Day 65 - Tuesday 3 December

Sydney - Melbourne, Australia.

After a leisurely morning, Blods drove us to Sydney's airport where we boarded our plane to Melbourne. We arrived home late afternoon.

We've had another wonderful holiday:

- with 9 days in London, where we were able to spend time (not long enough) with Alan & Jayne, Anna, Jon, Ben, Tom, Steve & Emelia; Carol & Pete; Jo & Colin,

- then 54 days on the Vasco da Gama, cruising back to Australia, having a great time with Steve & Beth and Jim & Gay,

- and then a few days in Sydney with Blods & Brian.

Scenic highlights included London (always), Lisbon (again), Las Palmas, Aruba, the Panama Canal crossing (again), Tahiti (again), Bora Bora (again), Auckland & Sydney (always).

Day 64 - Monday 2 December

Sydney, Australia - Day 2

Unfortunately, due to forecast windy conditions, our day with Blods & Brian on Sydney Harbour, on their catamaran was cancelled. Nevertheless, we had a wonderful day with them.

Blods drove down to Mosman Bay, where we caught the catamaran ferry to Circular Quay.

We then walked to Barangaroo / Darling Harbour for lunch.

Customs House

Anti-fracking Santas

Blods and Di went walking around the CBD's retail stores.

Meanwhile, Brian and Bill went to the fabulous National Maritime Museum - https://www.sea.museum/ .

jet-powered hydroplane Spirit of Australia (ridden by Ken Warby to a world water speed record)

Blackmore's First Lady (sailed by Kay Cottee to be the first woman to solo-navigate the world) 

 Tall Ship James Craig in the background

HMAS Onslow 

Krait - https://www.sea.museum/whats-on/vessels/krait  

HMAS Vampire

If I could turn back time? 

We then walked back via Martin Place, where I bumped into my friend Ross Laidlaw (no photo).

We then caught the ferry from Circular Quay back to Mosman Bay.

We return to Blods' & Brian's home for a delicious dinner, prepared by Di.

Day 63 – Sunday 1 December

Cruise Day 54

Sydney, Australia

An early morning arrival into one of the world's greatest harbours!

Our very enjoyable journey back from London has ended.

After disembarking at White Bay Cruise Terminal, we were picked up by Di’s cousin, Blods, who took us to her home in Mosman.

We then went for a lovely lunch with Blods and some of her friends at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (starting point for the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race) in Darling Point.

We then drove to Balmoral Beach for dessert.

We then went for dinner at the Hotel Mosman (the Duck), with Brian, Blods and Connor.

Day 60-62 – Thursday – Saturday 28-30 November

Cruise Days 51-53

Sea Days 36-38

Max, Tayshir, Sheriffo, Juhi 

Day 59 - Wednesday 27 November

Cruise Day 50.

Auckland, New Zealand.

We arrived early morning, berthing downtown. After breakfast, we disembarked and found some fast and free internet to complete some administration.

We then separated for the day, with Di enjoying some retail therapy, firstly in the CBD’s Queen Street and surrounds, and then in the suburb of Newmarket.

the main department store 

Bill caught a public bus to the suburb of Parnell, where he visited the very interesting War Memorial Museum (Tamaki Paenga Hira) – aucklandmuseum.com .

Christmas Quackers!

Mark XVI Spitfire

Pou Maumahara (guardian of the Memorial, is a returned soldier, representing those who came home and those who did not) 

the extinct Moa (up to 3 metres tall) 

Kiwis 

Bill then began his very long, up & down walk, passing the imposing Auckland Grammar School.

It was then up to the Mount Eden (Maungawhau) summit.    

The Eden Park ‘fortress’ 

After descending the summit, the walk continued back to the CBD, passing Symonds Street Cemetery (the first cemetery -1841) and then several buildings impressive buildings.

Baptist Tabernacle 

Trumpesque! 

Actea Square 

Town Hall

Art Gallery 

Albert Park 

Safety first! 

Civic Theatre

Sky Tower 

Cathedral of St Patrick & St Joseph 

 Ferry Building

We then rendezvoused on our ship for dinner, then we disembarked for a walk around the nearby Viaduct Basin and Wynyard Quarter, then a final supplies shop.

We both had a great day in this lovely city, cruising out in the evening.