Quartzsite Cruiser

This is what I posted in 2021 and 2022 about our stop in Darwin. Darwin was a port on our 2002 Volendam Asia Pacific Explorer Cruise. We were there on October 30, and the hot, humid season had not started then. We did not look at the town, but as per our usual port day, we rented a car and explored the surrounding area. Giant termite mounds were along the highway. DH, who is 6'1" stood next to it, and it towered over his head. Our first stop was a nature/animal preserve, that could have been in one of the national parks near Darwin. These are some of the local residents. On the way back to Darwin, we detoured to take a river cruise to see the jumping crocodiles. Our final stop that day was the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. It was the last night of the market until the next April. There were all types of crafts, clothing, food, and even didgeridoos for sale. As we walked around, we sampled kangaroo (which isn't bad, but does not taste like chicken) and crocodile, which tastes somewhat like alligator. DH bought a didgeridoo, which the vendor promised he'd ship to our house in Texas, since we couldn't haul it back on the plane. DH's comment when we left, was that we may have wasted our money. When we walked in the house after the cruise, the didgeridoo was on the couch. Let's just say, he can make a noise with it. A few scenes of the sunset market. Mindil Beach A local band to entertain the shoppers. Another local group to enjoy as we reboarded the Volendam. At dinner that night, kangaroo was on the menu. No one wanted to order it, but after we told them we'd tasted it at the market, the table decided to order one kangaroo dinner and share it between the six of us. The cruise was during the time the LA port locked the longshoremen out, so the Volendam could not get the containers of food that were sitting on the LA dock shipped to the various ports. The HD, F&B manager, and executive chef went shopping in most of our ports around Asia and Australia. We had good, and interesting things show up on the menu. We heard that our food did not go to waste, but went to the Veendam. Upon our arrival in LA the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the longshoremen were working, but were protesting the lockout by unloading the ship one piece of luggage at a time by hand. We could not get off the ship until well after 1 pm., so the executive chef and the Lido cooks quickly fixed a modified lunch for everyone. Needless to say, just about all the passengers missed their flights. We did get out that day, as the ticket agent at LAX did not want extra passengers the next day. The adventures of travelling are not for the faint of heart, but do make travelling interesting. Lenda

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE to all who celebrate the day. Good morning from a sunny and not windy Quartzsite. Because of the 1.75 inch rain Friday, we are under a dense for advisory. When it cools off at night, the moisture in the ground rises to the surface. Currently, it is 46F with a predicted high of 62F. Not much on the agenda today, just enjoying time with DD and DSIL. We hope to have smores by the firepit after dinner tonight. There will also be the ATV parade through the neighborhood about 6:30 or 7. There is no eggnog in the house, and I hope Libya is celebrating their Independence Day. I'm not sure I like the last part of the quote since I don't think you should be detached from life. The Instant Pot chicken looks interesting, and I may need to try it if the skin would come out crispy. We think that's the best part of the chicken. We'll pass on the drink and the wine. The patent on the backward bicycle brake made bikes safer. My first bike had that type of break. We were in Darwin on October 30, 2002, on the Volendam APEC 64 day cruise. I'll retrieve my pictures soon. @rafinmd Thank you, Roy for coming to my rescue and finding the links. What did you do correctly and what did I do wrong? @grapau27 Graham, Sarah is as lovely as Pauline. You are very lucky to have her as a "daughter" and she is equally as lucky to have the two of you in her life. @cat shepard Ann, I'm glad you made it there safely and enjoy your visit with family. @Nickelpenny Pennie, I'm glad you are enjoying the cruise. Thanks for the pictures from the ship. @Dismomx5 Thanks for dropping in to say hello. @marshhawk Annie, that was an interesting find in your backyard. I'm glad you are including friends and neighbors in your holiday celebrations. @richwmn I'm glad the cruise is going so well, Rich. @smitty34877 Terri, I'm happy you are enjoying your time with your DS and family, and that you are glad you made the trip. @dfish Debbie, I'm glad tomorrow's dinner will be easy with all the family contributing food. @kochleffel Paul, thanks for sharing the Nittelnacht tradition information. I learned something new today. Lenda

@grapau27 Graham, please wish Sarah a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY for us. Lenda

Before I read all the posts, I wanted to let everyone know that there are not links to previous posts of today's port, Darwin, Australia. It is not for a lack of trying to find the links, especially since Sandi @StLouisCruisers gave me the dates yesterday. However, when searching CC HAL forum, Rich's @richwmn and Sandi's posts, the posts that are found only go back to December of 2022 and in Rich's case, November 24, 2022. I've used everything I can think of as search words both yesterday and this morning but without results. Darwin was the port of the day on Monday, October 24, 2022, and Saturday, July 3, 2021. Maybe someone else may have better luck. Lenda

Ray, thanks for sharing your pictures of Ed Murphy, his family, and the bridge. I couldn't remember Ed's last name. That was an interesting day in the DMZ and a great cruise. Lenda

Right now, we're relaxing and watching Gold Rush. I think we wore DSIL out today as he decided to retire to the motorhome early. We had our big Christmas dinner tonight so we have time to eat as much ham as possible before DD and DSIL fly home Wednesday. The messy baking was worth it as the pies were declared very good. Rich, thanks for the information on the release of the crew of the USS Pueblo. Along with @USN59-79 Ray, we were on a cruise in 2018 with the Executive Officer of the Pueblo. He gave a short talk one afternoon. He was the last crew member to cross the bridge into the DMZ. He said it was because in North Korea, the second in command is the party spy and representative, and they thought that was the same in the US. We also toured the DMZ and saw the bridge the crew crossed. Debbie, either of my kitchens are used to messes, so we could also meet either place. I guess we couldn't talk the baker on the ship to give us time in the bakery. 🤣 Lenda

Good afternoon. It turned out to be a beautiful day even if the temperature is 66F. The sun without any wind made for a warm day. Our wonderful DSIL with the help of our equally wonderful DD, got most of our to do liste done. DSIL also hadntime to take the RZRs for a run in the desert. He said there was still some places with standing water. Sandi, that must have been a scary situation, but she was smart enough to keep her cool and do what the guy said. I know it was upsetting not only fornher, but for the entire family. I'm glad they nowmhave a suspect in custody. Debbie, between my mess yesterday, and yours today, I cringe to think whatna kitchen would look like if we baked together. Vanessa, I knew about the permanent mention, but it slipped my mind. Lenda

We were in Santa Barbara on March 26 and 29, 2022, on b2b California coastal cruises on Koningsdam. Because of tendering, DH stayed on the ship. The first day was an afternoon visit, and I went in and looked around the area near the tender dock. I wanted to see if it would be feasible for DH to tender in on the second stop, but it wasn't. The second day, I took the shuttle from the tender dock into town and walked part way up the pedestrian only street and then back to the tender dock. These first pictures were from our first stop. This is Santa Barbara as we approached the anchorage. The main road paralleling the coastline. One of the streets leading into town. These are from our second visit. This is the beginning of the pedestrian street. There are a lot of old, interesting buildings in this area. An interesting mosaic above one of the doors. It's too bad the large light blocks part of it. A side street with open air dining. The train station This statue was at the traffic circle at the intersection of the main road, the coast road and a long pier. Lenda

Good morning from a mostly sunny Quartzsite. It is 49F with a predicted high of 65F. I don't know how much rain we received yesterday, but it was still raining at 11 pm last night when everyone headed to bed. DH's fancy rain gauge reads 0.69 inches, but it had been raining for a while before he realized that the information was not showing up on the display. I know we received more than an inch since my rain gauge measures an inch, which is usually more than we need to measure. The rest overflowed into the other part of the gauge and I'll have to measure it later. There was fog in the big wash behind our neighborhood and in the desert valley and mountains to the east when I got up this morning. I'm not sure what is on the agenda other than heating the ham. DD and DSIL made it here about 9 pm. It took a bit longer to drive from Sky Harbor to here because of the rain. The highway between Quartzsite and Yuma was closed due to at least one accident at the county line between La Paz County and Yuma County. The highway follows the contours of the land, and has many low dips, which flood in heavy rains. I can celebrate Festivus, and the DD's probably will too since they were fans of Friends. There could be a Christmas movie marathon, and we don't have any Pfeffernusse in the house. The Horace Walpole quote is good. We'll pass on the meal because of the curry. I have a good recipe for beef stew, and Debbie @dfish it would taste okay without the carrots. We'll pass on the drink, but the wine sounds like it's worth a try. We were in Santa Barbara in March of 2022 on Koningsdam. Vincent van Gogh was a troubled man, but his self portrait with his bandaged head is now worth a lot of $$$$. The permanent coast to coast radio network set up by NBC in 1928 changed communications. @JazzyV Vanessa, I have an addition to the celebration list and it is all the wonderful, supportive Dailyites who make this such a wonderful place everyday. @grapau27 Graham, as always, your explanations are much appreciated. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, that is a lovely stocking. Safe travels tomorrow. Thank you for the heads up about the dates for tomorrow's port. Since we're two hours behind you and three behind Jacqui @kazu, I may post the links tonight for the early risers to access tomorrow before I'm out of bed. @Crazy For Cats Jake, I'm glad you made it home safely. Sorry about Juan's Legos being attacked. @Cruzin Terri I'm glad you slept a little better last night. @superoma Eva, your Christmas activities sound like fun. Lenda

@Sir PMP Hope your birthday is wonderful. Lenda

@kochleffel Paul, I hope your birthday is wonderful. Lenda

Chuck, thank you for sharing your pictures. It was also nice to put faces to names. Wishing you both a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year and all the best in the coming year. Lenda

DD and SDIL landed safely in Phoenix. It looks like they can make it here because of the Interstate. Rain should stop before they get here. Lenda

The final set of pictures. We have rented cars a few times in Ketchikan and driven both directions from town. Heading southeast from town. Now, going northwest from town. Totem Bight State Historical Park. In 2018 on Zaandam, we were also fortunate to see their 4th of July Parade. It was a warm, sunny day in the mid 80s, and the locals were complaining about the heat. It was the only time we've left the ship in shorts and without a raincoat. We watched the parade from the ship, which gave us a great viewpoint. The flyover by the seaplanes. These were just two of many. The final entrant. Now, back to my mess. I wonder if I can make it any worse when I make the replacement pie crust. Lenda Lenda

I'll try to add a few more of my pictures from Ketchikan. I always enjoy the sail away, and the trip down the channel. First, this is an interesting totem that we saw in 2018. Heading down the channel. One of the Alaska Marine Highway ferries, Columbia. The drydock The airport, which is reached by ferry. Does anyone remember the bridge to nowhere controversy. The bridge was supposed to connect Ketchikan with the airport. Lenda

Good afternoon after a busy day that is still not finished. The messy baker appeared as I was making the pie crusts. This time it was a spectacular mess. As I was taking a pie shell out of the oven it slipped and hit the top of the oven and landed on the rack. The shell broke in many pieces, some of which landed on the bottom of the hot oven. Has anyone else ever vacuumed a hot oven? We thought we might be able to salvage the shell, but no. I need to make another one a little later. So those pies will be finished after dinner or tomorrow morning. At least, the pecan pies are safely in the over, and I hope to get them out safely too. When I finish here, there is a mess waiting to be cleaned up. The laundry is waiting to be folded and I still need to put the sheets one the bed. My busy morning followed by an relaxing afternoon didn't happen. Our rain finally started about 1 pm and was coming down steadily the last time I looked. As of about an hour ago, we'd gotten more than 1/10th of an inch, which is a lot for here. It was really raining in the mountains to the east. Susan, I'm sorry you had Covid on your cruise. I hope you have a speedy and full recovery. I'm glad your DH an DGS stayed well. Annie, you said it very well when you sent us your wishes for the coming year. I hope 2024 is good for both you and Chuck. Terri, know that all of us are here to support you anyway we can. I wish we could do so in person. She is adorable, and seems to be having a great time. I remember meeting you at the informal M&G which just a few of us attended. We book the tour before the cruise, but for just the two of us. Terry, I'm glad you arrived safely. Enjoy your visit and DGS time. Lenda

Graham, that is good news. I hope he recovers completely. Our first visit to Ketchikan was in June 1993, in the pre-digital age on the old Sky Princess. We have been back there many times, mostly on BHB's and in all kinds of weather. I have too many pictures for one post. It may even take three posts. In 2012 and 2014 we visited Ketchikan five times on Amsterdam. We generally do multiple b2bs in Alaska figuring we'll get at least one decent day in the ports. In 2012, we booked two tours using 2 for 1 coupons from the Great Alaskan Tour Saver. The first one was a float plane flight to Misty Fjords. Most of my pictures are the same as those posted earlier. This tour was interesting, but it is one and done, since we came within seconds of flying into one of the mountains. Fortunately, the fog cleared just in time for the pilot to pull up and turn very sharply. We landed on calm bay and had the opportunity to step out on the pontoon. After the near miss, neither of us nor the other couple wanted to do that. The next time the Amsterdam took us to Ketchikan, we took the Duck Tour. It was disappointing as we did not spend very long on the water, and most of the time was touring downtown. In 2012, we did b2b2bs on Amsterdam. We arranged to take the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour on the Aleutian Ballad. The ship had been a crab fishing boat and was featured in season 2 of Deadliest Catch when it was caught by a wave and rolled 360 degrees. They showed that scene from the show on the boat. It is illegal to feed Bald Eagles in Alaska. However, the tour took us to an island owned by one of the native corporations where they also owned the surrounding water, and the law did not apply. The crew cut up bait fish and threw them toward the eagles. It was amazing to watch the eagles catch the fish. Another part of the tour was demonstrating the various crab traps and other traps. They would haul the traps up and show us the catch, which was then released. We also learned that an octopus is really very, very floppy. On one of the subsequent visits to Ketchikan, we took an off road tour featuring Tom-Toms, an Israeli built ATV. DH did not like how it drove. It was wet, misty and cold up in the mountains, but it turned out it was dry and sunny in town. We were the height of fashion that day. We stopped at one point to see a waterfall and to learn about the different plants and trees. I'll be back later with more pictures. It's time for breakfast, and baking. Lenda

Good morning from a very cloudy Quartzsite. So far, the predicted rain has not arrived. but looking at the radar forecast, it should get here in an hour or two. Currently it is 59F and should reach 62F before dropping back into the 50s. We are still under a flood watch until 6am tomorrow. The only things on the agenda are one load of laundry and baking four pies. My father and DH are good at math, but I'm okay with basic math but not the more advanced math. We gave our neighbors their Christmas cookies last week. Zimbabwe Unity Day is a good day to honor. The Joe Rogan quote is good. We'll pass on the meal and drink. I'd prefer a tequila sunrise. I would like to try the wine, too. We have been to Ketchikan at least 15 times by cruise ship, and once on the Alaska Marine Highway, but we didn't go ashore that time. I'll look for some pictures in a bit. The formation of the United States Golf Association in 1894 is important those of our Dailyites who enjoy the game. My grandmother gave me gold lessons, but I was never good at the game. Miniature golf is more my speed. @Crazy For Cats Welcome home Jake and Juan. Safe travels today. @Suslor Welcome home, and safe travels. @kochleffel Congratulations on the great grade. @grapau27 Graham, I'm sorry Pauline's BFF had to take her DH to the hospital for a head scan. I hope it's nothing serous. I'm glad you and Pauline will be there for them. Thank you for the explanations of Mathematics Day and Cookie Exchange Day. @summer slope Dixie, I'm glad your mouth is healing nicely. @cat shepard Safe travels to New England and enjoy time with your niece and nephew and their families. @cruising sister It sounds like you have a full day of fun planned. It's too bad that your DDIL has to work (a four letter word) and can't join the fun. @RMLincoln Maureen, I hope the planned closing of your condo in Maryland goes smoothly. We closed once closed on a house sale long distance, and it went according to plan. Thanks for the picture of your grandnephew. He is really keeping his eyes on someone. @Heartgrove Jack, thanks for the update on Sam and the good news about his condition. He is a handsome fellow. @0106 Tina, thank you for sharing Calvin Coolidge's quote. We learned many years ago that Christmas was time with family not a day on the calendar. @1ANGELCAT Our condolences to your frim Lynda on the passing of her DH and her cousin. I hope all goes well in Hershey today. @aliaschief Bruce, that is interesting about the woman on the roll call, and her dresses. My parents had friends that booked two cabins for a world cruise -- one for them and one for their clothes. @dfish Debbie, I hope you can persuade Sue to paint a picture of one of the pictures you shared. @Nickelpenny Pennie, you had an interesting day yesterday. I'm glad you and the doctor next to you could help the passenger with the medical problem. @ger_77 Gerry, I'm glad you and your DH arrived safely in Calgary and did not have bad road conditions. Enjoy your time with the family. @kazu Jacqui, our condolences to you, your DBIL and family on the death of his mother. I'm going to look for some different pictures of Ketchikan. Lenda

@Nickelpenny Pennie, I hope you have a wonderful cruise. Lenda

@richwmn Rich, we know you will have a wonderful adventure in the coming months. Lenda

Good afternoon from a sunny and windy Quartzsite. The house is clean, the motorhome is clean, and the last of the outdoor furniture has been moved onto the front patio and cleaned. It's taken a us a month to get settled this year, and I hope it's not a new normal. All that is left is hanging out the last load of towels and folding the towels. It looks like I'll be making a quick unplanned trip into town. When I cleaned the motorhome, I discovered I did not put shampoo and conditioner on the motorhome. This morning while I was writing my post, it disappeared, and I didn't remember all the posts I had checked for multi-quoting, so if some of the comments are a bit late, I apologize. The house cleaning was not too bad today, especially since I found a necklace that I lost the second day we were here. For our 16th or 17th anniversary, DH bought be a necklace with a diamond pendent that was set so that the chain went through the mount instead of dropping down. I'd been having trouble getting the clasp to work, but I thought it was hooked tight that day. We looked all over the place, but no luck. This morning as I was vacuuming an area that I'd vacuumed before, I saw the clasp sticking out from under a chair leg. The rest of the necklace was under the leg. It's strange that I didn't notice it before when I vacuumed the area, and when I moved the chair to hang the stockings. Needless to say, I was doing my happy dance as I finished vacuuming. I looked through my pictures of Moorea taken in 2002 when we took the ferry to today's port. Evidently, I didn't take any pictures of the ferry or the town. @Nickelpenny Pennie, I hope you had a good flight today. @kazu Jacqui, I was sorry to read the latest developments with your DBIL's mother. I hope she can be made comfortable during her last days. If the charity doesn't seem to be interested in getting your donations, if it was me, I'd be looking for a new charity. @Mtn2Sea Thanks for the information on the Internet improvement with star link. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, I'll be glad to post the links on Dec. 24, and the day you travel back home. If I find your pictures, I'll repost them too. the Christmas stocking is beautiful. @durangoscots Susan, I hope your weather isn't too bad this weekend and when you need to travel to San Diego. @Seasick Sailor Joy, I'm sorry you were ill last night, but glad you feel better today. I couldn't help wondering if the galley accidently got a pinch of garlic in one of your dishes. @grapau27 Graham, Pauline outdid herself with the beautiful table setting this year. I hope Sarah has a wonderful birthday and enjoys Christmas with the two of you. Our older DD brought some Christmas crackers back one year, and we had fun with them. Our prizes weren't as nice as the ones you showed, but then hers weren't the high end crackers. @JazzyV Vanessa, I hope you can get the procedure scheduled soon. Can the neurosurgeon you saw try to get it scheduled as an emergence or urgent case? @Haljo1935 I'm glad you made it to San Diego after the all nighter at DFW. Lenda

We have been to Moorea five times on Wind Star, Princess and HAL. Most of our pictures are from prehistoric times before digital cameras, but I did find a few. In 2002 on the APEC cruise on Volendam, Moorea was not a port. We took the ferry from Papeete to Moorea, and rented a car. In fact, we've rented cars there every time except 2007. That time we took a taxi to the Intercontinental Hotel to snorkel. The reef comes very close to the shore there, and the colors of the fish and coral are outstanding. Sadly, the hotel was permanently closed last year. These first pictures were taken in 2007 at the hotel. These were from our drive around the island in 2002. We stopped at a park where a tour was watching a feast being prepared. A young man carrying on an ancient craft. Moorea is our second favorite port after Bora Bora. The night in Moorea on Wind Song, dinner was a barbecue on deck complete with a roasted suckling pig. In 1996, on the Wind Song, anytime the pilot was not on one the bridge, passengers could walk into the bridge. One evening, probably in Bora Bora, we did and started talking to the young deck officer. He even took us out on the bridge wing and pointed out the Southern Cross and other constellations. Fast forward to 2016 on the Prinsendam and a talk with Captain Tim Roberts. In 1996 he was a young officer on Wind Song. We all decided it was probably Captain Tim who was the young office we talked with 21 years earlier. It really is a small world. Lenda

Good morning from Quartzsite where it is 48F with a predicted high of 74F. A cold front and heavy rain will move in overnight with the rain continuing through sometime Saturday. Our humidity is already 72% with a dew point of 39F. Beginning tomorrow, our highs will be in the low 60s before rising the the mid-60s the middle of next week. We'll be under a flood watch from tomorrow morning through Saturday morning. When there is heavy rain in the surrounding mountains, our washes flood. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the weather is not as bad as predicted. DD and DSIL are flying from Texas to Phoenix tomorrow, arriving at 5:30 pm and driving to Quartzsite. It it's really bad, I hope they'll stay in Phoenix until the conditions are better. We'll definitely celebrate the Solstice and the beginning of longer days. After Graham's @grapau27 explanation of Blue Christmas, I honor that day. If possible I'll skip Humbug day, but it is house cleaning day, so who knows. I like the Wayne Dyer quote. DH did what he loved with his business, and he said it really wasn't like work. The meal sounds good, but not today. We'll be having the leftover chicken cacciatore. DH would like the drink, but they usually make it too spicy for me. I'd like to try the wine. We have been to Morea many times, and sailed into today's port on the ferry from Tahiti. Cruise ships stop at one of the two bays on the north side of the island. Three days in history that helped change the world. I remember the first manned mission to the moon. @seagarsmoker What is your secret to winning in the casino? I rarely have good luck there. @RedneckBob RNB, sometimes the ship captain will surprise you with a hidden talent. @grapau27 Graham, thank you for the explanations of two of our days today. @richwmn Rich, I'm glad you caught the gate change in time, and made it to San Diego safely. @kazu Jacqui, I hope they pick up the boxes today. @cruising sister Lorraine, thank you for the update on Murphy. She is a fighter. @RMLincoln Maureen, you have been through a lot the last few months. It's easier said than done, but try to relax and enjoy the holidays. @smitty34877 Terri, safe travels tomorrow to New Hampshire. @kochleffel Paul, I hope you get the biopsy results soon, your new glasses before the January cruise, and the thermostat asap. Lenda

@Haljo1935 I hope you have a wonderful time on your cruise. Lenda

Tonight we decided to drive into town, get a couple of Whopper Jrs. on special with an order of fries, and then drive around an look at Christmas lights. It didn't quite go as planned. Burger King, which is know to have problems, did not have any burgers, only chicken products. Plan B, was Mickey D's which is known to be over priced. Their special was buy one McDouble and get the second for $1. The second one was the only bargain. The two burgers with a large fries were $13.14. That might explain why there wee very few people there. At least, I didn't have to cook tonight. The Christmas lights in town were also disappointing, with very few houses having lights. The three houses that compete with Clark Griswald had their big displays. Otherwise, it was like the Grinch had stolen Christmas in Quartzsite. We drove around our neighborhood, which is out-of-town about six miles from town. There were still a lot of houses without lights, but there were still more with lights here than in town. We also have some Clark Griswald wannabes. I think next year, we'll stick to our own backyard. Jacqui, I'm glad you and the dogs got away from the hybrid safely, but that is sad about the woman being attacked the next day. Out here, we have coyotes to contend with, and since we've been in severe drought for several years, there are not enough little critters to keep them fed. We have seen coyotes roaming our neighbor hood even in broad daylight. We learned early on that from just before dusk until after dawn, to be outside with the dogs. Even in the daylight we were very careful with the dogs outside. The situation has gotten much worse in the past few years. There are stories of coyotes jumping the fence to snatch little dogs from the yards. It is not hard for a coyote to jump our fences, and I've seen one do that. It doesn't help that people camping in the desert feel sorry for the skinny coyotes and set food out for them. What the don't realize is the coyotes become dependent on the food, and after the winter visitors leave, the coyotes look to houses here and in town for food. I can't say what I think about those people or else I'd be in trouble. Lenda