Cruising the Pacific Coast

30 Sept 14

We have had smooth sailing since leaving Vancouver Saturday afternoon.  On Sunday around noon, we arrived in Astoria, OR a charming fishing villiage that used to be the home of Bumble Bee tuna.  We were met by friends from Where’s George and she took us to the downtown area.  Astoria is only a small village nestled in the cliffs – some of the houses are mini-painted ladies that give the whole town a quaintness.  Being Sunday we stumbled upon Market Days and we explored the handicrafts & local fruits and brews available in the area.  I purchased a great piece of art that is painted on steel – the subject looks somewhat like Iota…  

We then went to lunch with Nerdy and her mom and enjoyed a terrific seafood meal.  They all had fish and chips and I ate a bowl of steamed clams – yum!  All in all we had a terrific day in Astoria and I would visit there again…

Yesterday we had a sea day and just relaxed, enjoying the ship’s activities.  Brian played in the ping pong tourney but said that most of the competition were professionals that even brought their own paddles & balls.  The casino crew are excited to see him daily as he brings them chocolates as a bit of “bribery” –he is getting a reputation throughout HAL at The CandyMan – lol!

I have been playing trivia of course but we have been coming in second place by being 1 off – last night’s pub quiz we finally won!  And the funny thing is that there is NO prize, they just congratulate you for winning…  HAL is getting cheap!  Lol!  We had supper with our Aussie friends, Anna & Greg and enjoyed a leisurely dinner – the tuna steak was awesome…

Today we are in San Francisco and will go explore the city in a bit.  Have a great day as we go “out and about”…

Greetings from Vancouver

We traveled by train from Seattle to Vancouver last Thursday.  We are staying at the YWCA Hotel right next to the stadium in downtown Vancouver. It is a very nice hotel and the location is terrific.  Two blocks from the Skyline subway and a Costco!  Lol!  B has managed to buy his candy supplies for the casino crew and a few other goodies.  Friday was our day to explore Vancouver but we did it in the rain!  Rode the skyway around to several shopping malls and out to Granbury Island - a fun market place with shops, fruits and artisans.  Boy the rasberries were as big as strawberries, but cost $7/pound!  They sure looked yummy tho.  Met up with a poker buddy, April, who took us to this great seafood restaurant where we thoroughly enjoyed a great lunch.  As there is a casino in Vancouver, we naturally ended up there for the evening.  I am down and bit but B won playing slots and is up - 55 cents!
We are off to board the ship today and will post a blog from San Francisco.  Bon Voyage, Ya'll!!

B uses free wifi on Amtrack to check out Wheres George?

G and her friend Moose Mountie

hmmm is Where's George expandiing to stamping and tracking cookies now?

Cruising - The Prequel 2014

Greetings - 
Brian & I are once again headed out on the high seas.  We are taking the circuitous route to visit Jess - flying to Vancouver to eventually arrive in Florida!  LOL!

As you can see, we will cruise through the Panama Canal which will be a new adventure for us.  The only other new port is Cartagena, Columbia. The rest of the cruise will be similar to last year BUT we will be traveling with friends so should have a good time.  I hope you will join us here and I will try to post a blog entry at each port of call.