterfront and the Pan Pacific hotel for our stay in Vancover.
Our room on the 15th floor had great vies of snow capped Mount Baker in the background, and in the foreground, liners moored up, a heliport, and----railway sidings!!!!!
Unpacked and off to The Vancover Club ( another club with an arrangement with the London RAC) for dinner which we;d pre booked before leaving the UK.
Dined in their candle lit Georgian room, all pale grey and white, superb meal -- diet blown!!

Friday, 22 August 2008

Location: New York, USA

Now 84 degrees thsi am and hot sun!!
After an early call and the packing up job, the car( suv again) came to take us to Newark Liberty airport for our Continental flight to Seattle. Massive traffic jams in NY so our driver found an optional route via Lincoln Tunnel.
Good flight over Lakes Erie and Michegan and Idaho in the Rockies which were seen quite clearly from the plane. Landed into Seattle with volcanic snow covered Mount Rainer in the background.
Our hotel here The Edgewater right on the waterfront downtown, built out on piles right out in the water, with spectacular views over the harbour.
Our room window right over the water with a cruise liner moored up to our left!!!
Decideded as we had an early start tomorrow to sus out the Victoria Clipper ferry terminal which turned out to be next to us on pier 69.
Then opted for an outside table for dinner to watch a lovely sunset over the water of Elloitt Bay in front of us.

Thursday, 21 August 2008

Location: New York, USA

Walked to Times Square in now 81 degrees heat, off to enjoy a browse in the Virgin record store, then walked up Park Ave to Madison and luch in Le Goulue - a small French we'd spotted two days before. Decided as we did not have alot of time left what we should choose, so The Metropolitan Museum of Art won, what a fantastic collection of art here, a couple of hours not enough, days would have been a better option!!! John found also in there the Robert Lehman gallery built to resemble rooms in his original house, again some stunning works of art to see.
Attempted to walk back through Central Park, but the heat and sore feet made hailing a yellow cab essential!!
Luckily we;d opted for dinner in he Harvard Club at night so that was almost next to the hotel and no problem to hobble thre!!

Wednesday, 20 August 2008

Location: New York, USA

A wonderful nnedd 12 hour sleep, the early start yesterday and New York heat had finished us off!!!
After the Algonquin continental breakfast we walked to the Moma art gallery, but decided to ajourn for lunch first to avoid a long queue. Wen to McCormick and Schmicks for what I can only dscribe as a mega seafood platter salad.
After this the Moma queue had gone so enjoyed a browse in there.
Strolled back to our hotel on 44th for a much needed cuppa.
Later a drink in the Harvard Club of New York just along the street, (this club has an arrangement with the RAC in Pall Mall, so we are able to use it).
Decided whilst in NY a Broadway show had to be done, so went to Hairspray at the Neil Simon theatre. It was brilliant, typical Broadway but great fun. For those who watch cheers on TV George Wendt who plays Norm played Edna Turnblad and he was brilliant.!!
Walked back vis a jumping Times Square, plus sore feet!!!

Monday, 18 August 2008

Location: Still at sea!!

Another hour back !! Moderate sun (at last) and 4ft waves. Now 2559 miles from the UK and 570 to go to NY.
More pleasures to enjoy from the daily programme, before a packing operation and luggage outside the cabin before midnight as we dock in NY at 6am tomorrow.


19.th August 2008 New York.
Wake up call at 4am, now in New York waters, and another hour back in time. Very calm seas too.

Quite an emotional feeling watching as we sailed under the Verrazano Narrows bridege in to Brooklyn to dock at Pier 12 Redhook. QM2 only cleared the bridge by 4 meters!!! Talk over the loud speaker system on The Statue of Liberty which we passed on the port side before docking. Impressive reversing by the captain into our dock!. Watching day light come up over NY quite exciting, saw our first Stars and Stripes flag here!!.
QM2 carries 2620 pssengers and 1450 staff, cost #780 million to build.
Sorry to leave her, but onwards to next part our trip. So after a lazy breakfast we waited in groups to be called to disembarque and clear USA customs.
Wow, a record half hour from being called in the waiting lounge on board, to clearing the customs hall, and the heat outside as we waited for our car into Manhatton.

Our transport a GM suv blacked out windows and all the toys!! It did a mere 8 miles to the gallon and had cost $35,000. The driver told us new more fuel efficient model out in 2009, cost $55,000 but would do 25 miles per gallon!!!

Arrived at the Algonquin on 44th, and met Matilda, their resident fluffy feline, reclining on her executive chaise lounge!!!!

After unpacking, walked via Madison Ave to Barney's store and a salad luch in Fred's on the top floor,(wow have never seen such a large portion salad ever!!) then on to the Frick collection at 70th, enjoying a good window pike as we went. The Frick has the most amazing collection of Vermeer's, Holbein's, Turners and Reynolds plus a Piero in a mansion house setting. Walked back along 5th ave, alongside Central Park.
So tired we even missed dinner!!!

Sunday, 17 August 2008

Location: Still at sea!

Thank goodness a calmer sea, but very foggy, waves now 4 to 5ft instead of 27 feet!!!
Sailing at 24 knots towards Newfoundland, now 3 hrs behind UK time. QM2;s horn blowing in the fog..
John Maxtone- Grahams lecture on The French Liner Normandie very interesting, then a visit to the planetarium to see 'Search for Life", followed by a wine tasting by the chief sommelier on white wines.
By late afternoon, the sea rough again , but not as bad as yesterday, and not for long.
At night, our last formal evening on board, plus an 'Ascot hat competition'.
Betty (our table partner) and I entered the hat parade, and both won a small prize too -- great fun.

Saturday, 16 August 2008

Location: Out at Sea

Woken in the night by banging metal and high winds -- ajoining balcony doors had come open, so had to be wedged with table and chair!!
We are now nearer to Canada then the UK speed 24 knots, 49 degrees 54.17 north by 34, 2.38 west. in force 4 winds. Waves 4 to 7 foot, sailing on the Great Circle route towards Grand Banks via a south westerly track,(this for the sailors info).
By 1pm the seas were very rough and we were feeling it. Message from the bridge it would get worse, so to hold onto rails when moving about the ship, all outside decks had been closed off for safety!!!! Sitting in deck3 the waves above the windows!!
Wen to the 'Only Way to Cross' talk -- brilliant, then in the planetarium to see"Passport to the Universe"
After lunch I became a victim of' neptunes revenge' and had to retreat to the cabin for a couple of hours. JM however did not and went walk about round an almost deserted ship.
The winds now upto gale force 11 --- awful!!!
I did manage to recover in time to see an abridged version of 'Romeo and Juliet 'in the theatre and light dinner afterwards, before a cuppa listening to some jazz.
Still rough outside but not as bad!!

Friday, 15 August 2008

Location: Out at sea!!, Europe

Windy night, doors rattling somewhere, and our first time change back 1 hour! A misty wet day' white horses' surrounding the liner, we are now 721 miles from the UK.
We have 2769 passengers on board, with 5 dogs and I cat in the kennels!! One wonders just how much food she must be carrying for the journey.
9.10am a captain's broadcast through the speaker system, we had lost power in the night, so we were now stationery for an hour for a check over -- all deemed well and we set off again.
Went to a lecture on the Titanic -- not sure this a good idea after our early morning problems -- but one must be positive!!!
Joined in a community singing session in the Grand Lobby -- great fun!!
Then went to a wine tasting hosted by the chief Sommelier in our Brittania dining room. This on red wines and was very interesting.
Having spotted a pair of trousers in the shop I liked asked if they could be shortened, and within 20 mins a tailoress came to the cabin to pin up, they were back on a hanger in under 2 hours -- the cost $5 ie 2.50 pounds!!! Cold get used to this type of efficient service.
Now we've covered 924 miles 6.15pm.
Dinner tonight in a more intimate and smaller resturant Todd English who as a top chef has resturants over the USA and Canada.
Superb meal, very rich, unusual gnocci with lobster and coconut.
The chocolate pub with liquid centre nearly saw me off!!!

Wednesday, 13 August 2008

Gather we had sailed out past Bishops Rock lighthouse, not that we saw it! Awoke to a calmer sea and hazy sunshine. Missed our breakfast sitting, but found Kings Court food area and caught up!! Decided on a wlk round the deck 7 then to a lecture in an 1100 seater plush theatre. This talk by John Maxtone Graham on the history of the great ocean liners, excellent delivery! Then to the only planetarium on board a ship to watch the interactive on the planets! Found another computer room, and for those who wanted to enhance their skills would you believe they do computer lessons too!! After a quick sandwich in Sir Samuels, off to an art auction in the winter garden. Did not stay here too long, the auctioneer too fond of verbal sprouting!!
Found a golf driving simulator and had a go --JM being alot better than Annie!! Found there was paddle tenis, several heated pools and superb spa, one really spoilt for choice as to what to do!!
We had left our cabin at 9.30am and not back till 5.30pm!!!
Captain's cocktail party tonight in the ballroom, our first formal black tie do. Formally introduced to the Captain, who later introduced his senior crew. Meet another nice couple of Americans, Lynn and Dave from Arizona.
After a delicious dinner, popped into the theatre and saw the rock opera show, then a nightcap in the lounge with jazz trio playing.

Wednesday, 13 August 2008

Location: Rowlands Castle,nr Portsmouth, UK

Awoke to more torrential rain, dodged the deluge to run to main building for breakfast!! After our 243 mile 4 and a half hour drive yesterday we were glad of a lazy start. Went into Emsworth in search of post office, bank and some toothpaste before aiming for Southampton and the Avis depot at Gate 8 dockside. Again multimap led us astray!!! But being good travellers however, we found our destination. Taxi then to dock gate 4 and Cunard's departure point to embark on The Queen Mary 11. So many people here too, but we joined the queue in a union jack festooned room and then had our pictures taken by web cam (for security purposes etc) then the all clear, and off through the departure lounge to board this magnificent ship. Such an exciting event.Wow the interior just breathtaking in splendour and furnishing, massive flower arrangements etc. We'd waived goodbye to our mountain of luggage in the arrival hall , before check in, and slowly almost piece by piece it arrived at our stateroom on 8 deck. Did not know accommodation could be so superb, all beige/gold colours here with balcony too and all mod cons!! 4pm bells/hooters summoned for the lifeboat drill etc, then back to the cabin to unpack!!
This task completed and all cases fitted under the bed, do tidy and organised. Watched as the tug towed us out of Southampton and off 'on the crossing to New York' . The captains broadcast however made us wonder what would be in store ---force 6 to 8 gales reported!!! Thank goodness modern shipping technology provides superb stabalizers!!!!
Time to use the incabin facilities -- superb shower etc, and change for our 8.30pm dinner in the Britannia Resturant. Table 310 we joined fellow passengers, Betty and Fred from Baltimore USA and had a most enjoyable dinner sharing travel experiences.
After a long walk back to our cabin we dropped into bed hoping no gales would send us flying in the night!!!

Tuesday, 12 August 2008

Location: Chester, UK

Wow, suddenly packing panic has set in!!! Where do we start ???
A slow process, but we got there eventually. Quick coffee and sandwich at 2pm , sat outside as it has now stopped raining after torrential downpour all am. Tally (our cat) scooped up, and at 3rd attempt got into her basket to go to the cattery, then John went off to collect our hire car. We eventually left Chester at 5pm!! But had a great drive south to out Harvester Lodge nr Portsmouth for first night stop. Multimap cursed though as it failed to tell us the A3M existed!! After a much needed supper we departed for sleep.

Saturday, 09 August 2008

Location: Chester, UK

Thought it time to reactive our travel log before we leave on August 12th, hope I can find enough computers on this holiday (this was a problem in Australia - hence the log was never completed!) We are now well into list making and wonder what has been missed!!!

Tuesday, 12 December 2006

Location: Broome, Australia

Dear diary readers just to let you know we have got behind in our diary writings, they will be added asap, time allowing and finding computers which do not cost mega dollars to use!! Also I will add we are having a great trip - details to follow.