29 September - Day 35 - Traralgon

Yes folks - we're back home. We left Moss Vale this morning at 07:00. We hitched the van up in a brief break between showers and headed down the Hume Highway. Throughout the day we continually ran into showers and this meant that there was nowhere that we really wanted to spend more time. We had morning coffee in Cooma and a quick bite to eat in Cann River and then pushed on and reached home by 5pm. We've had a wonderful time. We enjoyed great weather everywhere and got to do all the things we wanted to do and some more. A very relaxing time and everything we wanted the trip to be. So, until our next 'family' adventure I will track my motorbike activities on www.theosmotorcyclediaries.blogspot.com

28 September - Day 34 - Moss Vale

After a very chilly night we woke to an overcast, drizzly day. Moss Vale and the surrounding area is quite lovely but we've never had much luck with the weather here. Last night we had great steaks at The Briars, which is a restaurant and resort based in an old heritage building. The meal and the service were outstanding. Today we're resting and watching a few movies. Had a quick visit to town to photograph some of the tulips which are in bloom at the moment. This weekend the place will be overrun with visitors to the Tulip Festival. We'll make an early start in the morning with the aim of reaching Bombala or even Cann River. Either way this will have us arriving home sometime late on Friday.

27 September - Day 33 - Moss Vale

We left Port Macquarie at 07:30 this morning with the aim of tackling Sydney traffic in the middle of the day and not the peak. Our original plan was to overnight in Mittagong, but the caravan park there was full - a combination of school holidays and the Tulip Festival. Fortunately we were able to get a site at the Moss Vale Caravan Park down the road. The weather is cool but fine and so we have booked in for two nights so that we can check out the tulips tomorrow too. That means we hit the road again on Thursday and should reach Traralgon late on Friday.

26 September - Day 32 - Port Macquarie

We left the Gold Coast this morning at 7:40 to start the trip home. We had thought of spending some time in Coffs Harbour, but when we got there the weather wasn't inviting, so we kept driving. The skies finally cleared as we approached Port Macquarie and so we decided to stay at our favourite caravan park there. We had dinner at La Roma, the local Italian restaurant, and we've just walked back to the caravan - just as well as we shared a whole bottle of red. Tomorrow we plan to reach Mittagong just South of Sydney. We've meant to spend time here on other holidays but the weather has never been right. We'll see how we go tomorrow. From Mittagong we're only two days from home.

25 September - Day 31 - Gold Coast

Our last day on the Gold Coast. Had lunch at Pacific Fair. Today is the first day for weeks that we may see a bit of rain, so we'll pack up tonight just in case. Tomorrow we start the trip home. Our day by day travel plans will depend on the mood and the weather, but we should be home in a week or so.

23 September - Day 29 - Gold Coast

Spent some time at the Robina Shopping Center. We've watched this place being built over the past few years and it's all finished now. It has to be seen to be believed. Late in the afternoon we took a ride to Level 77 of the Q1 building which is the highest residential tower in the world. The views from here in the evening light were incredible. Finished off the night with dinner at our favorite Thai restaurant in Labrador, Lannai Thai.

22 September - Day 28 - Gold Coast

Unbelievably, today was another fine day, and we spent it by driving to Mt Tambourine which is a mountain top village located about 35 km from the Gold Coast. It features lots of interesting shops, art galleries and antique shops as well as my favorite, a German Cuckoo Clock shop. Another great day on the road.

21 September - Day 27 - Gold Coast

Another lovely day on the Gold Coast, although a little windier. Rosa did some shopping at Australia Fair, while I fiddled around having a better monitor installed for the reversing camera setup. Went from a 3.5" to a 7" monitor which is also a lot brighter. Now I can actually see what's going on. This evening we attend the evening performance of the Great Moscow Circus. What a show! Every act was outstanding but the finale was the scariest thing we've ever seen. It involves one, then two, then three and finally four motorcyclist riding around the inside of a mesh sphere, only 4m. In diameter at 80 kmh. Absolutely crazy. If you get a chance, go and see this circus.

20 September - Day 26 - Gold Coast

Our second day on the Gold Coast. Took it easy with a bit of shopping and a 5 km walk in the evening. The great weather continues.

19 September - Day 25 - Gold Coast

Left Maroochydore at 9:45 this morning headed for the Gold Coast, a trip of 170 km. Being a Monday morning the roads were quite busy. We were settled on our new site just after noon. Once again we're staying at the Broadwater Tourist Park in Southport. We're booked in here for one week. The forecast for next week is all good, however there is a lot of haze around from bush fires in the area. This produced a spectacular sunset.

18 September - Day 24 - Maroochydore

Our last day in Maroochydore. The Queensland school holidays have started and over the last couple of days the Jayco camper vans and families with children have been arriving in droves. We had lunch at the Sunshine Plaza, and spent the rest of the day just relaxing around the van. There is a nice lake in this park and I spent some time photographing the ducks. Tomorrow we're off to the Gold Coast where we are booked in for a week. The forecast is for another week of sunshine. If that's how it works out, we've been very fortunate indeed. After that we're on our way home at a leisurely pace.

17 September - Day 23 - Maroochydore

Saskia and Peter arrived around 7 pm last night. After pre-dinner drinks we had dinner at a restaurant called India Today. We had the most amazing Indian food I have ever experienced. We've always enjoyed all our Indian dinner outings but this fare was simply amazing. What a great night out! Sas and Pete stayed in a cabin here in the park and so we resumed with bacon, eggs and hash browns this morning. Today was the warmest so far and we spent it relaxing and chatting under our awning till Sas and Pete had to head home around 3 pm. After that Rosa and I went for a great walk along the Maroochydore River. It was great watching all the people fishing, boating and playing in the water.

16 September - Day 22 - Maroochydore

Another day of pure relaxation on the Sunshine Coast today. Had to get up a bit early because we knew the power would be out for a few hours, so we had to do the toast and porridge before 8 am. Drove to Mooloolaba for lunch and then a bit of shopping at the Sunshine Plaza. Getting ready for dinner with Peter and Saskia. They are driving down from Gympie after work and staying overnight in a cabin here in the park. Looking forward to a great night out. Had a beautiful sunset tonight which means another good day tomorrow.

14 September - Day 20 - Australia Zoo

Woke to a perfect day this morning, with a forecast temperature of 26 degC.
Our plan was to visit Australia Zoo which is about 30 minutes from here. Our last visit was in 2005, the year before Steve Irwin was killed. Queensland in general is suffering from a drastic reduction in overseas tourists, and this was evident at the zoo too. Which was good for us because, unlike our last visit, there was no competition for seats at any of the events. AZ is still one of the great days out here in Qld. Everything is done so well, and the passion of the staff so evident that you're enthralled all day long.



There were so many highlights, including the Koala encounter, the feeding of the elephants and the crocodile show.



Our final event was the show at the Tiger Temple which feature a great sow involving three Sumatran tigers. Altogether a great day out.

13 September - Day 19 - Maroochydore

After a little drizzle overnight the weather brightened again today. Decided to take a drive to Montville, which is in the hills which form the hinterland to the Sunshine Coast - a bit like the Dandenongs in Melbourne. We had lunch in a beautiful spot called Poet's Cafe. From our table we had a great view all the way down to the coast. Then, a couple of hours of browsing lots of interesting shops including the Black Forest Cuckoo Clock shop.

12 September - Day 18 - Maroochydore

Big trip today! From Noosa to Maroochydore - total distance 34 km. We're staying at the Maroochydore Palms caravan park, one of our favourites. I think this is our fifth visit. We have a week here before we move further south, probably to the Gold Coast.

10 September - Day 16 - Noosa

A beautiful day again today, and a great day for one of our favorite activities here in Noosa - walking the Tanglewood Track in Noosa National Park. This hilly, 5 km walk offers a great variety from dark mysterious forests to fabulous ocean views. We've walked it many times and each time it is an exhilarating experience. After the walk we had quite an appetite which was easily fixed at a gourmet hamburger bar in Noosaville.

9 September - Day 15 - Noosa

As forecast, today was the first real wet day we've experienced so far. It was forecast a while ago and our plan was to go to the movies. After a nice lunch in Hastings St in Noosa we caught the 1:20 showing of Red Dog. We really enjoyed it and the fact that it is based on a real story made it all the more enjoyable. The story is set in Dampier in the 1970's and the feel, the people and the music of that mining town took me straight back to the atmosphere of Bougainville. The weather has already settled down and the forecast for the next week is fine and warm. We may go for our usual treck through the Noosa National Park tomorrow, and on Sunday we expect a visit from Peter and Saskia.

7 September - Day 13 - Noosa

Woke to a beautiful, sunny day this morning. After a leisurely breakfast of bacon and eggs, we headed off to the Eumundi market which is held every Wed and Sat. This market which covers many acres in the center of town is one of our favorite outings on the Sunshine Coast. We had German hotdogs and sauerkraut for lunch with blackberry crumble and coffees to follow. Got back to our van around 1:15 to settle in for some serious relaxing.

6 September - Day 12 - Noosa

Our second day on the Sunshine Coast started with rain. By mid morning this had cleared, and a pleasant day followed. We drove to Noosa Heads for lunch and some quick shopping in Tewantin. As you can see above the rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing.

5 September - Day 11 - Noosa

Spent four wonderful days with Peter and Saskia and Lexi in Gympie.
We mostly sat around and talked and drank on the beautiful new deck they have built on the back of their house. We had some great meals and a few bottles of special wines. Altogether a fine time together as it always is when we pass through Gympie. Left there about noon for the 60 km drive to our next caravan park in Tewantin which is part of Noosa. We'll be here for a week.

2 September - Day 8 - Gympie

Drove from Toowoomba to Gympie yesterday (275 km) and arrived early in the afternoon. It was great to catch up with Peter and Lexi and then later in the afternoon with Saskia. The new outdoor area extension at Peter and Sas's place is spectacular and we sat out there and squeezed every last bit of sunshine out of the day. Went for a drive to Tewantin today and stocked up on curry powder from the Indian supermarket there and had lunch in a nice cafe on the foreshore. The Pajero had its 150,000 km service today and was declared to be in excellent condition. More sunshine this afternoon and after a few beers and G&T's we'll think about BBQing some excellent fillet and rib eye steaks. No idea what's planned for tomorrow - isn't it great.

30 August, Day 5, Toowoomba

On the road again today. After a very restful night in Narrabri we set off at 08:50 and continued up the Newell Highway. Passed through Moree and had lunch in a park in Goondiwindi, which is just on the Queensland side of the border. At this point the weather was still fine, but as we approached the Darling Downs, some very dark clouds became apparent and as we rolled into the outskirts of Toowoomba we encountered heavy rain and lightning, the first bad weather on our trip. We were dreading the thought of unhitching the van and setting up camp in the rain, but by the time we arrived at our caravan park the rain had just about stopped. We're planning to spend a rest day here and visit some of our favourite spots from a previous trip, including the Valetta Cafe. It will be interesting to see if there are any signs of the terrible floods they had here earlier in the year. On Thursday we will complete the final 270 km to Gympie to catch up with Saskia, Peter and Lexi.

29 August Day 4, Narrabri NSW

After two glorious days in Forbes, we drove 430 km. to Narrabri where we are overnighting. On the way we passed The Dish at Parkes and travelled through Dubbo. It's interesting pulling into a caravan park anywhere along the Newell Highway. We tend to arrive fairly early, around 2:30, and the parks are almost empty. Then, over the next few hours it gradually fills up with travellers bedding down for the night. In most cases you don't need to unhook the van. Just pull up, connect the power and water, unpack the easy chairs and open a beer. Within minutes someone will be over to have a chat and swap stories. Tomorrow is our last long haul for a while. It will take us to Toowoomba where we will spend a couple of nights, and from there it will be a short run to Gympie on Thursday.

28 August - Day 3 - Forbes NSW

Left Tocumwal at 10:00 yesterday, after replacing the mixer tap of the kitchen sink - one of the hose fittings had started to leak and the simplest thing with limited tools was to replace the whole unit. Fortunately there was a hardware shop next to the caravan park. Drove up the Newell Highway and arrived in Forbes at 3pm yesterday. The Newell Highway is definitely the road of choice of caravanners travelling to and from Queensland, we must have seen hundreds during the day. Forbes is a very pretty town and like most towns which had a gold rush has a legacy of attractive historic buildings. Had dinner at a very good Thai restaurant last night called Spice of Life, a great meal. Today we went on a self guided walking tour of the town, a good way to see the place. The photo is of the Town Hall which dates back to the 1890's. The weather continues to be brilliant and we've spent the afternoon soaking up the sun. We're off again tomorrow and heading for Narrabri.

26 August - Day 1 - Tocumwal NSW

Left Traralgon at 8:05 this morning. A bit overcast but fairly mild. Turned off the Princes Highway at Pakenham and made our way to the Yarra Valley via Cockatoo and Yarra Glen. From there to Yea where we stopped for coffee and lunch. After a nice break we then turned towards Seymour and Shepparton, arriving in Tocumwal at 2:45pm. It's a pretty little town located on the NSW side of the Murray, which has plenty of water in it at the moment. The afternoon was warm and sunny and we really enjoyed a beer and a champagne sitting in the sun outside the caravan. A great start to the trip.

10 May - Alcatraz

Today Rosa and I went on an Alcatraz tour while the Hirs' caught up on some last minute shopping. Alcatraz is an island in San Francisco Bay which has been used as a fort, a military prison, and for some 30 years a federal prison which housed some of the most infamous inmates in US criminal history, including Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. The tour starts with a ferry ride to the island and from there on you can walk around alone, join a National Park ranger for a guided tour or take the self guided audio tour of the penitentiary.



This proved to be one of the most interesting days of our trip. Alcatraz has been immortalized in dozens of Hollywood movies including, "The Birdman of Alcatraz" and "The Rock", and it was great to actually be there and hear and see the reality. As a prison Alcatraz was shut down in the 1960's and today it is under the control of the National Park service and supported by lots of volunteers. Altogether a wonderful and informative day.
This will be the last blog for this trip. I've had lots of comments by email from all of you who have followed our adventures - thanks for that. Tomorrow is our last day. We check out of our hotel at noon, and we'll head out to the airport around 7pm. From then on its all endless queues, lots of security checks and an interminable flight home, but it's all worth it. We've had an unbelievable adventure and everything occurred just as we planned it.

9 May - San Francisco

Rode the famous cable car to Lombard St. San Francisco is very hilly and these world famous cable cars are hauled up the steep streets by cables under the street. The cable car runs right past our hotel and the ride provides a wonderful cross section of urban life. Lombard Street is known as the crookedest street in the world. It zigzags it's way down the side of a very steep hill.



From here we walked for another visit to Pier 39 on another world famous landmark - Fisherman's Wharf, where we spent some more time looking through an interesting array of shops and checking out a colony of 100 or so sea lions which have adopted the place since 1989. had dinner this evening in a nice Greek restaurant - Santorini. Tomorrow Rosa and I are booked on a tour of Alcatraz which was a very famous penitentiary. John and Sandra visited it on a previous trip and will be catching up on last minute shopping.

8 May - Mothers Day in San Francisco

Mother's Day and our first full day in San Francisco. Started with breakfast at Lori's Diner, an authentic 1950's diner across the road from our hotel. The girls were presented with a complimentary red carnation. After breakfast we boarded one of the famous San Francisco streetcars and headed of to Fisherman's Wharf. Lots of interesting shops, cafe's etc. and strolling around and soaking up the sights took up most of the day. Later in the afternoon we visited the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, one of only three remaining Liberty Ships. This ship took part in the Normandy Invasion in 1945 and has since been restored to full working order and is still used for short cruises around the San Francisco area. Here's John at the wheel of the old girl.






For dinner this evening we dined at a very historic and famous steakhouse.






John's Grill has been in business since 1908 and is a local landmark. I think it's fair to say our steaks were the best we had all experienced. Overall, San Francisco is one of my favorite cities in the world.

6 May - Grand Canyon and Las Vegas

John and I got up at 5 am this morning to get to the Grand Canyon before sunrise at about 5:30. The temperature was 34 F which is a couple of degrees above freezing. When we got to Canyon viewing point there were already a couple of hundred people there with their cameras at the ready. It was pretty special watching the sun come over the horizon and slowly paint the canyon with splashes of sunlight. Left to come back to the hotel at 06:00 to wake the girls and get ready for breakfast. We were on the road by 08:00 for the 5 hour drive back to Las Vegas. After dinner at the Paris Las Vegas (Pizza and soup) we strolled down the strip to the Mirage for our 09:30 show of The Beatles Love. The show was spectacular. The soundtrack which consists of digitally remastered Beatles recordings, including a lot of the chat and banter of the four Liverpool lads during recording sessions is breathtaking. It is impossible to describe how well the acrobatics and choreography have been integrated with the timelessness of the Beatles music. My only complaint - it wasn't long enough. After what seemed only an hour or so, the intro to Sgt Pepper kicked in ('we hoped that you enjoyed the show'). In fact an hour and three quarters had passed and it was the end, and the crowd left to the refrain of 'All you need is love'.
Tomorrow we catch a a 1:45 pm flight to San Francisco.

5 May - Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon

Left Las Vegas at 08:00 this morning for the 280 mile drive to the Grand Canyon. En route we took the opportunity to visit the Hoover Dam, one of the seven industrial wonders of the world. This magnificent structure together with the stark Arizona landscape made this a memorable visit.

After that, we were back on the road for the long drive to the Grand Canyon National Park. Nothing quite prepares you for the actual impact of this magnificent natural wonder. Today was a perfect day,and it was late afternoon when we got there with our cameras at the ready. We spent a couple of hours just snapping away as the light slowly faded away.



We'll be back before sunrise tomorrow to catch the first light on the canyon as it has done for millions of years.



After that we drive back to Las Vegas and the following day we fly to San Francisco.

3 May - Viva Las Vegas

Left Los Angeles this morning at 9:00 for our long drive to Las Vegas. After spending an hour on freeways and dealing with LA traffic we finally reached the outskirts of LA and the foothills of the San Bernardino mountains. Our road up the mountains took us to 4,000 ft above sea level. Once you reach the plateau the road crosses the Mojave desert. We reached the outskirts of Las Vegas by 2 pm and were well settled into the Paris hotel by 3 pm. Spent the rest of the afternoon walking down Las Vegas Boulevard which is an exercise in sensation overload. There is an amazing sight in whatever direction you look. We have all day tomorrow to explore further and then the day after we head off to the Grand Canyon.


This is a view of our hotel, the Paris Las Vegas.

2 May - Los Angeles

Our hotel in LA is on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. Across the road is a restaurant called the Saddle Ranch. Had dinner there last night and climbed on board (briefly) the mechanical bull, which all diners are invited to ride. John and I climbed on board and quickly got off before anyone had a chance to switch it on. Today we drove to Santa Monica and visited the famous pier there. From there to LA's latest shopping experience (The Grove) and after that we attempted to visit the actual location of the Hollywood sign. This involves navigating some of the narrowest windy roads we've every encountered and although we got quite close, in the end we decided gin and tonics back at the hotel would be more fun. This evening we dined at the Cabo Cantina, a little Mexican place just down the road.



Fantastic food but the sheer quantity and the size of the drinks overwhelmed us. Great fun. Tomorrow we drive to Las Vegas, a trip of some 280 miles.

1 May - Hello to Hollywood

We arrived in Los Angeles this morning as we slept. When we went to breakfast there it was. Getting us and our luggage off the ship and through immigration and customs involves the usual interminable queues but eventually by 10:00 we were in a taxi bound for our hotel in Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood. After settling in we immediately headed for Hollywood Boulevard visit the usual sights. Here if you look very closely you'll see the Hollywood Hills and the famous Hollywood sign in the background. Tomorrow we pick up a hire car for a look around Los Angeles and then for the big drive to Las Vegas. Looking back, the cruise was an unbelievable experience. The passage through the canal was an absolutely unique experience and the ports we visited were unforgettable. Still a fair bit to look forward to before we head back to Oz.

29 April - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

After leaving Acapulco we had a full day at sea, which is always relaxing. To give you some idea of our shipboard routine, we've generally followed the following. Breakfast in the Garden Cafe at 08:00 on port days and at 09:00 on sea days. Lunch at the Garden Cafe (buffet style) at 12:00 on sea days. Then John and I do our 3km walk in the gym every afternoon at around 5pm which gives us time to cool off and dress for dinner at 7pm in the Summer Palace which is decorated in the style of Czar Nicholas of Russia around the turn of the century - very opulent. After dinner we then have 30 minutes or so to get seated in the Stardust Theatre for the evening show at 9:00. Shows have include musical variety, standup comedy, magicians, a Beatles tribute band, a Franke Valle and the 4 Seasons tribute group and much much more. Today we arrive in the port of Cabo San Lucas in Mexico - our last port visit for the trip. We arrived at breakfast time and as there is no pier we had to be tendered to shore in the ship's boats. Cabo is an absolutely incredible holiday resort. Fantastic shopping, and great bars and restaurants. We had a great time and the only drawback was an early departure at 1:30 which is necessary to meet our Los Angeles ETA on Sunday at 08:00. Tomorrow is a sea day and the last day of the cruise which means we have to pack our suitcases again.

27 April - Acapulco, Mexico

What a day! When we hit the Garden Cafe for breakfast this morning at 08:00 we were docked in Acapulco. Acapulco is located on a huge bay surrounded by hills which are covered with luxury homes and resort hotels. The Pearl was berthed right in the middle of it and when we strolled ashore there was no problem finding someone to transport us and show us around. Our driver, Gustavo, showed us the town from various vantage points in his air conditioned van which we had to ourselves. Acapulco is famous for its cliff divers and we attended the 1 o'clock performance. About a dozen guys, and one girl climb directly up these sheer cliffs and then dive in various combinations from a great height. Very spectacular! Returned to the ship at 2:30 for a quick lunch and then John and I hit the town again to pick up some souvenirs, cigars and to have a couple of Mexican beers (Corona and Sol). A wonderful day in one of the most spectacular places on earth. The Pearl pulled out slightly ahead of time and our departure from Acapulco provided some of the best views as we sailed slowly past. Tomorrow we have a full day at sea.

26 April - Huatulco, Mexico

Had a sleep-in this morning with a 9:00 breakfast as we were not due to reach port until noon. Today's destination was Huatulco (the H is silent) in Mexico. John and I observed our arrival from the bridge viewing room and it's a pleasure to watch Captain Lars swing the ship around and reverse park it like a station wagon. An extra point of interest was provided by the Westerdam (Holland America Line) berthed on the other side of the pier. With two ships in at the same time the locals were having a great time selling jewellery, souvenirs and drinks. With the temperature at 35 C, we headed straight for a shady cantina for drinks. Corona's for John and I, a Pina Colada for Rosa and a Tequila Sunrise for Sandra. Later in the afternoon we watched the Westerdam depart before John and I hit the treadmills for our daily torture sessions. Halfway during our 3 km walk John realised we had actually departed and were headed out of the harbour. We've just returned from the Stardust Theatre where we watched Chip Romero, one of the best magician/comedians I've ever seen. Another great day. Tomorrow we arrive early in Acapulco.

25 April - Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

We arrived in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, this morning while we were still asleep. Once again we walked ashore and arranged our own tour to Antigua the capital city of Guatemala - about a one hour drive. As with the rest of central and South America the Spaniards colonized this part of the world in the 1600's and virtually everywhere you look there is a building of historical significance. Some are in ruins and a lot are being restored. We visited one hotel which is built around a ruined monastery and cathedral. The whole thing has been covered by a steel roof and it is very beautiful - apparently a very popular spot for weddings. Guatamala was and is the home of the Mayan people and the local jade was used for ornaments and burial masks by Mayan royalty. Unlike Chinese jade, Mayan jade is almost as hard as diamonds and comes in a large range of colors. We visited a jade factory and enjoyed viewing a range of stunning (and very expensive) replicas of the royal jade discovered by archaeologists over the centuries. Tried the local beer which was great and then it was time for the long trek down the mountain and back to the ship. We've just returned from the Stardust Theatre where we were treated to a performance by a Beatles tribute band (The Beatles Celebration) - they were so good it was uncanny. Tomorrow we berth at Huatalco, the first of our Mexican ports.

23 April - Puntarenes, Costa Rica

We docked at Puntarenes at 07:00 this morning while we were still asleep. After breakfast we walked into town. All the available tours go into the countryside and are quite long so we contented ourselves with a walk along the beach and the local art and craft market. We really enjoyed the locals here. Although they had artifacts and the usual tourist fare to sell, they were quite gentle and polite about it which is a nice change from some of the very pushy vendors we have met. Found a nice place to try the local beer which was excellent. Back on board for lunch. We sailed again just after 6 pm. A day at sea tomorrow.

21 April - Panama Canal Transit

Today was the day. We passed from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean via the Panama Canal. We arrived at the canal at dawn this morning. The surrounding waters are full of ships waiting their turn to transit the canal but we were able to sail right in and head for the first lock. It was incredible seeing huge ships, including ours, lifted in stages from sea level up to the level of Lake Gatun. Once in the lake it is a couple of hours before you reach the actual canal section which is quite narrow. The Norwegian Pearl is a Panamax ship, which means it is designed exactly to fit in the lock chambers. Once inside the lock, there is less than 1 m to spare on each side. Early in the afternoon we sailed under the Centennial Bridge which is one of the two road bridges to cross the canal. By mid afternoon, we reached the first of the locks on the Pacific side (Pedro Miguel) and a little later the final two locks (Milaflores) which lowered us back to sea level. Then finally we sailed under the Bridge of the Americas and into the Pacific Ocean. A great day and an incredible experience.

20 April - Cartegena, Colombia

After almost 3 days at sea we arrived in Cartegena, Columbia (South America) this morning while we were still asleep. Had a quick breakfast at 08:00 and then joined a 3 hour tour of the sights. The tours you can pick up once you leave the ship are much cheaper than the organized tours. Cartegena is a very historic city of around 1 million people and Victor Caballero our tour guide spent 3 hours showing us the sights. We also visited an emerald factory. Columbia is one of the main exporters of emeralds. A lot of Colombia can be quite lawless but Cartegena is considered a 'safe' destination - no guns are allowed and there seemed to be lots of police around to enforce this. The old city dates back to the 1620's and is completely surrounded by high walls which date back to a time when pirates were commonplace. The Pearl departed quite promptly at 3 pm and we are now headed directly for the Panama Canal and are due to commence our transit at around 7:30.

17 April - We are sailing

The big day has arrived - the start of the cruise. We checked out of the Shelbourne Hotel at around 10:30 and caught a taxi to the Port of Miami. From here you navigate the inevitable check-in and security arrangements and then all of a sudden, you're on board and having lunch. This afternoon was spent just finding our way around the ship. At around 4 pm, almost without noticing, the ship cast off and we were on our way. We sailed through Miami and past Miami Beach and right past our hotel. Our cabin is very nice and once the luggage arrived we quickly arranged our gear. It will be nice not living out of a suitcase for a couple of weeks. Tonight we attended our first show in the Starlight Theatre. There will be a show every night. The ship looks great with a huge variety of things to do as well as large range of dining choices. Looks like a great couple of weeks coming up.

16 April - Miami Beach

Had a relaxing day today. After breakfast we took a bus to downtown Miami. On the way in we passed the port area. There were 5 cruise ships in port ready for a departure later in the day. The girls spent some time shopping at Macy's and by mid afternoon we were ready to head back to the hotel. Also had a quick swim at the beach behind our hotel, the water was nice and warm. After an early dinner, and cigars and Heinekens by the pool it's time for bed. Tomorrow we will be boarding the Norwegian Pearl around noon before a 5 pm departure.

15 April - Florida Keys - Key Largo and Key West

Left Miami Beach this morning at about 8:20 for a long drive down the Florida Keys. If you look at a map of Florida, there is a long chain of some 800 islands called the Florida Keys. The furthest point in the Keys is Key West which is located only 90 miles from Cuba. The road connecting the main islands is some 800 miles long and crosses 48 bridges. The longest of these, and the longest bridge in the world is the Seven Mile Bridge. The whole area is the most spectacular sight of coastal villages with resorts and marinas. The various shades of blue and aquamarine of the water are unbelievable as is the number and variety of boats and watercraft. Eventually you reach Key West and once you pass the modern part of town you reach the original old village which dates back to the early 1800's. Incredible architecture and a great variety of shops, pubs and eating places. Once again the skies were clear and the air was warm and we had an absolutely fabulous time. We eventually got back to our hotel around 8:00 pm. What a day!