The Fleet Report and Daily for Friday July 1st, 2022

[durangoscots]

Good morning. It will be a warm day here although thunder showers are a possibility. If it does not rain today I am going to need to turn the sprinkler system back on. It is very hit or miss (mostly miss) just now. 

 

Have not been to today's destination and will give the meal a pass. My outings with Dad used to nearly always be to a zoo and I worked at the Baltimore zoo for a about a year after high school. I do not like camels. Cheering to our friends to the North. I keep looking at cruises going that way.... but the idea of a flight from Durango to the northeast just leaves me cold at this time.

 

Little Monty went in to the vet for a check yesterday and is in good health although he does need a dental cleaning which I already knew. That will be later this month. We are getting the house training thing down as I am slowly figuring out his routine. I think he is a bit stubborn.... he thinks I am a bit stupid.

 

Have a great day all. 

 

Susan

[Nickelpenny]

Good morning to all (from Ketchikan). Happy Canada Day!!!  Thank you for the dailies!!!  

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

@durangoscots  That is good news that Monty is in good health and only needs his teeth cleaned.  Have you considered taking the train to NYC or Boston for a cruise?  You could probably get on in Grand Junction.

 

On October 12, 1016, we visited Sarande on Prinsendam, and we returned on July 17, 2019 on Veendam.  These pictures are a combination from those two visits.  The beach promenade was bustling in July, but pretty much closed down in October.

 

In 2016, we took a taxi from the pier into town since we did not want to climb the steep hill.  On one side of the main street there are some ancient ruins.

 

Further along we passed this building

 

The busy main street with a lot of new buildings

 

We then headed to the waterfront and the small boat harbor before taking the promenade back to the Prinsendam.

 

 

 

 

The Prinsendam waiting for our return

 

In 2019, we just walked down the beach to an open air restaurant where we got a cold drink before retracing out steps.  Along the way, we stopped at a food cart for gelato.  We've found good gelato in Albania for a very reasonable price.

 

 

There were remnants of old structures along the way.

 

 

There were more new buildings at the near the small boat harbor.

 

 

A beach playground

 

A nice sailing yacht with the Veendam in the background.

 

A view of town as we sailed.  Many of the buildings under construction in 2008 had been completed.

 

Lenda

 

 

Edited July 1, 2022 by Quartzsite Cruiser

[NextOne]

Rabbit, Rabbit, White Rabbit!

Happy Canada Day to our Northern friends.

@lindaler Welcome back! Glad you've settled into your new home.

I love zoos -- the San Diego zoo is the best one I've seen, I think.

Got a late start on the Daily today -- Had to take my alpha cat Thumper to the cat dentist to get three teeth pulled. This day is going to cost lots of $$, I'm afraid! But he's worth it. He's on the left in the picture below. My other kitty, Lola, is enjoying a day not being chased - lol!!

[MISTER 67]

1 hour ago, Seasick Sailor said:

 

I grew up in Algonquin. We were always going to the the zoo's. I have pictures of us in front of the Brookfield sign.

Are you old enough to remember the world famous great ape Bushman who was the star attraction for many years at Lincoln Park Zoo, we lived only a mile from Lincoln Park in the early 50's and I was fortunate to see Bushman a couple of times in my early youth. He was quite the showman and millions from all over the world came to see him and he knew it, sometimes he decided to be stubborn as he turned his back on the crowds there to see him.  To this day he is still considered the finest specimen of a great ape ever held in captivity.

Edited July 1, 2022 by MISTER 67

[StLouisCruisers]

@Quartzsite CruiserLenda, those are great pictures of Sarande.  I especially like the area at the marina.  Nice you got to go there several times on the Prisendam, which I certainly have a soft spot for.  Thanks for posting today!

 

@lindalerLinda, I'm so glad all the traveling back and forth is complete and you can now enjoy your new home in Mobile.  Welcome back!  We missed you.

 

@HeartgroveJack, the news about your DB is sad but not unexpected I guess.  I hope his remaining days are happy and pain free.

 

@ger_77enjoy this special visit with the family.  The DGS's sound adorable!

[Vict0riann]

We were also in Sarande on Prinsendam on October 12, 2016, Lenda!   That was also the cruise where we met @sailingdutchy and his DW!  But I don't think we met you... (unless you were on one of his tours?)

 

We took a ship's tour to Butrint, a very interesting Roman/pre-Roman site.  Our guide explained that the stone constructions were pre-Roman, and the Romans added the brickwork.  It was all very intricate, and mostly under water when we were there, it had been raining heavily.  My town pictures are very like the others posted, so I will just add some of Butrint.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 1, 2022 by Vict0riann

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for the info.

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all and Happy Canada Day to our Canadian friends!

We visit Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo often with the DGSs, but the best one I've ever visited is the San Diego Zoo.  We would all love to have financial freedom!  😉  

 

The drink sounds good, but will pass on the meal and wine.  Sarande was on our itinerary for our last cruise in 2021, but it and some ports in Turkey were replaced because of Covid.  Thanks for all photos!!

 

I think I *may* have gotten 4 hours' sleep last night so today will be difficult.  I've already dumped a whole box of cereal on the kitchen floor.....I think I should stay away from heavy machinery LOL!  Napping isn't in my DNA, but I may make an exception today.

 

 

 

 

[irishjim]

51 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

@durangoscots  That is good news that Monty is in good health and only needs his teeth cleaned.  Have you considered taking the train to NYC or Boston for a cruise?  You could probably get on in Grand Junction.

 

On October 12, 1016, we visited Sarande on Prinsendam, and we returned on July 17, 2019 on Veendam.  These pictures are a combination from those two visits.  The beach promenade was bustling in July, but pretty much closed down in October.

 

In 2016, we took a taxi from the pier into town since we did not want to climb the steep hill.  On one side of the main street there are some ancient ruins.

 

Further along we passed this building

 

The busy main street with a lot of new buildings

 

We then headed to the waterfront and the small boat harbor before taking the promenade back to the Prinsendam.

 

 

 

 

The Prinsendam waiting for our return

 

In 2019, we just walked down the beach to an open air restaurant where we got a cold drink before retracing out steps.  Along the way, we stopped at a food cart for gelato.  We've found good gelato in Albania for a very reasonable price.

 

 

There were remnants of old structures along the way.

 

 

There were more new buildings at the near the small boat harbor.

 

 

A beach playground

 

A nice sailing yacht with the Veendam in the background.

 

A view of town as we sailed.  Many of the buildings under construction in 2008 had been completed.

 

Lenda

 

 

Thank  you  for  the  lovely photos  Lenda.

                                                                         JIM.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

34 minutes ago, Vict0riann said:

We were also in Sarande on Prinsendam on October 12, 2016, Lenda!   That was also the cruise where we met @sailingdutchy and his DW!  But I don't think we met you... (unless you were on one of his tours?)

 

We took a ship's tour to Butrint, a very interesting Roman/pre-Roman site.  Our guide explained that the stone constructions were pre-Roman, and the Romans added the brickwork.  It was all very intricate, and mostly under water when we were there, it had been raining heavily.  My town pictures are very like the others posted, so I will just add some of Butrint.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ann, that's the cruise where we met briefly at the M&G.  Unfortunately, we did not meet @sailingdutchy Tony on that cruise.  

 

Lenda

 

[grapau27]

2 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Our first visit to Sarande was in 2008 on the Prinsendam.  On that cruise, we took a ship tour to Gjirokastra, and old town northeast of Sarande.  We visited Gjirokastra Castle, the town and an older house which I believe was Zekate House.

 

Gjirokastra Castle ruins and part of the Arms Museum in the castle.

 

The castle rom the bottom of tall hill it sits on.  I don't think we walked up the hill, but we did walk down it, and it was steep.  Much of the castle is in ruins.

 

 

 

 

 

An interesting structure on the castle grounds, but I'm not sure what it was.

 

Gjirokastra from the castle grounds

 

 

Our next stop was Zekate House, which was built by Beqir Zeko in 1811-12.  It is a typical tower house of the times, and it is furnished as it would have been then.  Beqir Zeko was a general administrator of Ali Pasha, and would have been a rich man in the town.

 

 

The kitchen oven

 

Detailed woodwork

 

 

Old town Gjirokastra

 

 

A vegetable and fruit market

 

A couple of pictures of Sarande from the Prinsendam as we sailed to the next port.  In one picture, you can see the rebuilding after the Balkan War.

 

 

Lenda

 

Interesting photos Lenda.

[lazey1]

HAPPY CANADA DAY to all our Canadian cruisers. A pox on whoever dreamed up the ArriveCanada app.

I am with the others who love the San Diego Zoo, also the San Diego Wild Life Park. When we lived in the greater Los Angeles area we ued to visit both at least a couple of times a year.

Last month was filled with medical appointments for me. All good news; my chronic anemia has disappeared thanks to a new iron Rx. that my gut can tolerate; my eyesight has only changed slightly, new glass will help; my pulmonologist was extremely happy with my progress with new medication plus the Vest Airway Clearance System; and my cardiologist tells me that the mitral valve and aortic valve leaks are both small, stable and not of concern at this time. 

I will pass on todays meal, drink and wine. I have not been to todays port but as always I enjoy seeing the photos.

Jane

 

[grapau27]

2 minutes ago, lazey1 said:

HAPPY CANADA DAY to all our Canadian cruisers. A pox on whoever dreamed up the ArriveCanada app.

I am with the others who love the San Diego Zoo, also the San Diego Wild Life Park. When we lived in the greater Los Angeles area we ued to visit both at least a couple of times a year.

Last month was filled with medical appointments for me. All good news; my chronic anemia has disappeared thanks to a new iron Rx. that my gut can tolerate; my eyesight has only changed slightly, new glass will help; my pulmonologist was extremely happy with my progress with new medication plus the Vest Airway Clearance System; and my cardiologist tells me that the mitral valve and aortic valve leaks are both small, stable and not of concern at this time. 

I will pass on todays meal, drink and wine. I have not been to todays port but as always I enjoy seeing the photos.

Jane

 

I'm delighted to hear your good news Jane.

[Cat in my lap]

Happy Canada day!  It is rainy here today and I have started packing!  We fly to Boston 7/4 for our cruise leaving 7/9!
 

@lindalercongratulations on you move!  

[dfish]

4 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

 

@dfish  Debbie, I would think you are also except from the testing requirement, but it probably wouldn't hurt to double check.  Hope all the excursions can be changed easily and that the vendors will help with refunds, etc.

 

 

I cancelled one and was already informed I would receive a refund.  I want to move one from one date to another, but have to figure out how to do that.  Then, I have to deal with HAL and what they are doing with the shore excursions we booked through them.  I'm hoping they will just lift and apply to the new dates.  

 

4 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

 

Yesterday, after a lot of thought, we canceled both the 2023 and 2024 world cruises on Coral Princess out of Sydney.  With the airline situation and reports it will probably last into next year and maybe 2024, plus ongoing Covid outbreaks, and the way Princess has handled Covid outbreaks since the start up, the cancellation seemed like a good move.  We'll miss not visiting the ports that would have been new to us, but all in all it was not a sad decision, but the right decision now.

 

You have to do what you are most comfortable with.  After this summer's cruise we'll be sticking to ones that embark and disembark in the US for a while.  

4 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

I just checked on an Amazon package that was supposed to be delivered yesterday by USPS.  It is now delayed and I don't know when it will get here.  In checking the USPS  tracking, it was at our Post Office in town yesterday at 4:15 am and then went two hours south of here.  This morning at 5:22 am it was back here, and then an hour later was in Dallas.  I guess instead of Where in the World Is Waldo, it's Where in the World Is the Amazon Package.  😱  At least, it's a book, and I won't be ready to read it for a while.

 

Lenda

 

 

Amazon has been messing up big time.  They crossed my sister's account with her ex-DIL's account and were billing my sister for DIL's charges.  DS called Amazon, told them what they had done and that ex-DIL was not authorized to use the account or the credit card.   Amazon said that ex-DIL had to call and ask to be taken off the account.  My sister couldn't do it.

 

3 hours ago, dobiemom said:

Did you look in you spam? About a third of HAL emails end up in my spam box. 🤷🏻‍♀️
 

 

Yes, I checked the Junkmail, Junk Mail, and Spam folders.  Nothing.  But I know I am exempt.  I talked with my PCC.

 

42 minutes ago, lazey1 said:

HAPPY CANADA DAY to all our Canadian cruisers. A pox on whoever dreamed up the ArriveCanada app.

I am with the others who love the San Diego Zoo, also the San Diego Wild Life Park. When we lived in the greater Los Angeles area we ued to visit both at least a couple of times a year.

Last month was filled with medical appointments for me. All good news; my chronic anemia has disappeared thanks to a new iron Rx. that my gut can tolerate; my eyesight has only changed slightly, new glass will help; my pulmonologist was extremely happy with my progress with new medication plus the Vest Airway Clearance System; and my cardiologist tells me that the mitral valve and aortic valve leaks are both small, stable and not of concern at this time. 

I will pass on todays meal, drink and wine. I have not been to todays port but as always I enjoy seeing the photos.

Jane

 

Great news on the health front.

 

@lindaler Congratulations on completing your move.  Now, relax and put your feet up.  

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

53 minutes ago, lazey1 said:

HAPPY CANADA DAY to all our Canadian cruisers. A pox on whoever dreamed up the ArriveCanada app.

I am with the others who love the San Diego Zoo, also the San Diego Wild Life Park. When we lived in the greater Los Angeles area we ued to visit both at least a couple of times a year.

Last month was filled with medical appointments for me. All good news; my chronic anemia has disappeared thanks to a new iron Rx. that my gut can tolerate; my eyesight has only changed slightly, new glass will help; my pulmonologist was extremely happy with my progress with new medication plus the Vest Airway Clearance System; and my cardiologist tells me that the mitral valve and aortic valve leaks are both small, stable and not of concern at this time. 

I will pass on todays meal, drink and wine. I have not been to todays port but as always I enjoy seeing the photos.

Jane

 

 

That is great news that you got such good reports from all the doctors.

 

4 minutes ago, dfish said:

 

I cancelled one and was already informed I would receive a refund.  I want to move one from one date to another, but have to figure out how to do that.  Then, I have to deal with HAL and what they are doing with the shore excursions we booked through them.  I'm hoping they will just lift and apply to the new dates.  

 

 

You have to do what you are most comfortable with.  After this summer's cruise we'll be sticking to ones that embark and disembark in the US for a while.  

 

Amazon has been messing up big time.  They crossed my sister's account with her ex-DIL's account and were billing my sister for DIL's charges.  DS called Amazon, told them what they had done and that ex-DIL was not authorized to use the account or the credit card.   Amazon said that ex-DIL had to call and ask to be taken off the account.  My sister couldn't do it.

 

 

Yes, I checked the Junkmail, Junk Mail, and Spam folders.  Nothing.  But I know I am exempt.  I talked with my PCC.

 

 

 

Good news the excursion was easily canceled.  Hope dealing with the others vendors and HAL go as smoothly.

 

Lenda

[JazzyV]

Good afternoon. Thanks for the Daily/Fleet Report. HAPPY CANADA DAY! to our Canadian Dailyites.

Rabbit, Rabbit, White Rabbit.

 

Zip codes are important. I like to visit zoos and photograph animals. Financial freedom would be nice.

Interesting quote. I'll pass on the meal and drink, but take the wine.

I haven't been to Sarande. Thanks for the pictures @Quartzsite Cruiser @Vict0riann.

 

This morning I had an appointment for a blood test, since my kidney test was up a little, and possibly caused by the new BP med. Then went to the Wound Care Clinic; they re-wrapped my legs. I can take off the wraps on Sunday (and shower!) and resume using my regular compression stockings. The cellulitis has cleared up, thankfully. I'm hoping for rain later today - the grass is brown!

 

@rafinmd Your adventure has begun!

@StLouisCruisers Heathrow sounds awful! I hope your legs/knee is ok. Hopefully DD and her friend make it to FLL.

@aliaschief Fingers crossed that your flight tomorrow is a go.

@Heartgrove Prayers for your brother and DSIL. It sounds like it will be hard for him to be at home if he is a total assist, even with Home Care (who isn't there all the time).

@dfish Good luck with all the changes to your cruise. I saw chickpea pasta at Aldi today, but 1 cup had 51g of carbs with 11g fiber. Still too high for me at 40g net carbs.

@Rowsby LOL 🙂

@kazu I'm sure everyone enjoyed your treat of homemade jam. My mother used to make jam; I've never tried.

@lindaler Relocating was a lot of work. Now you can settle in and enjoy Mobile.

@ger_77 It sounds like a fun time at your house with the family. 

@Quartzsite Cruiser Sorry you had to cancel the WCs, but your reasoning is sound.

@durangoscots Good to hear that Monty is healthy. 

@lazey1 Great news that all your health issues are improved or stable!

 

Prayers for the Care List and a Toast to the Celebration List (my dry June is over!).

Stay safe everyone.

 

 

[dfish]

28 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

 

Good news the excursion was easily canceled.  Hope dealing with the others vendors and HAL go as smoothly.

 

 

Surprise!  I didn't have to wait on hold too long with HAL and they said they would lift and apply the excursions we booked with them, so I don't need to do a thing.  Music to my ears.  One vender to go.

 

9 minutes ago, JazzyV said:

 

This morning I had an appointment for a blood test, since my kidney test was up a little, and possibly caused by the new BP med. Then went to the Wound Care Clinic; they re-wrapped my legs. I can take off the wraps on Sunday (and shower!) and resume using my regular compression stockings. The cellulitis has cleared up, thankfully. I'm hoping for rain later today - the grass is brown!

 

@dfish Good luck with all the changes to your cruise. I saw chickpea pasta at Aldi today, but 1 cup had 51g of carbs with 11g fiber. Still too high for me at 40g net carbs.

 

Here's hoping the kidneys are all okay.  Glad to hear the cellulitis is cleared up.  We're supposed to get rain tonight, so you may be in luck.  You're just a short ways east of us.  

[Seasick Sailor]

2 hours ago, MISTER 67 said:

Are you old enough to remember the world famous great ape Bushman who was the star attraction for many years at Lincoln Park Zoo, we lived only a mile from Lincoln Park in the early 50's and I was fortunate to see Bushman a couple of times in my early youth. He was quite the showman and millions from all over the world came to see him and he knew it, sometimes he decided to be stubborn as he turned his back on the crowds there to see him.  To this day he is still considered the finest specimen of a great ape ever held in captivity.

I was born in 54. Bushman died before I was born. Didn't he escape one day?

[Seasick Sailor]

7 hours ago, kazu said:

Thanks for our Canada Day Daily, Rich.

 

Happy Canada Day to all our Canadian friends!

 

 

 

I’ll celebrate zip codes even though we have postal codes here - they both do the same thing.  Zoos are enjoyable & financial freedom is loved by anyone who achieves it 😉 

 

I like the Green quote.  Yum on the gravlax! 🙂 

 

@dfishsorry you haven’t gotten that all important email - pretty sure it applies to you too 😉 Good luck with your private tours and the itinerary changes.  When I hit the itinerary changes and ship cancellations, I found all my guides most sympathetic and understanding.  Very quick to accommodate - hope the same happens for you 🤞 

 

@StLouisCruiserswelcome home 🙂 Oh my, you have gotten a lot done already.  Good for you.  Hope the knee pain eases quickly.

 

We heard about the Norwegian ship hitting the iceberg when I was in Toronto.  I’m surprised it is now just news.

I got the broken Iphone returned to Apple yesterday.  I don’t know why they want it or what they think they are going to do with it - it’s completely smashed back and front.

 

 

 

But, if I didn’t return it there would have been an $800 charge so I played ball. Going to be a busy weekend as I have a ton of gardening to do - a ton.  And silly me - having given away most of my jam and hearing how much it is enjoyed - I bought a flat of strawberries yesterday and more rhubarb.  So some strawberry rhubarb and some strawberry freezer jam I think and maybe some blueberry strawberry.  If they bring joy to the people who have been so kind, I am going to keep them stocked 😉 

 

 

Prayers for everyone on the Care list & for those that need them and a 🥂 to those on the Celebratory / Shout Out list.

 

Have a great Friday everyone.

 

 

Stay safe and please don’t forget your 😷 when/where needed.

 

 

Allen's phone fell out of his pocket and our neighbor crushed it to bits in his big truck a few days before we moved to Texas. A quick visit to Verizon and got new phones.

[Vict0riann]

All my pots have been moved into the courtyard, as DD has advised me she will only  be watering in there.    My bag is locked and out in the hall,  my carry-on is heavy, as I have some plates I am taking to DD in Gander, once they are gone the bag will be much lighter and I will be able to put in a few more "necessities" for the next flights.  Pat has been allowed to check in for both flights tomorrow, Air Canada has not advised us of any cancellations ... yet....

 

[sailingdutchy]

7 minutes ago, Vict0riann said:

All my pots have been moved into the courtyard, as DD has advised me she will only  be watering in there.    My bag is locked and out in the hall,  my carry-on is heavy, as I have some plates I am taking to DD in Gander, once they are gone the bag will be much lighter and I will be able to put in a few more "necessities" for the next flights.  Pat has been allowed to check in for both flights tomorrow, Air Canada has not advised us of any cancellations ... yet....

 

 

Bon Voyage Ann and Pat  @Vict0riann , safe travels and have a great time ! 

Edited July 1, 2022 by sailingdutchy

[rafinmd]

5 hours ago, Lady Hudson said:

Have a great time, Roy.  My sister and I did your specific trip (4th of July) on QM2 from 2004 through 2016. We stopped when DS moved to PA.  I think next year we should start up again.  I am looking forward to your reports about your trip.  🚢  🇺🇸

On board and exhausted.  No stress getting to the ship but checkin was something of a nightmare.  Trying to unpack as I hope my energy levels will rebound.

 

Roy

[1ANGELCAT]

Good afternoon, I hope everyone is having a great day. 
Happy Canada Day to all celebrating today.

Thanks everyone for all the heartfelt wishes yesterday on the loss of Jaguar 💔🐈‍⬛ , he was a special boy and  always talked with his paw when he wanted something. We received a beautiful flower vase and card from the vet, they really love their job and do care about their clients.