Feb 28, 2013 - Winchester Hill

Between days out we had spent our time getting our heads around the German campgrounds and deciding our route. We discovered for motorhomes in Germany there were specific types of campground/stopovers called Reisemobil- Stellplatze. We had managed to get a directory (in German) listing 5,800 of these stellplatze. With so many it took some time to digest and understand. We also met up with Kevin and Linda several times and also stopped with them for a few days whilst the new cooling unit was fitted to the fridge. One afternoon we all walked...

Feb 26, 2013 - Farewell from friends .... Poets one and all

There once was a redhead from Bassett Who knew how to use all her assets A Lady so bold Many a story untold!! Off on a venture anew Organised, blogs a picture or two Well known for her thirst for travel as well as red wine Will mean she'll be missed by the ladies that dine No poet, I cant sing but hope a smile this will bring and this: When playing bridge whilst you’re away We will remember that special day Partner didn’t take the hump When you opened THAT 1 No Trump!!!

Nov 16, 2012 - Southampton

This morning we caught the bus at the stop just along the road into Southampton, and Sue revisited some of the places she remembers from living here in 1976/77. We walked a few miles today – to The Bargate, The Mayflower Theatre which used to be The Gaumont, where Sue worked as an usherette for movie and live shows. We were given permission to go inside and look around. Then to find 34 Waterloo Road where she lived in Flat 6, then back around the old city walls (her usual walk to work) to 69 Oxford Street, which was then the offices of...

Nov 15, 2012 - Beaulieu, Southampton

We said goodbye to Andrew on Tuesday night, and Elaine on Wednesday morning and headed for Southampton. We are staying at a smallish campsite, Sunnydale Farm at Netley Abbey. That afternoon was a lovely sunny one so we walked to the nearby Post Office and then back through the Royal Victoria Country Park. This morning we were up early and drove Homer to Beaulieu in the New Forest. This is the home of the famous National Motor Museum started by the current Lord Montagu’s father, with a fabulous collection of vehicles telling the history of...

Oct 20, 2012 - Heading home tomorrow!

With all the problems we've been having on this ship in regards to updating this blog and trying to get photos entered I am sending out this brief notice to let you all know that we take a bus from Port Authority in NYC to my hometown of Bath, NY, tomorrow. Once there we shall have a week to get photos put into the days where there are none now. We are both feeling fine now and so looking forward to getting back to the beautiful Finger Lakes and to our dear friends and some family. Hugs, Carol and Ivan

Oct 19, 2012 - Free at last!

Once again Ivan had another occurrence of diarrhea so he called the nurse to ask what else can be done. He was told to see the Dr. which proved to be a good idea. The Dr. determined Ivan no longer had the virus but needs probiotic foods in his diet (just what Ivan had concluded). Happily we set off to the buffet for late breakfast where I handled the serving utensils instead of Ivan. It was great to be able to roam the ship,eat better food and enjoy the pianist in one of the lounges at noon.Our quarantine experience has given the term...

Oct 18, 2012 - Making progress

Another day in isolation. We played Cribbage to break the routine of TV and reading. The Capt. announced he has changed course by heading 70 miles north to allow 200 miles distance from Hurricane Raphael. He thought we might experience stronger winds and higher swells but nothing to worry about. Turns out he was correct. We really didn't feel much difference in the ship's movement. This ship really is built for ocean travel. The nurse called to say my isolation is over and maybe Ivan will be 'free' tomorrow morning, dependent upon how he...

Oct 17, 2012 - Both in quarantine

Ivan has regressed; queasy stomach and some bouts of diarrhea so he is back to 48 more hours of quarantine. I'm feeling better and once I had some oatmeal this morning I felt quite a bit better. Crew members come twice a day to disinfect surfaces and to change out the linens and towels. We order meals from room service twice a day; not really hungry but know we must keep taking in fluids and bland foods. Boring! We spent our day and evening napping, reading, watching MSNBC and playing Cribbage. The nurse calls twice a day to check on us.

Oct 17, 2012 - A little progress

The coach was in Gold RV for a few days. Firstly the coach passed its annual MOT without any problems. The minor repairs were completed without any problems We need a new front jack which is now on order. Gold RV looked at the slide-out and confirmed there was delamination and they felt they could undertake the work with clear guidance and the necessary replacement slide-out floor from Tiffin. We with Gold RV are now in contact with Tiffin to get the necessary parts and to agree potential hours on the work. Looks like definitely our plans...

Oct 16, 2012 - Oops! Now it's me...

Ivan woke to feel more like himself. No signs of symptoms in almost 24 yours. Just needs rest and cautious intake of bland foods a while longer. I'm still feeling OK. Interesting to hear the Capt. announce that we shall be changing course by about 70 miles to put more distance between us and Hurricane Raphael. No other information about the hurricane on the ship or news programs so don't really feel we know just what the situation is. Seas are 'rough' with 7 ½ -12 ft. swells and 40 mph winds. Actually it is very smooth sailing in our cabin...

Oct 15, 2012 - On no! Norovirus!

At 8:30 after Ivan had nothing left in his stomach and the Medical Center was now open, we dressed and went down to deck 1. He was diagnosed with the virus we've heard about so much on ships but he brought it with him. (But from where? And when did he contract this common contagious condition???) The nurse gave him an injection to stop the vomiting and pills to stop the diarrhea he was beginning to experience. We returned to our cabin to which he has been quarantined for 2 days until Wed. noon. In less then 10 min. 2 crew members arrived to...

Oct 14, 2012 - On our first ocean liner!

We had breakfast in the hotel but sure can't brag about the quality of the food: scrambled eggs, limp bacon, a sausage link, beans, toast and OJ. Whew! Really looking forward to good and varied meals on the QM2. Taxi took us to the dock where we sat for 45 min. until our group was called to check in. It went smoothly despite not having boarding passes or knowing our cabin number. Then there was the long line for security scanning of us and our luggage. All went well. We got to our cabin on deck 4 (out of 13 decks) about 1:30. We dropped our...