Today starts out very early with an announcement that a bearded seal has been seen on an ice floe, and off in a distance a polar bear is walking around on another ice floe.
I can't get dressed fast enough, but I get myself upstairs to one of the many viewing points, camera in hands. It's 32 degrees at this time 7:30 am but wasn't windy so I was very comfy.
I see the seal and actually located another one. We got close to one seal and then it jumped into the water. Ok now back to the polar bear that was a mile away and walking on the ice. That far away it looks like a spec, a dot, certainly not recognizable as a bear. Nevertheless I am taking pictures of this dot as are the rest of us red jacketed tourists.
We get closer and closer to the bear. The ship stops and the bear is a quarter mile away. It is walking now toward the bearded seal still on an ice floe. Going faster and faster. The seal jumps in the water and the bear is a sad creature. He sits down and waits for the seal to reappear. The question now is how long will the captain wait before moving us away - will we get to see the bear get the seal or walk away?
Well one thing we learned about these polar bears is that they have a lot of patience. Certainly more than I have. That bear sat there for probably over half hour though it seemed like an eternity.
Then the bear decides to give up, much to my delight. Up he gets and starts walking towards the ship. Now you can tell it's a bear! And he walks and walks and then before you know it he is at the front of our ship. By now the crew is on deck with cameras and everything is very quiet. The bear smells us
and food as we have not had breakfast.
This beautiful animal now proceeds to walk down the starboard side of the ship looking up to see what we are. He is so close you could almost touch him. Cameras clicking and excitement that you can't believe.
As he moves around the ship all the passengers and crew move with him. We are all in amazement. Never has this happened before we are told by the guides. He then goes around to the back of the ship where the dining area is and people there see him stand up and try to get on the ship. Then he comes up the port side. At one point he stands straight up on his back legs. What a sight that was. He is one big bear. His feet are huge. The paw tracks on the ice are large and round. He is beautiful. We are so excited.
We saw him jump several times from one ice floe to another. He is graceful. These ice floes are suppose to be in many of the places we have been but they have melted. You could see the ice melting as we watch. Guess it freezes up during the night and melts a bit during the day.
Finally he turned around and walked away.
Now we go to breakfast and still have lookouts for more bears. But how can we top the last one! Mother and cub I guess!!!
After lunch and in calm waters they offer the Polar Plunge. This is where they bring down a zodiac and some stairs. People come in their bathing suits and get in the zodiac. A waist band attached to a rope is put around them and then two at a time they jump into the cold Arctic water and immediately get up the stairs and get out. We had almost forty people do it. What a hoot!
One guy had a GoPro on. We have a few teenagers on board with their parents. They all did it naturally and even some of the crew members. Looked mighty cold.
Afternoon is relaxing time hoping to hear that another bear has even spotted. We are in an ice floe area that is beginning to thin out.
No more bears today. Love, J
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Day 8 Svalbard islands of Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandt July 2, 2013
Today was spent with wet landings and hiking and walking. The two islands we visited, though close to each other, were very different from each other.
The first was lush and green with hills and steep trekking, and the later was desert and rocks and flat walking.
This was my first time using trekking poles - what a treat. It was cool on the first island and warm on the second - the red jackets come off. The terrain is very interesting as well as the views. The rocks on the second island were nice though hard to walk on. There is more to tell but I need my pictures and can't remember the phrases. Am writing this on afternoon July 3 and things have started to run together. Need marbles!!!
Alma Quigley, my roommate, is so much fun. We laugh so much people can hear us and wonder what we find so funny. Every morning she tells me what I've talked about in my sleep. This morning is was about depleting my bank account and I must have been on the phone as she said I said "I'm still in the Arctic."
She doesn't snore or make any noise - the perfect roommate. We have a butler and a maid. Then there is the night butler and maid. We are living the life of Downton Abbey except for the ladies maid who dresses you.
Very frustrating not to be able to send email and put my blog together. I apologize for the long silence. Hope I can get back in touch once closer to Oslo and do plan to get this all out in Olso on our last night.
Thanks for your patience. Love, J
The first was lush and green with hills and steep trekking, and the later was desert and rocks and flat walking.
This was my first time using trekking poles - what a treat. It was cool on the first island and warm on the second - the red jackets come off. The terrain is very interesting as well as the views. The rocks on the second island were nice though hard to walk on. There is more to tell but I need my pictures and can't remember the phrases. Am writing this on afternoon July 3 and things have started to run together. Need marbles!!!
Alma Quigley, my roommate, is so much fun. We laugh so much people can hear us and wonder what we find so funny. Every morning she tells me what I've talked about in my sleep. This morning is was about depleting my bank account and I must have been on the phone as she said I said "I'm still in the Arctic."
She doesn't snore or make any noise - the perfect roommate. We have a butler and a maid. Then there is the night butler and maid. We are living the life of Downton Abbey except for the ladies maid who dresses you.
Very frustrating not to be able to send email and put my blog together. I apologize for the long silence. Hope I can get back in touch once closer to Oslo and do plan to get this all out in Olso on our last night.
Thanks for your patience. Love, J
Day 7 Barentseya July 1, 2013
Another day. What will it bring. We were all up at 7am to see the longest glacier in the northern hemisphere. We followed it for almost an hour and it calved once with a rumble and falling ice. Of course we only saw the aftermath as you don't know where to look.
Saw glaciers all day. Went through some narrow areas between Spitsbergen and Edgeoya. Very beautiful. More glacier ice but not a lot of floating ice at this time of year. Not like last night when there was a lot of ice floes fortunately so those bears could get a rest. There used to be a lot of ice floes here and ships couldn't come here. But the glacier ice recedes one meter a day. That is really scary.
Once the guides said there were reindeer on shore. We rush out to the guides trying to explain where the reindeer are. Can't see them as if the alleged creatures are really there I would want to see the antlers. Just dots way far away. I don't think they should notify us of something that can't be recognized. It gets our hopes up and then everyone is disappointed. This happened twice.
In the afternoon we were scheduled to search for the elusive polar bears again. But they were not to be found so we had a zodiac ride to some huge and beautiful rocks that were covered with birds on cliffs and ledges with one egg per female bird. One parent stays with the egg and one goes for food. We saw a full kill of a guillimont by a gull. Then the gull sucks out the insides of the bird.
The eggs are pointed on one end and roll around and not off the cliff. There is no nest. How is it that this all works out this way? I find it fascinating.
Birds were all over the place - many in the sky, perched all over the large beautiful rocks, and feeding
the in water. When the chick is 3 weeks old the father goes down to the water and the chick is sent down for it's first fly away to the Father waiting in the water below. Then it spends 5 months with good old Dad till it is on it's own.
In 3-4 months all the birds leave to go to Greenland for the winter.
It was a nice outing but not what I was hoping for.
It's 10:16pm right now and the sun is in the sky so one really wouldn't know what time it is. We are stopped around some rocks and glaciers and it's pretty quiet here.
Love, J
Saw glaciers all day. Went through some narrow areas between Spitsbergen and Edgeoya. Very beautiful. More glacier ice but not a lot of floating ice at this time of year. Not like last night when there was a lot of ice floes fortunately so those bears could get a rest. There used to be a lot of ice floes here and ships couldn't come here. But the glacier ice recedes one meter a day. That is really scary.
Once the guides said there were reindeer on shore. We rush out to the guides trying to explain where the reindeer are. Can't see them as if the alleged creatures are really there I would want to see the antlers. Just dots way far away. I don't think they should notify us of something that can't be recognized. It gets our hopes up and then everyone is disappointed. This happened twice.
In the afternoon we were scheduled to search for the elusive polar bears again. But they were not to be found so we had a zodiac ride to some huge and beautiful rocks that were covered with birds on cliffs and ledges with one egg per female bird. One parent stays with the egg and one goes for food. We saw a full kill of a guillimont by a gull. Then the gull sucks out the insides of the bird.
The eggs are pointed on one end and roll around and not off the cliff. There is no nest. How is it that this all works out this way? I find it fascinating.
Birds were all over the place - many in the sky, perched all over the large beautiful rocks, and feeding
the in water. When the chick is 3 weeks old the father goes down to the water and the chick is sent down for it's first fly away to the Father waiting in the water below. Then it spends 5 months with good old Dad till it is on it's own.
In 3-4 months all the birds leave to go to Greenland for the winter.
It was a nice outing but not what I was hoping for.
It's 10:16pm right now and the sun is in the sky so one really wouldn't know what time it is. We are stopped around some rocks and glaciers and it's pretty quiet here.
Love, J
Day 6 Edgeoya in Svallbard. Sunday June 30
Greetings everyone. This is being sent after I'm back in wireless contact. We are in the land of midnight sun and no moon so far. More on that later.
This is Sunday. Terribly foggy and for that reason we can't land e cause if bears are present it would be dangerous, so we are told. We heard there was an injured bear here but it wasn't seen by the scouting party.
But we did go out on a zodiac ride near the shore to see about 15 walruses lying around. One did move with great effort about five feet.
We took pictures hoping for a bear but none showed up. Darn. I really want to see a polar bear.
The weather is not all that cold if the wind is not blowing. I did manage to lose my hat to the ocean but it was recovered.
In the afternoon it was even more foggy. We were told there was a bear on shore so off we go again. We looked and looked through the thick fog and some people saw a white dot and declared it was a bear. Can't prove it by me. Probably a rock. I saw nothing but it was a nice ride. I was so disappointed. Really want to see the polar bears.
We are a group of 8 but two of the people have friends from AU and spend their time with them. The 6 of us are constantly laughing and having a grand time.
After dinner which lasts till 10 or so we went to bed. Alma and I were talking and an hour later we get a knock at the door. OE tells us she heard there are two bears swimming.
The sun is high in the sky. Seems like 5pm. Some thought of staying up all night to see what it would bring.
Thank goodness we were not already in our night clothes. Grabbed shoes and camera and dashed up. Took a while to find them but I saw them. Two dots swimming along. We were there for over an hour. The ship followed them and tried to get as close as possible.
Figured they must be tired as one was a cub and after a long time it was lagging behind. Low and behold they got up on a piece of ice and we watched them walking around. What a treat that was. White on white.
We had lots of ice patches but just a few years ago it would have been solid ice. This trip has only been offered for five years.
The entire passenger list and crew must of have been out on deck. The sun was high up and the wind was very cold. It gets colder the further north we go. But some how you don't feel it when there is something exciting to see.
I hope my pictures aren't all blurry. Hard to tell till I load them on to my iPad.
So what seemed like an unremarkable day turned out to be pretty exciting.
We have a French group, German group and the the English speaking people. Announcements are usually in all three languages.
Tomorrow will be an exciting day and I'd better see some more bears and maybe reindeer.
Till tomorrow. Love, J
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Days 4, 5 Svalbard
Well my goodness me. My sbcglobal email account was deactivated for some unknown reason and I won't be able to find out till I return home. It's been hectic trying to figure out what to do to stay in touch with my world. So for now please use my iCloud email (j.golub@me.com) above in the FROM field. You might want to cc the sbcglobal one also just in case.....
Yesterday we had two outings. The morning was 1.5 hours zodiac cruise seeing lots of birds. I came here to see polar bears, I said. I can hardly see these little birds in their small nests but it was a nice cruise.
In the afternoon we had a special stop at a weather station and a walk around a beautiful area where the puffins were. Getting pictures was another feat of wet belly photography and avoiding falling off a cliff. Needless to say I did not do that. No industrial accidents so far.
There was a tiny store there about the size of the bathroom on the ship.
It was sunny and warm and we all took off our red parkas and enjoyed ourselves.
The guides are wonderful at guiding us, especially us older folks, up and down the rocks. We are well taken care of.
We invited a lady who was traveling alone to join us for dinner and that worked out very well. She is American from DC and now lives in England.
I'm told not to send pictures as it's too slow and I'm using the ship's wifi. Sorry about that.
well and they aren't big birds. Where are the polar bears, I ask!!!!Today, Saturday, we had a cruise around some glaciers. We also saw small icebergs, some calving, and birds. Well the birds were well located and though I thought I could see them I was photographing a rock. I don't see
Now people are going ashore for an hour walk with trekking poles in wet and rainy conditions. No bears or we could not go. We are learning a lot about the plants and how they survive the winters. It's very gloomy out today where as yesterday was warm and sunny.
Later we will have a recap and find out what the schedule is for tomorrow. Bears, walrus, fox, seals, whales.....now those things I can see. Hope I get to.
Much love, J
Friday, June 28, 2013
Day 3 on way to Bear Island
The first part got cut off and can't remember what it was supposed to be. So sorry.
r one day at sea and to sleep in after much travel. Some people are sick from the rocking of the boat but it's nothing like it was in Drake Passage in Antarctica.
At 9:30 am we were awakened with the terribly loud speaker system in both English and German that a lecture would be starting in half hour.
Alma and I got up and dashed to breakfast which would end at ten. We then came back to our room and got showered and dressed. Then we went to a great photo lecture.
There was another Interruption during the lecture as two humpback whales and a bunch of dolphins were seen from deck so off we went cameras in hand.
The problem for me is that the whales were too far away and after the tail fluke I got in Alaska in 1992 I'm a bit picky about taking pictures of a dorsal fin way in the distance.
Back to the lecture, back to the room, and then off to lunch. You see everything happens here by the meals and that's how we know what we are doing or have done.
Then we had the obligatory zodiac lecture of what we can and cannot do. I'm just hoping we see polar bears.
We are on our way to Bear Island where we will stop and zodiac around to see birds. What's wrong with this picture??? We might see bears and limestone drive through caves.
Today is the Captain's Reception and dinner. No it's not dressy. Change of shirt and men will probably wear slacks instead of jeans. My kind of travel.
Love, J
Reception was nice but my goodness some people were all dressed up. In Antarctica it was very casual and of course eight of us had no luggage so you can imagine how we looked. Dinner was good but a store went out and ours was delayed. We spent three hours but it still seemed like 6:30 when we left the dining room.
Tomorrow we zodiac around Bear Island but won't get out of the zodiac. It's our first outing. Looking forward.
Good night all. Love, J
r one day at sea and to sleep in after much travel. Some people are sick from the rocking of the boat but it's nothing like it was in Drake Passage in Antarctica.
At 9:30 am we were awakened with the terribly loud speaker system in both English and German that a lecture would be starting in half hour.
Alma and I got up and dashed to breakfast which would end at ten. We then came back to our room and got showered and dressed. Then we went to a great photo lecture.
There was another Interruption during the lecture as two humpback whales and a bunch of dolphins were seen from deck so off we went cameras in hand.
The problem for me is that the whales were too far away and after the tail fluke I got in Alaska in 1992 I'm a bit picky about taking pictures of a dorsal fin way in the distance.
Back to the lecture, back to the room, and then off to lunch. You see everything happens here by the meals and that's how we know what we are doing or have done.
Then we had the obligatory zodiac lecture of what we can and cannot do. I'm just hoping we see polar bears.
We are on our way to Bear Island where we will stop and zodiac around to see birds. What's wrong with this picture??? We might see bears and limestone drive through caves.
Today is the Captain's Reception and dinner. No it's not dressy. Change of shirt and men will probably wear slacks instead of jeans. My kind of travel.
Love, J
Reception was nice but my goodness some people were all dressed up. In Antarctica it was very casual and of course eight of us had no luggage so you can imagine how we looked. Dinner was good but a store went out and ours was delayed. We spent three hours but it still seemed like 6:30 when we left the dining room.
Tomorrow we zodiac around Bear Island but won't get out of the zodiac. It's our first outing. Looking forward.
Good night all. Love, J
Our group.
Golubgazette.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Day 2 boarding the ship
Hi everybody. There won't be cell service for much more time so you may not here from me. But I will keep writing my blog and put it together when I can. Haven't figured out how to attach pictures so may resort to email blog.
Today, Wed June 26, we flew to Tromso where we boarded our ship the Silver Explorer. It is the same ship I was on in Antarctica in 2011. It's just been renamed.
We were recognized by some of the staff - guess we made an impression on our last visit. Got checked in, photo ID made for getting back on ship after zodiac rides, had champagne, life vest drill, met the staff and dinner. Still very tired and many of us retiring early.
Tomorrow we are at sea all day and have lectures, games, and events thoughout the day. Of course there are meals and nap times scheduled. We have a choice of 117 movies and documentaries to watch so that will occupy the day.
We are in the Arctic Circle. It is starting to get cold and the sun is up all the live long day and night.
Tromso is a beautiful little ski area. Very green right now dotted with snow on the peaks and you can see the ski runs and lights for night skiing. We didn't get a tour of the town but it looks small and quaint.
Our group:
Tromso, Norway
Sherry, JMG, Alma, Van and Jim and OE in back.
Will be in touch as much as possible. Love, J
Judith Marx Golub
Golubgazette.blogspot.com
Tel: 650-941-5623
Cell: 650-906-5625
Today, Wed June 26, we flew to Tromso where we boarded our ship the Silver Explorer. It is the same ship I was on in Antarctica in 2011. It's just been renamed.
We were recognized by some of the staff - guess we made an impression on our last visit. Got checked in, photo ID made for getting back on ship after zodiac rides, had champagne, life vest drill, met the staff and dinner. Still very tired and many of us retiring early.
Tomorrow we are at sea all day and have lectures, games, and events thoughout the day. Of course there are meals and nap times scheduled. We have a choice of 117 movies and documentaries to watch so that will occupy the day.
We are in the Arctic Circle. It is starting to get cold and the sun is up all the live long day and night.
Tromso is a beautiful little ski area. Very green right now dotted with snow on the peaks and you can see the ski runs and lights for night skiing. We didn't get a tour of the town but it looks small and quaint.
Our group:
Tromso, Norway
Sherry, JMG, Alma, Van and Jim and OE in back.
Will be in touch as much as possible. Love, J
Judith Marx Golub
Golubgazette.blogspot.com
Tel: 650-941-5623
Cell: 650-906-5625
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Day 1 On the way to Norway
Hi Family and Friends.
June 24 I left early evening on Scandinavian Air for Copenhagen and Oslo, where I am overnighting tonight. Things went like clockwork. What they call business class is really First class.
First my seat wouldn't work and the purser had to work on it and the one next to me, then the headpho es lost sound. But those are trivial items compared to what I have been dealing with and all worked out.
I actually got about four hours sleep on the first long leg so thought that would tied me over.
Once in Oslo we saw that our luggage arrived!! Needless to saw that was nice but after having no luggage Anarctica I knew I would survive - and I had my meds in my carry on.
Our Silverseas pick up person, Ulf, took us on a twenty minute tour and it is beautiful here. Everything is lush and green. We saw the palace where the King and Queen reside aand they are very well liked here.
My roommate, Alma Quigly from DE, arrive shortly after we did and then six of us got settled and then went across the street for dinner. It was a small place and the food was good.
Now I'm in my room after a lovely shower and it is still light out. We are nine hours ahead of CA.
We have an early start tomorrow and I'm going to get to sleep shortly. It's 8:45 PM as I type this. We fly to Tromo and will get on our ship, Silverseas Explorer, there. This is the same ship I was on in Anarctica only the name has been changed.
I miss talking to my family and friends at home and I especially miss my little Mabel. She is in good care with the day care people and living with a young man and his dog Norman.
Love, J
If you wish to be removed please send a blank email with REMOVE as the subject. No reason necessary.
Please don't send emails with a lot of attachments or large pictures to me.
Thank you so much. Love, J
June 24 I left early evening on Scandinavian Air for Copenhagen and Oslo, where I am overnighting tonight. Things went like clockwork. What they call business class is really First class.
First my seat wouldn't work and the purser had to work on it and the one next to me, then the headpho es lost sound. But those are trivial items compared to what I have been dealing with and all worked out.
I actually got about four hours sleep on the first long leg so thought that would tied me over.
Once in Oslo we saw that our luggage arrived!! Needless to saw that was nice but after having no luggage Anarctica I knew I would survive - and I had my meds in my carry on.
Our Silverseas pick up person, Ulf, took us on a twenty minute tour and it is beautiful here. Everything is lush and green. We saw the palace where the King and Queen reside aand they are very well liked here.
My roommate, Alma Quigly from DE, arrive shortly after we did and then six of us got settled and then went across the street for dinner. It was a small place and the food was good.
Now I'm in my room after a lovely shower and it is still light out. We are nine hours ahead of CA.
We have an early start tomorrow and I'm going to get to sleep shortly. It's 8:45 PM as I type this. We fly to Tromo and will get on our ship, Silverseas Explorer, there. This is the same ship I was on in Anarctica only the name has been changed.
I miss talking to my family and friends at home and I especially miss my little Mabel. She is in good care with the day care people and living with a young man and his dog Norman.
Love, J
If you wish to be removed please send a blank email with REMOVE as the subject. No reason necessary.
Please don't send emails with a lot of attachments or large pictures to me.
Thank you so much. Love, J
Sunday, June 23, 2013
2013 Arctic travels
Leaving for Norway and the Arctic - watch for news on my blog.
Love, J
Judith Marx Golub
Golubgazette.blogspot.com
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Traveling - Nov 15
Hi Family and Friends. If you are checking in here just want to let you know I am in Quantus Lounge waiting for flight to Alice Springs.
I am feeling much better after a good sleep. Now the weather will get hot and dry. But soon I will be home to storms and rain and gray clouds. My favorite.
Love, J
I am feeling much better after a good sleep. Now the weather will get hot and dry. But soon I will be home to storms and rain and gray clouds. My favorite.
Love, J
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Thursday, Nov 8
Hello everyone. We have gone from Strahan to Cradle Mountain and are now checking in at Launceston. The room is really nice here. It must be a condo. Kitchen and dishwasher but no washing machine. WRONG - found the washing machine. What a thrill. No hand washing. We put in a load and went to Franco's for dinner. Now back and doing second load.
The most exciting thing is that we stopped in Trowunna, an animal park, and saw wildlife. Held a wombat, petted a Tasmanian Devil, and fed kangaroos. Got some pictures but having trouble getting them on my iPad to upload for you. It was raining when we got there but who cared. Really fun to see the animals and those who know me know that animals are my passion for photography.
The Devils in the wild have cancer and they are looking for a cure. Meanwhile they are breeding in captivity in the hopes of eventually releasing to the wild. They are adorable, will eat anything including the bones and fur of an animal. We saw six males being fed.
We saw some large birds that looked a little like geese and they roam with the kangaroos. Also saw a Quoll and yellow possum which I have actually seen twice in my front yard at home.
Beautiful scenery on the way. The mountains and hills and fields are all green, full of cows and sheep.
BTW our bus driver is also the guide and talks to us while driving. Even on the winding roads. He's very good. And our tour bus is a Mercedes.
Tomorrow we fly to Sydney. We start to meet up with other people and our other tour. This is Boomerang group and Frances and I will join the Penguin group. It looks very confusing but knowing Melita she has it all worked out.
The most exciting thing is that we stopped in Trowunna, an animal park, and saw wildlife. Held a wombat, petted a Tasmanian Devil, and fed kangaroos. Got some pictures but having trouble getting them on my iPad to upload for you. It was raining when we got there but who cared. Really fun to see the animals and those who know me know that animals are my passion for photography.
The Devils in the wild have cancer and they are looking for a cure. Meanwhile they are breeding in captivity in the hopes of eventually releasing to the wild. They are adorable, will eat anything including the bones and fur of an animal. We saw six males being fed.
We saw some large birds that looked a little like geese and they roam with the kangaroos. Also saw a Quoll and yellow possum which I have actually seen twice in my front yard at home.
Beautiful scenery on the way. The mountains and hills and fields are all green, full of cows and sheep.
BTW our bus driver is also the guide and talks to us while driving. Even on the winding roads. He's very good. And our tour bus is a Mercedes.
Tomorrow we fly to Sydney. We start to meet up with other people and our other tour. This is Boomerang group and Frances and I will join the Penguin group. It looks very confusing but knowing Melita she has it all worked out.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Strahan
Wed, Nov 7
It's evening here and most folks are just going in to dinner. I came down to use the rest of my hour so will type fast.
We took a cruise down Gordon River. Got off at two different spots in the rain forest. The leaves on the trees are small because there is plenty of water so these trees look for the light. Most rain forests have large leaves to collect the water.
One person got a picture of a Paddymellon animal. Very cute, some kind of marsupial I think. I didn't see it.
Most of the trees here are Myrtle and very old. The oldest trees are Huon Pine. Saw one that was hundreds of years old and a young one at eighty. Some are over a million years old.
Walked the town which took a minute or two. No bank here. Stores won't take American dollars.
Want to get this posted so I don't lose it. Tomorrow we move on by bus to another location.
Lots of moss on trees and I want to know does it grow on the south side or north like it does in our hemisphere. No one has an answer yet.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Down Under
November 4, 2012
Hello from Hobart.
Well I finally have 30 minutes of wifi so will try to get some news to you.
We had a busy and harrowing time at multiple airports. Flight from SFO to LAX left late. The four of us got shuttled to the Quantas terminal and were given a cart to take us to the gate. The walk would have been long, uphill, and we might have missed our flight. We arrived in style.
One of our group somehow fell of the passenger list and got on last minute but her luggage was left in LAX. Thankfully is was not me.
Then we are off to MEL. Premium economy was really nice. I didn't realize we would get blanket and pillow, foot rest, menu, free everything. I sat with a younger woman from Melbourne and we became fast friends. We talked and I even got a lot of sleep - ambien works wonders. Didn't watch any movies, had good food etc.
We sat on the tarmac for an hour in LAX as traffic in Oz was busy but we still arrived on time. Then a lot of time driving around to find a gate. Immigrate and customs was fast for me (after a bit of wait for my luggage) but that was OK. I just wanted to get to the Quantas Club as I bought a monthly pass so I could have a shower.
Then things got ugly. I thought that after customs your luggage goes back on the plane as we had a other flight to Tasmania. Well Jet Star, owned by Quantas, is a cheap airline and I had to go out of security and up to checking. No problem there were not many people there. They would not take my luggage for two hours which is two hours enforce flight time. So what to do!,
I didn't see anyone else from my group, could not go back to customs to see if I missed the Domestic Checkin, and I suddenly lost it feeling alone. I figured the rest of the group of 24 were through security and sitting I. The Club or gate and no one was looking for me. Old childhood issues creeping back in I guess.
I sat and emailed out tou leader, Daniel Thorpe, but he didn't respond. After some time of sheer panic and anger - I really wanted a shower!!! - I walked back to the gate and ran into Julie and Daniel and my roommate Frances. What a relief. They all had the same problem that I experienced and I felt much better( that didn't come out right did it).
So we parked at an eatery for over an hour and Frances was hungry and came within e thru security to the Quantas Club where I had my shower and she had some lunch. Life was good again.
We return to the group and head off to check in our bags and get seats. They are very strict on weight limit. My carry on was 1kg over and the I had to add my purse (which was another smaller carry on with my meds). They made me take stuff out and put in the big checked bag. Then they made me check another of the carry ons.
Now mind you, they didn't even weigh the bags of some of the other people. I think I had been
flagged from earlier when I tried ti check my bag and had no control over their negative response.
We are all now at gate 11 which being a cheap airline is at the very end of the building. When boarding time has come and gone a brunch of people start running. No announcement or anything. Gate had been changed to cattle car area downstairs in what seemed like another city and it was "hurry up and wait."
Hello from Hobart.
Well I finally have 30 minutes of wifi so will try to get some news to you.
We had a busy and harrowing time at multiple airports. Flight from SFO to LAX left late. The four of us got shuttled to the Quantas terminal and were given a cart to take us to the gate. The walk would have been long, uphill, and we might have missed our flight. We arrived in style.
One of our group somehow fell of the passenger list and got on last minute but her luggage was left in LAX. Thankfully is was not me.
Then we are off to MEL. Premium economy was really nice. I didn't realize we would get blanket and pillow, foot rest, menu, free everything. I sat with a younger woman from Melbourne and we became fast friends. We talked and I even got a lot of sleep - ambien works wonders. Didn't watch any movies, had good food etc.
We sat on the tarmac for an hour in LAX as traffic in Oz was busy but we still arrived on time. Then a lot of time driving around to find a gate. Immigrate and customs was fast for me (after a bit of wait for my luggage) but that was OK. I just wanted to get to the Quantas Club as I bought a monthly pass so I could have a shower.
Then things got ugly. I thought that after customs your luggage goes back on the plane as we had a other flight to Tasmania. Well Jet Star, owned by Quantas, is a cheap airline and I had to go out of security and up to checking. No problem there were not many people there. They would not take my luggage for two hours which is two hours enforce flight time. So what to do!,
I didn't see anyone else from my group, could not go back to customs to see if I missed the Domestic Checkin, and I suddenly lost it feeling alone. I figured the rest of the group of 24 were through security and sitting I. The Club or gate and no one was looking for me. Old childhood issues creeping back in I guess.
I sat and emailed out tou leader, Daniel Thorpe, but he didn't respond. After some time of sheer panic and anger - I really wanted a shower!!! - I walked back to the gate and ran into Julie and Daniel and my roommate Frances. What a relief. They all had the same problem that I experienced and I felt much better( that didn't come out right did it).
So we parked at an eatery for over an hour and Frances was hungry and came within e thru security to the Quantas Club where I had my shower and she had some lunch. Life was good again.
We return to the group and head off to check in our bags and get seats. They are very strict on weight limit. My carry on was 1kg over and the I had to add my purse (which was another smaller carry on with my meds). They made me take stuff out and put in the big checked bag. Then they made me check another of the carry ons.
Now mind you, they didn't even weigh the bags of some of the other people. I think I had been
flagged from earlier when I tried ti check my bag and had no control over their negative response.
We are all now at gate 11 which being a cheap airline is at the very end of the building. When boarding time has come and gone a brunch of people start running. No announcement or anything. Gate had been changed to cattle car area downstairs in what seemed like another city and it was "hurry up and wait."
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Down Under continued
Finally we are on our 2hr flight to Hobart in Tasmania. We are met at the small airport, it is evening now, cool weather, and we are transferred to a lovely hotel just fifteen minutes away.
We get our rooms and luggage and walk a block to a lovely fish place to eat. Dinner was grand. We are all tired and then walk back and settle in.
Friend here said I should mention that my luggage tag was broken probably by the nasty lady who made me take carry on item and check them.
Sunday Nov 4
Today we are up early - you know how I like that - and have a lovely buffet breakfast. We got a bus tour of the city and then a boat ride with more touring. I don't have my itinerary ready to tell you what and where (most of us were napping anyway) but it was nice. We had a wonder and leisurely lunch at the Peppermint Gardens on the water.
Just back an hour ago and wanted to get something out to you. We are on our own for dinner with another busy day tomorrow.
It's is a beautiful place and people are very nice. And we speak the same language, sort of.
We get our rooms and luggage and walk a block to a lovely fish place to eat. Dinner was grand. We are all tired and then walk back and settle in.
Friend here said I should mention that my luggage tag was broken probably by the nasty lady who made me take carry on item and check them.
Sunday Nov 4
Today we are up early - you know how I like that - and have a lovely buffet breakfast. We got a bus tour of the city and then a boat ride with more touring. I don't have my itinerary ready to tell you what and where (most of us were napping anyway) but it was nice. We had a wonder and leisurely lunch at the Peppermint Gardens on the water.
Just back an hour ago and wanted to get something out to you. We are on our own for dinner with another busy day tomorrow.
It's is a beautiful place and people are very nice. And we speak the same language, sort of.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Hi Family and Friends.
Tomorrow night I start my journey for Tasmania and Australia and a total solar eclipse. Wish you were all with me. You folks who like the hot weather - well this will be the place to go.
This is a test to see if I can add to my blog and then email the group when I have something here - or you can just check back every once in a while should you be so inclined. I'm packed and ready to go - and Mabel with be with friend Carlene on her farm. What fun they will have!! And thanks to Roberta for staying in my home - which is great security - and for delivering Mabel to her nanny.
OK - will be in touch. Love, J
Tomorrow night I start my journey for Tasmania and Australia and a total solar eclipse. Wish you were all with me. You folks who like the hot weather - well this will be the place to go.
This is a test to see if I can add to my blog and then email the group when I have something here - or you can just check back every once in a while should you be so inclined. I'm packed and ready to go - and Mabel with be with friend Carlene on her farm. What fun they will have!! And thanks to Roberta for staying in my home - which is great security - and for delivering Mabel to her nanny.
OK - will be in touch. Love, J
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Saturday Dec 18th
Greetings to my blog readers. It is snowing heavily here today and Roberta was to go to a party being held by friends from when she lived here - cancelled for the moment now. We will be going out with friends of our hostess, Charlotte - lots of talk about whether to drive, take a taxi - or just sit and worry about the downward snow drift.
Italy is snowed in where we are going but our hostess arrived there - and is having trouble getting food etc.
Tomorrow things should ease up and by Monday we hope all will be set right and we should not have too many travel problems.
My injured writ is not any worse - puffy at best and \I can type on the laptop I hve borrowed but not well on my phone.
Hope to hear from you from time to time - time permitting. Love, J
Italy is snowed in where we are going but our hostess arrived there - and is having trouble getting food etc.
Tomorrow things should ease up and by Monday we hope all will be set right and we should not have too many travel problems.
My injured writ is not any worse - puffy at best and \I can type on the laptop I hve borrowed but not well on my phone.
Hope to hear from you from time to time - time permitting. Love, J
Monday, December 13, 2010
2010 End of Year Travels
Hi Family and Friends - I'm off to visit the Gibbons and extended family for the end of year holidays. London and Italy. Will be home Jan 4th and then leave Jan 13th for Antarctica. Hope to be able to put a few pictures on this blog but not taking my laptop - will see what happens. Merry and Happy to all. Love, J
Friday, October 1, 2010
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