Bank holidays

Do you like them or loathe them? Are they a chance to catch up with chores, family or friends? Just spend at home or venture further afield? I loathe them, perhaps because I think we should do something rather than stay in, especially in retirement. So today I took myself off for a walk toContinue reading “Bank holidays”

April 2024 so far

I can’t believe we’ve been back from our cruise almost 3 weeks: it’s certainly been pretty full on. First day back and Georgina’s new car was hit, resulting in a lot of damage. Thankfully she was fine and that’s the main thing. We’ve seen a lot of River, been to Brighton, Arbroath ( a 14Continue reading “April 2024 so far”

Last day of our amazing adventure

We arrived in Buenos Aires, and even though our hotel was a few minutes from the Port it took over an hour to locate the passengers to make the short journey. Once ensconced in the hotel Emperador we sat outside in the warm sun and enjoyed lunch and drinks. Kevin and I went for aContinue reading “Last day of our amazing adventure”

The last few days

We spent two days at sea, filled with many activities, Viv and I even turned our hand at making towel animals. It was hilarious. Next time we have overnight guests I’ll be having a bash. 😂😂 There was a visit to the bridge, which was very interesting and informative. We learnt a little about hybridContinue reading “The last few days”

April Fools Day in Puerto Madryn

We arrived in this port, and were able to disembark using the gangway. We had a 3 hour walking tour around the town, although as it was Easter Monday the Welsh tea shop was closed, so that was a little disappointing. The town was founded on 28 July 1865, when 150 welsh immigrants arrived aboardContinue reading “April Fools Day in Puerto Madryn”

Weather not permitting and New Island

Overnight with the weather being less kind, the captain and crew made their way to Carcass Island . The wind and swell made it too hard even for the tenders to get to land, so we moved on to try to land at West Point, again no joy, so we cruised around and were offeredContinue reading “Weather not permitting and New Island”

That’s another fine mess you got me into Stanley.

Famous words from Hardy, (Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy) as we arrive at Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands. It was very windy and we travelled in the ship’s lifeboats to land. We saw a few dolphins as we approached. Once we arrived we got on a coach to take in a few sights asContinue reading “That’s another fine mess you got me into Stanley.”

To the Falklands

Two days at sea after our amazing five days in Antarctica. Travelling across the Scotia Sea, with conditions due to change, for this time of year, still relatively easy. I did wear my sea sickness bands though. The crew are adept at providing activities and lectures which helps pass the time. With specialists on boardContinue reading “To the Falklands”

Portal point, a tumble and an embarrassing moment

A great start to the day with a whale nearby, and a show of it’s fluke. The morning announcement of activities and landings after breakfast for our first continental landing at Portal point. was eagerly listened to and we were prepped to go. We were advised it was slippy with fresh snow on the icyContinue reading “Portal point, a tumble and an embarrassing moment”

The Drake’s Passage 1 and our first landing

The captain kept his word and with it being Drake Lake, the time was made up to arrive at Half Moon Islands. We saw and heard our first whales and icebergs galore as we glided into our anchor point. The peace and tranquility was phenomenal. The depth of colour of white and blue extraordinary. IContinue reading “The Drake’s Passage 1 and our first landing”

Getting set for Antarctica

We booked this trip to cruise with Hurtigruten expeditions and our ship is the Fridtjof Nansen ( an intrepid explorer). We embarked on the ship and our cases were in our cabins. We did the ‘housekeeping’ elements and made our way to the cabin via the very impressive lift. A sail away was arranged forContinue reading “Getting set for Antarctica”

Tierra del Fuego….

We flew from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, it was a very early start! We were greeted by the sight of snow and mountains and began a bus tour of the National Park, Tierra del Fuego, Land of Fire. It was named this as when Magellan passed the archipelago in 1590 he saw many fires alongContinue reading “Tierra del Fuego….”

Antarctic experience Part 1

It may take some time to document this trip and do it justice, but I have to start. Part 1 covers the first few days in Buenos Aires.

Approaching the Ides Of March

The saying is Beware the Ides of March (15th March), but I don’t want to dwell on a negative connotation. February with extra day has come and gone, and March is going to be full of lots of exciting things. I definitely feel a lot better this week, and have managed to get a fewContinue reading “Approaching the Ides Of March”