Feb 9, 2010 - Christmas Island

Christmas Island or Kiritimati as it is traditionally called, is the largest coral atoll in the world. It is the largest island of the Kirimati group, and is the first place in the world to enter the new year. It is located a mere 65 miles away from the equator, and is 222 square miles. It is famous as the site of the 'H' bomb testing in the 1970s, as well as being a haven of rare plant and fish life. There are several species of plant and creature that are unique to Christmas Island. Christmas Island name is derived from the orginal...

Feb 9, 2010 - Christmas Island

Tuesday 9th February – Day 31 Christmas Island. – We are really looking forward to this visit, we did our walk around the deck for a mile, and more leisurely, as it is 27deg already! so breakfast was enjoyed with 6 other people, although......one chap started talking about Statin’s, Bill said oh you need to talk to Liz about statins, so after a discussion about tablets, then diet, he was so curious he said oh I am really worried now about my diet, I tried to reassure him, but he spotted us later and still wanted to talk about it. Then we...

Feb 8, 2010 - A Day At Sea Before Christmas Island

Monday 8th February – Day 30 Well we were rocked to sleep last night and today we have had a relaxing day, a few laps of the decks, camera club, talks on penguins, eating sleeping and drinking, it’s all go really. Tomorrow at 7am we arrive at Christmas Island and we go ashore by tender as they do not have facilities for berthing a large ship like the Arcadia. Its volcanic beaches so we have been told to wear suitable footwear. We do not think there is much there other than a lot of wildlife; however we are sure it will be an experience...

Feb 7, 2010 - Aloha From Honolulu

Saturday 6th February – Day 28 Aloha, yes we were really glad to wander in Honolulu, lovely temperature about 23 deg with a breeze, not a bit like the oppressive heat of Acapulco. Going on the tour early is great (8.30am) and we were soon on our way to the naval base where the coach driver picked up the timed tickets 12.40 (Pearl Harbour is an extremely popular place) so the tour was reversed and we went on a tour of the lush tropical island and I swear our driver was Elvis Presley with that memorable drawl in his voice he told us of the...