My adventures at the Great Barrier Reef 18 November 2014

I was up early and looking forward to my excursion for the day by boat to a unit berthed about 2 hours to see the coral reefs and all the exotic fish there. But first I needed something more suitable for my feet, so went mad and bought a pair of flip flops now you may be thinking so what, but I have worn sensible walking shoes for some time, well found some and changed before boarding the vessel.

It was much larger than I thought it would be, air con inside fresh air outside, it all seemed very organised so I found a seat at the rear of the ship so I could take photos as we went along. There was a man sat down next to me, but he did not seem to want to chat neither did the 2 women who were with him.  We soon set sail so I took a series of photos some including Chico. The ship was moving quite fast, whilst taking my photos I was fascinated by a woman who was possibly Chinese who was taking lots of photos of herself in a whole range of poses.  I offered to take one of her from a greater distance and she seemed happy with that.

I wandered round the ship and had a drink. I decided to go on the top deck surprise surprise there was the same lady and her friend posing for herself still. I suddenly noticed as a contrast a young woman and I presume boyfriend near the back of that area of the ship, what made her stand out was that with the wind, her long blond hair was streaming behind her, she sermed totally unaware of what a stunning sight she was. I now regret not taking a series of photos of her she really was something to see and the fact unlike the other woman she was oblivious and natural which made the better scene. In the end i decided to approach her and explain how she looked and to ask if she wanted a photo of herself to see what i was talking about. She had a simple camera so i took the photo and suggested she have a look. I took the photo and returned the camera, she still did not seem to understand, they seemed such a lovely young couple so much nicer when real beauty is not abused.

The weather was beautiful if anything a little to hot for me so I stayed under the shaded section at the rear, finally we reached the dock, there seemed to be all sorts of options, such as helicopter rides snd scuba diving,  being a terrible swimmer there was no way I was going to try the latter and felt for the price the helicopter ride was not that good. Instead I went down on the submerged part of the platform to look at the coral and colourful fish, it was straight out of finding Nemo, then went for a trip on the submersible,  it was great to see all the different types and depths of coral and what amazing colours, the guide wad very good in his explanation the only issue wasthat someone gad brought a baby on board and it never stopped crying which detrated from it all.
I did debate again about trying the snorkeling but devided in the end my energy levels were not good enough plus the following morning I had an early start to Ayres Rock, so instead spent some time watching a film about the reef. Then it was announced thay thete would be afternoon tea served, in this case it was tea or soft dtinks with cheese and biscuits, so I helped myself and then went looking where to sit. One of the ladies  from earlier saw me and invited me to join them,  which I was happy to do, we got chatting and it turns out there were two Christines and a Sharon, that they met up some years ago became good friends and now holiday together,  they have travelled many places together over the years. They asked more about my trip and I introduced them to Chico, explaining his role, they decided they would like photos of him and them, which I was happy about but they also took a couple of me and Chico, they have said they will send the photos on to me soon,  I also gave them details of how to find Chicos Facebook page.
It was interesting because they also had noticed the chinese lady and her extravegant poses also how I had offerred to take her photo. I mentioned the young woman and   her photo also and how I now regret not taking one of  her but had not wanted to intrude. The time passed quickly and soon we were back at the port, so said our goodbyes, back to reality I went to the supermarket for something for my evening meal plus for the trip the next day, when I got back I realised I already had more than enough to last, so had to leave some for whoever used the apartment next, I repackef my suitcase but found it difficult to settle as I was worried I would oversleep with such an early start in the morning.
I went down to the pool for a while and whilst relaxing noticed what seemed to be huge bats flying overhead, I had always thought of them and small creatures, it was pleasant and quiet there, just what I neeeded, but soon felt was time to return and finish off tidying the apartment,  the time seemed of flown so fast at all of my stops.

Port Douglas Australia 16 November 2014

Sadly it was only a brief trip to Auckland so needed to be up at 3am local time to do last minute packing and tidying up, right on time Heather was there to pick me up, its such a shame I did not have more tome in the beautiful relaxing setting that Robert has created at Maison De Rose, hopefully I will return in the not to distant future.

At the airport I was quickly processed but unfortunately the lounge was not open so I had no chance to eat before boarding the flight, I do wish they could find a better way of calling for me over the public address as sometimes I go and its not me and other times they have callled a couple of times, maybe they could issue vibrators or flashing units as used in some restaurants possibly something to explore on my return.

For a change a pleasant young man was sat next to me, in fact he offered to share his I pad to follow the flight, also he reminded me  that the time had changed again and it was 2 hours earlier than when I set off.  We talked about a range of topics, he explained he had been born in Vietnam but now was an Australian citizen, I mentioned issues with flight changes including the one today. He told me that there was the G20 summit there and lots of protests, shows how out of touch we can quickly become. Also mentioned Virgins change to my flight with no thought to the effect on people such ad myself who are not in a position to change plans that easily, he said it was a regular occurance.

At Brisbane the staff were very good getting me from the terminal, also in helping me with my case, I do not understand why they did this as usually when transfering flights my luggage once processed seems to just find its way to my destination. I then had to use a free bus to transfer to the other terminal and someone would meet me there,  unfortunately something went wrong so I had to to to the helpdesk, but then was ok. On this and the previous flight they were very good with bringing soft drinks round to prevent dehydration, shame united airlines did not do this.

I forgot to say the temperature and humidity had greatly increased by this time.  At the airport again staff were very helpful getting me to my baggage,  then I was to be met by a shuttle service, well what a miserable greeting and then having to hang about, the vehicle was a toyota that usually have good suspension, unfortunately not this one, so I was relieved when I finally got to the Port Douglas Retreat, I was quickly processed and into my room which was very pleasant,  only thing was I realised I needed the safe key and a pool towel and the owners had gone out for the afternoon it being Sunday.

Never mind, I quickly unpacked the setting was beautiful and the air con worked,  next a trip into town, well I say town but not really that large a place, plenty of places to eat buy souvenirs etc and fortunately for me a decent supermarket as there was no food available at the apartment,  so stocked up with things I felt I needed, then had a wander down to the bay, the view was beautiful and peaceful, its interesting but all the bars and cafes had music playing some louder than others but at least not at the volume I put up with in Vegas.
It was a pleasant change and just the peace quiet and tranquility my body needed before the next leg. I haf nought a couple of pizza's so had one gor my evening meal finished off with fruit and apple juice, I had an early night, tomorrow I will decide what if any excursions to go on, I would like to visit the reef and see the marine life, but we will see.

My visit to Auckland 15 November 2014

I woke up early today, but Robert the owner had said he would give me a lift to the rail station so I sorted out my washing had breakfast, caught up with e mail and Web chat, then a shower and I was ready to go. Robert was on time and soon we got to the station,  I had said I would walk back but realised maybe it was a little more than I could cope with. Eventually managed to obtain a ticket from the machine then into town. Robert had given me good instructions so I swiftly found my way to the ferry, it was only a short time before it departed.
I went up on the top deck in the hope I would get plenty of good photos but it was to misty also there was a strong wind and the boat rocked a lot, soon we were at the island and disembarked. It was a shock to find out it was an hour and a half  walk to the summit, I set off quite well but soon with the heat,  humidity and effort of walking up a constant slope which was quite rough with nowhere to stop and rest took its toll and I slowed down quite a bit.
Eventually I found somewhere to rest so had a drink, before resuming I also took my coat off as I was getting very warm. As I climbed I took a series of breaks but it still seemed a long time before I finally reached the top.  I had spoken briefly to a couple of young women and taken photos of the two of them.  When I reached the top they were there so I asked if they would take a photo of myself and Chico, they were happy to do this, I rested for a while then off back down in the hope that I would be early enough for the ferry back.

It worked out well but now I was tired and took a couple of pain killers and was pleased when the boat finally arrived. The sea was quite rough and it started to rain quite heavily and I decided to abandon the trip up the tower when we landed. Instead I went for something to eat to make it easier on my return to the apartment,  iy was raining very heavily when we docked, so I found my way to a fast food place. After it was raining heavily so I made my way to the station, bought my ticket and was just in time to catch it with a couple of minutes to go, just hope I do not miss my stop with typing.

By the way I am conscious that there are no photos yet but most of the good ones are on the other cameras,  if I find a way I will happily post them on here

Today Auckland new Zealand 14 November 2014

Hi folks well last there I was at Vegas then Los Angeles,  finally it was time to board the plane, due to my request for assistance I was amongst the first on the plane, I went through the business class but could not see my seat, well actually the seats were my premier economy class,  but much better quality than anything else I had come across in mu travels,  the only problem was trying to work out how everything was controlled, fortunately one of the cabin staff was there to assist.
Despite this I still had issues with hearing voices using their headphones or even mine snd it seems they dont have hearing loop systems or sub titles for the films, maybe something to bring up about in the future. The meal confused me because some coursrs were delivered before the main,  so needed to check I was doing correctly, oh I forgot to day that I was sat on my own at this time. I was given a glass of orange to drink but my table was a little unsteady so, we put it on the table next to mine,  unfortunately when I reached across I managed to knock it on the floor luckily no damage was done other than to soil the cushion. Then I settled down to watch a film it was a nice simple one so no issue with following the plot, when it finished it was quite late so I settled down to sleep and apart from trips to the toilet slept quite well.
When I woke there was a man moved in next to me, that would not of mattered but for the fact he had put the pillow and cushions for that seat on my table,  when offerred them back and suggested thay he put them on the floor he did not deem impressed,  I never gound out why he had moved to this seat. I started to watch another film,  again I could follow due to simple plot, them breakfast which was very good, before I could finish it was time to land. I wad by now totally confused as I had been flying for 13 hours but it was the next morning. At the airport the lady who assisted me was very pleasant and took me right through all the sevurity and customs, I have never had cabin luggage scanned

as well hold luggage on the way into a country before.

Outside as promised was Heather who took me to the car, it was quite cool wet and windy,  quite a change from America, we stopped along the way for me to buy food then off to the apartment,  what a change it was in a lovely  peaceful quiet countryside setting, I met Robert the owner and he showed me round and kindly sorted out the washing machine so I could wash the backlog of clothes I had as well as have something to eat. I haf a shower and unpacked it was still raining for a while, but Robert came round to ask would I like to come with him to a couple of places to the views.

I realised I had chosen well by the roads and views it was all so peaceful and quiet, Robert took the time to show me various view's of the city and area, we stopped for a drink and discovered a shared interest in photography do chatted about this for a while,  then returned.  I had got totally confused on my days and dates with all the moving round and then realised that in reality I only had tomorrow because I had an early flight the following day to Oz. Robert kindly had a look at times for me to visit the city and travel on the ferry as well as visit the Skytower subject to the weather.

I had something to eat sorted out the washing and then rested, in fact I fell asleep for a while, now trying to catch up on  blog and e mails as well as FB, will try to have an early night so ad to be able to enjoy tomorrows adventures.

The Next Leg of our Trip leaving Vegas 12 November 2014

Sadly this was my last day with Paul, it has been great to have this special time with him, but unfortunately sometimes the nicest things have to come to an end. We did some more packing, then were going to find Subway for breakfast but had to make do with McDonald's instead, then we tried to find somewhere to change american dollars into new zealand currency, would you believe thete is nowhere in the hotel or locally that does it, also we tried to sort out my boarding card but again with no success, returned yo the room finished off packing then signed out of the hotel.
Our shuttle to the airport arrived but this time went to a number of other hotels picking up, when we got to the airport,  it was some distance away from the entrance to check in but sorted it out, Paul and I then had to part as he was going to another terminal for his flight. I went to the lounge to wait and was very surprised it was tiny, no toilet, few seats and very small selection of snacks, but at least peaceful and quiet. Eventually it was time to go for my flight.
All went well with this it was a much better and shorter flight with American Airlines,  then I used the mobility service to negotiate through the airport, the first man did not seem happy, it seemed I needed a vehicle to get me to the check in the man pushing the wheelchair had a fallout with the driver,  which I felt was not very professional on eithers part, I was quickly processed then again immigration and security, but the pusher had disappeared,  luckily it was only a short distance to the lounge and departure gate.  The lounge was bigget and better but it seems the restrooms were out of order so if needed would have to use public one on the concourse, the choice of food was a little better, so am now sat here passing time until it is time for my flight to Auckland of 13 hours at 9 30pm, it seems that I lose a day as I cross time zones.
Hope you are enjoying the read.

Grand Canyon 10 November 2014

The three of us got up very early for our coach pick up at 6 35am after a late night. We settled in our seats on our coach only to find it was a feeder coach and we would be changing to another after paying the outstanding balance, plus we would have the chance of a snack and a drink before we set off. We were quickly processed then off on our trip, the coach was quite comfortable, our driver Larry initialy I found ok but after a while I found his voice irritating, not sure why, because he was quite informative.

First stop was Hoover Dam, unfortunately it was only long enough to take photos from a distance before setting off again,  it would of been great to of had time to explore the place. We carried on for some time, the scenary was much the same for quite a while so we watched a series of videos and films on the monitors, about the area inclufing Route 66.

We eventually reached our lunch stop, there were about 4 or 6 coaches to deal with at the place but they were geared to it, it was a buffet style with plenty to eat, we were sat next to a man from Venuzwalia initially he spoke but then got on with the task of eating his meal.
We travelled on for some hours, I had learnt to take my shoes off on these sorts of trips on coaches and planes, but its always a problem to put them on again after to cope better when I got to my destination, I am sorry not to go into much description of the trip but I slept for much of it until we got to the Grand Canyon at last.

I took Chico with me for a series of photos but got seperated from Paul, the sheer size of the canyon was breathtaking, but I found as with many of the tourist attractions, people are often more interested in taking photos of themselves and friends than the actual view,  also that there is often a selfishness by some and lack of consideration of others who also would like to share the view. It was do hard to even guess how deep the valleys were and round each corner there was a totally different scene, I only wish I had had more time to explore the area, maybe another time and an overnight stop to view before and after the tourists had gone, not sure what that makes me, when I was also taking photos, of Chico. Eventually Paul and I caught up again just before the coach was due to depart. 

It wasn't long to our next stop and more beautiful scenary, plus whilst wandering round, we saw an old steam engine and four deer, they seemed unworried at our presence and we took photos of them, sadly I managed to miss the sunset, but as the light changed the whole valley also did. Paul bought a couple of items then off to the coach again for another long journey,  to our last stop where the coach refuelled and we bought some food, it was the biggest beefburger I have seen for a long time. The driver had put on another couple of videos to pass the time. At long last we were the first drop off, so went to the room and decided to sort out boarding cards it would of been one more thing done. 

We struggled with the various sites and eventually managed to sort out Pauls for Ryanair, but discovered that it was to early to do the others. Paul went off to bed,  I tried to Skype Jane and Bren, with no success, in the end though managed to get them on my mobile, they seem to be having a great time in Liverpool, then back to the room for a bath and bed.

9 November 2014 part two

I thought it would be easier to break this into two sections, Andy tells me there is a problem with posting comments so will habe a look also to look and see if I can finally post some photos of the trip either on here or Facebook, hope those reading are enjoying,  so sorry am behind its because I need to write up when its quiet and then find Wi Fi.

Now then about these topless dancers, im the end I booked for us both more of the actual show later,  but as a total contrast we also booked to go to the Grand Canyon by coach, I worried it would of been a very long drive, but Paul felt we would have longer there, he had goven up on the bike ride as nobody eould snswrt the phone. We seemed to get a very good deal for the trip and I was happy it was going ahead because its why the whole adventure started in the first place.

We had found out, well Paul had that there was a meal deal in the buffet wherein we could pay $35 each and use the buffet as often as we liked in the day, most probably we ent more but had a wide range of dishes to choose from and as much as we wanted.  What an odd collection of food we had across the day. Its interesting that this is not obviously advertised,  maybe they dont want people to be aware of it generally.

Well we had a walk then got ready for the show, it was only a small theatre of about 350, I was surprised at how many couples attended, but maybe its mr who is old fashioned,  plus I thought the show would start on time but no such luck. The dancers as far as we could see were attractive and good dancers, I must honestly say that seeing them topless did not really add to it for me, but going by the noise the same could not be said for others. There was a female singer but she was to loud, plus a female comedian, so in actual fact there was not a lot of time that the dancers were on stage, given the skimpy outfits I cannot see costume changes would of taken long. The girl who did a dance using draps was good as was pole dancer,  who was more athletic than provocative to me. At the end the girls posed for the audience to have their photos taken with them.Up close some of them looked older and tired so we left so we could have a good nights sleep and feel relaxed

Vegas Here We Come 9 November 2014

I had slept well but was to hot so got up before Paul and had a shower, his alarm went off just as I was finishing up. So had a coffee packed last things then down to check out, ordered taxi to indulge another of Pauls tick list,  rather than chance the subway, only realised when outside that there were plenty of yellow cabs waiting. Our transport instead was a limousine, I suggested Paul sit in the front, but driver had his stuff there, I also hoped he would be chatty but no such luck, having said that it was a comfortable quick trip to Penn Station to pick up the Airtrain to the airport. Now realised if we had planned well could of done the same when we arrived, rather than lughing cases up and down escalators.

Trip on train uneventful only odd thing is they do not show which track until train is due then everyone rushes down, trains here are very very long, ones we have been on are quite basic but fast. The Airtrain is a monorail and again we were soon there. Sorted out bagdrop then through security, seems if over 70 no need to take off coat or shoes,  they give special card guess who was given one did not realise till now how old I look.

Then off to find lounge,  it was United Airlines own one, large pleasant but little to eat,  nothing like as good as one at Heathrow but at least it had Wi Fi stayed there as advised until was time to request help get to plane, did this vehicle swiftly arrived then boarded plane, this time was in economy, such a difference and so far 3 hours into flight only been offered one drink, all food has to be paid for, seat not very comfortable,  plus video and films all chargeable,  come back Ryanair all is forgiven. There never were any more drinks in the course of the flight, so much for trying to avoid dehydration on flights, at long last we landed and assistance was there, nice man took us out to baggage I could not believe the size of the airport, there was a train to get us there. We then found a shuttle to the hotel and booked in. The size of the room was incredible, I have never been in somewhere so spacious.

Paul for a change was desperate for a meal, quite understandable when you think it was the previous evening when he last ate, so off we set, what a place so large but so badly signposted, eventually we found our  way out onto the Strip, it was really hot and humid and very busy and everything was big and over the top, I suppose it has to be to be Vegas, we eventually found somewhere to eat, this time Subway, I am now getting the hang of how to order food there. Then returned to the hotel passing through the casino which was quite busy then back to the room, Paul wanted to see a show called Fantasy at our hotel, it was another thing on his list and had topless dancers, after discussion we decided we would both go to the show, it will be a new experiance for me, quite expensive and late at 10 30pm for only 90 minutes.

We tried to sort out internet access but here there is none in the room, only free in public areas by Wi Fi otherwise chargeable,  so made harder to do research on things we wanted to do such as our

A chance to do more of Pauls list 7 November 2014

Today we talked about the fact we would be leaving tomorrow so we needed to visit places Paul still had on his list. First we headed for Top Of The Rock observation platform at the Rockerfeller Centre, first we visited the diner next door for breakfast then headed into town. I had a stomach upset so that slowed us down a while and also a swift visit to the main library, shame we did not have longer it was a beautiful building,  then to our first destination,  thete wad a huge crane there which we realised was to erect the Christmas tree, we went into the Lego shop, then inside the centre it was huge, it was the only place we came across that we could sit without feeling we had to buy something.

Whilst I rested Paul went off exploring, next we got our tickets, but had to wait a while so looked outside again and spotted that Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga were there next year in june so maybe an excuse to return, then back to join the queue for the lift, oops no first security, the lift made strange sounds with odd lights as it ascended, finally we were there, it was a shame that the weather was not better plus it was cold and cloudy. Like everyone else we then took a series of photos,  the only difference was we had Chico to join in also. Paul reluctantly agreed to go up to the next level, his view rightly as it turned out was that it would be colder and windier with no improvrment in the view, plus it started to rain so back down to the ground.

The next box to tick was Central Park for a brief visit, shame the weather and time were against us, so we only saw a tiny section before heading for Brooklin Bridge, I suggested we could get a bus instead of the subway,  the only problem was that it stopped every few yards so eventually back to the subway and finally getting there. It really was impressive to see and we decided to walk across,  this worked out really well as it was sunset and there was a beautiful sunset across the harbour.
Paul then Indulged another of his wishes by having a real hot dog from a street stall, we then headed back to where we were staying but first stopped at the diner by the subway the Court Square Diner,  well this was what we had been seeking through the trip, genuine reasonable priced diner with real well presented food,  that had the right kind of ambiance,  plus they sold CARROT CAKE which was a joy to eat and what a huge portion, a shame we were moving on the following day.
Back to the hotel and sorting out boarding cards, taxi, and another tick for Pauls list I found, we packed our cases to save time the following day, a quick check of my e mail then to bed for me,  quickly falling asleep

A Very Busy Day 6 November 2014

Well we had had a hood nights rest and took it easy this morning, had got up to date with e mail as well as checking Chicos Facebook account with him, also other websites that I visit, then off on the hotel shuttle to the subway.
By mistake we ended up on Broadway, where all the shows are, even McDonald's was lit up in fancy lights, it seemed to have little effect  on Paul but I was quite excited by it all.
As usual we made one or two deliberate mistakes before finally got to the Intrepid sea air and space museum, a lot of the exhibits were on the former aircraft carrier including planes helicopter's and spacecraft, outside there was a former submarine which we also looked round, photos hopefully to appear soon, Chico and Paul were both in their element checking everything out in the museum and time passed quickly.

Next Paul mentioned that he would like to visit St Patricks cathedral so we went looking for this, it seems it has featured in a range of films. Unfortunately when we eventually found it, the building was almost covered in scaffolding and sheeting outside and inside much the same, although obviously will look spectacular when finished.
Just for a change we got lost on the way to Grand Central Station another place on Pauls list, I had not realised how big and very busy it would be. We looked round but I was getting tired so had a rest whilst Paul went exploring. It was a good chance for me to rest as we had been out a long time,  before travelling back to the hotel for the evening.  I then tried to catch up with my adventures on here for you readers.