23 October 2016. Quebec City Tour- Appalling Weather

Jeanette and Ken slept well on our first night on Regatta and despite the ship encountering continued non stop heavy rainfall and gale force winds on the transit of the St Lawrence from Montreal to Quebec City, Canada.   We berthed in Basin Louise and Vieux -Port.

Following a superb breakfast in the Grand Dining Room we went back to Suite 8004 to contemplate the plans for our visit to this beautiful city, given that our planned walking tour was cancelled.  So we left the ship to catch the shuttle into the old city and we were dropped outside the Catholic Cathedral in the Place d'Armes, which we entered and shared the peace during a service before departing the stunning building and then walking along the upper promenade whic overooks the usual cruising terminal.  We see the Carribean Princess and a Seaborne Yacht.  The wind was staggering and the wind chill factor was a significant issue for us despite our heavy clothing and rain gear and umbrellas.

So we waked around the spectacular Terrace Dufferin in front of Chateau Frontenac, the Place de lHotel de Ville and the spectacular Seminaire de Quebec.  This Le us to a longer walk around the stunning views from the citadel known as Vieux Quebec with the with the Corp of Guards  (du Corps de Garde and Parc du Cavalier du - Moulin all overlooking the St Lawrence River. These are all within the walled old City fortress.

Jeanette and I wanted to walk to and again take in the splendid sights from the Citadelleat the highest point above the walked Old city with its many cannons etc.  we got there but it was too cold and wet.  We also had to give up our plan to visit the superb Parc des Champs-de- Bastille and the superb Musee national des beau-arts du Quebec. 

We visited the beautiful Parliament building also saw the Grand Theatre of Quebec.

But the weather was winning and we were facing an arctic blast supported by torrential rainfall and strong winds.  The temperature was 4degrees Celsius and it was bitterly cold, so we took advantage of a hot drink of coffee and chocolate together with French pastries. 

Jeanette was cold and struggling with some pain in her legs and the weather conditions made it impossible.  So after some 3-4 hours we caught the shuttle back to the ship and had a late lunch at2.00pm upstairs in horizons. 

Notwithstanding the weather we enjoyed this beautiful city, particularly the old town. 

24th October 2016. Cruising the St.Lawrence River. A sea day.

The evening had been a little rough as the ship cruised from Quebec City down the St.Lawtence to eventually arrive in Sydney, Nova Scotia tomorrow morning at 8.00pm.  So today will be the first sea day with morning lectures on the history of bith Quebec City, then moving on to Nova Scotia and a detailed historical presentation of the role of icebergs in the collision and sinking of the luxurious cruise ship "the Titanic".  This was interesting because on a previous visit on Sea Princess we had visited the cemetery where crew and passengers from that tragedy were buried. 

But let he briefly recount the difficulties of the night with the ship rolling slightly and Nancy people experienced sea sickness and movement sickness.  We also had drama at 4.30am with an emergency alarm and a fear of a fire in the second engine room, but the captain shortly advised us that there was a steam leak which had activated an emergency alarm, which the crew had reacted to quickly and efficiently, and the steam leak was monitored and fixed inside 2 minutes.  But it did give us a fright.  It was the talk of the ship over breakfast and all morning at the range of activities.

The Captain, who we would become familiar with as an open and friendly leader, then gave a detailed update at his daily 12.00pm briefing. 

The afternoon led to a movie, then an afternoon tea at 4.00pm where we met Corey and Shawn Tennant with whom we are doing excursions over the next 2 -3 days.  The afternoon tea is superb, with all the refinement of a "high tea".

Then a change for pre dinner drinks and dinner in the Grand Dining room, followed by the first of the 4 production shows. 

A really enjoyable day at sea, where we met new friends.

25th October 2016. Sydney Nova Scotia.

We awoke to a morning, with our first glimpse of sunshine since our time in San Francisco, so there was a sense of excitement and some real  interest in this history and the part of the world.  

Sydney is a significant historical port with several landmarks from the late 1700's, such as the colonial Cossit House, and the Jost House with its unusual beehive bake oven.  We had arranged a private tour covering the Alexander Graham Bell Museum and the scenic Village of Baddeck.  We chose this through Tartan Tours and our guide was Diane a local, all of her life, who provided excellent commentary over the 4.5 hours of our tour.  We did this trip because we had previously toured through Sydney on an earlier Princess Cruise. 

Dianne met us at 9.00am on the wharf beside the "big fiddle" the largest violin in the world.  We departed by heading to Baddeck which is west of Sydney and undertake a circuitous route to the picturesque township across beautiful countryside passing over Seal Island Bridge and stopping to take photos at Kelly's Mountain.

The drive took almost 70 minutes and we then arrived at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum with its unusual tetrahedron design, which he used in his flight test kites. Although he is renowned for the telephone invention, it only touches upon his scientific achievements.   He also collaborated on another 12 areas such as medicine, genetics, electricity, sound, speech aeronautics, as well as marine engineering.  We had about 75 minutes to explore and enjoy the museum.

we then went back into the small township of Baddeck, did some shopping then travelled down to the picturesque Bras d'Or Lake, which is scenic, and also a widely regarded resort town. 

Our small group of 5 enjoyed a spirited and interesting guide, who worked hard to give us a good excursion experience which reflected the local area.  We commented as a group that we achieved a lot during the time without the pressures  associated with the bigger buses. 

An important stop was made on our return as we visited the government run and controlled liquor store where we purchased alcohol to take on board Regatta. 

The afternoon was quiet with lunch and a departure formHallifax at 4.00pm. 

An enjoyable day and our small tour group got along well.  Ken to put s review on TripAdvisor. 

26th October, 2016. Halifax, Nova Scotia

The previous evening also proved difficult for many people due to the wind and the sea. We were alright although Jeanette felt a little squirmiest during the night.

We arrived and it was dry and sunshine was about through cloudy skies. Today we are doing a tour through Halifax Taxis to Peggy Cove a bustling crab and tourist cove to the north of the city. 

We met our tour guide Les Daurie  from Halifax taxis tours. 902-471-2411  and he gave us a 35 minute tour of the city through several residential areas.  He was an excellent guide with many wonderful stories.  our group of 6 consisted of Sawn and Corey Tennant , ourselves and Lilly and Jim.  We all got along well.

Then we drove the hour or so to the spectacular scenery of Peggy Cove an internationally acclaimed lobster fishing area which features prominently on post cards and in tourist films of Nova Scotia.  We walked from the van to the light house then back along the road to the wharves where the fisherman are with their crabs etc.  Really very interesting and spectacular scenery.  Peggy 's Cove is a small rustic fishing village with a population of 40 people. We saw several different lobster traps and had the lobster industry explained in detail.

The tour ended with the visit to De Garthe Monument, which was carved from a massive slab of granite by local artist William DeGarthe.  We visited the local shops tried the ginger bread and also listened to the crashing surf.  This is a wild sea faring environment.

From here we drove back toward Halifax to visit the wonderful Maritime Museum and as we experienced previously you are never far from the history of the Titanic, whilst in Halifax, because it sank some 700 nautical miles east of Halifax.

We also visited the historic Halifax Citadel a military fort built over several decades from 1828. 

Our last stop was a brief visit to Halifax Public Gardens, very similar to a small botanic garden, Here the serene setting is graced by classical fountains,and ponds with black ducks and white swans. 

An excellent tour. 

Later we changed for our first dinner in the Polo Grill, specialty restaurant , which we enjoyed very much, then a show featuring a very good comedian. 

27th October, 2016. spectacular Bar Harbour, Maine

We had enjoyed yesterday and we were again travelling with the same group on a tour organised by Shawn Tennant. 

We were picked up early for an extensive tour of the city of Bar Harbour, then a tour of Acadia National Park.  This is known as one of the most scenic drives on the US A East Coast and we had a perfect day on which to see the colours and beauty.  Acadia National Park is the second most visited park in the entire USA.  We travelled through Bar Harbour, which in itself is a quaint town with a variety of Mansions built in early 20th centuries.

We arrived at Acadia National Park and then travelled the 27 mile loop taking him soectacular coastal, mountain and Forrest views. 

Next we travelled along the coast taking hinSand beach, SchoonersHead Overlook, and the High Seas Estate a beautiful mansion built by a gentleman whose wife perished on the Titanic. We stopped at Thunder Hole for the swell of the sea to make thunderous nice sand roars.  We travelled on to Otter Cliffs, and took in the beauty of the Gulf of Maine, and the many other off-shore islands.  We really appreciate the influence and benevolence of John D Rockefeller to this total area, but particularly through his donations of land.  We also saw the remains of the exclusive Carriage Trails built for the sole use of the Rockefellers and other establishment families.

Our tour then took us up the winding mountain road of Cadillac Mountain the highest point on the North East seaboard with spectacular panoramic views. 

we enjoyed perfect weather and this day has been a real tour/ cruise highlight. 

We are deposited back at Regatta at 2.20pm and we sail in about 2 hours and this has just been an amazing day.

28th October, 2016 - Boston , Massachusetts

I didn't comment in the prior diary update , but our captain departed Har Harbour early to assist in reaching Boston prior to a significant storm.  We had departed early then progressed through the Cape Cod Channel in the dark to ensure we were not in the way of the approaching storm. 

It was a rough night as we transitioned from river to harbour to sea in open waters with strong winds and rough seas approaching.  We berthed in Boston at 8.00 am and there was bedlam at the port as Norwegian Dream unloaded 4,500 people and Seaborne has another ship very close by.  We were unable to contact our guide who wasn't allowed to enter the port area to pick us up.

We eventually made contact, and were picked up some  45 minutes late by our guide for the day, Peter Brennan of local tour guides and proceeded to enjoy a delightful 4-5 hours together doing many different things in Boston.  Jeanette and Ken have visited Boston on 4 previous occasions undertaking both organised and private tours as well as hop on hop off buses.  We were also here during the "big dig" when major roads and freeways were taken below ground through the centre of the city.

So today, we wanted a quick drive through the city, then through the Commons followed by a visit to a spectacular visit to a restored and maintained period home by a leading architect of the city in 1800's and then a visit to Cambridge, MIT, Harvard and Harvard Yard with. A lunch of chowder and sea food at a famous venue that the locals would eat at. 

The weather was wet, windy and cold with a major rain depression arriving early to mid afternoon. 

Our delayed start didn't assist our plans but we found Peter to be an informative and ingenious local guide appreciating that we had seen most of the tourist area on prior visits. 

The first hour was taken up travelling through the wealthy upmarket period homes, beautifully restored. To compare something like a Toorak but with the older homes preserved under law. 

Then we visited a period home of one of the leading planners and architects of Boston, where we were given a private tour over about 50 minutes and had the detail explained.  The weather was deteriorating by the hour. 

From here we ventured back toward the Holocaust Museum, the City Hall, Quincy's Market and other nearby attractions to eat at the famous historical restaurant named " the Oyster Bar" dating from mid 1700's. 

Following this Jeanette and I walked around taking photos before being picked up and driven to Cambridge, Harvard , Harvard Yard and MIT.  This is really one of the most dynamic educational precincts in the world and on the leading edge of global technology developments.  We travelled through these areas for nearly 90 minutes, but were impeded by the sharply deteriorating weather with significant heavy rainfall and hail.  But worse was forecast to arrive in the next 2 hours. 

we completed our visit driving back passed the Boston Commons and University Club, where we have previously stayed and then alongside several of the cemeteries where many of the early patriots and leaders of the Tea Paerty are visited.  We also saw the statue of Paul Rovere, it was too wet to get out. 

This has been an excellent day with our local guide, Peter Brennan, and we took in many different facets of the Boston city. 

Peyer dropped us back at the Port at 3.20pm and the weather continued to deteriorate. 

We changed, had a drink with friends and dined in the specialty Italian Restaurant, Toscani, with Bob and Susan Foster and had an enjoyable day and we were all excited as to our arrival tomorrow in New York. 

The weather was rougher until about 11.00pm, but we enjoyed the second Production Show by the singers and dancers. 

An excellent day, apart from continuing appalling weather. 

29 and 30 October New York, New York

After an excellent sleep we awoke to a perfect clear New York morning and we were due to arrive at 12.30pm, but we arrived early because of the need to get out of Boston before the mammoth storm arrived. 

We were excited to see in the distance the high rise towers of New York City and we can just make out the Statue of Liberty, which we pass off our port side with wonderful views and great excitement.  We decide to wait for a late breakfast until we have passed the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It is a wise decision and we get great photos and wonderful scenes.  In the background we can see the Liberty Tower.  We then decide to sit and watch the ship berth at the famed Pier88 alongside The Intrepid Museum.

 We then realise we are also very near the Circle Line Cruise / Ferry terminal at Pier 83 and close to the High Line, which we are interested in walking if time permits tomorrow afternoon.

Then we take our time to enjoy lunch in the Grand Dining Room before we change for our afternoon departure and to catch a show called "Sistas" the musical. 

We depart the ship at approximately 2.30pm and catch a cab from West 42nd Street downtown toward Time Square, where we spent an amazing 45 minutes taking in the sights and all of the new signs etc.

Then we walked back to the Theatre, but stopped for a beer and soda at an Italian Brasserie for a drink before strolling next door to the Church Hall and now converted theatre for the Musical named Sistas, which is a musical engaging the history of thebAfrican American Suffragete through the hits of the time from the. 1930-1980's and the five female performers were simply stunning in the breadth of the music and also in the combination of acting and singing.  Another highlight was the superb audience participants and the wonderful singing perfectly pitched from the audience.  We were one of only 2 non African American couples in the total audience of about 140 people.  The production lasted about 100 minutes and was acclaimed by rapturous applause from the foot tapping, clapping and singing audience.  In no way did we feel uncomfortable , rather we found the whole event inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable.

Following the show we walked about fir some 15 minutes before catching a cab back to Pier 88 and the Regatta.  We subsequently dined in house and concluded our evening by taking in the New York skyline from the rear of the ship.

We can only describe it as a magical day in an amazing city. 

morning came very fast and we had slept extremely wel, given the pressures of the last several days with high winds and storms.  We dressed for the day and had breakfast in the Dining Room and prepared for our trip again downtown to do a tour of the 911 Memorial and liberty tower. 

We met our guide at 10.00 outside St Paul's Chappel and subsequently learnt much of the history of this symbolic church and its role as a key operational control centre following the 9/11 disaster when the two buildings were brought down by the terrorist plane hijacks which crashed into the monumental World Trade Centre buildings bringing the buildings down with a loss of life exceeding 2500 people. 

Billy our guide had worked as a trader on the 100 floor of one of the towers until several weeks before the attacks.  On the morning of the crash he was working in a building over the road from The World Trade Centre heard the crash and the fire and described panic, fear and then the dreadful after effect when people were trapped in the higher levels and that over 600 people lost with no remains found.  But he gave a graphic description of the sheer scale of the attack, the damage to the whole site and adjoining buildings.  He told the harrowing story of the house, dust and uncontrollable panic despite the efforts of the NY firefighters, when the first tower collapsed.  Bill described turning and running ahead of the white dust cloud and then sinking to his knees as it passed over him, leaving him covered in a gray/ white dust.

Then he continued on to explain how the front of many buildings including the Millenium Hilton, were just blown out and how the Marriott was destroyed.  He graphically then described the scenario after the second building was hit and then the long time frame as it burned and then eventually also collapsed.  He gave detailed information, some of which was totally hew to yes as to the whole destruction and then the plans for renewal, how the financial firms, are no longer congregated around this location, how the Port Authority has rebuilt after great controversy the Liberty Tower, which even today is not fully occupied and certainly the financial firms no longer dominate this area. Rather they have decentralised into other areas. 

This was simply a stunning tour and his in depth descriptions added immeasurably to the history.  We sense that he has never been able to return to his former work, but this role allows him to move forward. 

The tour then moved from St Paul's Chappel to the area bounding the site known as ground zero, where everything was destroyed and then had to be demolished and cleared toallow the rebuilding.  The below grind area is entered through an amazing white structure and building called xxxxx, which leads to an immense retail plaza developed by Westfield (an Australian firm) which also leads to the rebuilt and reconfigured underground railway stations serving several rail lines including the Met and services by Amtrak etc to New Jersey. 

Billy then led us on a tour of the footprint of the 2 demolished towers of the destroyed World Trade Centre, where there are now awe inspiring fountains and also grassed and trees areas.  It is a stunning memorial to all who died and those injured in this terrible events. 

Jeanette and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour and delighted in the quality and sympathetic memorial. It is tastefully done, beautiful in its simplicity and encouraging to all people.  We determined not to visit the Museum, this tour was a raw enough experience, but we are very glad we visited.  It us a must see.  We were also pleased to see the white roses pinned against various names, these roses are placed to record the birthday of every victim every year by volunteers who support and preserve the space. 

Anything after this would be a bit of a let down, but we decided to ride the hop on hop off bus on the downtown segment / tour.  So at about 12.30pm we boarded the bus and rode it from stop 11 in Broadway Streetaround Battery place, then near Wall,Street, then the impressive redeveloped South Street Seaport, then into Lower East side , East Village, the United Nations buildings and embassy presincts before arriving at the Rockefeller Centre.  From here into the theatre district and mid town before arriving at Times Square, where we were yesterday and then on to the terminus at Port Authority  building.  We also visited the Grand Central rail terminal, St Patrick's Cathedral, Empire State Building and Chrysler building.   

We got off and visited the facilities, had a drink and then looked at our watch.  We very much wanted to go up 5th Avenue and visit Central Park, but time was against us.  So we walked back some 25 minutes through a variety of streets to Pier 88 having enjoyed our two days here in New York.  We have visited on several occasions, but never get sick or tired of this amazing city with its vibrant pulse of life. 

31st October and 1st November 2016. Norfolk, Virginia and our Visit to Williamsburg.

We had enjoyed 2?wonderful days in New York and sailed out of that city as a thunderstorm and very heavy rainfall arrived.  It had been a terrific 2 days.  We dined enjoyed the piano virtuoso in the lounge and slept well very much anticipating our visit to NewbNorfolf and travelling to Williamsburg to visit and stay overnight with Bill and Jean. 

we departed the ship shortly after it arrived in in Norfolk having traversed the 90 minute sail from the ocean through an extensive part of the US fleet, which is based here.  We were advised that the portion of the US Navy fleet based here is larger in size and people than 95% of the navy in the world.  Certainly impressive in the number and variety of ship including aircraft carriers (3) , cruisers and destroyers as well as frigates etc. 

We docked very bear the centre of town ,but there were no cabs available do we departed at about 12.45pm and walked to the nearby Marriott Hotel, when there were cabs and then travelled to the Norfolk International Airport and picked up a rental and drove to Williamsburg about 75 minutes from Norfolk in a very pretty environment, where the deciduous trees are beginning to rapidly change colours.

We stopped on the way n a Village to visit a supermarket and pick up some wine and flowers  .  Jean and Bill live in a beautiful gated community with Ford Colony and are in a quiet court.  We had previously stayed in the Marriott Ford Colony Timeshare when we visited 2 years ago. They have a large very comfortable home where we enjoyed our 2 days very much.

Jeanette and Jean just got together again after the welcome and continued talking as they had on the Oceania Nautical last year.  Bill and Ken were also engaged with deep conversation and discussions as to golf and our travels. 

Bill grilled on the BBQ and Jean prepared a beautiful meal.  We talked likemagpies and they had several weeks earlier had our mutual friends Rosey and Jim McLeod from Edinburgh, Scotland. Unfortunately , Jim has a leg issue but apart from that we're in good spirits and as always excellent company.

It was Halloween, but they celebrate a little differently and the young children had called to a centre area earlier on.  We talked of our fond memories of last year with Steve and Ruth Ellen in St.Louis. 

We retired st about 11.00pm and have arranged to visit the Colonial areas of Williamsburg tomorrow morning and we will depart early afternoon to return to Norfolk for our ship's early departure at 4.30pm.

We awoke to a cool and overcast but dry morning and we had an enjoyable breakfast from the kitchen  dining area of their home overlooking one of the 3 courses on the estate.  We then visited several areas and stores in Williamsburg for about 2-3 hours.  Very enjoyable and quite civilised, then off to lunch in the restaurant at the golf club.  We had a great lunch with much laughter and joy. 

The Ford Colony golf courses and Club is now owned/ managed by the Club Group which manages over 200 courses nationally.  Bill said we should join them on a lovely course using our timeshare and also benefiting from their Club Group memberships.  We also discussed traveling together in the future.  We would be delighted to spend more time with them.  Good friends and excellent company with many similar views toys across a range of subjects and issues. 

departure came quickly following lunch, we said our goodbyes and then Jeanette drove back to the Norfolk airport.  We then dropped off the rental vehicle and caught a cab back to the Port arriving at 3.15pm.  We then had a drink , changed and went yo happy hour.  Friends asked yo go to high tea at 4.00pm, we thanked them but declined.  Dinner tonight in Grand Dining Room, where we were joined by a friendly older couple, but it proved a difficult evening as did duffers quite severe short term memory loss and he was somwhat rude to our wait staff.  We did survive, attended the show and also reflected on our two says in beautiful Norfolk,Virginia.

Tomorrow is a sea day as we travel south toward Charleston, South Carolina. 

2nd and 3rd November 2016 Sea day and Charleston, South Carolina

After the hectic days in New York and the Norfolk Virginia, we appreciated a sea day as we cruised along the east coast and we could feel the noticeably warmer weather.  The ship is to be very active with a whole range of events, but we take the opportunity to complete our washing and laundry activities with a Ken being almost first in the door at 7.30am and we complete the wash cycle prior to going to breakfast. 

Jeanette also determines that she will do some ironing after breakfast whilst waiting for the dryer to finish.  This means we have almost everything clean. 

Ken attends a morning presentation on the sailing history and exploits of Sir Francis Drake, we then have morning coffee with friends.  The rest of the day is relaxing and for the first time all of the pool deck is open.  Ken uses the gym and a treadmill without any real enjoyment. 

UThe afternoon is very busy with the highlight being the ship's Grand Afternoon tea.  We attend with Corey and Shawn and our primary purpose was to take photos of the 6,000 tea cup cakes on display and to listen to the string quartet. 

We dine with Bob and Susan Foster in the Grand Dining room.  They are enjoyable company. 

This is the 3rd production show and it is thoroughly enjoyable then Ken goes upstairs to the disco for an hour to list to Mo Town hits of the 70's.  Great music and he enjoyed it as one of only 30 people in the lounge. 

We arrive early in Charleston on a perfect morning, then depart the ship after breakfast at about 9.30am.  We have been here on 5 previous occasions and know and enjoy the city with its wonderful architecture and southern homes.  It is now the most visited city in the USA.  So we walk for about 45 minutes down Memory Street, enter the Calhoun Mansion and take photos of many of the beautifully restored period homes.  

It is just a perfect morning, and we determine to go back and take a carriage ride through a part of the city.  We reach the big red barn having walked through the market area and particularly enjoyed watching the basket weaving processes.  We depart our tour from the Big Red Barn with our guide Bob and our horse named Pokemon, with a group of 12 people and Jeanette and Ken in the back row.   

You proceed to an authorisation point where you are given a card which defines the route that the tour will take.  We drew number 3 which took us to several of the housing districts and we hear the stories as ton"Snobs" being South of Broads Street or Similar.  We had a great tour and thoroughly enjoyed the description and having seen the homes on the point previously we couldn't object. 

We then walked back to the ship via the markets and many restaurants seeking southern food.   We stopped at the beautiful Customs House building to take photos and answered a survey from several students doing Masters degrees or PHD's. 

Lunch was outside on the back of the ship where the Terrace restaurant was opened for the first time.  We had a hamburger and salad followed by ice-cream. 

Tonight we are dining in Toscano  Italian themed specialty restaurant and then attending the show where the pianist will play a whole different range of hits from musicals.  He is outstanding and thoroughly enjoyable.

Tomorrow we arrive in Port Canaveral but we have decided to remain on board because we have previously visited the Kennedy Space Centre and also completed the air-boat ride through the swaps and Everglades.  We will again take the chance to update our washing and gave everything ready for departure at conclusion of the cruise in Miami on morning of the 5th November,2016.

The show tonight is the final production show, but we are advised that Crystal the lead singer has a virus and will not appear, but the test of the cast do an amazing job putting on a terrific show, enjoyed by all.   

5th November Arrival in Miami and Drive to Daytona Beach

Following our last night and dinner in the Polo restaurant with Corey and Shawn we sleep really well and arise too a perfect morning just as Regatta berths in Miami.  We have a great view of the city skyline and we take photos and reflect on what a great trip this has been. 

After breakfast we say goodbye to the Tennants then the Fosters and hope to stay in touch.  They have added to and made this cruise all the more enjoyable. 

We depart the ship at 9.05am having thoroughly enjoyed Oceania Regatta with a terrific itinerary. 

We are advised that there is a shuttle to the airport car rental area, but when it comes we are advised that we need a taxi to the downtown Dollar Rental place,so we then wait in turn in a queue for a taxi and some 20 minutes later and at cost of US$34.00 we arrive at Dollar but the drama has just begun because the two sales staff are attending to an irate family of 14 who have booked 2 vehicles large enough to accommodate their luggage and the 14. It is only the start of a shambling process.  Our car is not available at this location.  We are served at 10.45 told to await a driver who will drive us to the location of our vehicle (Jeep Patriot). We expected a short drive, but no it was some 30 minutes and when we arrived at this centre the vehicle was supposedly being cleaned.

We eventually got on the road at 11.35am just as a thunder storm with torrential rain hit the Miami and associated beaches.  So for the next 2 hours we drove through very difficult conditions in a vehicle we were not happy with. 

After dome 2 hours 20 minutes the weather remarkably improved and some 15 minutes later a Jeanette took over and drove the next 2 hours 15 minutes until we reached the Hilton Hotel in Daytona Beach.  We checked in and we're pleased with our ocean view room.  This is a larger older style hotel recently refurbished but quite comfortable. 

Ken went for a walk along the boardwalk in 60 mile an hour winds and cancelled the booking at the famous Joes Crab Shack out on the Pier due to the inclement weather and amazing winds.

That night we ate in and relaxed, because it had been a hard day with the car rental being a debacle in Miami then the extreme weather getting out of Miami. 

Tomorrow we drive to Hilton Head Island with Kathy and Frank Boggs joining us for 4 days. 

6th November, 2016 Daytona to Bluewater Resort Hilton Head Island

We departed Daytona after a great breakfast and having enjoyed the Hilton Daytona Beach. 

weather was showery but this soon cleared and we drove the first 2 hours without a break or stop and particularly enjoyed passing by the Daytona International Speedway which we has previously visited.  As you can imagine Ken was really excited but we decided against stopping. 

This is an easy drive up the Interstate 95 with rest area spaced about 50 miles apart. 

We changed over at about 12.30pm with about 2 hours 15 minutes of driving remaining.  Little did we suspect that as we turned off after Savannah, that we were in for a dreadful shock Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew, which has devastated the islands off the coast of Georgia and South Carolina.  About an hour from Hilton Head Island we began to see the tell tale signs of large numbers of trees down and being or having been cut up by chain saws and gangs of workers from throughout the south seeking to clean up and restore the areas.   

This only got worse as we got closer to Hilton Head Island, where there are in excess of 5,500 trees destroyed and some 1,400 homes impacted and damaged.  Unbeknown to us during this tragic storm over 3 million people were evacuated from all of the islands and associated areas of South Carolina, Georgia and the northern end of Florida.  The scale of damage even almost 3 weeks later in undescrible.  Our photos will give some indication of the size of trees uprooted and thrown about.  The amount of tree foliage etc is pil d high everywhere.  They forecast the clean up will taken12-15 months.  The insurance claims are gigantic and there are many people under insured.  The damage to marinas and other harbours remains a cause of speculation as to the millions of dollars required to rebuild or repair.  

We checked in and just as we turned to leave registration our guests Frank and Kathy Boggs arrived and we greeted the, with hugs. 

Our villa is 6221, which us a 3 bedroom and 3 bathroom condo with a large lounge, kitchen and dining area.  We thought this lay out to be very effective and quite comfortable.  We gave them the master bedroom whilst we had the second king bed room. Everything was very comfortable.

We then had drinks and chatted for the next 2 hours before going to Hudsons restaurant, where we enjoyed a pleasant meal, but this local but very busy restaurant was totally booked and we had a 15 minute wait. We each had something different in terms of fish, with Ken having the scallops, Jeanette had fish(halibut) and chips.  Our guests each had other fish.  We started with a large basket of the local hush puppies and then clam chowder.  A great night to renew acquaintances and catch up. 

Bedtime came quickly and we all retired at about 11.15pm. 

7th November, 2016 Golf and Shopping at Hilton Head.

The men got breakfast and we discussed our plans for the day.  Ken needed to get hire clubs and called a ,iCal firm who dropped off hire clubs(TaylorMade) at 10.00am.  He had booked a tee time at the Country Club of Hilton Head for 11.24, but on arrival we found that we were delayed until 11.48am and with this being the second day following reversion to normal tine after daylight savings some real doubts as to finishing.  We played with Bruce, one of the Assistant Pro's at the club and another good golfer and had a lovely day. 

But the real shock was the state of the course, which had only reopened last Thursday having been closed since the mandatory evacuation of the island 2 weeks ago.  Some 520 trees have been destroyed on the course, and everywhere you look you see tree foliage and trees cut up to be moved over the coming weeks and months.  There are several holes where up to 30 trees down entire lengths of the fairways have been pulled out by their roots and thrown about.  But the course is in rematprkabke condition.  We enjoy the round and Ken has 88 to the end of 17 holes and Frank 102 for the same.  We fail to finish and at 5.20 pm we call it too dark to finish.  

The girls were intending to go shopping, but only find the required groceries and food foepr the week and return to our condo early and spend the rest of the afternoon talking.  In particular Kathy updates Jeanette on their continuing plans to move to Denver, Colorado to be closer to Drew, their son and to downsize to a single level.  From my discussion with Frank he is less sure.

upon return, we find that Ken has been severely bitten by mosquitoes with about 30 bites on the arms and legs and extremely itchy.  This all happened in the last 15-20 minutes.  He applies savlon following a shower to reduce the itch, but will need to get some Benadryl itch cream tomorrow morning. 

We enjoy a very good meal grilled on the BBQ with salad and Idaho Baked potatoes and fruit. 

8th November, 2016 US Presidential Election Day!!

We wake after another good sleep in very comfortable beds.  We have a breakfast meeting and review at Spinnaker, with their senior Sales Manager, Stan Lewis a highly experienced Marriott Vacation Home executive who joined Spinnaker several years ago.  He knows and understands our anxiety wth Embarc / Club Intrawest and the acquisition by Diamond International and subsequent takeover / buyout by Apollo Asset Management and the significant increase in Maintenace fees already applied.  We talk at great length. 

But more important to this is the need to prepare for this evenings election results with expectations of a Democrat victory still confirmed , but a tightening as explained via exit poll interviews.  Whilst we are very guarded in our views the depth of divide amongst Americans and including our friends remains something unlike any election we gave ever witnessed anywhere in the world.   

We spend the afternoon walking and taking in the resort and associated area, with the alligators in the lagoon swimming lazily to where people were taking photos.  Ken subsequently enjoys a swim and hot tub in the pool (internal) areas. 

We eat in with roast chickens which Frank and Ken purchased from Publix Supermarket.  We also have potatoes, salads and bread. 

The early election results in no way give evidence to the traumatic evening which will unfold over the hours from 7.00pm to almost 11.00pm.  Suffice to say that Donald Trump wins against all of the odds and is declared president elect after Hilary Clinton concedes.  We are surprised by the volume of the voting despite earlier polls showing Democrats had a 5-7 point advantage.  This has been a nasty vicious campaign, but clearly there has been a stunning Kate backlash particularly from rural non college educated males where Trump has had a result of almost 70/ 30.  He has also done better than expected with women across the USA.  That is unbelievable given his comments.

We decide to call it a night at about 11.15pm having witnessed one of the great turnarounds and stories of election outcomes of all time.  Frank us disappointed but watches the coverage until after 1.00am and like many others there is a sense of disbelief across the country.  How could the analysts and media have gotten it so wrong, how could the result swing so dramatically in the last several days.  The head of FBI with his letter did some damage, notwithstanding his subsequent retraction.  The media and elites just failed to understand the hatred and pain in rural America particularly amongst men aged 30 plus. From our viewpoint just an amazing evening.  Still hard to believe the magnitude of the swing. 

Jeanette and Ken were glad to be here for a momentous occasion of totally unexpected change and even FOX news and CNN are struggling to explain it and MSNBC is largely speechless in the face of such a defeat for the Democrats.

9th and 10th November, 2016 Golf, Shopping and visit to Sea Pines and Harbour Town- (just unbelievable).

The men are playing golf again at Country Club of Hilton Head and the girls are shopping at tanger outlets. 

Ken has arranged an 11.00am tee time and he and Frank play with 2 gentlemen from New Hampshire, with Don off 12 and Mike off 23. 

They have a great day and Ken and Frank win and take the money.  Ken has 88 offbthebsticknand his 18.4 Ga comes to 21 so net 67 is clearly the best round and Frank has 102 for a net 73 and both come home having enjoyed the day and had great fellowship. Don had a net72 but Mike struggled all day and didn't complete his round .  Nonetheless a most enjoyable day in near perfect conditions and all enjoyed the course and the game.  Our playing partners have known one another for almost 60 years from pres-school right through their working lives.  Just a great day.

The girls spend quite some time at Tanger outlets both #1 and #2 and do well with their shopping.

Ken and Frank arrive home at 4.45pm and enjoy a beer and we have a dinner booking at Poseidon Restaurant, which has strong ratings on TripAdvisor.  We change and enjoy a drink together before leaving for the restaurants.  It is about a 20 minute drive and we find the restaurant after a telephone call.  It is decorated in a modernist style and we are somewhat surprised, but the service and good is excellent and whilst it is noisy and very busy in our booth you can hear every element of the conversation.  We have a variety of food all of good quality.

Frank has driven and we take a different way back to Bluewater, having enjoyed an excellent meal and evening. 

Our guests plan to leave tomorrow morning, having enjoyed the break away.  We also visit Harbour Town and intend to walk around the marina and shops.  But we are amazed to see the whole marina vacant of any yachts or cruisers and every Pier is damaged and there is large dredging and construction rigs in the harbour.  There has been an extensive framework of damage from the Hurricane and every Pier and berth has been damaged or destroyed and the damage bill is estimated at several million dollars here and at several nearby marinas. It is quite simply incredible.

We are advised having purchased ice creams and sitting in Rocking chairs watching the marina , that the recovery process is estimated to be at least 2 years and somewhere between 6 and 10 million dollars.  We are in shock.  This is one of the most exposed in terms of television locations in the world for the golf championships, but the fury of nature via the Hurricane has transformed this idyllic scene into a major devastated marina and harbour.  Harbour Town is unlikely to recover in the near term.

We have enjoyed another wonderful day here on beautiful Hilton Head Island, but the devastation is hard to appreciate and accept. 

11 th November, 2016 Veterans Day and our Anniversary.

We have said goodbye to our friends and also packed a box to send home to Melbourne.  Things are good, but we don't appreciate that the Post Office is closed so we will have to return on Saturday morning.  We do get things organised and Ken has another game of golf booked for later in the morning.   

We return to Bluewater and manage our processes re future bookings, golf and also Jeanette's shopping for later in the day.  Jeanette does visit outlets and picks up several good deals. 

We also visit Columbia outlet yo purchase wet weather gear.  We find an excellent deal where our rain and weather proof gear is substantially discounted and we each purchase just what we wanted and needed. 

Ken does play golf again at Country Club of Hilton Head and we now find out that in excess of20 of the 37 courses on the island remain closed.  Ken plays with 3 people from Connecticut and partners a retired surgeon who plays off 21 and is a good golfer.  Ken has another round of 88 off the stick and is very pleased with himself, although he missed the par putt on 18. 

He returns to Bluewater and goes for a swim in the indoor pool.  Jeanette has had a quiet day.  They dine at Catch 22 with a confirmed reservation of 6.15pm.  We arrive on time and this popular restaurant is bussing and totally booked ,but still people arrive seeking a table.  We are advised that they are totally booked out until 8.20pm. We enjoy a lovely 3 course meal, and drink some quality wine from Napa Valley and Sonoma. 

We return to Bluewater at 9.00 pm and we watch some television.  There is still a sense of incredibility as to the election results. 

Another terrific day here on Hilton HeadbIsland at beautiful Bluewater Marina and Resort. 

13th and 14th November, Drive to Orlando FL and fly to Phoenix AZ

We checked out of Bluewater after a most enjoyable week and drove 2 hours after stopping for gas, then had a brief stop for morning tea.  Jeanette had driven off the Island and drove almost to Jacksonville and we experienced several light showers of rain. 

Ken then drove the remaining 2 hours 40 minutes into downtown Orlando arriving at Embassy Suites by Hilton at 3.15 pm.  We checked into a 2 room suite , then unpacked a little gear for later and tomorrow.  We attended happy hour and then had dinner in the restaurant in the hotel. 

We both slept really well, woke to sn overcast and warm morning.  Following breakfast Ken walked for over an hour around downtown Orlando and across to the Amway basketball centre and around the Elle Lake, before returning to pack. 

Departed the hotel at 12.15pm and travelled to the airport and dropped of the rental, Jeep Patriot, then made our way to terminal B. We were too early to checkin for 10 minutes, so waited then we were quickly processed and then through security using our pre TSA.  It makes it so much quicker. 

Our flight to Phoenix departs at 5.20pm arriving a little after 8.00pm with a flight change.

We are looking forward to seeing Peter and Wendy, then making arrangements for the next stretch to Santa Fe.

This has really been 2 days of travel to get us from South Carolina to Scottsdale, AZ.  

15th November, 2016 Superb Scottsdale AZ

We arrive last night after a 45 minute drive from Sky Harbour after picking up Rental from Dollar. Ken drove and once we were on the 101 Loop freeway the scenery and names came flooding back. 

Peter had to come to their gates after we telephoned advising we couldn't gain access to their gated community.  We soon found out after greeting Wendy that she had a knee replacement operation 2-3 weeks ago.  We sat and talked until 11.00pm (90 minutes after our arrival).  They live on 2 acres of desert land in a gated community of 64 residences.

Jeanette and I slept very well and then rose at 7.00am to find  Peter having coffee out by the pool on a perfect fall  morning. 

Ken and Peter walked for 25 minutes before breakfast then we talked in detail as to their forthcoming visit to Melbourne whilst on their Australian Oceania Cruise.  Subsequently, we discussed our schedule for the next several days.

Then after lunch we went out and drove some 25 minutes to the Desert Botanical Gardens and enjoyed a terrific 2 hours plus walking through the amazing desert vegetation.  We walked through the various loops and tracks all showing us the wonderful fauna. 

We returned to their home at 4.15pm  , to change and then visit the Fairmont Pinnacle Hotel here in the Pinnacle Mountains where we sat outside to see the superb sunset and the purple hue from the land.

Peter then drove home via a pharmacy, where he picked up medicine for Wendy.  We enjoyed a meal and sat and talked until almost 9.00am. 

It has been a lovely day with good friends in their stylish and comfortable home.  They are delightful hosts. 

Tomorrow brings a breakfast meeting with other friends doing the cruise and then Ken is golfing and Jeanette is joining Peter and Wendy. 

The weather has been 78 F and just perfect with not a cloud in the sky and we have a big full moon tonight.  Life is good!!! 

16th November, 2016. Scottsdale AZ and Jeanette's Birthday.

We woke early to a beautiful sunrise and Peter and Ken walked about 3.5 km around their gated community whilst Jeanette checked her emails and opened her birthday cards. 

Following this we had an enjoyable breakfast, talked incessantly, and also began discussions as to their cruise visit to Melbourne in early 2017 on Oceania Sirius, where we will act as their tour guides. 

Following breakfast at the "General Store" Restaurant on Pinnacle Point road, we then separated with a Ken going go golf at Desert Ranch golf course with Greg and Mary,, where we enjoyed a terrific round of golf on a lovely desert course.  Ken shot 88 off the stick with 47 front nine and played much better with 41 on back nine.  Greg and Mary are very good company, play ok golf and were also excellent playing partners on a picturesque course in near perfect conditions. The course is a mix of challenges and can be very tight in places. Good fun was had by all.

Jeanette and Peter went to Walmart and did some shopping.  Jeanette did find several items.

Ken was dropped off at 4.30pm, he set and talked over a beer before showering and changing for dinner tonight at one of their favourite restaurants "Arrivaderrchi" a splendid Italian restaurant. 

Before departing we climb the circular external staircase to see photos of the wonderful pink and purple sunset with over the Sonoran desert.  Just spectacular in every way and a little better result than the disappointment of last night at the Fairmont, Pinnacle Point. 

Following a celebratory drink, we departed and drove to the restaurant where we enjoyed an excellent meal with wonderful white wine being a Sav Blanc from Napa.  At the conclusion John, the Mater de came out with a birthday cake, we all sang happy birthday and enjoyed a great evening.  Upon our return there were Birthday messages.

Jeanette has enjoyed her very special birthday and we were pleased to celebrate with good friends, who made it a most enjoyable and memorable occasion. 

17th November 2016. Visit to Canyon Lake and cruise on Dotty Paddle Steamer.

Our mornings came about quickly after last nights excellent dinner and Peter and Ken then walked another 4km around the other side of their gated community, before returning for breakfast of cereal and toast. 

We then sit around, continuing our discussions as to Sydney and Melbourne daytime excursions and activities, before departing to meet other friends Doug and Pam, who are Canadian and spend 6 months inb Scottsdake and the other six in their home in Toronto Canada. They have travelled together on several cruises and also hike together on regular walks. 

We are then driven about 70 miles to Canyon lake through some very rugged and inhospitable desert country before coming across the area where the Snake River has been dammed to create four large lakes of which Canyon Lake is the largest and closest to Phoenix and is the scene of much water sports activity, many camping grounds and several tourist type restaurants.

We then go to the Marina where we exchange vouchers to sail on the Dolly Paddlesteamer and undertake a scenic cruise from 11.30am through until about 1.15pm.  We have a terrific guided lake cruise, take in stunning cliffs and scenery, see Bald Eagles, Mountain Sheep and also a variety of vegetation and Cactus and thousand of the Sonoran Saguaro.   

The captain and crew give an enjoyable commentary, we see some amazing scenes, take many photos and enjoy ourselves. 

We then travel through Tonto National Park and come to a small township where we enjoy lunch in a Western Style hotel with all the gear from the Wild, Wild West.  You do realise how hard it was for the cowboys. 

18th-21st November, 2016 Visit to Santa Fe New Mexico and stay with Sandy and Karen

We depart Wendy and Peter's home after a terrific stay, and hopeful that Wendy continues to recover from her recent knee operation/ replacement. We drive to Star Harbour international Airport, where we drop the car off at the rental centre catch the shuttle to the terminal, check in and are through security inside 30 minutes using presTSA process.  A good result. 

We board our American Eagle flight from Phoenix, Sky Harbour to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the short 47 minute flight. It is an excellent flight on a small American Eagle jet with 50 passengers.  We land early in Albuquerque and then catch the shuttle to the car rental site and pick up our Hertz Nissan Altima and then begin our road trip some 60 miles from Albuquerque to Santa Fe on what is an excellent freeway I25, but the speed limit is 75 miles per hour and most travel at 85 miles an hour.  Just stunning.  We drive to Sant Fe and the GPS delivers us after one or two false starts to the front entrance / driveway of Karen and Sandy. There is much excitement and we are delighted to see one another.

They live in a gated community with blocks of 2.5 to 5 acres in an arid semi desert area about 15 minutes from downtown Santa Fe.   

We enter their home and you can only describe this as a superb south western desert home with a stunning great room beautifully decorated in the colours of the desert.

We then bring our luggage in and unpack a little then talk from 7.15pm to approximately 8.00pm then have a superb dinner. Both are superb cooks as we will notice over the following 3 days.  Following dinner we revert to the lounge and then plan our next couple of days.

They were a little concerned as to our delayed arrival because they were under the impression that we were arriving at about 4.00pm rather than the late cor ect the me of about 7.00pm. A terrific day with travel plans working well.  The Hertz vehicle is comfortable and clean unlike our prior experience with Dollar.