THE ONBOARD THE NORWEGIAN DAWN CARIBBEAN REPOSITIONING CRUISE OCTOBER 28 FROM NEW YORK CITY TO NOVEMBER 11, 2007 WHEN WE DOCK AT MIAMI FLORIDA.
OCT 28, ONCE THE TAXI DRIVER WHO CLAIMS TO BE FROM NEW YORK FIGURES OUT WHERE THE MANHATTAN CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL IS AFTER I GIVE HIM A MAP I PAY THE FARE AND PROCEED INTO THE TERMINAL BUILDING.
THERE ARE THREE NORWEGIAN SHIPS IN PORT TODAY, THE SMALLER CROWN, THE SPIRIT AND THE DAWN.
I AM GREETED BY AN NCL STAFFER AT THE LATITUDES CHECKIN WHO IS HANDING EVERYONE A SHEET REGARDING THE RECENT OUTBREAK OF THE NOROVIRUS ON THE SHIP -IF I DON’T WANT TO SAIL A FULL REFUND.
I FIND A SEAT IN THE LATITUDES AREA AND SHORTLY AFTER SPOT SOMEONE WHO I THINK IS PART OF THE WHO HAVE POSTING FOR OVER A YEAR AND WHOSE PHOTOS WE CRUISE CRITIC GROUP HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SEE THROUGH WEBSHOTS.
I ASK - ARE YOU JESSE - YES AND AMY IS NEXT TO HIM - SHORTLY SEVERAL OTHERS RECOGNIZE EACH OTHER AND THE START OF A GREAT CRUISE IS UPON ME.
EMBARKATION WAS A LITTLE SLOWER THAN USUAL - THE BOARDING STARTED LATE BECAUSE THE SHIP IS BEING SANITIZED AND SECURITY IS A LOT MORE TIGHTER THAN ON MY WEST COAST CRUISES.
FINALLY AROUND ONE O’CLOCK I AM ON BOARD BUT THERE IS AN OTHER SURPRISE IN STORE FOR US - NO ACCESS TO OUR STATEROOMS UNTIL 3PM BECAUSE OF THE EXTRA CLEANING - NORMALLY THIS WOULDN’T BE A PROBLEM BUT I WAS BREAKING IN A NEW PAIR OF SHOES AND MY FEET WERE FEELING THE EFFECT OF THE MORNING WALK IN CENTRAL PARK AND THE STANDING AROUND THE TERMINAL.
I GRAB A QUICK BITE TO EAT AT THE GARDEN CAFÉ ( BUFFET) AND THEN PROCEED TO START TAKING LOT’S OF PICTURES OF THE NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY LANDSCAPE.
I HEAD UP TO THE BIMINI’S BAR ON DECK 14 WHERE WORD HAS IT THAT AN INFORMAL CC SAILAWAY DRINK WOULD TAKE PLACE.
JOHN AND CYNTHIA FROM DENVER WERE THERE AND JOHN WAS KIND ENOUGH TO BUY ME A BEER - SEVERAL OTHERS INCLUDING CINDY AND LEO FROM MASS. SHOW UP.
THE FINALLY GET AN ANNOUNCEMENT THAT WE WILL BE SAILING IN ABOUT 30 MINUTES OR 5:15PM AND WOULD PASS THE STATUTE OF LIBERTY ABOUT 35 MINUTES AFTER THAT. SUNSET IS 5:55 AND THE SUNLIGHT WOULD BE BEHIND US AS WE SAILED BY THE OLD GAL.
BUT FIRST THERE IS THE MANDATORY LIFE JACKET DRILL - INSIDE IN ONE OF THE RESTAURANTS INSTEAD OF OUT ON THE DECK.
AFTER THE DRILL I HAVE A SAILAWAY BURGER UP ON THE DECK.
WHILE THE WEATHER WAS SUNNY THERE IS A BRISK COLD WIND BLOWING.
FINALLY THE SHIP STARTS TO BACK OUT OF THE PIER - TURN AROUND AND HEAD DOWN THE HUDSON RIVER - THE OTHER CONCERN THAT I HAVE IS THAT MY CAMCORDER BATTERY IS JUST ABOUT DEAD - COULDN’T RECHARGE BECAUSE WHILE I HAD ACCESS TO MY ROOM MY LUGGAGE DIDN’T ARRIVE UNTIL AROUND 6:30PM WHICH IS WHERE MY CABLES ARE.
AS THE SHIP STARTED OUT OF THE PIER THE JOCKEYING FOR THE BEST PHOTO SHOTS STARTED WITH MANY PEOPLE JOSTLING OTHERS FOR THAT PERFECT PICTURE LOCATION..
BECAUSE OF THE LATEST OF THE HOUR I WAS ABLE TO GET SOME FAIRLY GOOD SHOTS - THE CAM CORDER BATTERY DID RUN OUT BUT I WAS ABLE TO TAKE SOME STILLS WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE THE BEST ALBEIT WITH A LOWER RESOLUTION.
SPEND THE EVENING WANDERING THE SHIP, DOWNLOADING AND EDITING ALL MY PHOTOS AND SOME VIDEO OF THE DAYS EVENT.
TOOK IN THE START OF THE BON VOYAGE PARTY IN SPINNAKER LOUNGE BUT THERE WEREN’T A LOT OF PEOPLE THERE.
ONE LAST WALK THROUGH THE CASINO AND IT WAS BACK TO THE CABIN AND TO BED.
WAS UP A COUPLE OF TIMES FOR A TOILET BREAK AND FINALLY AROUND 6:30 AM ON MONDAY MORNING I AWOKE FOR MY FIRST FULL DAY AT SEA.
NEXT UP BREAKFAST AND THEN THERE ARE A COUPLE OF EVENTS THAT I WILL ATTEND.
THERE IS A BRIEF LATITUDES RECEPTION WHERE THEY WILL EXPLAIN THE NEW CRUISE REWARDS PROGRAM
FINALLY AT 10:30 OUR LONG ANTICIPATED CC MEET AND GREET - WHILE OVER 100 PEOPLE HAVE POSTED AND INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD ATTEND HISTORY SHOWS THAT MANY DON’T - I HAVE PREDICTED 60 SO WE SHALL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE.
OFF TO BREAKFAST - MORE POSTS AND THOUGHTS LATER.
THE CC PARTY TURNED OUT TO BE A GREAT SUCCESS - HELD IN THE STAR BAR OON DECK 13 - 55 PEOPLE SHOWED UP - WHERE WE GREETED BY THE CAPTAIN WHO SAID A FEW WORDS AND THEN THE CRUISE DIRECTOR TOOK OVER - THERE WERE THREE DOOR PRIZED COURTESY OF NCL - NONE OF WHICH I WON.
SPECIAL THANKS WENT TO EDIE, AMY, JOHN, URSALA FOR THE WORK THAT THEY PUT INTO THIS EVENT - GREAT NAME TAGS FOR EVERYONE - COFFEE AND JUICE FOR ANYONE WANTING IT.
BEFORE I K NEW IT THE HOUR WAS OVER AND WE STARTED WANDERING OUR OWN WAY THROUGHOUT THE SHIP.
THE WEATHER REPORT SAID IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SUNNY WHEN IN FACT IT HAS BEEN MOSTLY CLOUDY - THE FURTHER SOUTH WE GO THE WARMER IT IS GETTING.
SPEND THE REST OF THE DAY DOING NOTHING - HAVE SUPPER IN THE AQUA FREESTYLE RESTAURANT AND AFTER SUPPER ADJOURN TO THE JAVA CAFÉ WHERE I MEET UP WITH BRIAN AND JOYCE FROM ENGLAND WHO GO BY THE HANDLE - ANCIENT MARINERS ON CC.
WE LISTEN TO A GET TRIO DOING A GOOD VARIETY OF SONGS.
I SAY GTOODBYE TO BRIAN AND JOYCE AND THEN HEAD UP TO SPINNAKER LOUNGE FOR A BIG BAND TRIBUTE WHICH WAS TOO SLOW FOR ME BUT I AM WAITING FOR THE “NEW YEAR’S PARTY TO START - I PURCHASE A BUCKET OF BEER - 6 FOR THE PRICE OF FIVE - JUST HAVE TO REMEMBER NOT TO DRINK ALL OF THEM IN ONE SITTING.
TURN IN ABOUT MIDNIGHT.
WHILE THERE SEA IS ROUGH - I THINK WE ARE GETTING THE REMMANTS OF A TROPICAL DEPRESSION THAT HAS BEEN IN THE AREA THE ROCKING OF THE BOAT HASN’T BEEN TOO GREAT.
DAY TWO TUESDAY OCTOBER 30, 2007
HAD A GOOD 7 HOUR SLEEP AM ARE POSTING THIS JUST PRIOR TO HEADING UP FOR BREAKFAST.
IT IS WARM - UPPER 70’S SO THE SHORTS ARE COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET.
DON’T HAVE MUCH PLANNED THIS MORNING - PERHAPS A WORKOUT IN THE GYM BUT THERE A SEVERAL THINGS HAPPENING THIS AFTERNOON THAT INTEREST ME.
MORE LATER.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Live from Central Park in NYC
Isn't modern technology great - here I am sitting by the Chess and Checkers visitor's center in Central Park posting - In my research for free wi-fi I knew that it was available in the Park but I couldn't find a live spot - after touring around the southern third of the park - or from the southern entrance up to the great lawn and back as I was short cutting by this area I noticed another person with their laptop and lo and behold he confirmed that it was a hot spot - so you are now getting this report.
The park is vary interesting - saw the great lawn, Belvedere Castle, the large lake, the bridge, boathouse, fountain, Dakota House - etc - while Central Park is large it is actually smaller than Stanley Park in Vancouver - but Central Park is much more developed and Stanley Park is mostly natural terrain while Central Park has been created. The views from Sheep Meadow were awesome.
I am tired - my feet are aching and my back is sore from carrying around the cameras and the laptop so for this after noon so for this afternoon I am going to head back to the Y - drop off some of the excess weight and then head for Penn Station to check on my train tickets for the ride up to Boston and then if the timing is right the 75 minute harbour cruise.
One thing I have managed to master is the crossing of the streets - unlike in Vancouver the people here actually look out for traffic when crossing the street on a red light.
Time for lunch and then off to Penn Station and tickets for the trip to Boston.
Cheers
Dennis
The park is vary interesting - saw the great lawn, Belvedere Castle, the large lake, the bridge, boathouse, fountain, Dakota House - etc - while Central Park is large it is actually smaller than Stanley Park in Vancouver - but Central Park is much more developed and Stanley Park is mostly natural terrain while Central Park has been created. The views from Sheep Meadow were awesome.
I am tired - my feet are aching and my back is sore from carrying around the cameras and the laptop so for this after noon so for this afternoon I am going to head back to the Y - drop off some of the excess weight and then head for Penn Station to check on my train tickets for the ride up to Boston and then if the timing is right the 75 minute harbour cruise.
One thing I have managed to master is the crossing of the streets - unlike in Vancouver the people here actually look out for traffic when crossing the street on a red light.
Time for lunch and then off to Penn Station and tickets for the trip to Boston.
Cheers
Dennis
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Day One Thursday October 18, 2007
Jim picked me up a little after 11AM for the short drive to Pacific Central station where the bus left on time at 12 noon for the trip to Seattle - there was only one bus ahead of us at the border so it didn’t take long for us to clear customs.
We made good time traveling down the I-5 corridor - there were some fall colors south of Bellingham but not a lot. The traffic was actually not bad - we were slowed down a little as we approached Seattle - mostly rush hour delays - we arrived in Seattle a few minutes early and about ten minutes later we able to board the train - The train left on time at 4:45PM - I was soon greeted by the dining room steward asking for my preferred dining time - I took the early sitting at 5:30PM - a small bottle of Champagne was offered to the adults on board for the departure.
My room steward name is Chris - a youngish person who is just finishing his third year with Amtrak.
For supper I was seated with three other singles - all females - the oldest was 85 and the others about my age.
I choose the roast chicken from the menu along with mashed potatoes and corn - you also get a salad and bread along with your choice of a beverage and dessert - just let say that my dessert was a little decadent.
We had been making pretty good time but are now stopped east of Everett because a tree has toppled some wires used for communications and there is also a freight train ahead of us so we are going to be late into Spokane where the train meets up with the other one coming from Portland - In Spokane we pick up the lounge card - so right now it’s basically your sleeper to hang out in.
I had hoped to pick up some beer in Spokane but that won’t happen now as I will be too late for the liquor store so my next best opportunity for that will be Havre, Montana tomorrow afternoon.
After supper we were treated to some freshly baked cookies - I took only two and they tasted fine.
--30--
We finally got underway after a two hour delay because of downed power lines - I was tired so I turned in shortly thereafter.
DAY 2 FRIDAY OCT 19, 2007
Didn’t sleep all that well - woke up several times but some how I don’t feel too tired.
Breakfast call started at 6:30PM - I waited til about 7 and then had an omelete with hash brown, sausages and a bun - the bun was the best part of the meal.
The fall colors are great this morning as we work our way into Whitefish Montana - one thing about being late is that we are going to be able to do Glacier Park in the daylight - however it is also cloudy and wet so I don’t know what views I will be able to see - why I am typing this entry Chris - our room steward brings us a morning paper - I have ordered a diet Pepsi from him as well. We have a 20 minute break in Whitefish so it was nice to be able to get off the train and walk around and get some fresh air. There was also internet but I didn’t connect in time before the train left the station.
If the weather starts to clear as we go over the pass I may head for the lounge car where the views will be better but I am on the Park side of the train.
Had lunch - there Angus beef burger is great - while at lunch was invited to join a wine and cheese tasting event later that afternoon - I got to sample two whites and two reds and white and orange cheeses -the session was finished off with a little trivia contest - didn’t win one of the free bottles of wine.
During our stop in Havre I had enough time to run across the street to a pub and pick up a 6 pak of Pabst Blue ribbon for $5.75 .
Started in on the beer and had two under my belt by supper time - supper special was a beef pot pie and it was delicious - lot’s of veggies and beef - fairly thick crust - came with a salad, mashed potatoes and green beans. I had ice crème for dessert.
After dinner returned to my sleeper and had another beer which probably explains why I had a gut ache during the night and why I didn’t sleep all that well. We are making no progress on getting back on time but the good news is that we haven’t fallen any further behind.
DAY 3 Saturday Oct 20, 2007
Awoke from a bad sleep around 6:30 AM - it is going to be a sunny day. Once again breakfast was a disappointment - asked for French toast but was sold out so choose a couple of scrambled eggs - my attempt at them at home provides a better result - well at lest the scenery is impressive - we have started to pick up the Mississippi River and there is a great display of fall colors along the river bank. Arrived in St Paul around 10AM - short break and the some more great colors along the river. Just finished lunch - today I had a small pepperoni pizza - it was a good choice.
As I type this post I am about 4.5 hours out of Chicago - while being late for me won’t affect my next train because it doesn’t leave until 10PM tonight - won’t be able to see to many of the Chicago sights as it will be getting dark when I arrive - there are restaurants and bars in the station as well as internet access where I hope to be able to upload these thoughts to my blog.
Have arrive in Chicago and are using the services of the first class lounge.
Cheers
Dennis
Jim picked me up a little after 11AM for the short drive to Pacific Central station where the bus left on time at 12 noon for the trip to Seattle - there was only one bus ahead of us at the border so it didn’t take long for us to clear customs.
We made good time traveling down the I-5 corridor - there were some fall colors south of Bellingham but not a lot. The traffic was actually not bad - we were slowed down a little as we approached Seattle - mostly rush hour delays - we arrived in Seattle a few minutes early and about ten minutes later we able to board the train - The train left on time at 4:45PM - I was soon greeted by the dining room steward asking for my preferred dining time - I took the early sitting at 5:30PM - a small bottle of Champagne was offered to the adults on board for the departure.
My room steward name is Chris - a youngish person who is just finishing his third year with Amtrak.
For supper I was seated with three other singles - all females - the oldest was 85 and the others about my age.
I choose the roast chicken from the menu along with mashed potatoes and corn - you also get a salad and bread along with your choice of a beverage and dessert - just let say that my dessert was a little decadent.
We had been making pretty good time but are now stopped east of Everett because a tree has toppled some wires used for communications and there is also a freight train ahead of us so we are going to be late into Spokane where the train meets up with the other one coming from Portland - In Spokane we pick up the lounge card - so right now it’s basically your sleeper to hang out in.
I had hoped to pick up some beer in Spokane but that won’t happen now as I will be too late for the liquor store so my next best opportunity for that will be Havre, Montana tomorrow afternoon.
After supper we were treated to some freshly baked cookies - I took only two and they tasted fine.
--30--
We finally got underway after a two hour delay because of downed power lines - I was tired so I turned in shortly thereafter.
DAY 2 FRIDAY OCT 19, 2007
Didn’t sleep all that well - woke up several times but some how I don’t feel too tired.
Breakfast call started at 6:30PM - I waited til about 7 and then had an omelete with hash brown, sausages and a bun - the bun was the best part of the meal.
The fall colors are great this morning as we work our way into Whitefish Montana - one thing about being late is that we are going to be able to do Glacier Park in the daylight - however it is also cloudy and wet so I don’t know what views I will be able to see - why I am typing this entry Chris - our room steward brings us a morning paper - I have ordered a diet Pepsi from him as well. We have a 20 minute break in Whitefish so it was nice to be able to get off the train and walk around and get some fresh air. There was also internet but I didn’t connect in time before the train left the station.
If the weather starts to clear as we go over the pass I may head for the lounge car where the views will be better but I am on the Park side of the train.
Had lunch - there Angus beef burger is great - while at lunch was invited to join a wine and cheese tasting event later that afternoon - I got to sample two whites and two reds and white and orange cheeses -the session was finished off with a little trivia contest - didn’t win one of the free bottles of wine.
During our stop in Havre I had enough time to run across the street to a pub and pick up a 6 pak of Pabst Blue ribbon for $5.75 .
Started in on the beer and had two under my belt by supper time - supper special was a beef pot pie and it was delicious - lot’s of veggies and beef - fairly thick crust - came with a salad, mashed potatoes and green beans. I had ice crème for dessert.
After dinner returned to my sleeper and had another beer which probably explains why I had a gut ache during the night and why I didn’t sleep all that well. We are making no progress on getting back on time but the good news is that we haven’t fallen any further behind.
DAY 3 Saturday Oct 20, 2007
Awoke from a bad sleep around 6:30 AM - it is going to be a sunny day. Once again breakfast was a disappointment - asked for French toast but was sold out so choose a couple of scrambled eggs - my attempt at them at home provides a better result - well at lest the scenery is impressive - we have started to pick up the Mississippi River and there is a great display of fall colors along the river bank. Arrived in St Paul around 10AM - short break and the some more great colors along the river. Just finished lunch - today I had a small pepperoni pizza - it was a good choice.
As I type this post I am about 4.5 hours out of Chicago - while being late for me won’t affect my next train because it doesn’t leave until 10PM tonight - won’t be able to see to many of the Chicago sights as it will be getting dark when I arrive - there are restaurants and bars in the station as well as internet access where I hope to be able to upload these thoughts to my blog.
Have arrive in Chicago and are using the services of the first class lounge.
Cheers
Dennis
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Well it's finally here - D-Day - I leave in an hour for the train station and by tonight will be heading eastward over Stevens Pass and then onward to Chicago where I will change trains for NYC.
I will put my next post up from Chicago.
So until then - happy trails to you until we meet again.
Cheers
Dennis
I will put my next post up from Chicago.
So until then - happy trails to you until we meet again.
Cheers
Dennis
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Well the big day is less than 24 hours away - I am all packed and ready to go - Jim will take me to the train station on his way to work tomorrow - then it's 4.5 hours on the bus to King St Station in Seattle and then directly onto the Empire builder for the trip across the northern states to Chicago - dinner will be served just after we get underway - the train must wait for the bus if it is a little late - if the bus gets stuck in real heavy traffic and isn't going to make Seattle on time then the bus will stop at Everett and we will board the train there - it heads north out of Seattle to Everett and then turns east and climbs up and over Stevens pass
The stress level is actually quite good - usually by now I would be more nervous than I am - another thing that I am happy with is the weather forecast for Chicago, NYC and Boston - all look very good with temps into the 70's and little or no rain in the forecast. I have stuffed an umbrella in the day pack but I think it will come out tonight when I rearranged a few items.
Looking forward to meeting up with the folks on the roll call for this cruise on www.cruisecritic.com - there are some 115 of us who have been posting on that site over the past year - we will have a meet and greet on the ship and about 60 of us are also going to have a dinner together in the Italian restaurant on the Norwegian Dawn.
The first chance I will have of posting will be from Union Station in Chicago - there is a first class lounge available - I can store my luggage there - it's scheduled to be a six hour stop over but will probably be more like four as Amtrak is usually late into most cities - in the lounge there is free internet service available or I will likely use my wi-fi - pop, coffee and donuts as well - Amtrak is trying to attract customers so they are starting to offer some amenities to there business class customers.
More later
Dennis
The stress level is actually quite good - usually by now I would be more nervous than I am - another thing that I am happy with is the weather forecast for Chicago, NYC and Boston - all look very good with temps into the 70's and little or no rain in the forecast. I have stuffed an umbrella in the day pack but I think it will come out tonight when I rearranged a few items.
Looking forward to meeting up with the folks on the roll call for this cruise on www.cruisecritic.com - there are some 115 of us who have been posting on that site over the past year - we will have a meet and greet on the ship and about 60 of us are also going to have a dinner together in the Italian restaurant on the Norwegian Dawn.
The first chance I will have of posting will be from Union Station in Chicago - there is a first class lounge available - I can store my luggage there - it's scheduled to be a six hour stop over but will probably be more like four as Amtrak is usually late into most cities - in the lounge there is free internet service available or I will likely use my wi-fi - pop, coffee and donuts as well - Amtrak is trying to attract customers so they are starting to offer some amenities to there business class customers.
More later
Dennis
Monday, October 15, 2007
Well only three more sleeps before I take off for my trip across the US to NYC etc and yes I am getting excited and perhaps a little nervous - have I packed everything - will the weather co-operate, will any hurricanes bother us in the Caribbean - have I planned the shore excursions properly.
As a baseball fan - time for congrats to the Colorado Rockies on winning the National League championship and trip to the world Series. Looks like the Indians are going to test the Red sox and possibly take them to the limit.
Just a short post tonight as it is getting close to bed time.
Cheers
Dennis
As a baseball fan - time for congrats to the Colorado Rockies on winning the National League championship and trip to the world Series. Looks like the Indians are going to test the Red sox and possibly take them to the limit.
Just a short post tonight as it is getting close to bed time.
Cheers
Dennis
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Gee how time flies - in one week's time I will be arriving in New York City and two week's today I board the Norwegian Dawn for the start of my long planned 14 day Caribbean cruise.
Yes I am starting to get excited and except for my electronic equipment like cameras etc I have the remainder of my packing finish - have my ride to the train station taken care of - just need to set up getting my mail box cleared once a week.
Weather is clearing off and another pleasant autumn day is in the forecast - drove out the Fraser Valley yesterday and did a short hike in Campbell River Regional Park before returning to the city and having a relaxing steam bath at my health club.
Today I will either hit the trails on the North Shore or bike around the False Creek seawall.
More comments later.
Yes I am starting to get excited and except for my electronic equipment like cameras etc I have the remainder of my packing finish - have my ride to the train station taken care of - just need to set up getting my mail box cleared once a week.
Weather is clearing off and another pleasant autumn day is in the forecast - drove out the Fraser Valley yesterday and did a short hike in Campbell River Regional Park before returning to the city and having a relaxing steam bath at my health club.
Today I will either hit the trails on the North Shore or bike around the False Creek seawall.
More comments later.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
I got some hoped for news today.
Looks like I will be having a good home cooked meal in Boston.
As I may have mentioned before Boston is the birthplace of my mother and where my grandparents were married - 100 years ago this week - so I have some relatives there - including two who are Catholic nuns - while the health of one of them is isn't good the other one is still very active and has invited me over for dinner and a chat - guess I will have to remember all my nice manners and to remember to say grace before I dig into the meal and to cross myself properly.
They have provided me with directions to the mother house - which is in Brighton - just how much time should I allow to get from downtown Boston out to Brighton by bus. It will be on a Friday evening - need to be there by 4PM.
Now I am starting to get excited - when my Mom and my godmother visited there a number of years ago they were treated royally my the nuns - that was a memorable trip as a hurricane came up the Atlantic coast through Boston and caused an excitable 75 year to go crazy with worry as plane travel etc was obviously disrupted. While born in Boston my Mom left before she was one and settled here in Vancouver - that was her only trip she ever made back to her birthplace in her nearly 93 years of life.
Time to start thinking about supper and then watching the Rockies - D'backs go at it - no doubt which team I want to win - Rockies starter Jeff Francis is from the Metro Vancouver area and is gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated current issue.
Cheers
Dennis
As I may have mentioned before Boston is the birthplace of my mother and where my grandparents were married - 100 years ago this week - so I have some relatives there - including two who are Catholic nuns - while the health of one of them is isn't good the other one is still very active and has invited me over for dinner and a chat - guess I will have to remember all my nice manners and to remember to say grace before I dig into the meal and to cross myself properly.
They have provided me with directions to the mother house - which is in Brighton - just how much time should I allow to get from downtown Boston out to Brighton by bus. It will be on a Friday evening - need to be there by 4PM.
Now I am starting to get excited - when my Mom and my godmother visited there a number of years ago they were treated royally my the nuns - that was a memorable trip as a hurricane came up the Atlantic coast through Boston and caused an excitable 75 year to go crazy with worry as plane travel etc was obviously disrupted. While born in Boston my Mom left before she was one and settled here in Vancouver - that was her only trip she ever made back to her birthplace in her nearly 93 years of life.
Time to start thinking about supper and then watching the Rockies - D'backs go at it - no doubt which team I want to win - Rockies starter Jeff Francis is from the Metro Vancouver area and is gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated current issue.
Cheers
Dennis
Thursday report
Morning report brought to you by the Urban Trekker live and direct from a ninth floor apartment overlooking downtown Vancouver.
A look out the window sees grey skies with a chance of both showers and sun today which has me trying to decide whether to head out on the bike for a short trip around False Creek or to just get in the car and head over across the bridge and join the old guys for coffee and chat.
Only a week to go before I depart Vancouver and start the trans-continental trip by Amtrak across the northern US states to NYC.
Will spend some time today trying to figure out what to do with my 6 hours in Chicago on a train change - there is a first class lounge that I can use - it has free internet and coffee, pop and donuts as well as a place to store my luggage between trains.
Must figure out how to get my images to fit nicely onto this blog .
More later
A look out the window sees grey skies with a chance of both showers and sun today which has me trying to decide whether to head out on the bike for a short trip around False Creek or to just get in the car and head over across the bridge and join the old guys for coffee and chat.
Only a week to go before I depart Vancouver and start the trans-continental trip by Amtrak across the northern US states to NYC.
Will spend some time today trying to figure out what to do with my 6 hours in Chicago on a train change - there is a first class lounge that I can use - it has free internet and coffee, pop and donuts as well as a place to store my luggage between trains.
Must figure out how to get my images to fit nicely onto this blog .
More later
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
The day started out wet but it has gradually cleared off and is quite pleasant at the time of this post and it looks like it is going to be nice for the next few days.
Well in two weeks time I will be in Boston after having ventured up from NYC. Looking forward to seeing Boston and meeting with up my cousins.
If the Red Sox advance to the World Series the first two games will be on while I am in Boston - no chance of getting any tickets the the atmosphere in the City should be something but first they have to beat the Indians.
Have one suitcase packed and are making arrangements to get a ride to the train station on departure day.
A little tooth problem that has bothered me for the past week has been fixed.
Don't forget to checkout my website at www.urbantrekker.com
More later
Cheers
Dennis
Well in two weeks time I will be in Boston after having ventured up from NYC. Looking forward to seeing Boston and meeting with up my cousins.
If the Red Sox advance to the World Series the first two games will be on while I am in Boston - no chance of getting any tickets the the atmosphere in the City should be something but first they have to beat the Indians.
Have one suitcase packed and are making arrangements to get a ride to the train station on departure day.
A little tooth problem that has bothered me for the past week has been fixed.
Don't forget to checkout my website at www.urbantrekker.com
More later
Cheers
Dennis
Monday, October 8, 2007
Today's events
Spent today driving up the Sea to Sky Highway corridor towards Whistler - it was meant to be a photo stop and short hike type of day and that is what it turned out to be - while it didn't clear off completely until later in the day I still enjoyed my stops at scenic Shannon Falls, the Stawamus Chief viewpoint, a hike around Brohm Lake and finally on the way back a stop at Porteau Cove for some ocean views
Highway 99 North as the Sea to Sky is officially designated is being totally rebuilt in time for the 2010 Olympics so the drive is slower than normal but that gives you more time to enjoy the drive - also being the Thanksgiving holiday weekend here in Canada there were no construction delays.
I will be posting some photos on my Picasa photo site later and will attempt to link to them from here.
Preparations continue for my trip and cruise - one more laundry late this week and the final packing will be done - it's the two digital cameras + the camcorder + the laptop + the batteries chargers and cables that are taking up the room in the suitcases.
Highway 99 North as the Sea to Sky is officially designated is being totally rebuilt in time for the 2010 Olympics so the drive is slower than normal but that gives you more time to enjoy the drive - also being the Thanksgiving holiday weekend here in Canada there were no construction delays.
I will be posting some photos on my Picasa photo site later and will attempt to link to them from here.
Preparations continue for my trip and cruise - one more laundry late this week and the final packing will be done - it's the two digital cameras + the camcorder + the laptop + the batteries chargers and cables that are taking up the room in the suitcases.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Introduction
Welcome to my my blog - the prime purpose of this electronic diary will be to share my travel experiences with others here on the world wide web.
In less than two weeks I will be boarding an Amtrak train and heading for a three day visit to New York City and then up to the city of my mothers' birth Boston where I will meet up with some cousins. After three days there I will return to NYC for one night before embarking on the Norwegian Dawn for a 14 Caribbean cruise where I will visit nine ports of call before disembarking in Miami - from there it is back on Amtrak for the return trip back to my hometown of Vancouver, Canada.
This trip which is my 60th birthday present to myself was more than a year in the planning and hopefully will be successful.
Return often for more details on this trip and you may also want to visit my web site at www.urbantrekker.com for more on what I have done with my life.
Cheers
Dennis
In less than two weeks I will be boarding an Amtrak train and heading for a three day visit to New York City and then up to the city of my mothers' birth Boston where I will meet up with some cousins. After three days there I will return to NYC for one night before embarking on the Norwegian Dawn for a 14 Caribbean cruise where I will visit nine ports of call before disembarking in Miami - from there it is back on Amtrak for the return trip back to my hometown of Vancouver, Canada.
This trip which is my 60th birthday present to myself was more than a year in the planning and hopefully will be successful.
Return often for more details on this trip and you may also want to visit my web site at www.urbantrekker.com for more on what I have done with my life.
Cheers
Dennis
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