San Francisco Cruise Visit
It was an absolutely glorious day in San Francisco. I have been to San Francisco several times, but none even remotely matched this weather. It was fabulous.
We got off the ship around 830 and walked to Pier 39. There wasn't anything open so we decided it would be good to get a cable car ride. We saw double decker buses with a hop on hop off all day pass but they were $30 a person. We decided to wait to do it later in the day. We walked up to catch the cable car, spotted the Hyde Street Maritime Museum and marked it for a visit later.
We bought an all day metro pass ride on the cable car. We rode up to the Financial District, got off walked down to get a cup of coffee, and I posted by blog update for Astoria. We then walked down to where we could get another different cable car unfortunately it didn't go to the waterfront but did give us an opportunity to get a fabulous shot of Chinatown which I will post later. We then got off and caught a very crowded bus back to waterfront, then walked down got a bite to eat, and headed for Hyde Street Maritime Museum.
It took is a couple hours to tour the ships. They are in the process of restoring a three masted schooner. There wasn't much to see with it, but it was interesting. We spent about fifteen minutes touring another small steamship, honestly I don't remember much about it other than it was steam powered. We then walked down and toured a steam powered ferry that used to run the bay before the Golden Gate Bridge was opened. It was loaded up with restored era cars, and each of them was a museum piece all of its own, and worth the small admission price. It included an old log truck, which again I will post the picture later.
Next up was an absolutely gorgeous, amazing, and gleaming restoration of a three masted sailing ship. It was obviously painstakingly and lovingly restored to its original glory. It was absolutely immaculate, polished, and gleaming doesn't begin to describe the ship. Fabulous, beautiful, glowing hardwoods, glittering metalwork, and impeccable detailed restoration.
We took the time to insure we didn't miss even the tiniest corner. It is impossible to describe how small these living quarters are. There was a chart house on the top, which a story describes how one captain's wife claimed for herself as she had always wanted a sewing room of her own. The holds had been filled with cargo, much as one would have seen it when the ship had sailed the seas. Each had a button you could press to describe what the port was like that would have generated the cargo. There was coffee, tea, wheat, cotton, burlap, gunny sacks, and other cargo items. It was interesting that the burlap and gunny sacks were from two different ports. Ship would haul the burlap to one port, pick up the gunny sacks and sail to the grain port where they would pick up grain in the gunny sack, then sail to another port, etc. it was fascinating tour, and if you ever get the chance to visit there, don't miss seeing that site.
We then walked down to the Hard Rock Cafe to pick up Steve's T shirt. He collects them whenever we visit a spot that has aHard Rock Cafe. It's fun to see his collection. He now has one from London, Paris, Rome, Las Vegas, Key West, and now San Francisco.
We got back to the boat around 3 so we could rest, lots of walking, and get a good seat for the sail away party. We chose to go to the top deck overlooking the outdoor pool. Since it was such a beautiful day, we knew it would be crowded and we were right. It was an incredible experience sailing past Alcatraz, the presidio, and underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. There were several yacht clubs out sailing with their beautiful colorful sails full of wind. I will post the pictures later, but I'll bet there wasn't 15 feet between the top of the ship and the bridge. It was fun, as there were people on the bridge waving act us, and the ships horn blasted. Way fun.
We hit the AA Meeting at six, a quick dinner, and bedtime for us. We were exhausted. We pull into Santa Barbara today, we will be anchored in the bay. We will board small boats called tenders to go onshore. I will post the report of the visit tomorrow once we get to my friend Melinda's house. It is supposed to be a perfect weather to visit a beautiful spot.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
Update from San Francisco
This is an update for our cruise in the port of Astoria and our one sea day this trip. As we woke up this morning we watched the deck camera and watched as we sailed underneath the Golden Gate Bridge as the sun was rising this morning. It was absolutely breathtaking. I don't know if I would have been able to get up get dressed and go outside at that time of morning. It was just at 6 as we passed under the bridge.
Visiting Astoria on the shop was really incredible. I am certain it makes a huge economic impact on the community. The ship pulls in and dumps 2600 passengers, plus however many crew members get to get off the boat. It was absolutely fabulous weather, got better as the day went until late afternoon when the clouds kind of soured it a bit, then it cleared again.
We had lunch with Steve's brother Mark at Stephanie's Cabin. It was really delicious. It was fun to hook up and his reaction to the boat. I love Mark, he's always got jokes, and is a hoot to hang out with. Then Steve and I popped off to a meeting.
We then walked up to tour the Flavel house. Captain Flavel was a ships captain for years. He sailed a ship back and forth between Astoria and San Francisco. Then when he married a 14 year old German immigrant named Mary, he settled in Astoria. He got so much experience piloting ships across the Astoria bar, when Oregon be me a territory, he wrote a letter to the governing body to become the first approved Bar Pilot.
They built the 11,000 square foot house for 36,000. It had all the latest modern conveniences like indoor plumbing and electricity. It is absolutely gorgeous inside. It spreads out over 4 floors, but the 4th floor is not open for touring. It is really impressive, and worth the trip just to see it. You local folks ever get that chance, don't miss it.
Next we went to the Oregon Film Museum. It has memorabilia and records of all the movies made in Oregon. We even got to make a movie on our own. When we get the link to share it with you I will post it here. It was a scene from Kindergarten Cop. It was a hoot. I now have some ideas for things to do with grand kids.
Our day at sea was really relaxing. Lots of resting, reading, and a workout. Last night was our second formal night. We had dinner with a couple from Chicago, and two ladies from Finland. It was delightful.
I forgot to mention the other day, on the day we boarded the ship as we were sitting getting ready to board we heard a huge cheer from the first class area. It was kind of curious, then when we were ready to board, the lady said that the first people to board was a couple celebrating their 70th Wedding Anniversary. Our first formal night we had dinner with two couples. The younger couple was the older couple's daughter and son in law. The older couple were the couple celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary. He was a pilot in World War II and they only knew each other for a short time before they married. Fascinating couple and their stories.
As I said earlier, we pulled into San Francisco this morning we watched it on the bridge cam. We don't have any tours planned. We will ride the cable car, walk around pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, and of course we will have to stop at Ghiradelli Square. The weather is supposed to be beautiful, so I am looking forward to it.
Visiting Astoria on the shop was really incredible. I am certain it makes a huge economic impact on the community. The ship pulls in and dumps 2600 passengers, plus however many crew members get to get off the boat. It was absolutely fabulous weather, got better as the day went until late afternoon when the clouds kind of soured it a bit, then it cleared again.
We had lunch with Steve's brother Mark at Stephanie's Cabin. It was really delicious. It was fun to hook up and his reaction to the boat. I love Mark, he's always got jokes, and is a hoot to hang out with. Then Steve and I popped off to a meeting.
We then walked up to tour the Flavel house. Captain Flavel was a ships captain for years. He sailed a ship back and forth between Astoria and San Francisco. Then when he married a 14 year old German immigrant named Mary, he settled in Astoria. He got so much experience piloting ships across the Astoria bar, when Oregon be me a territory, he wrote a letter to the governing body to become the first approved Bar Pilot.
They built the 11,000 square foot house for 36,000. It had all the latest modern conveniences like indoor plumbing and electricity. It is absolutely gorgeous inside. It spreads out over 4 floors, but the 4th floor is not open for touring. It is really impressive, and worth the trip just to see it. You local folks ever get that chance, don't miss it.
Next we went to the Oregon Film Museum. It has memorabilia and records of all the movies made in Oregon. We even got to make a movie on our own. When we get the link to share it with you I will post it here. It was a scene from Kindergarten Cop. It was a hoot. I now have some ideas for things to do with grand kids.
Our day at sea was really relaxing. Lots of resting, reading, and a workout. Last night was our second formal night. We had dinner with a couple from Chicago, and two ladies from Finland. It was delightful.
I forgot to mention the other day, on the day we boarded the ship as we were sitting getting ready to board we heard a huge cheer from the first class area. It was kind of curious, then when we were ready to board, the lady said that the first people to board was a couple celebrating their 70th Wedding Anniversary. Our first formal night we had dinner with two couples. The younger couple was the older couple's daughter and son in law. The older couple were the couple celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary. He was a pilot in World War II and they only knew each other for a short time before they married. Fascinating couple and their stories.
As I said earlier, we pulled into San Francisco this morning we watched it on the bridge cam. We don't have any tours planned. We will ride the cable car, walk around pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, and of course we will have to stop at Ghiradelli Square. The weather is supposed to be beautiful, so I am looking forward to it.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
West Coast Cruise 9/21-30 Day 1 - 2
Vancouver Boarding and Victoria
Let me start with the hotel we stayed in Vancouver. I found this hotel on the internet. As usual I searched through reviews etc., but found nothing to indicate the reality. The reviews all said Patricia Hotel was a basic hotel nothing fancy. Which was fine with us as it was only intended to be a place to sleep since we were getting in late.
Well, our eyebrows started to rise in the cab ride to the hotel.. It became rapidly apparent we wouldn't be doing a lot of walking outside the hotel. The sidewalks were filled with cardboard homes and shopping carts, I n a several block radius around our hotel. This area was also evidently an area to party as we heard revelers all hours of the night outside.
The hotel itself was clean, staff was friendly. Patricia is in need of a facelift, but nice enough. It did not have air conditioning so we had to leave the window open. Since the party crowd was out, it didn't exactly help our rest.
Since we couldn't walk, we grabbed a cab around 1030 and headed for cruise dock. When we were on our Alaska cruise in June out of Seattle, boarding began at noon, we got there about 1230 and it took us about two hours of standing to snake through all the lines and get to our room. When we got to the terminal, our bags were taken curbside, or would have but we carried them as we were going to try for an upgrade.
We waited about 10 minutes for the security scan to open, which was scheduled for 11. It opened early, we walked through filled out our firms got our key cards, and sat for about 20 minutes then boarded the boat. We were on the ship in our room at 1130. It was the epitome of boarding experience. We spoke to a couple at dinner, we were remarking on the boarding process, they said their luggage was at their room when they got there. So I don't know if it was that we got there early, if it was because we were early, or a combination of the two. I guess we will just have to go on another cruise to find out!
We had booked an inside stateroom and we're not able to get an upgrade. A little tight for my claustrophobia. Probably won't do this again. I need a window.
Now for Victoria. We were awakened to the sound of us docking. Our cabin on this trip is located at the very font of the ship, near where the lines are stored for mooring the ship. So we get that noise. It was ok, as room service, free for us on board gotta have my coffee to kick start, arrived just a few minutes later.
We had a leisurely breakfast, then got off the boat. We did not book any trips on the boat. Our Alaska trip taught us that we could get the same thing off the ship at dramatically less money. We had decided we would get off, get a cab or shuttle, head downtown and walk around.
Right outside Canadian Customs, a mere formality, was a variety of folks dressed in Victorian era attire. The one lady looked so cute, we had to shoot our picture with her. Then we walked towards the shuttle, found out we could hire a car and driver for the entire day for $150. It was a very personalized way to see everything we cared to see. Deal! This was bout what it would have cost us for one of us to have an activity booked on the ship.
It was fabulous, our driver Chris is a retired baker. Steve's Dad, Mom, and both sets of grandparents were bakers. He grew up working in his parents bakery in high school, so they had a lot in common with that.
So Chris started our day with a driving tour of some exceptional sites. A look at some of the many beautiful parks around Victoria. We went through a University campus, home to a lot of wildlife, we saw deer, peacocks, and rabbits. We went by the Governor's house. This is where the royal family stays when they come to Victoria. We got to ride under the portico that would shelter the Queen when the arrive while the security forces guard her. It was a cool experience arriving in our town car!
Then he took us up to Craigdarroch Castle. This castle was built by a tycoon in 1887-1890. He was a Scotsman, with a Scottish wife. Unfortunately, he died about a year before the house was complete. Once it was complete his wife and daughters came to Victoria and they lived in the home for about 18 years. It was later used as a hospital for veterans returning from World War I. Then it was used as a university, a music school, and other community related activities.
There are four floors to the castle. It was designed by two Oregon architects. There is gorgeous milled woodwork throughout. This woodwork can't be described. It was ornate, gleaming, and just amazing. For example up from the fourth floor is a turret with glass doors out to what is essentially a widows walk. The doors from several sides of the turret, with rounded doors and glass! The grounds are beautiful, enhancing the panoramic views.
We then drove out to Butchart Gardens, we chose not to go through it. It was a bit rainy, my knee was aching as I had forgotten to take my meds. We made a quick stop for coffee at Tim Hortons, a blue collar version of Starbucks. No Dutch Brothers here. We then drove out a peninsula, we saw where the big ferries come in from the mainland, then we went to a small town called Sydney. We got out and strolled up the streets, poking around in some of the quaint little shops. A cute town and the sun came out to make it better.
Then Chris wandered around the countryside a bit, showing us a small RV park tucked into a small inlet, and right on the water. It might be fun to come back and stay there a couple days. There was much more to explore here than we really had time for in one day.
We finished our time with Chris, Steve had an appointment on the ship at 4, with a quick harbor tour and a viewing of Chinatown, the Legislative Buildings, and Fisherman's Wharf. It was nice, and we'll worth the money.
As I said Steve had an appointment at 4, I had one at 5, we had dinner, then went walking to downtown. It was a beautiful walk with the buildings all lit up, especially the Legislative buildings, and The Empress Hotel. Then we caught a cab back, my knee was still giving me fits. We watched a great juggling/acrobatic act in the Piazza then an hysterical comedian named Oscar Carlos. It was fabulous family friendly act. If you can, catch him on the tv, do it. He is SOO funny.
Today we are in Seattle, not planning on much here. We will likely hit the Pike Place Market,then come back to the ship. I want to rest my knee as today is formal night, a Captains Circle dinner, and dancing. I get my hair done at 3. We will likely get formal portraits done since we will be dressed up for it.
More tomorrow from Astoria.
Let me start with the hotel we stayed in Vancouver. I found this hotel on the internet. As usual I searched through reviews etc., but found nothing to indicate the reality. The reviews all said Patricia Hotel was a basic hotel nothing fancy. Which was fine with us as it was only intended to be a place to sleep since we were getting in late.
Well, our eyebrows started to rise in the cab ride to the hotel.. It became rapidly apparent we wouldn't be doing a lot of walking outside the hotel. The sidewalks were filled with cardboard homes and shopping carts, I n a several block radius around our hotel. This area was also evidently an area to party as we heard revelers all hours of the night outside.
The hotel itself was clean, staff was friendly. Patricia is in need of a facelift, but nice enough. It did not have air conditioning so we had to leave the window open. Since the party crowd was out, it didn't exactly help our rest.
Since we couldn't walk, we grabbed a cab around 1030 and headed for cruise dock. When we were on our Alaska cruise in June out of Seattle, boarding began at noon, we got there about 1230 and it took us about two hours of standing to snake through all the lines and get to our room. When we got to the terminal, our bags were taken curbside, or would have but we carried them as we were going to try for an upgrade.
We waited about 10 minutes for the security scan to open, which was scheduled for 11. It opened early, we walked through filled out our firms got our key cards, and sat for about 20 minutes then boarded the boat. We were on the ship in our room at 1130. It was the epitome of boarding experience. We spoke to a couple at dinner, we were remarking on the boarding process, they said their luggage was at their room when they got there. So I don't know if it was that we got there early, if it was because we were early, or a combination of the two. I guess we will just have to go on another cruise to find out!
We had booked an inside stateroom and we're not able to get an upgrade. A little tight for my claustrophobia. Probably won't do this again. I need a window.
Now for Victoria. We were awakened to the sound of us docking. Our cabin on this trip is located at the very font of the ship, near where the lines are stored for mooring the ship. So we get that noise. It was ok, as room service, free for us on board gotta have my coffee to kick start, arrived just a few minutes later.
We had a leisurely breakfast, then got off the boat. We did not book any trips on the boat. Our Alaska trip taught us that we could get the same thing off the ship at dramatically less money. We had decided we would get off, get a cab or shuttle, head downtown and walk around.
Right outside Canadian Customs, a mere formality, was a variety of folks dressed in Victorian era attire. The one lady looked so cute, we had to shoot our picture with her. Then we walked towards the shuttle, found out we could hire a car and driver for the entire day for $150. It was a very personalized way to see everything we cared to see. Deal! This was bout what it would have cost us for one of us to have an activity booked on the ship.
It was fabulous, our driver Chris is a retired baker. Steve's Dad, Mom, and both sets of grandparents were bakers. He grew up working in his parents bakery in high school, so they had a lot in common with that.
So Chris started our day with a driving tour of some exceptional sites. A look at some of the many beautiful parks around Victoria. We went through a University campus, home to a lot of wildlife, we saw deer, peacocks, and rabbits. We went by the Governor's house. This is where the royal family stays when they come to Victoria. We got to ride under the portico that would shelter the Queen when the arrive while the security forces guard her. It was a cool experience arriving in our town car!
Then he took us up to Craigdarroch Castle. This castle was built by a tycoon in 1887-1890. He was a Scotsman, with a Scottish wife. Unfortunately, he died about a year before the house was complete. Once it was complete his wife and daughters came to Victoria and they lived in the home for about 18 years. It was later used as a hospital for veterans returning from World War I. Then it was used as a university, a music school, and other community related activities.
There are four floors to the castle. It was designed by two Oregon architects. There is gorgeous milled woodwork throughout. This woodwork can't be described. It was ornate, gleaming, and just amazing. For example up from the fourth floor is a turret with glass doors out to what is essentially a widows walk. The doors from several sides of the turret, with rounded doors and glass! The grounds are beautiful, enhancing the panoramic views.
We then drove out to Butchart Gardens, we chose not to go through it. It was a bit rainy, my knee was aching as I had forgotten to take my meds. We made a quick stop for coffee at Tim Hortons, a blue collar version of Starbucks. No Dutch Brothers here. We then drove out a peninsula, we saw where the big ferries come in from the mainland, then we went to a small town called Sydney. We got out and strolled up the streets, poking around in some of the quaint little shops. A cute town and the sun came out to make it better.
Then Chris wandered around the countryside a bit, showing us a small RV park tucked into a small inlet, and right on the water. It might be fun to come back and stay there a couple days. There was much more to explore here than we really had time for in one day.
We finished our time with Chris, Steve had an appointment on the ship at 4, with a quick harbor tour and a viewing of Chinatown, the Legislative Buildings, and Fisherman's Wharf. It was nice, and we'll worth the money.
As I said Steve had an appointment at 4, I had one at 5, we had dinner, then went walking to downtown. It was a beautiful walk with the buildings all lit up, especially the Legislative buildings, and The Empress Hotel. Then we caught a cab back, my knee was still giving me fits. We watched a great juggling/acrobatic act in the Piazza then an hysterical comedian named Oscar Carlos. It was fabulous family friendly act. If you can, catch him on the tv, do it. He is SOO funny.
Today we are in Seattle, not planning on much here. We will likely hit the Pike Place Market,then come back to the ship. I want to rest my knee as today is formal night, a Captains Circle dinner, and dancing. I get my hair done at 3. We will likely get formal portraits done since we will be dressed up for it.
More tomorrow from Astoria.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Well we got some great news yesterday. US Bank has already received and uploaded the new offer. Last time that took them 5 months! So we realistically should get an answer/closing date within the next two weeks.
The other good news is as I am writing this my DH (dear husband) is welding on the last two pieces of the tailgate of the truck. We should be able to take it to get powder coated (specialized paint job) today or at latest tomorrow. So by the time we get back from our little cruise, we should be pretty set to go.
I am really excited about this next phase of our life. Really anxious to get on the road. It never ceases to amaze me when I let go of something how well God manages my life. I just have to step out of the way. Like I always say, if God is your co pilot, you're sitting in the wrong seat!
The other good news is as I am writing this my DH (dear husband) is welding on the last two pieces of the tailgate of the truck. We should be able to take it to get powder coated (specialized paint job) today or at latest tomorrow. So by the time we get back from our little cruise, we should be pretty set to go.
I am really excited about this next phase of our life. Really anxious to get on the road. It never ceases to amaze me when I let go of something how well God manages my life. I just have to step out of the way. Like I always say, if God is your co pilot, you're sitting in the wrong seat!
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Waiting to get the on the road.
While we are waiting for the house to close, (Grr, I really hate US Bank), we are trying to make the best of it. They turned down the offer because it made too much money! What's that about? Now we get to start the process all over again! Hopefully it won't be like the last one and take six months, when it was supposed to be two weeks. In the mean time we are still living in our crappy little garage sale trailer, currently outside our old house on Terry Road, Rainier, Oregon.
So we are still looking at different models of trailers, and evaluating the best features of all of them. We went to the RV Show at the Expo Center on Thursday, and discovered there is a whole new company called Grand Design. My research shows a whole new, and highly unusual, focus on quality and customer service.
They had a toy hauler model called Momentum that really impressed us with the level of detail that went into the design. Some of the most minute details are carefully covered. Even though we have been absolutely adamant about having the extra 1/2 bath in our unit, this one was tempting us. Then the salesman from B Young RV gave us some great news. They are coming out with a floorplan that will have a 1/2 bath. So maybe our Higher Power has something better for us in mind after all. The even better news on this brand is the price point. We can get one of these brand new for the price that we have been looking at used ones in other brands. The quality is definitely comparable.
So our other news is we got a smoking hot deal from Princess Cruiseline for a West Coast trip for 9/22-29. It leaves from Vancouver, BC on 9/22. We visit Victoria, BC 9/23, Seattle 9/24, Astoria 9/25, at sea 9/26, San Francisco 9/27, Santa Barbara 9/28, and disembark on 9/29. A nice bonus for me is that we will be visiting with my friend Melinda in Long Beach, CA. She will pick us up when we get off the boat on Sunday. We will spend the night and most of Monday 9/30 with her, then fly home at 6:30 pm.
We are really excited to see what the coastline that we love and are so familiar with will look like from a different perspective. This will be fun I'm sure. I won't be able to update while in Canada, or on the ship (the data plan on ship is considered International and VERY expensive. I will update as I find hotspots on our shore travels, or can use my own data plan.
It's all part of the adventure. Let the fun begin.
So we are still looking at different models of trailers, and evaluating the best features of all of them. We went to the RV Show at the Expo Center on Thursday, and discovered there is a whole new company called Grand Design. My research shows a whole new, and highly unusual, focus on quality and customer service.
They had a toy hauler model called Momentum that really impressed us with the level of detail that went into the design. Some of the most minute details are carefully covered. Even though we have been absolutely adamant about having the extra 1/2 bath in our unit, this one was tempting us. Then the salesman from B Young RV gave us some great news. They are coming out with a floorplan that will have a 1/2 bath. So maybe our Higher Power has something better for us in mind after all. The even better news on this brand is the price point. We can get one of these brand new for the price that we have been looking at used ones in other brands. The quality is definitely comparable.
So our other news is we got a smoking hot deal from Princess Cruiseline for a West Coast trip for 9/22-29. It leaves from Vancouver, BC on 9/22. We visit Victoria, BC 9/23, Seattle 9/24, Astoria 9/25, at sea 9/26, San Francisco 9/27, Santa Barbara 9/28, and disembark on 9/29. A nice bonus for me is that we will be visiting with my friend Melinda in Long Beach, CA. She will pick us up when we get off the boat on Sunday. We will spend the night and most of Monday 9/30 with her, then fly home at 6:30 pm.
We are really excited to see what the coastline that we love and are so familiar with will look like from a different perspective. This will be fun I'm sure. I won't be able to update while in Canada, or on the ship (the data plan on ship is considered International and VERY expensive. I will update as I find hotspots on our shore travels, or can use my own data plan.
It's all part of the adventure. Let the fun begin.
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