Saga Rose Greenland Voyager August 2007

[Kapricorn]

I thought that I didn't have a photograph of me on formal night aboard the old Westerdam during a 1999 Alaska cruise. but I found this today. The table companions was a very nice couple from South Carolina. At 52, my hair had become salt-and-pepper.

 

 

Donald.

[MMDown Under]

Loved all the photos, Donald. It was like a time capsule of your cruising life.

 

As Ruby said, you are one of those people who mature well. You must have good genes.

[Saga Ruby]

Have you traveled on The Blue Train from Cape Town to Pretoria or vice versa? I figured out that it is possible to take that train as far as Pretoria, then I could be whisked by car some 200k to Gaborone, Botswana which hovers on the southern border of South Africa. I would return to Jo'burg for a nonstop to Atlanta, then home.

 

One thought that hovers in the mind is that a train trip along the coastline of South Africa to Durban would be a beautiful journey but The Blue Train goes inland to Pretoria. No doubt because that's where the action and passengers are. And one has to accept that being at sea for 2 weeks and sailing along the western coast of Namibia and South Africa should suffice for sea views.

 

By the bye, when are you planning to be in eastern Canada?

 

Ruby

Edited July 22, 2011 by Saga Ruby

[MMDown Under]

Have you traveled on The Blue Train from Cape Town to Pretoria or vice versa? I figured out that it is possible to take that train as far as Pretoria, then I could be whisked by car some 200k to Gaborone, Botswana which hovers on the southern border of South Africa. I would return to Jo'burg for a nonstop to Atlanta, then home.

 

One thought that hovers in the mind is that a train trip along the coastline of South Africa to Durban would be a beautiful journey but The Blue Train goes inland to Pretoria. No doubt because that's where the action and passengers are. And one has to accept that being at sea for 2 weeks and sailing along the western coast of Namibia and South Africa should suffice for sea views.

 

By the bye, when are you planning to be in eastern Canada?

 

Ruby

 

No, but it is one of those famous train journeys one dreams about. As you've probably gathered, I love train travel. I guess you've heard of seat61, who is a wealth of knowledge on train travel.

http://www.seat61.com/SouthAfrica.htm

We go on our cruise at the end of August, followed by a fortnight in Newfoundland.

[Saga Ruby]

No, but it is one of those famous train journeys one dreams about. As you've probably gathered, I love train travel. I guess you've heard of seat61, who is a wealth of knowledge on train travel.

http://www.seat61.com/SouthAfrica.htm

We go on our cruise at the end of August, followed by a fortnight in Newfoundland.

 

I started with "seat61" but it is white font on black background and I happen to loathe that combo. So I went to The Blue Train site and was able to enjoy gathering rosebuds of information. I may take a patience pill and tackle seat61 but that will have to wait for another time. I could copy and paste into a more visible format but, right now, I am enervated by this heat to do anything so active.

 

Uh, er, ah - I am intrigued with your "fortnight in Newfoundland." Are you planning to enjoy the bracing sea air, do you travel around the area - what are your plans?

 

Ruby

[Kapricorn]

I started with "seat61" but it is white font on black background and I happen to loathe that combo.

 

I also find white font on dark blue background difficult to read. I have to focus my eyes sharply to make out the words. Headache central!

 

Donald.

[MMDown Under]

Uh, er, ah - I am intrigued with your "fortnight in Newfoundland." Are you planning to enjoy the bracing sea air, do you travel around the area - what are your plans?

 

Ruby

 

Nothing booked yet, Ruby, however we're thinking of a couple of days taking in St John's, then hiring a car or a motorhome, if one is available. We are mentally prepared for their early fall, being colder than our winter, so will be taking layers and windbreakers. We like to be free spirits able to extend our stay in places we like, however there are downfalls for this approach.

 

Like the year we finally ended up at the Inn in Bethlehem, in the US, when it looked like no accommodation was available for our little family of four!

 

Am stunned by the news of bombing and shooting in Oslo, Norway. We have continuous coverage here on our TV (like 9/11).

[Kapricorn]

As Ruby said, you are one of those people who mature well. You must have good genes.

 

I'm glad that you liked the "time capsule" of my cruises over 50 years. As for genes, I definitely have my mother's. She did not have face wrinkles until her early 70s, but then she never sunbathed.

 

Am stunned by the news of bombing and shooting in Oslo, Norway. We have continuous coverage here on our TV (like 9/11).

 

I hadn't heard about this, and have just now read about it online. Truly shocking. Russia or Iraq, yes, but ... Norway?!

 

Donald.

[Conte Di Savoia]

 

Am stunned by the news of bombing and shooting in Oslo, Norway. We have continuous coverage here on our TV (like 9/11).

 

IMHO the Norwegians are at the top of the A-list of the most cultured and civilized people in the world. No nation should be subjected to this kind of atrocity. My heart goes out to them.

Edited July 23, 2011 by Conte Di Savoia

[MMDown Under]

IMHO the Norwegians are at the top of the A-list of the most cultured and civilized people in the world. No nation should be subjected to this kind of atrocity. My heart goes out to them.

 

I was pleased that they were able to arrest the Norwegian who did it, so they can try to ascertain what makes a local do such horrific things to his own people.

[MMDown Under]

Cadel Evans, Aussie - Tour de France - you little beauty!

 

Makes all those nights sitting up/sleeping on the lounge in the wee hours worthwhile.

[Saga Ruby]

I was pleased that they were able to arrest the Norwegian who did it, so they can try to ascertain what makes a local do such horrific things to his own people.

 

The Norwegian killer seems to have drawn from a deep personal well of hatred and anger. It is reported that his "police" uniform was black with touches of red, the colours of the WWII national socialists. As the young people on the island approached him or were called over by him in his camo of a policeman, they were shot, then he turned his deadly attention to young people swimming for their lives in the water.

 

There seems to be a random element in human nature that seeks vengeance for inexplicable reasons. Grief barely describes our shock and horror at his deliberate actions.

 

My profound condolences to the people of Norway, a beautiful country both in geography and in tranquility and peace.

 

Ruby

[Kapricorn]

There seems to be a random element in human nature that seeks vengeance for inexplicable reasons. Grief barely describes our shock and horror at his deliberate actions.

 

From what I've read so far, this guy held a grudge against the Labour Party for its "liberal" policies. I would think that all he had to do would be to vote against it in the next election. But, no, he had to express his disapproval in major ways.

 

Obviously he knew very well that the youths at the Labour Party camp had no means of escape from the island. What a horrifying experience that must have been for them.

 

Donald.

[MMDown Under]

From what I've read so far, this guy held a grudge against the Labour Party for its "liberal" policies. I would think that all he had to do would be to vote against it in the next election. But, no, he had to express his disapproval in major ways.

 

Obviously he knew very well that the youths at the Labour Party camp had no means of escape from the island. What a horrifying experience that must have been for them.

 

Donald.

 

Yes, especially as he was dressed as a policeman who said he was there to help them, following the bombing in the city, so a number approached him and were shot on the spot.

 

Some incredible stories are being told. Being a Youth Camp, some thought it was only a test to see how they handled the situation.

 

We have had almost continuous TV coverage here, so have been able to listen to government responses, live accounts, etc.

 

The way the Norwegians have handled the situation has been impressive.

 

It must have been frightening for passengers on MSC Orchestra, which was in port at the time.

Edited July 23, 2011 by MMDown Under

[Kapricorn]

It must have been frightening for passengers on MSC Orchestra, which was in port at the time.

 

I hope that no-one from MSC Orchestra was in the area of the bombing. I don't envy the ship's cruise director because I am sure there would be a sombre shipboard atmosphere.

 

Donald.

Edited July 23, 2011 by Kapricorn

[MMDown Under]

I hope that no-one from MSC Orchestra was in the area of the bombing. I don't envy the ship's cruise director because I am sure there would be a sombre shipboard atmosphere.

 

Donald.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=4555

 

News said ship was safe and all passengers came back on board safely.

[Kapricorn]

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=4555

 

News said ship was safe and all passengers came back on board safely.

 

That's wonderful to know ... thanks for the link.

 

Do you suppose that the events had put a bit of damper on the shipboard festivities? Most of the passengers certainly would have been talking about it.

 

Donald.

[MMDown Under]

That's wonderful to know ... thanks for the link.

 

Do you suppose that the events had put a bit of damper on the shipboard festivities? Most of the passengers certainly would have been talking about it.

 

Donald.

 

I'm sure they would all be talking about it, as we are here on land in far away Australia.

 

I suspect they would all be grateful that they weren't in the area at the time.

 

I noticed Costa cancelled the next ship, but plans to return the following trip.

[Kapricorn]

Yesterday, until around 2pm, and so far today Vancouver enjoyed sunny skies. I had almost forgotten what the blue sky looked like. :D The temperatures are still below normal, at 20C (68F) instead of 22.5C (72.5F). I'll take it over a overcast and wet day anytime.

 

Ruby, I noticed in the weather section of this morning's newspaper that Dallas is still at 39C (102F). What's the forecast for the duration of the heat wave? It has broken weather records in Ontario and Quebec.

 

Donald.

Edited July 24, 2011 by Kapricorn

[Saga Ruby]

Ruby, I noticed in the weather section of this morning's newspaper that Dallas is still at 39C (102F). What's the forecast for the duration of the heat wave? It has broken weather records in Ontario and Quebec. Donald.

 

This drought is severe throughout Texas. Dallas-Fort Worth is not quite as bad as the rest of the state, but our temps are, and will remain, in the low 100s for the foreseeable future. If I were a meteorologist on TV, I would simply say, "Hot yesterday, hot today, hot tomorrow" and rerun that tape every day. Everyone in my neighborhood is praying that our air conditioners do not fail.

 

Even when this drought ends, it will take months to recover from the dead farmland grasses, dry lakes, cracked earth. I am so lucky to be going to your city and westward, where the Bering Sea and Aleutians Islands will be in the 30s and 40s. I smile when I think about packing my winter jacket.

 

Cadel Evans, Aussie - Tour de France - you little beauty!

 

Makes all those nights sitting up/sleeping on the lounge in the wee hours worthwhile.

 

Aussie, aussie, aussie - oi oi oi !!!! Congratulations, Marion for the triumph of Cadel Evans and his outstanding representation of the country of Australia. Hooray!

 

Ruby

[Kapricorn]

Ruby, I noticed that the 10-day forecast for Dallas is for more of the same 100+ high temperatures. Is the heat wave this month breaking daily temperature records?

 

Today was the first really sunny day that Vancouver enjoyed in quite a while. The parks were thronged with sunbathers. Three times today I walked for an hour along the seawall walk (in between I took an hour's break from the sun by staying home). I think that our temperature may have been the highest so far this year. Right now at just past 9pm it is humid in my apartment. I will find out in the morning newspaper.

 

Marion, how is your weather at this time of year? I imagine that it is the middle of your "winter," but nowhere as cold as Canadian winters.

 

Donald.

[Kapricorn]

This morning's newspaper reported that yesterday's high was just 24C (75.2F). I am surprised, as it felt much hotter than that.

 

The forecast: "It won't be quite as warm today although high temperatures in afternoon sunshine will reach 24 degrees in several places. The flow off the ocean will pick up tonight leading to a cloudy and cooler Tuesday. Generally dry weather with a mix of sun and clouds will round out the week...without the heat."

 

Donald.

[Kapricorn]

I found another 1953 Queen Mary photograph among Uncle Frank's possessions. He and Charles are standing at the railing of the ocean liner in New York City. I don't think that Charles came along on the voyage because he was 27 and working. Uncle Frank was 49 then.

 

 

Re-checking the other photograph of Uncle Frank relaxing on the deck chair during mid-voyage, I now think that it was in a First Class space between two funnels, because if it was behind the last funnel the structure would have been the Verandah Grill which was higher above the deck. Do you agree, Conte? There is smoke streaming out of the funnel. The man sitting behind Uncle Frank has a piece of paper over his nose to protect it from sunburn.

 

 

Donald.

Edited July 26, 2011 by Kapricorn

[MMDown Under]

Ruby,

 

Marion, how is your weather at this time of year? I imagine that it is the middle of your "winter," but nowhere as cold as Canadian winters.

 

Donald.

 

Our winters are glorious Donald, with bright blue sunny skies.

 

However, this year the minimums have been much colder than normal - today is 9c to 22c - so we are really feeling the cold in the mornings and evenings.

 

I have noticed how hot it has been in Texas and Canada, for extended periods.

 

Thanks for sharing the photos from 1953.

[Kapricorn]

Marion, so you have a 13C range between low and high daily temperatures. That is quite a wide margin! Ruby, that's a low of 48F and high of 71F which Marion mentioned. Is the mid west USA heat wave melting your computer keyboard? :D

 

Donald.