The Fleet Report and Daily for Wednesday October 19th, 2022

[DFD1]

2 hours ago, kochleffel said:

Tested myself today at noon, negative. Others who could have been exposed at the same time have also tested negative.

 

Yesterday's Misfits order included chard again, so I'll probably cook it this evening. No idea what I'll have with it. As usual, pears weren't ripe, so fruit for now is mandarins or watermelon. Maybe tomorrow I can buy apples, which are an important crop in New York.

 

I'm still thinking about a winter vacation--I didn't have one in 2021 or 2022, for the obvious reason, and missed it a lot. I was in the Caribbean on the Nieuw Amsterdam in January 2020, before the shutdown. It seems likely, however, that there will be a covid upsurge during the winter, likely peaking right after Christmas and New Year's, which puts me off travel then. One area I do want to visit is Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, but not at that time of year; the end of April would be better.

 

You might think about Arches and Canyonlands just before the parks require visitors to ride the buses rather than drive through the parks. We went the week before the summer season...and the bus season....started and were able to drive through the parks. No crowds and the weather was cool, but bright and sunny. Memorable and great fun.

[Crazy For Cats]

Good Evening Everyone, thanks for the daily fleet report.  Today was a very busy day and one customer made a very unreasonable demand.  He wasn’t happy when I didn’t agree to his timeline.  Today would have been a good day for day drinking.😂. Luckily I decided to make pork and sauerkraut in the crockpot so dinner wasn’t late.  We enjoy rainforests and are using one of our excursion credits to revisit El Yunque.  Last time was shortly after Maria hit Puerto Rico and the damage was visible.  I hope everyone has a good rest of the day.

[kochleffel]

48 minutes ago, DFD1 said:

You might think about Arches and Canyonlands just before the parks require visitors to ride the buses rather than drive through the parks. We went the week before the summer season...and the bus season....started and were able to drive through the parks. No crowds and the weather was cool, but bright and sunny. Memorable and great fun.

 

Thanks! But I can't find anything on the NPS websites indicating that buses are ever required, or available, at Canyonlands or Arches. Arches does use timed tickets for most of the season, but says that shuttles were considered and rejected. The Canyonlands website warns that when Arches closes the entrance, it increases crowding at Canyonlands. Might you have been thinking of Zion or Bryce Canyon?

 

I'm ordering a hiking guidebook. By spring I should be OK for moderate hiking, but more difficult trails are in the past for me.

[Vict0riann]

Hello, everyone!  We've had a busy couple of days, and more to come, so I can pop in occasionally and do a bit of reading.  Condolences to everyone experiencing loss.  Pat's cousin in England died a few days ago, now only cousin John and Pat are left of that generation of cousins.  And John is 92.  It's funny, I sometimes say we're lucky to have DD living with us so that she can look after us when we get old, but I have a feeling we're already there.

 

Cousin Vicki in California is failing fast.  My other cousin has been looking for burial sites for her.  Vicki wants a green burial where she can "feed the worms"!  Janet found this place in Marin County which she thinks will suit perfectly.  At the moment just a parched hillside, but it should be a lovely spot with a view of Mt. Tam, Janet says.  It is very sad, Vicki is as bright as ever and uses her iPad to talk, but her body is betraying her.

 

 

 

Here in Victoria, we are also parched.  We have set a Canadian record of 90 days with no rain.  The forecast calls for some rain on the weekend, but they're not always correct in their forecasts...

 

Welcome, @BrandelynCon!    @grapau27, I think we all know where you are.  Keep the food porn coming!   

 

[HAL4NOW]

I tested positive for Covid last night. My DW and I brought a lot of self-tests on this cruise and have been taking turns testing each day. When my test came up positive, DW also tested and she is negative. We immediately notified ship’s medical and someone came to the room and gave me a PCR test and DW an Antigen test: same results. We are both isolating in our balcony cabin for at least five days. Medical personnel came to the room and gave DW another Antigen test today. She is still negative. My next test administered by the ship’s personnel will be Sunday, one day before arriving in Vancouver.

 I did end up with a bit of a cough today and a slight fever for a few hours, but otherwise feeling okay. Working on getting my steps today for love your body day has been a challenge.  Both the room and the balcony are quite small and it requires a lot of pacing like a trapped animal.

Ship staff are doing their best and we appreciate being able to order off the MDR menu as well as the room service menu and the Dive-In. Not missing any ports; just five sea days with tighter quarters than we would have enjoyed if I hadn’t gotten Covid.

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

8 hours ago, kochleffel said:

 

Thanks. The park websites mention crowds, apparently starting as soon in the spring as the weather isn't freezing.

 

They can be crowded, but the main problem is findimg a campsite in Arch3s.  They're worth braving the crowds.

 

Lenda

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good evening.  There is good news and some not so good news. First, the not so good news is the doctor did not think it was necessary for DH to stay in the hospital, and he thinks the numbness is normal.  The ER doctor had no grounds to overide the surgeon.  We got home about 8:15 oot so.  The good news is older DD and DSIL are on their way to help until we head back to the hospital for surgery.  The best news is that the fall and how DH landed did not do any damage to the spine or the surgery work.  If we'd known it was just for the x-ray, we'd have opted for the closer hospital. Everyone was very nice in the ER.

 

We called 911 to get the EMTs to get DH dressed and in the car.  We also called to get them to get him out of the car and in bed.  While one EMT was finishing the paper work, the other entertained us on the piano.  And, they put the throw rug back in place on their way out the door.  

 

DH is in bed as the trip was tiring. I'm waiting for DD and DSIL. It is a relief to know someone will be here for both of us for the next few days.  We are very lucky they were both willing and able to come help.

 

9 hours ago, ottahand7 said:

@BrandelynConWelcome to the Daily group! 

@grapau27Thank you for the food porn!  

Thanks everyone for the PV pics.

I am late again today, we ran errands and had a nice long lunch and a drive through the countryside to leaf peep.   @richwmnThank you for the Fleet and Daily Reports.  I love rain forests and look forward to seeing the biggest in Brazil   We have toured them in Costa Rica and also hiking in the Tongass National Park in AK.   Over time I have come to love my body and I evaluate my life from time to time.  The Indian pastries look tasty and I remember similar from buffets at Indian restaurants.   I think the Laphroaig cocktail would be good minus the bitters.   I love the Allegrini Amarone and I know we had one on a BHB because we carried it on.  

@rafinmdRoy, thanks for keeping the care and celebrations list for us!  @Quartzsite Cruisertoday my DB is going through something similar.  He had his knee replaced and had continued bad pain for a month.  He was sent to a sports doc for a consult and his tendons weren't reconnected.  He went back in a week ago but yesterday he noticed bleeding under his bandage.  Today a lot of bleeding.  My sis called and I said take him to the ER.  I am waiting for what is happening.  Lenda I hope things get better for you and DH.   Prayers for all on our care list and for the people of Ukraine.   

Thanks for all the wonderful sunny photos of Puerta Vallarta.   I was there once on the Oosterdam in 2017 prior to a Panama Canal transit.    We got off and made a beeline for Wal-Mart so I could get enough Diet Pepsi to last our cruise. (in the days they allowed it).  Have a wonderful afternoon!  

 

I'm  sorry your DB is having so much trouble after the knee replacement.  I hope things improve soon for him.

 

9 hours ago, JazzyV said:

Since tomorrow is garbage/recycling day, I've been breaking down some boxes I had stored. I save every box, which is convenient if I'm reselling some small appliance on ebay, but is ridiculous for large items. So out they go, with another garbage can full of styrofoam, which can't be recycled. 

 

Fortunately my eye seems to have settled down rather quickly.

 

@aliaschief Wow, what a fancy hotel!

@BrandelynCon Welcome to the Fleet Report/Daily! 

@Quartzsite Cruiser I'm sorry to hear how complicated things have gotten since DH's surgery. It sounds like being an inpatient is best, given his mobility issues. And inpatient rehab after the second surgery. Feel free to vent here! Thanks for the Puerto Vallarta photos.

@grapau27 Nice meal, and nice environment 😉!

@summer slope That art in the form of hearts is so nice.

@kochleffel I'm glad to hear your test has remained negative. I went to Arches and Canyonlands in September of 2015 when BFF and I did the first of 2 National Park road trips. I loved Arches!

@ottahand7 Prayers for your DB that his knee issues get taken care of. That scares me as I'm told I need a knee replacement.

 

Vanessa, I'm glad your eye is better.  At least, we're pretty sure DH will have inpatient rehab for a while.  We'll check on that tomorrow.

 

7 hours ago, DFD1 said:

You might think about Arches and Canyonlands just before the parks require visitors to ride the buses rather than drive through the parks. We went the week before the summer season...and the bus season....started and were able to drive through the parks. No crowds and the weather was cool, but bright and sunny. Memorable and great fun.

 

I completely agree with this.

 

6 hours ago, Vict0riann said:

Hello, everyone!  We've had a busy couple of days, and more to come, so I can pop in occasionally and do a bit of reading.  Condolences to everyone experiencing loss.  Pat's cousin in England died a few days ago, now only cousin John and Pat are left of that generation of cousins.  And John is 92.  It's funny, I sometimes say we're lucky to have DD living with us so that she can look after us when we get old, but I have a feeling we're already there.

 

Cousin Vicki in California is failing fast.  My other cousin has been looking for burial sites for her.  Vicki wants a green burial where she can "feed the worms"!  Janet found this place in Marin County which she thinks will suit perfectly.  At the moment just a parched hillside, but it should be a lovely spot with a view of Mt. Tam, Janet says.  It is very sad, Vicki is as bright as ever and uses her iPad to talk, but her body is betraying her.

 

 

 

Video.mov 1.49 MB · 1 download

 

Here in Victoria, we are also parched.  We have set a Canadian record of 90 days with no rain.  The forecast calls for some rain on the weekend, but they're not always correct in their forecasts...

 

Welcome, @BrandelynCon!    @grapau27, I think we all know where you are.  Keep the food porn coming!   

 

 

Ann, our condolences to you, Pat and the family on the passing of his cousin.  I'm sorry your cousin is failing so fast.

 

4 hours ago, HAL4NOW said:

I tested positive for Covid last night. My DW and I brought a lot of self-tests on this cruise and have been taking turns testing each day. When my test came up positive, DW also tested and she is negative. We immediately notified ship’s medical and someone came to the room and gave me a PCR test and DW an Antigen test: same results. We are both isolating in our balcony cabin for at least five days. Medical personnel came to the room and gave DW another Antigen test today. She is still negative. My next test administered by the ship’s personnel will be Sunday, one day before arriving in Vancouver.

 I did end up with a bit of a cough today and a slight fever for a few hours, but otherwise feeling okay. Working on getting my steps today for love your body day has been a challenge.  Both the room and the balcony are quite small and it requires a lot of pacing like a trapped animal.

Ship staff are doing their best and we appreciate being able to order off the MDR menu as well as the room service menu and the Dive-In. Not missing any ports; just five sea days with tighter quarters than we would have enjoyed if I hadn’t gotten Covid.

 

 

I'm sorry you tested positive, but glad your DW didn't. 

 

Lend

[Vict0riann]

What a worry for you, Lenda.  But it will be wonderful to have the help of your DD and DSIL.  Prayers for you all.

[aliaschief]

10 hours ago, HAL Sailer said:

@aliaschief A request: I know you are not traveling alone, but would you please report on anything you observe about solo travel with Scenic? My late mother often traveled solo very happily with Tauck but I'd be interested in any observations you have about Scenic. Your thoughtful reports on HAL, about Azamara, and your other trips plus your unique travel planning are testimony to your detail and discerning eye.

-Melisa

 

(Note: DH's travels are now very limited in scope and duration, so solo travel is on my horizon...)

We’ll keep an eye out and ask around. DW is my personal planner and excursion officer.

[grapau27]

7 hours ago, Vict0riann said:

Hello, everyone!  We've had a busy couple of days, and more to come, so I can pop in occasionally and do a bit of reading.  Condolences to everyone experiencing loss.  Pat's cousin in England died a few days ago, now only cousin John and Pat are left of that generation of cousins.  And John is 92.  It's funny, I sometimes say we're lucky to have DD living with us so that she can look after us when we get old, but I have a feeling we're already there.

 

Cousin Vicki in California is failing fast.  My other cousin has been looking for burial sites for her.  Vicki wants a green burial where she can "feed the worms"!  Janet found this place in Marin County which she thinks will suit perfectly.  At the moment just a parched hillside, but it should be a lovely spot with a view of Mt. Tam, Janet says.  It is very sad, Vicki is as bright as ever and uses her iPad to talk, but her body is betraying her.

 

 

 

Video.mov 1.49 MB · 1 download

 

Here in Victoria, we are also parched.  We have set a Canadian record of 90 days with no rain.  The forecast calls for some rain on the weekend, but they're not always correct in their forecasts...

 

Welcome, @BrandelynCon!    @grapau27, I think we all know where you are.  Keep the food porn coming!   

 

Thank you Ann.

I'm sorry to hear about Pat's cousin in England.

Sending our condolences to you all.

Graham 

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Good evening.  There is good news and some not so good news. First, the not so good news is the doctor did not think it was necessary for DH to stay in the hospital, and he thinks the numbness is normal.  The ER doctor had no grounds to overide the surgeon.  We got home about 8:15 oot so.  The good news is older DD and DSIL are on their way to help until we head back to the hospital for surgery.  The best news is that the fall and how DH landed did not do any damage to the spine or the surgery work.  If we'd known it was just for the x-ray, we'd have opted for the closer hospital. Everyone was very nice in the ER.

 

We called 911 to get the EMTs to get DH dressed and in the car.  We also called to get them to get him out of the car and in bed.  While one EMT was finishing the paper work, the other entertained us on the piano.  And, they put the throw rug back in place on their way out the door.  

 

DH is in bed as the trip was tiring. I'm waiting for DD and DSIL. It is a relief to know someone will be here for both of us for the next few days.  We are very lucky they were both willing and able to come help.

 

 

I'm  sorry your DB is having so much trouble after the knee replacement.  I hope things improve soon for him.

 

 

Vanessa, I'm glad your eye is better.  At least, we're pretty sure DH will have inpatient rehab for a while.  We'll check on that tomorrow.

 

 

I completely agree with this.

 

 

Ann, our condolences to you, Pat and the family on the passing of his cousin.  I'm sorry your cousin is failing so fast.

 

 

I'm sorry you tested positive, but glad your DW didn't. 

 

Lend

It is good that your DD and DDIL are coming to help.

Sending our love and best wishes for you and your DH.

G&Pxx

[HAL Sailer]

7 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

DH is in bed as the trip was tiring. I'm waiting for DD and DSIL. It is a relief to know someone will be here for both of us for the next few days.  We are very lucky they were both willing and able to come help.

 

@Quartzsite Cruiser Wonderful news that DD and DSIL will come! 

 

7 hours ago, aliaschief said:

We’ll keep an eye out and ask around. DW is my personal planner and excursion officer.

 

@aliaschief Thank You!

(But I trust you won't let my solo info request impact your own enjoyment.)

[StLouisCruisers]

@Vict0riannAnn, my sympathy to you and Pat after the loss of his cousin.  

 

@HAL4NOWI'm really sorry to hear that Covid found you here near the end of your cruise.  Hope that DW stays negative.  If you are still positive when you disembark, will you be able to go home to WA that day?  I know things used to be a lot different a few months ago, but I haven't kept up with the latest restrictions.

 

@Quartzsite CruiserLenda, so happy to hear there was no damage shown on the x-ray.  But quite an ordeal getting there and back, wasn't it?  It's good news that your DD and DSIL were able to come to help out for a while.  Hope things are going smoothly there now.  Take care!

[HAL4NOW]

8 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

@HAL4NOWI'm really sorry to hear that Covid found you here near the end of your cruise.  Hope that DW stays negative.  If you are still positive when you disembark, will you be able to go home to WA that day?  I know things used to be a lot different a few months ago, but I haven't kept up with the latest restrictions.

DW has continued to test negative. I think this is the first time I have been more positive than her in 45 years of marriage. I don’t think there will be anything to keep us from driving home in our own private vehicle. We would probably divert to our Westport condo if either of us are positive because we have an elderly couple (mid 80’s) staying at our home in Skykomish. We certainly don’t want to infect them.

[Oceansaway17]

On 10/19/2022 at 3:23 PM, grapau27 said:

Sounds like you are having an awesome time with lots of cruises.

We had a week on Anthem from Southampton September 4-11.

Graham.

 

aw yes the big Wonderland chair. Your wife is lovely in red.

 

So hope you check out the new design for ICON of the seas.  my goodness interesting but also odd at the same time.