More from Tasmania

It’s down to our last 2 days in Tasmania. We left Hobart on Saturday and toured the East Coast. Beautiful scenery and more wildlife. After experiencing the first Caravan Park cabin in Triabunna, we decided to look for other ones: St. Helens and Launcheston area. They were even better prices and nicer layout. We were unable to be in the right place for the Fairy Penquins, so don’t know if we will see them. Also, still waiting to see a Tasmania Devil and wombat. We did see another Kangaroo hop across the road and some great birds: black, yellowtail cockatoos and Kookaburra. Also drove to see the sunset on the orange lichen in Bay of Fires, in Binalong Bay.
There sure are a lot of sheep in Australia and many lambs. We’ve seen them in colors from white to brown and the lambs range from newborn to 1/2 size of adult. They are shy, so haven’t gotten a good picture yet, up close. Jim has been enjoying the chance to cook again in the cabins; but we haven’t cooked lamb. Even though we have a frig w/ freezer, of sorts; we haven’t always had ice. Two nights, we have managed to have cocktails with cold water only. Oh, well, it wasn’t too bad.
Tonight, just before sunset, we had a visit by several black, yellow-tailed cockatoos. They were huge and just outside our cabin. At one time we counted 6 in one small tree. After a short social time, they went somewhere else to sleep.
Today, Tuesday, in Australia, we headed back toward Hobart, and enjoyed the Heritage Highway with stops in historical towns. Lastly, we stopped at a Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoyed close experiences with wombat, tasmanian devil, koala and feeding and scratching the kangaroos. Tonight we are staying in another caravan cabin. They are quite roomy with kitchen and separate bedroom; wish they had them in USA for travel with grandkids. Happy Halloween!

We made it to Tasmania!

We arrived in this state, off southeast coast of mainland Australia, 3 days ago.  It is a beautiful place and have enjoyed seeing historical sites and viewing the seaside and inland views.  Met up with our cruising friends, Vince and Karen on Friday; they came in by Holland cruise ship to Hobart and we took them to Port Arthur, site of old penal colony.  Too bad it was cold and rainy.  Since then, we have come to the coastal town of Triabunna and stayed last night in a very nice cabin at a caravan park.  Also ran across a new animal, the Echidna.  This was a young one.  Out of time.  Later

On the road in Australia

Friday, we picked up our rental car at the Sydney Airport. The desk clerk was generous and upgraded us to a Nissan X-trail 4 wheel drive SUV. Very nice. Jim is doing quite well at driving on the left and navigating the round-abouts etc. His biggest problem is finding the turn signals when in a hurry. They are on the right and he has turned on the windshield wipers about 33% of the time. He is getting better.

We were warned about food and drink prices. It’s true that most times, the prices are 2 to 3 times what we are used to. We have, however found some good deals. At our hotel in Sydney, the Econolodge, the Happy Hour from 5-7 had draft beer and liquor for $3. Not bad. By the way, the US and Aussie dollar are about equal. At most places, the beers (a 12-13 oz. scooner) run $4.50 to 9.00. We were told to find the clubs for the best deals, specifically the RSL (Returned Servicemen League). Tonight, in Batemans Bay (on the coast), we went to a very nice Soldiers Club. It was not what we thought the clubs would look like, 2 story and very large and “elegant.” The view of the bay was good also. So…. we paid higher prices for drinks than other clubs. We’ll have to find ones that look more like our American Legions at home.

We’ve been on the lookout for wildlife. Two kangaroos have been seen, unfortunately as roadkill. Some of their birds are different looking. The pelicans are white and black (black on wings) but, the numerous crows and pigeons look the same. We’ve seen several wild white parrot-like birds that we would call cock-a-toos. I also identified 2 Australian White Ibises.

Tonight we are staying at a Comfort Inn. Nice large room with large TV, frig and table and chairs (and 3 hours free internet). The property is on the Clyde River near Batemans Bay. Tomorrow, we will drive along the coast (the Tasman Sea, but part of Pacific Ocean) on George Bass Drive to Princes Highway. We have 2 more nights before we are due in Melbourne and plan to take our time. The Visitor Information Centers have been quite helpful with maps, and today with lodging assistance. No worries.

More wildlife photos posted Oct. 23 from Melbourne:

Sydney, Australia

We’ve been in Sydney for 1.5 days and have seen quite a bit of the city. It is really beautiful and many friendly people. We even ran into a family from Western Australia (one of their states) who is going on the Spirit this Saturday, it’s maiden voyage in this area and their first cruise. They were excited to hear about it and the 16 year old plans to go on the Green Thunder slide many times.
Yesterday, we left the ship around 10:45 and checked into our hotel, an Econolodge ($115/night vs. $60 at home). It is a good location and clean and nice, but basic. Since there is no TV reception, they gave us free internet (normally $12 for 24 hours).
We had eaten twice on the ship, so just needed a light late lunch. Luckily we found a Hungry Jacks (owned by Burger King) and shared a burger and ice cream Sundae for $3!!! That will be the cheapest meal while we are here and really surprised us.
Last night we met up with about 15 other CC’rs (Cruise Critic) at the King Street Brewhouse on Darling Harbor. Marty and Janine (who live in Sydney) set it up and the rest of us were from USA or Canada and just here for a few days. It was a fun get together to say farewell and hope to see you again.
Today, we toured on our own using the free Shuttle Bus (No. 555) which covers quite a bit of the central part of the city; and the Manly Ferry. We saw the Spirit again from the shore (Circular Quay) and the ferry ship, more photos. Enjoyed Manly; although too cool/windy for any beach time. Also visited “The Rocks”, Central Train Station and views of many city parks. Jim was able to walk more today, so that helped for us to see more.
We feel that we got a good quick view of the city and it would be fun to spend more time here. However, it is too far away and we have to leave tomorrow. We look forward to the next 2 weeks in Australia. Good Day.

Entrance into Sydney

Fantastic entrance yesterday with almost all of the 2000+ passengers on the upper decks to see Sydney and wave to all the onlookers. Great Fun! There were 2 helicopters taking pictures of all of us, one for Carnival and another for local news. Also, many onlookers from shore. We all waved Aussie flags. This all happened between 8 and 9 am. We didn’t leave the ship until 10:45, so a more leisurely morning than normal for the last day.

Fiji to Sydney

The Carnival Spirit arrived in Sydney Harbor, yesterday, Wednesday, Oct. 17. We enjoyed Fiji, but didn’t see much and then had a couple of rough sea days between there and here. We had a great time on the ship and spent a lot of time with our fellow CC’rs; socializing, playing games and drinking! We will miss them all and hope to see them on other cruises.

Between Tahiti and Fiji

Back at sea after 3 days in beautiful Tahiti. We were most impressed by the island of Moorea (with Bali Hai mountain) and the waters around Bora Bora (swam in the Lagoon water off Matira Beach). Since we have such a fantastic view from our suite, we spent a lot of time there and on our large balcony enjoying the scenery. We can even see a portion of it from our bed!! Best cabin, ever. Yesterday, we also saw humpback whales and pilot (?) whales. Tahiti has really high prices, beer cost more than on the ship! Have to get used to these high prices, since Australia is said to be 2 to 3 times more than USA. It’s recommended that we eat and drink in the “clubs.”

We will be 3 days at sea (this is after losing Wednesday to the International Date Line), to get to Suva, Fiji. The prices are supposed to be a little lower. However, anywhere a cruise ship goes, the prices are bumped up. We have never been to any of these South Pacific Islands, or to this part of the Southern Hemisphere. Really enjoying the voyage; seas have not been too rough. We feel a little more of the “motion of the ocean” since we have an aft cabin. Acutally helps us sleep (but not to type!).

I am going to try to post pictures. The internet is slow and irratic; but able to post on FB, yesterday. Have a good day!

From the Cruise Ship

We are in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, on the Carnival Spirit.  Our flight from Maui to Honolulu on Sunday went well and no problem with taxi to the cruise ship.  The embarkation process was a bit difficult, however.  We had to stand in 4 different long lines, including one just to give our luggage to the porters.  Jim’s foot was really hurting; he used his cane and it got us through a little quicker.  Even so, we were on the ship and at lunch about 1 pm.  Our luggage came at 3:30 and the platypus bags came through just fine (1 liter of alcohol each).  (We heard later from another So CA couple that she tried to bring booze through security on her person; she was patted down.  They found her “rack” – a plastic pad in bra; but not all the foil packets taped around her middle!!)

Anyway, our vista- aft wrap suite is nice; the balcony is quite large, but the suite is not as big as expected.  It’ll do.  We are having fun with the Cruise Critic group: informal and formal Meet ‘n Greets, Left-Right-Center game, slot pull and poker crawl to come.  One couple (the “rack” lady and hubby) had a cocktail party for their 1st anniversary,  They are also in a vista suite, just above us; their suite is designed totally different with more usable space, but our balcony is deeper.  
 
We are going to have 5 full days at sea between Honolulu and Papeete, Tahiti (Saturday).  We have seen no vessels, land or water animals.  Some people have seen a few sea birds.  The ride has been pretty smooth, but the wind is up today, about 30 mph.  We will be crossing the Equator tonight, they haven’t told exactly, but the party starts at 9 pm.  There are more children on board, than expected; mostly Aussie, because some of the schools have a term break about now.  Also a few adults younger than 50 yrs; they’ve been seeking each other out.

I probably won’t be able to post pictures from the ship’s wifi; not sure about while in ports.  I’ve purchased a package of minutes, but not everything words properly or very quickly.  I’ll try to catch up in Australia.  More later, Cheryl

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY LAUREN