On Our Way to San Francisco

We put more photos online including some of San Francisco where we
spent three very good days at the end of the cruise.


Final Days of Cruise

We saw a pod of dolphins today. That's the third dolphin sighting for
Harry,  first for me.

Harry and Mum going around the track on Deck 10

Did I mention we enjoyed the Celebrity Liars' Club in the Regatta 

Lounge on Tuesday evening?  Four "celebrities" ( like the ship's doctor) 

made-up hilarious definitions of weird words like "Wiliwili", "Williwas", 

"Bablitrice" and "Flagatation". Only one celebrity had the correct 

definition in each round. The audience had to vote for the most likely 

definition. Lots of laughs.

This morning we went to a culinary demonstration complete with 

samples of the food. Like most presentations on the ship, this happened 

in the Regatta Lounge. We had some trouble understanding the thick 

French accents of the two chefs but no trouble with the samples.

Mum and Margaret in the library

This afternoon, Mum and I went to hear Dr. Paula Smith speak on the 

topic, "And you thought Prince Charles had problems" which sounds 

like a lesson on the scandals of Royals in history. It should have 

been good for a laugh. After 45 minutes and wasted potential for 
entertainment, humor, or real controversy,  the speaker had progressed
from William the Conqueror to royal scoundrels in the 15th century.  
We left the theatre and went to the Horizons lounge for high tea, an 
improved use of our time.

 The captain and first mate during docking in Astoria

 Our stateroom, 7038

During most of this trip, Harry skipped the exciting evening entertainment, 

preferring to work out or to go to the library. All three of us passed on the 

big crew farewell extravaganza last night.  The crew have been fantastic 

but we frequently tell them that so attending the finale would have been 

redundant.

--------VICTORIA----------

Victoria was in its glory on Tuesday. The sun was out in full force. We 

walked along the harbour trail from the pier at Ogden Point to the 

legislative buildings and back, on the way paying a visit to Emily Carr's 

birthplace where we had a tea break. 

Many cruise buses went to the Butchart Gardens but we preferred our 

plan on this trip. Another time we'll revisit the gardens, not with such a 

crowd.

The pilot boat picking up the Victoria harbour pilot

-----------ASTORIA--------

It was a beautiful day in Astoria, OR, a very popular destination for fisherman 

who know about the abundance of fish at the mouth of the Columbia River. The 

parking lots in Astoria were full of FWD vehicles and boat trailers and the 

river was crowded with large and small boats.

Astoria bridge, as seen from old trolley

Early in the morning, all passengers had to go through a check by US Customs 

officials. We were called by deck to the Regatta Lounge. Officials checked 

everyones' passports and ship ID. It sounds as though some excursions were 

screwed up by the delay caused by Customs. 

Short walk along shore trail in Astoria

Our tour was not affected. While Mum stayed on board and had a nap, Harry 

and I took the trolley along the waterfront and through the town. The trolley 

drivers are volunteers who work on restoring the trolleys in winter and in the 

summer, drive them. Their humour and enthusiasm made that outing the best 

bargain in Astoria ($1 each way).

------Readying to Disembark-----

Tonight we have to pack our bags and place them outside the stateroom door 

tonight for pick up. Our pyjamas will have to go in the day packs in the morning. 

As we disembark in San Francisco tomorrow morning, we'll pick up our suitcases 

before heading to the car rental office and our hotel.

Passing Alcatraz