OOPS!!!

OOPS!!!
Well it turned out to not be a sprain but a fracture. So I am hobbling around using a boot cast.
I am not a happy camper but Ken is quite pleased to be able to tell me what I should and should not be doing on this bad ankle.
Oh well it could have been worse. I would have hated for it to have happened at the beginning of our adventure. 

The doctor is saying 6 to 8 weeks of wearing a cast but we will see. It should mean that the cast will be history by Xmas time and it lots of time for our next cruising adventure at the end of January.

Loose Ends

Well it is time to close this Blog session by tying up a lot of loose ends.

Our sea day was fun because all we did was relax. We got our things organized for the necessary packing the next day. The weather was a bit cool but we enjoyed the balcony anyway. The first this we saw in the morning when we awoke was a flock of sparrows flying by. This is noteworthy because you seldom see small birds when you are at sea. But they were around most of the day. It was obvious that someone was feeding them because they kept scurrying across our balcony floor. One with part of a roll was being chased by others wanting in on the action. I don't envy the room stewards and their chore of washing the balcony mats.

We were told that at one point there were about 50 or more of them having a bath in the overflow area of the main pool on deck 15.

Our day in Quebec City was grand. The ship was docked right in the middle of Old Town and our view was of the Chateau. 

For our tour we had to gather in the Princess theatre at 8:15. When we got there at 8:00 we learned that there were 600 people signed up for the same tour. Since it was $149.00 per person Princess must have been smiling that day. Anyway because there would be 12 buses heading out each had a schedule of where to go and when so that we all would not be at the same place at the same time. The order posted in the previous blog was reversed completely so that we ended at the Falls instead of beginning there.

The day began cool and breezy but the bus was warm and because of my still swollen ankle I was able to sit in a front seat.

Our tour guide was wonderful. He was completely fluent in both English and French and he grew up in Quebec. He told us much about the history and the culture and what is was like for him growing up in Quebec.

I was very impressed with the city. This part called The Old Town could be anywhere in Europe with the beautiful architecture and  the cobblestone streets.

The Basilica at St Anne de Beaupre was so amazing that it defies description. It is easily more amazing that most if not all of the wonderful churches we saw in the UK. It is hard to believe that it is relatively new. It is a place you must experience to appreciate.

One of our stops was at Montmorency Falls and they were impressive as well.

PJ our guide said that yesterday it was rainy and foggy and in general the weather was not at all good for touring but we lucked out.

It was a gorgeous day, cool but sunny and bright and the fall colors were spectacular in the bright sunshine.

So it was a wonderful day and we really enjoyed it.We returned to the ship around 4:30, in time for dinner and in time to complete our packing.

 The ship was docked in Quebec overnight and many of the younger party goers took advantage of the overnight docking to enjoy the city. We did not. 

The cruising part of our wonderful travel adventure has come to the end and we are reluctant to disembark. We could easily stay on board for another couple of weeks,

But it is time to get back to the real world.

October second is the day we disembark and we get up early and have breakfast in Horizon Court. We noticed that the faces are not particularly happy. But in a few hours when the new folks arrive the dining area will be filled with smiling happy chatter.

The Elite people got to meet in Club Fusion and when there we met Michael and Jan from Seattle. Somehow we kept missing them during this cruise so it was nice to have time for a good visit.

Soon our color is called and we head out. Fortunately there were lots of luggage carts and we were soon in line for a taxi. We were impressed with how well run it was. 

The taxi ride to our digs for the night was much longer than we thought it would be.

The hotel( L'Aristocrate ) is very nice in fact it is quite top end. The staff was very friendly and efficient. Our room was not yet ready so we walked over to the near by grocery store and drugstore for cold meds and lunch food. Then it was back to wait for our room.

 Fortunately the hotel is near to the airport . In the morning we will be about 12 minutes from the airport. 

So the wake up call is for 4:00 and the flight leaves at 6:30.

, we will be home at 1:10 on October 3rd. So tomorrow it ends.

Thanks so much for following us and we will be cruising again the end of January. Mexico, here we come.

Quebec City, Quebec

To visit Québec is to experience France without crossing the Atlantic. The architecture, the ambience, and the animated conversation on the street confirm the impression that a bit of France has been permanently imbedded in North America. Stroll along the streets of the atmospheric Latin Quarter and explore the historic stone and brick houses of Old Québec, the only remaining walled city north of Mexico. Visit the Place Royale and Notre Dame des Victoires, the oldest stone church in North America, and marvel at the turreted Château de Frontenac.

We splurged on an all day tour of Quebec City. There is so much to see and we have not been her before and we don't expect to be here again. We needed to make the most of our day and an organized tour seemed to be the best answer.

Tour Overview

Your tour begins as you board your transportation for a scenic drive to Ile d'Orleans just opposite Montmorency Falls. You'll drive to the bottom of the falls for a photo stop and then make your way to the top of this 272-foot high waterfall. You'll marvel at the breathtaking views and witness the powerful forces of natures as the water of the Montmorency River roars down the cliff to eventually meet with the St. Lawrence River. You're free to walk the path set in the surrounding park and browse in nearby boutiques before continuing on to the village of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is home to the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré shrine, a landmark temple that stands near the St. Lawrence River. Sailors in colonial times prayed to Sainte Anne, the patron saint of sailors, and were spared from death. Today, the basilica attracts more than half a million visitors each year. You'll stroll among the grounds and see the church, then depart for a local Baker's Inn restaurant for a French lunch, including chicken or salmon and dessert.

Next you'll continue to Cap-Diamant (Cape Diamond), the official name of the promontory on which the Upper Town of Québec City is located. Jacques Cartier, the French explorer who found glittering stones in on this great rock formation, thought the stones contained diamonds. After he brought samples of these stones back in France in 1542, experts concluded that these "diamonds" were actually quartz, hence the proverb, "As fake as a Canadian diamond."

En route you'll pass through Parc des Champs de Bataille, the site where the French surrendered to the British in 1759. Today, the park features 267 acres of grassy hills, sunken gardens, monuments, artillery artifacts, fountains, and trees.

Next on your itinerary is Château Frontenac, a palatial hotel built in 1893 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, and host to Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and MacKenzie King when they met to discuss strategy during World War II. Located in front of the château is Place d'Armes, one of the most important intersections in the old city, filled with café-goers, street performers and musicians. You'll walk through Artist Alley and browse in nearby boutiques before departing for Dufferin Terrace, the landscaped promenade and boardwalk facing the château. Here you'll enjoy panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River, the town of Levis on the opposite bank, Ile d'Orleans, and the Laurentian Mountains.

Your tour concludes with a drive to Place Royale, a handsomely restored square in the heart of Lower Town boasting 17th and 18th-century stone architecture. The site of Samuel de Champlain's first settlement, the square is home to Notre Dame des Victoires, the oldest stone church still standing in North America.

Charlottetown

Charlottetown, PEI

Because we were in PEI last summer we really did not feel the need to do much here.

Ken has my cold and the weather took a terrible turn for the worst. It went from 25 degrees to 12 degrees and there was a stiff wind blowing. So needless to say there was not a lot of walking happening.

I did go ashore long enough to check out the cruise terminal and to see if they had any great crafting ideas.

There terminal can’t hold a candle to the one in Sydney and there were very few crafts. Most of the sales were basically retail outlets selling souvenirs. There was one person selling metal work and I was tempted by one lighthouse item with a clock as part of it . But I resisted and came back on board empty handed.

Last evening was formal night. I wore my dress from Samoa, and it got lots of compliments. I took pictures of Rob and Joy and Jason.

The show last evening was an illusionist and as usual he left us dumbfounded. These people are amazing and try as we may we cannot figure out how they do what they do.

We had a brandy and coffee and called it a night.

Charlottetown, PEI

Charlottetown, Canada

While Prince Edward Island is Canada's smallest providence in terms of area and population, it more than makes up for this with the friendliness of its people, its natural beauty, and for being known as the birthplace of Canada.

The island's landscape is dramatic and features rolling hills, pristine forests, reddish-white sand beaches, ocean coves and the famous red soil. The capital of Charlottetown offers a small town feel and a relaxed atmosphere with a cosmopolitan flair. The town has evolved into a dynamic city without sacrificing its historic charm. One certainly cannot think about Prince Edward without mentioning the author Lucy Maud Montgomery who once lived on PEI and drew inspiration from the land during the late Victorian Era for the setting of her classic novel "Anne of Green Gables." PEI also has another claim to fame with the Confederation Bridge built in 1997. The world's longest bridge over ice-covered waters provides a connection from PEI to the mainland Canada.

Home!!

Sydney,

How strange it felt to sail into Sydney!

We arrived at 8:15 and people began to disembark right away. We had breakfast in our room and enjoyed the view from the balcony doors. There was a wind blowing and it was too cold to go outside. But the sun was shining and it was beautiful. We were anchored off of Sydport and had to be tendered in. We headed out at nine and we got a tender ride right away. The black card sure comes in handy.

When ashore we called cousin Wayne and wished him luck with his horse race this afternoon He told me about the business Wayne junior has but it is located down by the YMCA and my ankle would not have liked that so we didn’t go down to see him.

BUT we did spend time inside the cruise ship terminal. I hoped to see some of the crafters that I sold with years ago and I did meet one. Ruth filled me in on a lot of the news, especially concerning the church. I was saddened to hear that Trinity United had closed 2 years ago and the building is for sale.

Then I also ran into Laurie. She and her husband Rod used to frequent to store in Framboise and she and I had a good gabfest.

One vendor was selling exceptional Ammolite pieces and I got a very nice pendant with lovely reds and oranges in it.

It is a very special place. I can say without a doubt that it is one of the nicest if not the nicest cruise ship terminal we have visited in our 29 cruises. Sydney needs to be very proud. The quality of crafts is first rate , the exhibits are exceptional, the welcomes received were spectacular. The center has everything from food to crafts to places to eat and places to drink. There are free exhibits of the local history, free concerts, and free WiFi. I was even able to buy a Scottish Oat Cake. We took lots and lots of pictures but soon my ankle was telling me to head back on board.

We took pictures of the fiddle and I chatted with a cabbie who said he would pass a message on to Earl for me.

With that I knew I had done what I wanted to do so we got into line for a tender.

My, it was a great visit home.

Sydney, Nova Scotia/ September 28

Sydney, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton is fabled as a magical travel destination and the Port of Sydney is the gateway. Known for its beauty and unique Celtic music and culture, Sydney puts some of the Island's greatest sights and attractions at your fingertips when you disembark into the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion.

The dockside pavilion offers an array of Shopping Boutiques, a Craft Market and the World's Largest Fiddle. You will also find wireless Internet services, a Visitor Information Centre, and the Cape Breton Island Exhibition Centre featuring artifacts, images and an overview of the rich culture and heritage of this historic Island. Or you can simply sit and savour our local seafood cuisine at the Range Light Cafe, or enjoy a glass of wine on our second level balcony.

The city of Sydney has a deep history and was originally founded in 1785 by British Loyalists fleeing the perils of the American Revolution. The rich natural resources led these new settlers to establish prosperous coal and steel industries, which attracted immigrants from a myriad of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. To this day, Sydney remains a haven of multiculturalism.

The Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion is just a short drive from the community of Baddeck and the breathtaking Bras d'Or Lake where Alexander Graham Bell lived, worked and studied. On the east coast of Cape Breton lies the largest historic reconstruction in North America, the Fortress of Louisbourg. The Fortress is a Parks Canada National Historic Site and is described as a Williamsburg-style attraction that is not to be missed.

Family Visit

Halifax and Family,

Today we were in Halifax and it was an absolutely wonderful sunny day.

We began by watching the sunrise and enjoying our view of George’s Island  lighthouse which was right in front of our balcony. Soon we were entertained by Theadore tugboat and he passed in front of our balcony.

We spoke to Valerie on the phone and it was agreed that we would meet in front of the Nova Scotian Hotel at noon.

While waiting for time to pass we chatted with Elizabeth and Gwen. Both seemed really happy to hear from us.

Then we made our was ashore and shopped around in the cruise ship center for awhile. There were some crafts but a lot of it was resellers. Ken was quite excited to find a book about Maude Lewis which was written by one of his former students. It took very little convincing to have him purchase it.

We met Valerie and Barb and Barb’s husband John as we said we would and they took us to Barrington Street where we decided on a restaurant called Henry’s as a good place to have lunch. Henry’s is on the registry of haunted places in Halifax but the ghost did not make an appearance while we were there.

The food was good but the conversation was better. When we three are together time loses its meaning and we visit as if no time has passed since we were children together. (Ken was with me and so John had someone to visit with, because usually he can’t get a word in edgewise.) we grew up 3 doors apart and I was often at Aunt Et’s and Uncle Tom’s playing school in their basement or going on hikes with all of the other children from the neighborhood. So many wonderful memories.

Soon it was time to go , Valerie had to go out of town on court business  on Saturday and Barb was as busy as usual so we only had a couple of hours to visit. But on the way back to the ship they took us to a Superstore where Ken was able to buy some yellow eyed beans. We can’t get them in Abby and Ken loves to use them to make his home made beans.

My ankle was feeling pretty sore and tired by then so they drove us back to the ship and we said our good byes.

 That was a great visit and a highlight of our stop in the Maritimes.

Back at the ship we were treated to a performance by the RCMP pipe and drum band. This was great and everyone seemed to enjoy it. So many of the ladies were anxious to pose with the officer in his red serge.

Gee it is time to go to eat again…!!!:-)

Did You Know??

James Arnold, the fifth son of Benedict Arnold was educated in Nova Scotia and he masterminded the initial plans for the design of the famed Citadel Fort

Halifax is home to the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, the world’s largest Oceanographic institute.

Halifax is also a major North American Medical center and the locally based IWK Children’s Hospital has been recognized nationally for superior medical services.

Halifax is home to six universities with large enrolments.

Halifax is the half way point between the west coast of North America and Europe as the distance between Halifax and Victoria,BC on the west coast of Canada is 2785 miles and the distance between Halifax and London England is a very close 2881 miles.

Halifax Nova Scotia, September 27th

Halifax, Nova Scotia

The capital of Nova Scotia and the largest city in Canada's Atlantic Provinces, Halifax was once Great Britain's major military bastion in North America. The beautifully restored waterfront buildings of Halifax's Historic Properties recall the city's centuries-old maritime heritage. Stroll the waterfront, and you may find Nova Scotia's floating ambassador, the schooner Bluenose II, tied up to Privateer's Wharf, just as old sailing ships have done for over 200 years. Halifax is also the gateway to Nova Scotia's stunning scenery, including famous Peggy's Cove, where surf-pounded granite cliffs and a solitary lighthouse create an unsurpassed scene of rugged natural beauty.

We Visit Saint John

Saint John, New Brunswick.

This day began early. Ken was looking out the balcony doors around five trying to figure out why the Brier Island Light was not flashing. Well it turned out that the ship was not in the exact position he thought it was at that precise moment.

Our sail in and docking was beautiful and we enjoyed it. When we got all tied up I looked and there was the Seven Seas Mariner again. She has been shadowing us ever since we left New York. She is a smaller ship and someone said she is a condo ship. But whatever she is we are glad she is smaller. It makes for crazy crowds when you have several large ships in the same port at the same time.

I remembered to put our flag our on our balcony railing right away this morning. I have been forgetting it until our return on the other ports.

Because we were exploring on our own there were not time constraints so we decided to have breakfast in the dining room this morning. I must say it was not all that great this morning, an exception to be sure.

We made our way ashore and we explored the craft tent. I must say it was not as good as the one in Sydney used to be. There were more setters than crafters which was a disappointment. I sure hope the Sydney craft market has not changed.

They had volunteers to greet us and give us maps and directions to whatever we wanted to see. Some persons were in costume and it was great.

Then we walked a little way uptown and looked in one of the malls where we bought provincial pins of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

 Then made our way back to the ship. I was walking without the help of bandages and I decided not to push it too much. Ken got pictures of the Saint John harbour light and a breakwater light. We will be counting them because he was up close even though I was not.

See how hilly this city is!!

 The weather was wonderful and the sun was shining so Ken decided to get some sun from the balcony. We both spent time there enjoying having a balcony to use.

This was another wonderful day and tomorrow we are in Halifax.

Did you know???

In order to differentiate it from St.John’s  NFLD the Saint part of the name is always written out.

Saint John’s King Street is the steepest street in Canada. Over the distance of 2 city blocks the street rises 80 feet, roughly the height of an eight story building.

The American revolutionary traitor Benedict Arnold lived in Saint John from 1787 t0 1791.

Saint John native Thomas Campbell invented the combined hot and cold water faucet in 1880.

The world’s longest covered bridge was completed in 1899. It is 1282 feet long and it spans the Saint John River

Saint John, New Brunswick

Saint John, New Brunswick (for the Bay of Fundy)

Saint John, Canada's oldest settlement is the gateway to the scenic wonders of New Brunswick. One of Canada's oldest provinces, New Brunswick remains remarkably unspoiled: 85 percent of the province remains unsettled. New Brunswick boasts vast forests, purling streams, gentle hills, rich farmlands, and a spectacular coastline dotted by historic towns. Nature also blessed the area with one of her most astonishing phenomena: the reversing River Rapids. The fierce tides of the Bay of Fundy rise with such force that they actually cause the St. John River to reverse direction and its waters to flow upstream. Saint John's history dates to 1604, when the Sieur de Champlain landed nearby on the feast day of Saint John the Baptist. After the American Revolution, American Loyalists flocked to the area. Saint John became a thriving industrial port. But the catastrophic fire of 1877, declining commerce and decades of neglect gave the town a sad and careworn look for decades. That changed in recent years. Redevelopment of the waterfront and the old district has restored Saint John's charm and its sense of history.

Lighthouses 311 and 312 ???

Portland Maine,

We have been here at least twice before but we booked a lighthouse tour because it would show us 2 we had not visited.

Our tour was a  Princess bus tour and our guide was Judy and our driver was Chuck. We were underway right on time and again we were blessed with wonderful weather.

Judy showed us some of the highlights of her city and we were happy to see that there was a little fall color. We are keeping our fingers crossed that there will be even more color when we get to Cape Breton and Quebec.

First stop was the Portland Head breakwater light or what people call the bug light. It is only 27 feet high and is as cute as a bug. We had a half hour to take photos and explore.

The next stop was the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. This one is taller but just as wonderful to view. Again we had a half hour stop

The last lighthouse was the Portland Head Light. This one we had been to before and it is a major tourist attraction of the area. They have a museum and walking trails and it was crawling with tourists. From here we could see the lights at Cape Elizabeth and the one at Ram’s Island as well as the ones we viewed this morning.

I bought a new scarf here in the gift shop. It is blue with lighthouses on it.:-)

Our ride back to the ship was comfortable and we did see a little of the fall colours.

That evening we were able to get a couple of very nice sunset pictures at sail away.

This was another grand day… Tomorrow we are in Saint John, Ken’s birth place.

Portland Maine, September 25

Portland, Maine

Portland was founded in 1632 by the British as a fishing and trading post and named Casco. In 1658 the name was changed to Falmouth and Portland was put on the map in 1786. While Portland's name has changed over the years the essence of the area has not changed. Today, Portland still remains a vibrant fishing and commercial port, Maine's largest city, and its cultural, social and economic capital.

From the renovated Old Port with its brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets to the quaint seaside village of Kennebunkport, the summer home of President George H. Bush, Portland and the surrounding area have something for everyone. Photographers are sure to delight at the photo opportunities including the Portland Head Lighthouse and the picturesque White Mountains on the Cog Railway. Shoppers will enjoy the Old Port and downtown area that feature many unique boutiques, shops, galleries and restaurants. Outdoor enthusiast will surely want to visit the world-renowned outdoor outfitter L.L. Bean® and the many other brand name outlets in nearby Freeport, Maine.

Tour Overview

Board your air-conditioned transportation for a scenic drive through Portland, voted one of America's "most livable cities" by Forbes Magazine. You'll travel along the Eastern Promenade which features panoramic views of Casco Bay and the Calendar Islands. You'll continue on past the Portland Observatory, the new Arts district, and Old Port, the city's thriving commercial and business community. Then you'll head out to some of Maine's historic lighthouses.

Standing strong on Casco Bay's coast is a trio of lighthouses that are architecturally different yet share the same purpose. Designed to help ships navigate around Portland's rocky shoreline, many have been restored and each offers a look back at Maine's past. The Portland Breakwater lighthouse is known locally as the "Bug Light" because at 27 feet in height, it's shorter than the average lighthouse. Built in 1875 and considered by many as the most elegant of all Maine's lighthouses, the design was modeled after an ancient Greek monument built in the 4th century BC. Nearby is the Liberty Ship Memorial commemorating the ships that were constructed during World War II.

The Spring Point Ledge lighthouse beckons next. Constructed in 1891 after many vessels ran aground on the area's dangerous rocky coast, it's still in use today as an active aid to navigation. The last lighthouse is Portland Head Light the oldest lighthouse in Maine. Commissioned by President Washington in 1797 and dedicated by the Marquis de Lafayette, it was the first lighthouse completed by the newly created U.S. government and is listed on the U.S. Register of Historic Places. Your visit here includes a narrated discovery of the museum housed in the former lighthouse keepers' quarters. Your tour concludes with a scenic trip back to the pier.

Boston!!

Boston,

Well in this port we decided to do the Hop On Hop Off bus. Barb and Roy and Frankie and Jack and Ken and I headed out to meet our transport. Much to our surprise and delight the bus was easy to locate and before long we were on our way. The others decided to get off at the old North Church but Ken and I decided to stay on board. Not having spent any time here there was just so much we wanted to see.

Our bus was high and the windows were wide and they afforded splendid views of the city.  The day was bright but cool so we put on our jackets and enjoyed taking in the sights of the city. Our guide was great and he told us all about the history of the area we were passing.

The tour was very good and we were impressed by the city. I knew about Boston being the center of so much history but somehow seeing it all in just a few hours was overwhelming.

We returned to the ship around one o’clock.

We enjoyed our visit to Boston.

Did you know??

On March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made the very first phone call in history from his Boston machine shop.

Boston baked beans are navy beans soaked in molasses, then they are baked for several hours. Bostonians developed a love of baked beans because of their trade in molasses.

Boston Cream  Pie is the official dessert of Boston.

The Boston Tea Party took place here… where else??

Paul Revere made his famous ride from here.

The first free municipal library was established here in 1848

Boston’s 24 acre Public Garden, is the oldest botanical garden in Amercia