This posting is coming to you from New York City - mid - Manhattan to be more precise - arrived yesterday afternoon - got checked in to my room at the Vanderbilt Y and then headed out for some of my planned sightseeing - first stop was Grand Central Station where I had supper and the onto Rockefeller Square and then Times Square - as it was Halloween there are lots of crazies on the street - one thing that also occurred as it was the last Friday of the month was the Critical Mass bike ride through Manhattan and Times Square - the only difference between this one and Vancouver's is that here they obey the rules of the road and stop for traffic lights etc.
Then it was off to bed for a big day was planned tomorrow.
Now for today's events - well the best laid plans sometimes don't go as hoped - while eating breakfast one of my crowns in my fine dental display came loose while eating a bagel sandwich at McDonald's - as tomorrow is cruise day I want to try and get it fixed - fortunately I was able to save the tooth - asking at the desk didn't give me much hope as it is a Saturday in a downtown core - because it is still early I buy my one day pass for the bus and subways - $7.50 for unlimited local travel and get on the # 4 run up to Central Park mid-point - spend about an hour walking up the east side of the Park and then cross over to the other side and start heading down the West Side before heading over to Broadway in the hopes of finding a dental office in a more residential neighbourhood - did succeed in finding one but they were swamped and couldn't take me if I wanted - did suggest another place and while the neon sign said Open today the security guy says that they are definitely closed on weekends - I then grab the Subway #A and take it down to the Staten Island ferry which I take over and come right back - you get some great views of the Statute of Liberty - the Manhattan and New Jersey skylines - it is now one o'clock and I still haven't had lunch so I walk from the Ferry terminal to the South St seaport where I have lunch and try to connect to the free wi-fi there but couldn't get my settings to work - I have free Internet at the Y but for some reason it won't load certain URL's including Telus and Cruise critic.
After a lunch - yes I can still eat even with the extra space in the upper part of my mouth - I head for the Brooklyn Bridge which is a short distance away and start the walk across the bridge - it is very busy for the first half and most people are coming over from the other side which is considered the better way to walk the Bridge - you get the views coming at you rather than having to turn around - the weather is sunny with filtered sun so quite pleasant for the walk - taking lots of photos and video - after completing the walk I take the Subway train back to Grand Central station and walk the short distance back to the Y - I am tired and hot from all the running around and after spending a little time chilling out I head out to look for a place to have supper and to my surprise I see a walk in dental clinic that appears opened - I step in and explain my dilemma - they can take me so I quickly return to the Y and retrieve the tooth and within an hour it has been re cemented in place for only $75.00US - nothing hard to eat for a couple of hours - find a pizza and pasta place and have a bowl fill of spaghetti and the return back to the Y for the evening - still have some repacking to do but other than not being able to post to Cruise Critic am pretty much ready for the cruise tomorrow - one thing for tomorrow is whether to take a bus to the cruise ship terminal or taxi - the NYC Marathon is on tomorrow and while it doesn't come into this part of town it could cause some traffic problems in other areas of the city.
Cheers
D
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
In just over an hour I will be boarding the bus and the trip down I-5 to Seattle to board the train.
Jim - bless his kind soul - is giving up a hour of his sleep to drive me to the train station - it's on his way to work so it isn't taking him out of his way - will grab a quick bite to eat at the Station since we don't get any stops for food etc on the way down - have packed some Pringles to help with the hunger pains - if I have enough time before boarding the train I will pick up some beer to drink on the train in my sleeper.
As for luggage - it my big new suitcase which is about 3/4ths fill - all the clothes needed for the cruise -I will have it send through on the train to NYC - a smaller overnight bag with clothes I need while on the train and a small day pack which will come in handy in the ports etc which has my cameras, laptop and other toys and there attachments.
More later
D
Jim - bless his kind soul - is giving up a hour of his sleep to drive me to the train station - it's on his way to work so it isn't taking him out of his way - will grab a quick bite to eat at the Station since we don't get any stops for food etc on the way down - have packed some Pringles to help with the hunger pains - if I have enough time before boarding the train I will pick up some beer to drink on the train in my sleeper.
As for luggage - it my big new suitcase which is about 3/4ths fill - all the clothes needed for the cruise -I will have it send through on the train to NYC - a smaller overnight bag with clothes I need while on the train and a small day pack which will come in handy in the ports etc which has my cameras, laptop and other toys and there attachments.
More later
D
Monday, October 27, 2008
In a little less than 24 hours I will be underway by bus to Seattle to pick up Amtrak's Empire Builder for the first leg of the train ride to Chicago and then onto Pittsburgh and NYC arriving there on Friday night Oct 31, 2008 - yes in time for Halloween - should be a site to see in Times Square.
Finished packing this morning and will have supper with Jim tonight and then tomorrow he will drive me to the train station - it's on his way to work - and I will be underway.
More later.
D
Finished packing this morning and will have supper with Jim tonight and then tomorrow he will drive me to the train station - it's on his way to work - and I will be underway.
More later.
D
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
I recently saw this posted about a person's pending retirement:
" When you are retired you never have a day off"
It seems that lately that is exactly the case with me - between working for Elections Canada on the federal election, trying to get everything in place before I leave for the trip to NYC and the Caribbean cruise, trying to arrange my brother's 60 th birthday party, enjoying the outdoors with short hikes and bike rides, playing and learning how to operate my newest toy, volunteering with one of the candidates in our local by-election as a scrutineer at the advance polls, trying to keep my fantasy hockey pool players in focus, trying to decide on some holiday plans for next year in light of the current financial challenges facing my pension plans - I am keeping busy.
In one week I board the Amtrak bus for the trip down I - 5 to connect with the Empire Builder to Chicago then on to NYC.
In NYC I hope to get a hold of Denise - one of my former Y workers who is currently attending acting school and working in the Big Apple.
The weather is nice again today so it will be out on the bike again shortly for a ride to somewhere fairly close by.
More later
D
" When you are retired you never have a day off"
It seems that lately that is exactly the case with me - between working for Elections Canada on the federal election, trying to get everything in place before I leave for the trip to NYC and the Caribbean cruise, trying to arrange my brother's 60 th birthday party, enjoying the outdoors with short hikes and bike rides, playing and learning how to operate my newest toy, volunteering with one of the candidates in our local by-election as a scrutineer at the advance polls, trying to keep my fantasy hockey pool players in focus, trying to decide on some holiday plans for next year in light of the current financial challenges facing my pension plans - I am keeping busy.
In one week I board the Amtrak bus for the trip down I - 5 to connect with the Empire Builder to Chicago then on to NYC.
In NYC I hope to get a hold of Denise - one of my former Y workers who is currently attending acting school and working in the Big Apple.
The weather is nice again today so it will be out on the bike again shortly for a ride to somewhere fairly close by.
More later
D
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Weekly update
Spend the weekend over at Yellowpoint Lodge doing some volunteer work with the Friends of YellowPoint - as work party co-ordinator I am responsible for trying to find 14 bodies 4 times a year for these work efforts - this one was a little tougher than it should have been - 4 people canceled 2 days before the event so I had to scramble to try and fill the quota - didn't quite make it so went over myself - had a good work crew - we cut some kindling - cleared some brush - put up some new trail sign posts - burnt some debris - drank some liquor and danced the night away.
Had the new Coastal Inspiration ferry both ways as I took the Tsawassen - Duke Point route as I had a passenger and that route was easier for the passenger - ouch have the ferry fares gotten high - $75.00 each way for the two of us.
Spend Monday late afternoon helping one of Jim's roommates get her student visa renewed at the border - it took a while and since she had been the country for a while they almost didn't renew her.
Wednesday I going to take Larry for his weekly lunch but he has already spent his comfort money on cigs and sushi so he didn't have any money for his Chinese meal - while I don't mind paying for him once a month lately he has been getting staff to take him out more frequently thus depleting this allowance that much faster.
Today I intend to get out on the bike for a short ride and then possibily to metro-town for lunch and some shopping - looking for some cruise shirts and shorts as the current ones are starting to show there age.
Tomorrow I will be going to the BC Lions game with my Y Connections match except that he hasn't returned my email to arrange for the ticket pick up.
More later
D
Had the new Coastal Inspiration ferry both ways as I took the Tsawassen - Duke Point route as I had a passenger and that route was easier for the passenger - ouch have the ferry fares gotten high - $75.00 each way for the two of us.
Spend Monday late afternoon helping one of Jim's roommates get her student visa renewed at the border - it took a while and since she had been the country for a while they almost didn't renew her.
Wednesday I going to take Larry for his weekly lunch but he has already spent his comfort money on cigs and sushi so he didn't have any money for his Chinese meal - while I don't mind paying for him once a month lately he has been getting staff to take him out more frequently thus depleting this allowance that much faster.
Today I intend to get out on the bike for a short ride and then possibily to metro-town for lunch and some shopping - looking for some cruise shirts and shorts as the current ones are starting to show there age.
Tomorrow I will be going to the BC Lions game with my Y Connections match except that he hasn't returned my email to arrange for the ticket pick up.
More later
D
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Got lots to talk about but only the point form details will be listed.
Weather has turned from summery to autumn like.
The work party situation seems to be in a constant state of flux - one minute I have enough - the next minute there are some more cancellations - I will be participating myself - will be heading over on the 12:45 ferry and have supper at the lodge on Friday night.
Attended my three hours training session for my deputy returning officer job on Oct 14, 2008.
Watch parts of both the US and Canadian leaders debates.
Dropped into the Y and made my annual contribution and also picked up two tickets for the football game on Oct 10 against Edmonton.
Met my new Y connections match - Peng - he will be joining me a the football game.
Stopped in at the Langara Y and picked up my new permanent honorary life membership card - the Y has finally joined the Class computer data base program - this will allow me to just scan my card at any Y in Canada that is on the program and have the card instantly accepted.
Will have to vote in the advance poll for the provincial by-election.
Will also miss Rosie's 80th birthday party in November because of the cruise.
Need to start planning Larry's 60 birthday party in Dec.
Will vote on Monday in the advance poll for the federal election as it is recommended that you not vote on election day if you are a DRO.
D
Weather has turned from summery to autumn like.
The work party situation seems to be in a constant state of flux - one minute I have enough - the next minute there are some more cancellations - I will be participating myself - will be heading over on the 12:45 ferry and have supper at the lodge on Friday night.
Attended my three hours training session for my deputy returning officer job on Oct 14, 2008.
Watch parts of both the US and Canadian leaders debates.
Dropped into the Y and made my annual contribution and also picked up two tickets for the football game on Oct 10 against Edmonton.
Met my new Y connections match - Peng - he will be joining me a the football game.
Stopped in at the Langara Y and picked up my new permanent honorary life membership card - the Y has finally joined the Class computer data base program - this will allow me to just scan my card at any Y in Canada that is on the program and have the card instantly accepted.
Will have to vote in the advance poll for the provincial by-election.
Will also miss Rosie's 80th birthday party in November because of the cruise.
Need to start planning Larry's 60 birthday party in Dec.
Will vote on Monday in the advance poll for the federal election as it is recommended that you not vote on election day if you are a DRO.
D
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Woke up to a beautiful Sunday morning here in the heart of the Okanagan Valley in Kelowna.
Yesterday was a good day - got up early and headed for the Myra trestles on the Kettle Valley rail trail - you might remember that many of the 18 odd trestles were burned or damaged in the 2003 fire that ravaged the area. Well they have finally been rebuilt and reopened to the public - I have cycled the 12 km of this mostly flat trail prior to the fire so wanted to return to see how the repair job was - they have done a magnificent job - well worth the time and money it took - the have also added info signs.
After having lunch I finally caught up with JIm and some of the others before heading out for a drive out Lakeshore Drive to the trail head for OK Mountain Park - on the way there I stopped at Cedar Creek Park where I meet up with Mark and Irwin from Calgary and advise them that it is 5PM meet at Jim's room for dinner instructions.
Jim has been working on finding us a place to eat - our first choice was a place called Cattle Country steak and seafood but they appear to no longer be in business - next it was Moxie's but they are too busy to take our large group. We get reservations at Milestones for 6:45PM which is located across the street from the hotel in the Orchard Park Mall - after a brief wait we are seated - I ordered a half chicken dinner with garlic potatoes and seasonal veggies - we are finished by 8:30PM and then head back to the hotel where a pool party will take place but first watch the finish of the BC Lions game and catch some scores on the Canucks game as well.
Been a few years since I was in a swimming pool - it is a smaller one - only 6' deep - so I enjoyed a couple of short wades and the into the hot tub before returning to my room.
Some of the younger ones are heading downtown to a caberet - will hear about that later today.
Today's plans include a possible bike ride along the Mission Creek greenway or a walk along the Lakeshore before heading back over the now toll free Coquihalla highway - I may stop at Kentucky-Allenye Park - the colors through there were nice on the way up and then when I get back it's hitting the phone to try and rescue the FOYP work party weekend - need to find 5 -7 bodies between now and Wednesday - sent out an SOS email to the President this morning seeking help in finding bodies. Looks like I will have to journey over myself but probably won't take the truck - it's just too expensive with the ferry fares to go over just for that reason and since I just spent a little cash this weekend and with the cruise upcoming up.
More later
D
Yesterday was a good day - got up early and headed for the Myra trestles on the Kettle Valley rail trail - you might remember that many of the 18 odd trestles were burned or damaged in the 2003 fire that ravaged the area. Well they have finally been rebuilt and reopened to the public - I have cycled the 12 km of this mostly flat trail prior to the fire so wanted to return to see how the repair job was - they have done a magnificent job - well worth the time and money it took - the have also added info signs.
After having lunch I finally caught up with JIm and some of the others before heading out for a drive out Lakeshore Drive to the trail head for OK Mountain Park - on the way there I stopped at Cedar Creek Park where I meet up with Mark and Irwin from Calgary and advise them that it is 5PM meet at Jim's room for dinner instructions.
Jim has been working on finding us a place to eat - our first choice was a place called Cattle Country steak and seafood but they appear to no longer be in business - next it was Moxie's but they are too busy to take our large group. We get reservations at Milestones for 6:45PM which is located across the street from the hotel in the Orchard Park Mall - after a brief wait we are seated - I ordered a half chicken dinner with garlic potatoes and seasonal veggies - we are finished by 8:30PM and then head back to the hotel where a pool party will take place but first watch the finish of the BC Lions game and catch some scores on the Canucks game as well.
Been a few years since I was in a swimming pool - it is a smaller one - only 6' deep - so I enjoyed a couple of short wades and the into the hot tub before returning to my room.
Some of the younger ones are heading downtown to a caberet - will hear about that later today.
Today's plans include a possible bike ride along the Mission Creek greenway or a walk along the Lakeshore before heading back over the now toll free Coquihalla highway - I may stop at Kentucky-Allenye Park - the colors through there were nice on the way up and then when I get back it's hitting the phone to try and rescue the FOYP work party weekend - need to find 5 -7 bodies between now and Wednesday - sent out an SOS email to the President this morning seeking help in finding bodies. Looks like I will have to journey over myself but probably won't take the truck - it's just too expensive with the ferry fares to go over just for that reason and since I just spent a little cash this weekend and with the cruise upcoming up.
More later
D
Friday, September 26, 2008
Posting tonight from Kelowna BC - I find out after I get here that the government just took the tolls off of the Coquihalla highway about an hour after I paid the $10.00 toll - well at least I can say that I was one of the last persons to pay the toll. I actually have never minded the toll - it is a faster and shorter route to the coast and if you didn't want to pay the toll you could always take the slower Fraser Canyon or Hope-Princeton routes.
I do wonder what will happen to the workers and what effect removing the tolls might have on the struggling Fraser Canyon communities - the Coquihalla has become the defacto Trans-Canada highway - Merritt has definately seen a boom - there is now a Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire and Boston Pizza in the country music town.
Staying at the Sandman hotel - Jim has booked 5 rooms for the bunch of us - check in was a breeze but it took me a while to get the internet up and running - they aren't using wireless but a cable feed - the cable was missing and I didn't think to bring my mine but the front desk finally found one and that took care of that.
FOYP's is turning out to be a real hassle - lost another participant today - need to find 6 people quickly - looks like I might need to attend myself.
Got my first payment from Elections Canada for the work done last week.
I will attend a training session next week to prepare me for being a DRO on election day - elections day starts at 6:00AM to at least 8:00PM - I will vote at an advance poll next week
I expect once the gang arrives around 10PM tonight things will get lively.
Tomorrow I hope to get out on the bike and do the Myra canyon section of the the TCT - KVR - did this part before the forest fires in 2003 that wiped out a number of tressles - they have been rebuilt and reopened earlier this summer.
The beer is starting to taste pretty good so if the typing gets a little bad you will know why.
I do wonder what will happen to the workers and what effect removing the tolls might have on the struggling Fraser Canyon communities - the Coquihalla has become the defacto Trans-Canada highway - Merritt has definately seen a boom - there is now a Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire and Boston Pizza in the country music town.
Staying at the Sandman hotel - Jim has booked 5 rooms for the bunch of us - check in was a breeze but it took me a while to get the internet up and running - they aren't using wireless but a cable feed - the cable was missing and I didn't think to bring my mine but the front desk finally found one and that took care of that.
FOYP's is turning out to be a real hassle - lost another participant today - need to find 6 people quickly - looks like I might need to attend myself.
Got my first payment from Elections Canada for the work done last week.
I will attend a training session next week to prepare me for being a DRO on election day - elections day starts at 6:00AM to at least 8:00PM - I will vote at an advance poll next week
I expect once the gang arrives around 10PM tonight things will get lively.
Tomorrow I hope to get out on the bike and do the Myra canyon section of the the TCT - KVR - did this part before the forest fires in 2003 that wiped out a number of tressles - they have been rebuilt and reopened earlier this summer.
The beer is starting to taste pretty good so if the typing gets a little bad you will know why.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Didn't do a lot today - biked down to Stanley Park - hit some of the trails and then into McDonald's for lunch.
Also finally brought up the last of the camping equipment from the truck and put it in the storage locker.
Finally got around to booking some excursions for the upcoming cruise.
Stopped by the clinic to see about a note so that I can process my physio claim but I need to see a doctor and get a new note and there was a 45 minute wait so I will go earlier in the day when it isn't so busy.
Jim has finally gotten the hotel details for this weekend set so I know that I can head up on Friday - hope that there is no snow on the road.
Suppose to rain the next couple of days so might just stay inside and relax and do nothing.
Don't expect any work from Elections Canada this week - probably will get some calls for training for the advance polls etc next week.
Still wrestling with getting the last five people for the work party - will get serious on phone calls tomorrow.
Also finally brought up the last of the camping equipment from the truck and put it in the storage locker.
Finally got around to booking some excursions for the upcoming cruise.
Stopped by the clinic to see about a note so that I can process my physio claim but I need to see a doctor and get a new note and there was a 45 minute wait so I will go earlier in the day when it isn't so busy.
Jim has finally gotten the hotel details for this weekend set so I know that I can head up on Friday - hope that there is no snow on the road.
Suppose to rain the next couple of days so might just stay inside and relax and do nothing.
Don't expect any work from Elections Canada this week - probably will get some calls for training for the advance polls etc next week.
Still wrestling with getting the last five people for the work party - will get serious on phone calls tomorrow.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monday - the day has dawned brighter and with some sun - spending the morning working on this blog, straightening out my finances and editing the photos from the weekend cruise - also will be phoning some folks regarding the work party in two weeks time.
Need to stop in at the Doctor's office to pick up a note so that I can get reimbursed for the physio treatments.
Also need to start working on the fine details of the Dawn cruise - the only major item left to do in advance of the cruise is the booking of some excursions.
Also don't know if I will get a phone call from Elections Canada - don't think there is much to do until later in the week when the training for the Advance poll will take place.
Almost time to pick up the mail, have lunch, head for the health club and perhaps a walk if the weather holds.
More later
Need to stop in at the Doctor's office to pick up a note so that I can get reimbursed for the physio treatments.
Also need to start working on the fine details of the Dawn cruise - the only major item left to do in advance of the cruise is the booking of some excursions.
Also don't know if I will get a phone call from Elections Canada - don't think there is much to do until later in the week when the training for the Advance poll will take place.
Almost time to pick up the mail, have lunch, head for the health club and perhaps a walk if the weather holds.
More later
Report of a little excursion I took over the weekend.
It started a little after 6AM Saturday as I headed out of the condo and walked down Hornby St to Canada Place where I showed my cruise documents and then boarded a bus for Seattle with about a 45 minute stop at the border. Our bus was able to just show passports or ID and didn't have to go inside with luggage etc.
Arrive at Pier 66 Bell St Terminal and were greeted by a representative of NCL who directed us inside the terminal and into the US Immigration line where I was quickly processed and then up the stairs to the NCL check in - once again directed straight to a terminal agent who processed my cruise - produced my key card - then about a 30 minute wait for boarding - on the ship before noon - as our staterooms wouldn't be ready until 2PM I have the option of storing them in a secure room or keeping them with me - as it was only a small day pack I kept it with me.
Headed to the Garden Buffet for lunch - had one plateful of good food and then a burger and fries.
After lunch toured the ship before heading to the Bier Garten to meet up with some CC'ers for a sailaway drink - unfortunately it is raining so the outdoor BBQ is canceled.
Terry and his wife show up for a drink - I brought a bucket of beer - 6 for the price of 5 Bud's.
Then got to drop off my pack in my room - a balcony on the 9th deck - had another beer.
At 3:30PM the mandatory muster drill took place - for me the meet spot was the Aqua restaurant - some had to meet outside.
After the drill which takes about 20 minutes - returned the life jacket to my room - grabbed another beer and walked the ship - the beer was going down too well - around 5:30PM I decided to have supper in the Aqua restaurant - no wait - ordered a Caesar salad - a lamb dish and a chocolate laced dessert.
Had another beer with dinner - they are going down well.
The ship is very alive as it is a much younger crowd than I usually get on my longer cruises - a few employee groups - lots of single women having a gals night out - lots of beer being drank - probably more alcohol drank on this one nighter than some seven day cruises - well you can drink all you want because you don't have to drive home.
I passed on the show - Band on the Run - as I have seen it twice - finish off another beer and then head up to Spinnaker Lounge to catch the NCL White Hot Party - and boy was the dance floor fill and hopping - Crazy CD Paul B was whipping up the crowd to a dancing frenzy.
Spotted Terry and his wife at the Party.
In walking through the ship all the entertainment venues were busy and fill - from the 4 piece amigos band in the Grand atrium to the sound of the entertainer in Carousel nightclub to the soloist folk singer in the Gatsby lounge to another singer in the Red Lion - the place was a hopping.
Around 11PM the Casino opened and quickly filled - all the tables were busy - lots of young types taking in the poker games.
There also was some light snack food available which I indulged in.
In the course of the evening the other three ships in Seattle - the Oosterdam, Golden Princess and Millie all passed us as we slowly cruised the waters of the Strait of Juan De Fuca - looking at the onboard map it look like our course was west towards Port Angeles - then across into Canadian waters outside Victoria and a slow cruise up to Vancouver.
I turned in sometime after midnight and awoke the next morning in time to catch the ship sail under the Lions Gate Bridge - the weather is still dark and cloudy so the photos ops weren't too good - not to mention that I was feeling the effects of a 6 pack of beer. My bladder was reminding me of that.
The Star then slowly made its way to the east side of Canada Place - the Voldendam was on the west side - by 8 AM the ship was cleared for disembarking - I made my way down to the Java Cafe on deck 7 to wait for clearance and was off the ship and walking home by 8:30AM.
It was a good cruise, good ship, good crew.
The one night dinner and dance cruises are vastly different than your regular longer cruises - a much younger crowd but surprisingly not many young kids and teenagers - so I guess the parents on board left the kids at home or with sitters so that they could enjoy an evening to let there hair hang down.
Despite the inclement weather the pool and hot tubs were also busy.
Most people on the cruise were either from the Vancouver or Seattle areas although I did talk to some people from Portland.
Some of the Seattle folks where busing it back and some were going to spend some time in Vancouver and take Amtrak back later in the evening.
I will do another one of these next year - just got to decide between the Star or the Pearl and try and get some of the gang interested.
The rest of Sunday was spent taking it easy, watching some NFL football, grocery shopping and supper at the White Spot as I didn't feel like cooking up anything.
That's all for the cruise and how I spent my weekend.
It started a little after 6AM Saturday as I headed out of the condo and walked down Hornby St to Canada Place where I showed my cruise documents and then boarded a bus for Seattle with about a 45 minute stop at the border. Our bus was able to just show passports or ID and didn't have to go inside with luggage etc.
Arrive at Pier 66 Bell St Terminal and were greeted by a representative of NCL who directed us inside the terminal and into the US Immigration line where I was quickly processed and then up the stairs to the NCL check in - once again directed straight to a terminal agent who processed my cruise - produced my key card - then about a 30 minute wait for boarding - on the ship before noon - as our staterooms wouldn't be ready until 2PM I have the option of storing them in a secure room or keeping them with me - as it was only a small day pack I kept it with me.
Headed to the Garden Buffet for lunch - had one plateful of good food and then a burger and fries.
After lunch toured the ship before heading to the Bier Garten to meet up with some CC'ers for a sailaway drink - unfortunately it is raining so the outdoor BBQ is canceled.
Terry and his wife show up for a drink - I brought a bucket of beer - 6 for the price of 5 Bud's.
Then got to drop off my pack in my room - a balcony on the 9th deck - had another beer.
At 3:30PM the mandatory muster drill took place - for me the meet spot was the Aqua restaurant - some had to meet outside.
After the drill which takes about 20 minutes - returned the life jacket to my room - grabbed another beer and walked the ship - the beer was going down too well - around 5:30PM I decided to have supper in the Aqua restaurant - no wait - ordered a Caesar salad - a lamb dish and a chocolate laced dessert.
Had another beer with dinner - they are going down well.
The ship is very alive as it is a much younger crowd than I usually get on my longer cruises - a few employee groups - lots of single women having a gals night out - lots of beer being drank - probably more alcohol drank on this one nighter than some seven day cruises - well you can drink all you want because you don't have to drive home.
I passed on the show - Band on the Run - as I have seen it twice - finish off another beer and then head up to Spinnaker Lounge to catch the NCL White Hot Party - and boy was the dance floor fill and hopping - Crazy CD Paul B was whipping up the crowd to a dancing frenzy.
Spotted Terry and his wife at the Party.
In walking through the ship all the entertainment venues were busy and fill - from the 4 piece amigos band in the Grand atrium to the sound of the entertainer in Carousel nightclub to the soloist folk singer in the Gatsby lounge to another singer in the Red Lion - the place was a hopping.
Around 11PM the Casino opened and quickly filled - all the tables were busy - lots of young types taking in the poker games.
There also was some light snack food available which I indulged in.
In the course of the evening the other three ships in Seattle - the Oosterdam, Golden Princess and Millie all passed us as we slowly cruised the waters of the Strait of Juan De Fuca - looking at the onboard map it look like our course was west towards Port Angeles - then across into Canadian waters outside Victoria and a slow cruise up to Vancouver.
I turned in sometime after midnight and awoke the next morning in time to catch the ship sail under the Lions Gate Bridge - the weather is still dark and cloudy so the photos ops weren't too good - not to mention that I was feeling the effects of a 6 pack of beer. My bladder was reminding me of that.
The Star then slowly made its way to the east side of Canada Place - the Voldendam was on the west side - by 8 AM the ship was cleared for disembarking - I made my way down to the Java Cafe on deck 7 to wait for clearance and was off the ship and walking home by 8:30AM.
It was a good cruise, good ship, good crew.
The one night dinner and dance cruises are vastly different than your regular longer cruises - a much younger crowd but surprisingly not many young kids and teenagers - so I guess the parents on board left the kids at home or with sitters so that they could enjoy an evening to let there hair hang down.
Despite the inclement weather the pool and hot tubs were also busy.
Most people on the cruise were either from the Vancouver or Seattle areas although I did talk to some people from Portland.
Some of the Seattle folks where busing it back and some were going to spend some time in Vancouver and take Amtrak back later in the evening.
I will do another one of these next year - just got to decide between the Star or the Pearl and try and get some of the gang interested.
The rest of Sunday was spent taking it easy, watching some NFL football, grocery shopping and supper at the White Spot as I didn't feel like cooking up anything.
That's all for the cruise and how I spent my weekend.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Have gotten a little lazy and haven't posted for a couple of days but there are a few things to report.
Some of the great folks on Cruise Critics are actually visiting this site to get a good look at me from my mug shot at the top of the page.
I will be doing a little bit of part time work over the next 3 weeks - I have signed on to work with Elections Canada in my riding - it is on call work - right now they have 93,000 voter registration cards to have the labels attached and mailed.
Later I will be working on the advance poll and then the entire election day which is Oct 14, 2008 here in Canada.
This will be a different experience for me as for the better part of the last 40 years I have usually worked for a political party which is volunteer vs this which is paid.
I probably will use the extra money for some extra excursions on the Dawn cruise.
Saturday I have to get up at 5:30 so I can get down to Canada Place to catch a bus to Seattle to catch the Norwegian Star for an overnight cruise to back to Vancouver.
I have been getting out on the new bike - starting to really enjoy it - especially not having any pain after riding - stopped into the physio's office to report my progress and told him about the new bike and better riding as he stated that a lot of people end up needing physio after bike riding.
Also dropped off my supporting documents for the insurance claim for the bike.
Will need to phone a few people re the FOYP work party - would like to have a full crew in place by mid-week at the latest as I will be heading up to Kelowna next week with Jim, Bruce and a bunch of others for a fall let's get out of town party.
Also need to get in touch with my financial planner to see if she recommends any changes to my portfolio in light of the stock market performance the last little while.
That's it for now
Dennis
Some of the great folks on Cruise Critics are actually visiting this site to get a good look at me from my mug shot at the top of the page.
I will be doing a little bit of part time work over the next 3 weeks - I have signed on to work with Elections Canada in my riding - it is on call work - right now they have 93,000 voter registration cards to have the labels attached and mailed.
Later I will be working on the advance poll and then the entire election day which is Oct 14, 2008 here in Canada.
This will be a different experience for me as for the better part of the last 40 years I have usually worked for a political party which is volunteer vs this which is paid.
I probably will use the extra money for some extra excursions on the Dawn cruise.
Saturday I have to get up at 5:30 so I can get down to Canada Place to catch a bus to Seattle to catch the Norwegian Star for an overnight cruise to back to Vancouver.
I have been getting out on the new bike - starting to really enjoy it - especially not having any pain after riding - stopped into the physio's office to report my progress and told him about the new bike and better riding as he stated that a lot of people end up needing physio after bike riding.
Also dropped off my supporting documents for the insurance claim for the bike.
Will need to phone a few people re the FOYP work party - would like to have a full crew in place by mid-week at the latest as I will be heading up to Kelowna next week with Jim, Bruce and a bunch of others for a fall let's get out of town party.
Also need to get in touch with my financial planner to see if she recommends any changes to my portfolio in light of the stock market performance the last little while.
That's it for now
Dennis
Monday, September 15, 2008
While the day didn't get off to a great start it finished up okay.
I waited until around noon to head over to pick up my new bike - across the Burrard St bridge only it wasn't ready and wouldn't be for at least three to four hours so I walked over to Granville Island after a short rest there grabbed the aqua ferry and headed home - checked the mail - was hoping for cheque for some of the physio but instead a letter saying I needed some more documentation so I will have to work on that tomorrow.
Got a phone call from one of the FOYPS who wants to do the work party.
Got an email from Marlene regarding my request for an upgrade - it will be about seventy $$$ to ugrade - give her the go ahead - receive a further email telling me the first woman was a twit and that the second one got even a lower price - it will only be $40.00 more - almost wonder if we shouldn't try a third agent and see if they get another even lower quote.
Heard from the insurance adjuster - just need to fax/email him some of the quotes etc and a cheque will be issued.
It's now 3PM and head back over to get the bike - it is almost ready - just needed the rear rack mounted but the bag I brought wouldn't fit so I had to take another set of panniers.
By 4PM I have the bike on the road - do the False Creek loop - the bike is lighter and handles well and the change we made to the stem seems to be good as I didn't experience the pain that I did in the practice ride.
By 5PM I am home after the bike ride and it almost time for supper - I have another email from a FOYP volunteer so I am now at 9 - need 14 so only five to go and there a some people who had previously indicated they wanted to attend that I will phone.
About the only two things left regarding the NYC cruise is packing and excursions - the former won't start until about a week before but I do intend to book some of the more popular excursions before they completely fill up.
More later.
I waited until around noon to head over to pick up my new bike - across the Burrard St bridge only it wasn't ready and wouldn't be for at least three to four hours so I walked over to Granville Island after a short rest there grabbed the aqua ferry and headed home - checked the mail - was hoping for cheque for some of the physio but instead a letter saying I needed some more documentation so I will have to work on that tomorrow.
Got a phone call from one of the FOYPS who wants to do the work party.
Got an email from Marlene regarding my request for an upgrade - it will be about seventy $$$ to ugrade - give her the go ahead - receive a further email telling me the first woman was a twit and that the second one got even a lower price - it will only be $40.00 more - almost wonder if we shouldn't try a third agent and see if they get another even lower quote.
Heard from the insurance adjuster - just need to fax/email him some of the quotes etc and a cheque will be issued.
It's now 3PM and head back over to get the bike - it is almost ready - just needed the rear rack mounted but the bag I brought wouldn't fit so I had to take another set of panniers.
By 4PM I have the bike on the road - do the False Creek loop - the bike is lighter and handles well and the change we made to the stem seems to be good as I didn't experience the pain that I did in the practice ride.
By 5PM I am home after the bike ride and it almost time for supper - I have another email from a FOYP volunteer so I am now at 9 - need 14 so only five to go and there a some people who had previously indicated they wanted to attend that I will phone.
About the only two things left regarding the NYC cruise is packing and excursions - the former won't start until about a week before but I do intend to book some of the more popular excursions before they completely fill up.
More later.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Decided that I would go for the Kona bike as I am used to the brand so I walked across the Burrard St bridge - not hard to see why some people don't like sharing the sidewalk with the cyclists - can't blame them - especially the lycra clad types that don't know what 15KMH means - it's not a raceway guys it is a bike lane shared with human beings on foot.
After crossing the bridge made my way to Dizzy cycles - had hoped to get out on the bike but other than a spin in the neighbourhood to try out the bike that was all I had by 2:00PM - there is only one mechanic on duty on Sundays and I have a few bells and whistles to be installed - at best I will get it late this afternoon but probably tomorrow - also had to get the stem raised as I noticed soreness in my neck and shoulder on the trial ride. The actual $$ amount is actually a little less than I paid for my last bike so I was able to upgrade some of toys and still have a few bucks left over. I will also have a one year free service package on the bike. It felt good to ride but that was before the toys are being installed.
Couldn't wait for the adjuster to call but I don't anticipate any problems since the price is actually a little less than the replacement price on my policy.
Walked back over the Bridge and home in time for a late afternoon internet surfing session - found out through my cruising buddies that there has been a price decrease on my upcoming NYC cruise - usually after final payment they won't decrease the price but will sometimes upgrade the cabins - this is what appears to be happening to many of those friends so I have emailed my TA to see what might happen.
Almost time for supper.
Dennis
After crossing the bridge made my way to Dizzy cycles - had hoped to get out on the bike but other than a spin in the neighbourhood to try out the bike that was all I had by 2:00PM - there is only one mechanic on duty on Sundays and I have a few bells and whistles to be installed - at best I will get it late this afternoon but probably tomorrow - also had to get the stem raised as I noticed soreness in my neck and shoulder on the trial ride. The actual $$ amount is actually a little less than I paid for my last bike so I was able to upgrade some of toys and still have a few bucks left over. I will also have a one year free service package on the bike. It felt good to ride but that was before the toys are being installed.
Couldn't wait for the adjuster to call but I don't anticipate any problems since the price is actually a little less than the replacement price on my policy.
Walked back over the Bridge and home in time for a late afternoon internet surfing session - found out through my cruising buddies that there has been a price decrease on my upcoming NYC cruise - usually after final payment they won't decrease the price but will sometimes upgrade the cabins - this is what appears to be happening to many of those friends so I have emailed my TA to see what might happen.
Almost time for supper.
Dennis
Now that I have gotten yesterdays rant out of the way it is time to concentrate on Sunday's agenda.
I miss having a bike for those nice day rides so later today I will go and pick up a new bike - I will pay and then get the insurance money later. I can't wait any longer.
It is really a decision of which bike and shop to choose. I also will be getting a hybird style of bike - don't need the heavier mountain bike any more as the days of doing severed dick and urinary tract trails are over - don't want a road bike because it do like to ride some off road or gravel trails and wider paths. Both sales reps basically said the same thing - hybird is the way to go.
It is another sunny and hot one here in Vancouver - looks like the first half of the week is going to be dry and the second half more normal - next Saturday I head down to Seattle for a one day cruise back to Vancouver on the Norwegian Star.
May go to a memorial service on Friday - a long time Y member and retired Vancouver firefighter has passed away so I may attend the service.
Also need to stop and pick up some black ink for one of my printers - I have two printers and the cassettes are interchangeable .
You may have noticed I have changed the title of this blog and I may change it again to Dennis' Rant Blog - what do you think or do you really care.
That's all for now
Cheers
Dennis
I miss having a bike for those nice day rides so later today I will go and pick up a new bike - I will pay and then get the insurance money later. I can't wait any longer.
It is really a decision of which bike and shop to choose. I also will be getting a hybird style of bike - don't need the heavier mountain bike any more as the days of doing severed dick and urinary tract trails are over - don't want a road bike because it do like to ride some off road or gravel trails and wider paths. Both sales reps basically said the same thing - hybird is the way to go.
It is another sunny and hot one here in Vancouver - looks like the first half of the week is going to be dry and the second half more normal - next Saturday I head down to Seattle for a one day cruise back to Vancouver on the Norwegian Star.
May go to a memorial service on Friday - a long time Y member and retired Vancouver firefighter has passed away so I may attend the service.
Also need to stop and pick up some black ink for one of my printers - I have two printers and the cassettes are interchangeable .
You may have noticed I have changed the title of this blog and I may change it again to Dennis' Rant Blog - what do you think or do you really care.
That's all for now
Cheers
Dennis
Saturday was one of those days - everything was going perfectly until an event change the mood for the remainder of the day.
I got on the bike and rode over the Lions Gate Bridge stopping to take a number of pictures - then down under the bridge along the waterfront and into Lonsdale Quay where I had lunch - walked through the market and the adjacent new viewing area where the HMCS Regina was berthed - opted not to take a tour - then hopped the Sea Bus for the short ride across to Waterfront station - then its onto my fitness club for a steam, shower and shave. This is where things started to unravel - as I was leaving the club I couldn't find my access card - think it is inside the club somewhere but without the card I would have had to get security to let me in - this is only a concern if I go on a Saturday or early or late in the day - this is a minor inconvenience for what confronted me - I go back outside and my bike is nowhere to be found - I was sure that I had locked it up properly but there was the cable lock on the bike rack and no bike - did a quick check of the area but couldn't see anyone with a bike - it was a good bike - a Kona which was 6 years old but still in good condition - I have full insurance with no deductible so that isn't the worry - I also remembered to remove my camera and cell phone before going inside to the club - the only thing that I noticed was that when I locked my bike up there were no others in the rack - when I returned 20 minutes later and mine was gone there was another old clunker lcoked next to where my was suppose to be - the thought now occurs to me that perhaps someone took mine - locked up his and would return later to get his after selling mine for some dope money. The chances of it being recovered are slim although when I filed my police incident report on-line I was able to provide a serial #.
After doing the police report I contact my insurance provider who takes the details and will get an adjuster to call me on Monday - I then proceed to get a couple of quotes for the replacement - one for a Trek and one for a Kona - I can replace the bike and most of its toys and whistles for what I paid for my last one.
I lean towards the Kona - like the color better + I know the owner of the store + one of the personal trainers at the Y works there on Saturdays which I wasn't aware off - both provide one year service - The Trek shop is a block away - the Kona store is across the Burrard Street bridge.
The third event was another minor one - I usually eat at a White Spot on Saturdays and yesterday was no exception except for the shitty service + cold fries = our regular waiter is away in Ireland and the guy running the show is not a favorite - they also had about 4 new waiters on so that was one reason why things might have been sub-par.
The last item was my good friend Jim - once again he was too busy to have dinner with his best friend.
On a more positive note I did finally get the FOYP email done and had one couple respond to wanting to work on the work party.
I got on the bike and rode over the Lions Gate Bridge stopping to take a number of pictures - then down under the bridge along the waterfront and into Lonsdale Quay where I had lunch - walked through the market and the adjacent new viewing area where the HMCS Regina was berthed - opted not to take a tour - then hopped the Sea Bus for the short ride across to Waterfront station - then its onto my fitness club for a steam, shower and shave. This is where things started to unravel - as I was leaving the club I couldn't find my access card - think it is inside the club somewhere but without the card I would have had to get security to let me in - this is only a concern if I go on a Saturday or early or late in the day - this is a minor inconvenience for what confronted me - I go back outside and my bike is nowhere to be found - I was sure that I had locked it up properly but there was the cable lock on the bike rack and no bike - did a quick check of the area but couldn't see anyone with a bike - it was a good bike - a Kona which was 6 years old but still in good condition - I have full insurance with no deductible so that isn't the worry - I also remembered to remove my camera and cell phone before going inside to the club - the only thing that I noticed was that when I locked my bike up there were no others in the rack - when I returned 20 minutes later and mine was gone there was another old clunker lcoked next to where my was suppose to be - the thought now occurs to me that perhaps someone took mine - locked up his and would return later to get his after selling mine for some dope money. The chances of it being recovered are slim although when I filed my police incident report on-line I was able to provide a serial #.
After doing the police report I contact my insurance provider who takes the details and will get an adjuster to call me on Monday - I then proceed to get a couple of quotes for the replacement - one for a Trek and one for a Kona - I can replace the bike and most of its toys and whistles for what I paid for my last one.
I lean towards the Kona - like the color better + I know the owner of the store + one of the personal trainers at the Y works there on Saturdays which I wasn't aware off - both provide one year service - The Trek shop is a block away - the Kona store is across the Burrard Street bridge.
The third event was another minor one - I usually eat at a White Spot on Saturdays and yesterday was no exception except for the shitty service + cold fries = our regular waiter is away in Ireland and the guy running the show is not a favorite - they also had about 4 new waiters on so that was one reason why things might have been sub-par.
The last item was my good friend Jim - once again he was too busy to have dinner with his best friend.
On a more positive note I did finally get the FOYP email done and had one couple respond to wanting to work on the work party.
Friday, September 12, 2008
After getting my weekly spending money from a bank machine I fired up the Mazda truck and then filled her up at 135.4 liter before heading out the Valley - ended up at Campbell Valley Regional Park - while I have hiked some of the trails in the park it has always been from the north entrance off of 16th Ave - this time I started from the south entrance off of 8th Ave and did a loop of the southern trails - a combination of mutli-use trails and narrower walking trails - took about 90 minutes to do - did take a number of photos - while the scenery isn't spectacular it is an interesting valley walk - there were a number of flowers in bloom and even took one picture of myself - yes the camera still works - then proceeded into New West and Walmart where I had lunch, did some grocery shopping and look to see if there were any buys on Hawaiian shirts - need to replenish my supply before the cruise in November - nothing there that I liked.
Tonight I am going to take it easy - watch some TV and perhaps meet up with Jim for a coffee later.
Tomorrow morning I will send you the emails to the FOYP's for the work party.
Time to upload the photos.
Cheers
Dennis
Tonight I am going to take it easy - watch some TV and perhaps meet up with Jim for a coffee later.
Tomorrow morning I will send you the emails to the FOYP's for the work party.
Time to upload the photos.
Cheers
Dennis
Thursday, September 11, 2008
It has been a good day so far - after doing my usual morning Internet surfing etc I got out on the bike - I wasn't sure exactly where I was headed except that it would be over the Burrard Bridge and after crossing the bridge I headed for Kits Point and then along Point Grey road to Bayswater which is a newer addition to the City's network of bike routes on quieter residential streets - after 16th I continued to head southerly and finally up onto the Cypress Bike route - but I was feeling fine and adventurous so I climbed gradually up into Shaunnessy and then followed Angus across Granville and then over across Oak and Cambie to the Ontario bike path which I took downhill all the way to Science World where I had lunch at McDonald's - then False Creek north home - it was a ride of 24.9 km and I don't seem to have any stiffness in my neck or shoulder - some in the lower back but that seems to be normal - did I mention that the weather is gorgeous - sunny with a cooling breeze near the water.
I also got a call from the Y about meeting up with my immigrant as part of their Y connections program - he is Chinese - studying English and hopes to get a job as a mechanical Engineer which is what he is trained for.
Going for a short walk along Davie and then home for supper.
Cheers
Dennis
I also got a call from the Y about meeting up with my immigrant as part of their Y connections program - he is Chinese - studying English and hopes to get a job as a mechanical Engineer which is what he is trained for.
Going for a short walk along Davie and then home for supper.
Cheers
Dennis
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Another beautiful sunny and warm day here on the west coast of Canada - don't normally do a lot on Wednesdays as it is the day of the week that I take my brother - who has a long term illness and can't go out by himself out for our weekly lunch and chat.
Still working on some of the plans for the Nov. '08 cruise and spend a fair amount of time on the cruise critic site watching the happenings there.
Tomorrow I intend to get out on the bike - not sure where so will just play it by ear - also need to do a laundry - usually like to wait for a cooler and wetter day but there isn't one in the forecast for at least a week.
That's all for today.
Still working on some of the plans for the Nov. '08 cruise and spend a fair amount of time on the cruise critic site watching the happenings there.
Tomorrow I intend to get out on the bike - not sure where so will just play it by ear - also need to do a laundry - usually like to wait for a cooler and wetter day but there isn't one in the forecast for at least a week.
That's all for today.
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