Hello Facebook friends,
We are now marketing our portfolio of timeshare rentals to our Facebook friends and others who are interested in high quality and low cost resort vacations. As our guests you are entitled to luxurious surroundings in Maui, Orlando, Palm Desert, and Cancun, without additional resort fees or sales taxes. if you have questions about the resorts, rates, or dates, please call us at 503-585-3473 or 503-910-7870. (Mobile).
For our most popular resorts on Maui we have already reserved peak season weeks in February, 2016. Copy and paste the links into your browser to see photos, videos, and room descriptions.
WESTIN KAANAPALI OCEAN RESORT VILLAS
February 13-20 (Sat-Sat) One bedroom ocean view $2,750 Studio ocean view $1,950 This is Valentine's Day Week! Peak whale viewing season.
https://www.starwoodvacationnetwork.com/villa-collection/the-westin-kaanapali-ocean-resort-villas/overview
WESTIN KAANAPALI OCEAN RESORT VILLAS NORTH
February 20-27 (Sat-Sat) One bedroom pool/garden view $2,350 Studio ocean view $1,750 We stayed here in January and were able to get ocean view. Peak whale viewing season.
https://www.starwoodvacationnetwork.com/villa-collection/the-westin-kaanapali-ocean-resort-villas-north/overview
Other dates may be available depending on resort occupancy. At these resorts the only additional fee you pay is the Transient Occupancy Tax of $8-12 per day depending on unit size.
WESTIN PRINCEVILLE RESORT
This resort on the north shore of Kauai is situated on a bluff above the blue Pacific. While not as busy as its Maui sister resorts, Princeville offers quiet and restful accommodations and amenities. One bedroom unit $2,450 per week Studio $1,850 per week. This resort generally has availability during most seasons.
https://www.starwoodvacationnetwork.com/villa-collection/the-westin-princeville-ocean-resort-villas/overview
SHERATON VISTANA VILLAGES in Orlando, Florida
All dates available. This resort is three miles from Walt Disney World and features luxurious rooms, pools, and other amenities. Two bedroom units are $1,400 per week. These are great for families as each unit sleeps 8. One bedroom units are also available $600-800 per week.
https://www.starwoodvacationnetwork.com/villa-collection/sheraton-vistana-villages/overview
WESTIN DESERT WILLOW RESORT in Palm Desert, CA
With the Desert Willow Golf Club wrapped around it, this resort offers the best that Palm Springs has to offer. There are several pools, a spa, and a fitness center. Two bedroom units are $2,450 per week. One bedroom units are $950-1,350 per week.
https://www.starwoodvacationnetwork.com/villa-collection/the-westin-desert-willow-villas-palm-desert/overview
WESTIN LAGUNAMAR RESORT in Cancun, Mexico
On a spit of land that divides the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea, the Westin Lagunamar offers a panoramic view of tranquil blue water with first class amenities with spas, huge pools, restsurants and a full concierge staff that will help you make the most of your time in Mexico.
One bedroom units are $1,750-$2,150 per week. Studios are $1,350-1,550 per week.
https://www.starwoodvacationnetwork.com/villa-collection/the-westin-lagunamar-ocean-resort/overview
Where Do You Want To Go Today?
Monday, April 20, 2015
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Portland to Honolulu to Auckland
September
17-19, 2013: HONOLULU to AUCKLAND
We arrived in
Honolulu on time after an uneventful flight from PDX .
The walk to baggage claim was a long one, but our bags came through quickly.
Honolulu International Airport is a complex place and its different terminals
and the need for WikiWiki shuttles careening around the roof from gate to gate
lead to confusion- a confusion that plagues even local residents as our
experience the next day would demonstrate.
We got aboard
a shuttle to the Alamo car rental office a few blocks away and despite the long
line we were able to get our paperwork done in a few minutes in a kiosk as we
were members of the Alamo frequent renter program. Two rentals a year make me
frequent? Go figure. Our car was a white Fiat 500, a car I have seen advertised
at home. Room for two people and three bags. The engine sounded like a sewing
machine and it really revved up going up the hill onto the H1 highway, one of
the busiest in the states.
Our
destination was Aulani, a Disney resort we had stayed at in 2012 not long after
it opened. We'd be there less than 24 hours. After a stop at Safeway for some
snacks that we would convert into a meal later in the day, we arrived at
Aulani, situated on one of the small coves carved into the Pacific shore at
Ko'Olina west of Honolulu. As we had pre registered, all we had to do was
mention our name and the attendants at the porte cochere called us by name. Our
bags were retrieved and we were presented with our room keys and resort map and
briskly taken to our room on the 7th floor.
The room was
a studio with queen bed, large bathroom, and a sleeper sofa. Dark woods and
tropical greens and browns predominated and a white and blue quilt with
decorative "hidden Mickey" designs lay at the foot of the bed. The
room looked out at the Pacific with the resort's water park and recreational
area spread out between our tower and another across the way. The Waikalohe
Valley water park below features luxurious foliage surrounding pools, hot tubs,
a lazy river water feature where guests can float along its stream, and a
mountain where more adventurous souls plunge down water two water slides- on
for folks with inner tubes and another for those without.
Our first
activity was to check out the gift shops for some Disney pin trading, an
activity that we enjoy. Later after some wine, cheese, and apples, we tried the
hot tub and a circuit around the lazy river in a tandem inner tube. Very
refreshing.
After a
little television and the fact that we had been up since 2 AM we were asleep
rather early.
So early that
I arose about 4 AM. Better, I guess, to make the most of the day.
We had a
small breakfast and checked out the gift shops again and I even had time to
visit the hot tub. We left by 9:30 AM or so and stopped for gas. The Fiat took
all of 1.07 gallons. Of course, we then took a wrong turn off the H1 and
proceeded up another highway (the H3) which had no turn-offs until we were in
sight of the north side of Oahu, a detour that was unplanned but which provided
some beautiful views of the North Shore and some towering cliffs.
We turned
around and headed back and arrived at the Alamo office where our fuel gauge
still red full despite the side trip. Thank you Fiat for making this trip
economical.
Once at the
terminal we were deposited at the "Hawaiian Airlines International
Check-in area" by a driver who seemed to know where we were to go. This
was not correct. Once we found we could have been dropped off at an earlier
stop, we trudged with our four bags (yes, we moved some things into another
small duffel) toward the counter, where we were told to reverse our path toward
the north end of the facility where another person told us to go back. Finally
we asked a Hawaiian employee to escort us to where we should be- an anonymous
kiosk. At that point it would have been easy to check in except for the fact
that the device could not read our passports. Time passed and eventually we
were given our luggage tags, made our way through the TSA
line, and through the use of the WikiWiki shuttle on the roof, made our way to
Gate 25, one of the International
Gates at HNL.
At the gate
we met another couple from Salem. The husband looked familiar but I could not
place him. After a chat we learned he is a defense attorney in Salem. His
clients were described as "bad guys" and included the father and son
who had bombed a Woodburn bank killing two police officers a few years back. He
and his wife flew First Class. Apparently crime pays in mysterious ways.
The flight to
Aukland took nine hours though it left Wednesday afternoon and arrived Thursday
evening because we crossed the International Dateline.
We arrived in
the rain and customs did not take long. But because we had packed some leftover
cheese and salami in a bag and been foolish enough to declare it, we spent some
time in line while a customs agent inspected our food. Do you know what trans
Pacific cheese and salami looks like? Not pretty.
A
SuperShuttle to our hotel was obtained outside the terminal and we quickly
found ourselves zooming around the city. We had no sense of direction or
distance and arrived at the Best Western President downtown within 45 minutes.
The hotel was
a business oriented one and our room in the tower was on the first floor which
was on the second floor in our view. It was like a dorm room and Donna was not
pleased. I trudged down to the desk and after some lengthy discussion with the
international night crew of Yang Yang, Raj, and Peter, we were able to get a
room on the fifth floor with a living room, kitchenette, and bedroom. Very
Spartan. But roomy.
Having been
up since 2 AM Auckland time, we slept soundly.
September 20-22 Auckland to Bay of Islands
September 20,
2013: AUCKLAND
After a
fitful five and a half hours of sleep, I got up at 6:30 AM. We brought instant
coffee and the muffins purchased in Honolulu. These muffins made it past
customs the night before without incident.
Our goal for
the day was to take the Explorer tour bus around the city. We could hop on and
off on two one-hour circuits covering the zoo, marina, parks, museums, and
shopping districts. The town is very like Seattle but with palm trees. Lots of
sailboats in the water, tall stands of stone and glass buildings cascading from
the peaks of hills down to the water.
Despite the
English character of the town exemplified by place names and native accents,
Auckland is basically and Asian city. The plethora of Chinese, Japanese, Philippine,
and Indian dining menus pasted on windows and reader boards indicate a very
diverse community.
The center of
downtown is likely the Sky Tower a 1500 foot tower with observation decks and a
rotating restaurant ala Space Needle. Guests can also walk around outside one
of the lofty decks secured by safety lines. And more adventurous souls can
bungee jump from the deck.
September 21,
2013: AUCKLAND
For our
second day in Auckland we took another tour bus around the city and stopped off
at the Auckland Museum, situated on an extinct volcanic cone above the city.
The museum had marvelous displays of the Maori culture as well as the historic
and prehistoric past of New Zealand. After this visit we stopped in the
neighborhood of Parnell, an upscale shopping and dining area. We stopped at a
new art gallery that was opening and the atmosphere was very festive. Coffee
and cupcakes were served and we bought a stuffed kiwi figure.
When the bus
got back to downtown we had a buffet lunch in the Sky City complex surrounding
the Sky Tower. The buffet was just okay-
nothing special and very skimpy on the salad fixings. Desserts were good. The
lunch allowed us to catch our breath so we had energy to hit the casino
downstairs. Donna won $10. We quit while we were ahead. There were actually few
people in the casino.
The casino
was only two blocks from our hotel.
Across the street from the hotel was situated a large slingshot thrill
ride that would send up to three people rocketing skyward propelled by the
energy of bungee cords stretched to two towers. We're spent some time window
shopping in the areas near the hotel. While walking around, we walked by a
large theater that was used as a location in Peter Jackson's King Kong film.
That night
terrific thunderstorms came through the island and we were awakened several
times by thunder that exploded.
September 22,
2013: AUCKLAND TO BAY OF ISLANDS
After getting
up early to pack I walked to the car rental agency a few blocks from the hotel.
The car was a New Zealand version of a Chevy Cruze and was in immaculate shape.
The skies had cleared and it promised to be a sunny day. Once I picked up
Donna, we maneuvered around the streets and managed to find the main Auckland
highway north. The bay bridge and the wide green expanse of the country north
of town were beautiful. The emerald green of fields that rolled on either side
of the highway was spotted with herds of sheep and cattle. The road narrowed after a few miles into two
lanes with frequent passing lanes. As the road led up into the hills in the
Northland, traffic slowed and many cars tried to pass. The route began to
resemble a roller coaster. In two places signs indicated "frequent crash
area" and there was a crash at one of these. Despite the gorgeous scenery
there were few places to pull off and take photos.
Our car
passed through several small towns.
Obvious British names alternate with Maori names and we tried our best
to pronounce them.... How do you say Wangharei?
The general
speed for roads here is 100 kh or about 62 mph. Maybe it's me, but the 100
makes for a heightened sense of speed.
I knew there
was a ferry from Paihia to Russell, but was surprised that we can to a car
ferry well before Paihia. We later learned the Paihia ferry is pedestrian. The
ferry we took over the strait was all of ten minuted then there was a five
minute drive into tow. Russell is no an island, but a promontory. But the road
leading there from the mainland are very trusted and long, so the best way to
arrive is by ferry. The town is small and we found the Russell Cottages
quickly. Our cottage was not ready so we walked a block or two to a market to
see what we would need to buy. Food here both in restaurants and stores is
expensive.
The water in
the bay was a lovely turquoise and while walking past shops near the passenger
ferry pier we observed many sailboats moored.
Russell
Cottages is a cluster of two story houses about two blocks from the Main Street
of town. Our cottage was number 11. It featured a large living area with open
kitchen and a bathroom and laundry area on the first floor. On the second floor
is a master bedroom and ensuite bathroom. Other doors upstairs were locked but
my guess is there was another bedroom and bath for larger parties. The main
floor had hardwood flooring and two patio doors opened onto a deck with small
back yard. More than enough room for two people. The colors are a neutral
white/ gray which contrasts nicely with the dark wood floors. Upstairs is
carpeted with tile in the bath. The living area featured a flat screen
television and fireplace.
The bed was
comfortable and we slept well. A television is in the room.
Wifi is
available for one device at a time ($25 for three days). The signal was strong
but dropped away at times requiring another sign on. I could get a signal by
walking over to the office area. The manager said she would waive the fee.
The rate for
the cottage was about $150 per night through Expedia. We bought groceries for
our meals as there were minimal necessities like salt and pepper in the
cottage. Coffee and tea with a quick heating teapot were provided as well as
dinnerware and pots and pans.
Some of the
cottages surround a small salt water pool and spa. The spa was great but the
pool was cool. In an adjacent building is a small kitchen and barbecues outside
for guest use.
September 23-24 Russell, The Bay of Islands
September 23,
2013: RUSSELL
For resort
guests a walk downtown is about the only activity unless one takes the ferry to
Paihia or a boat cruise. We did the afternoon cruise through Dolphin Cruises
for about $95. We were comped a ticket to Paihia to start the trip there and
get a lunch.
The trip to
Paihia took ten minutes and we spent some time looking at shops. I picked up a
Team NZ t-shirt for the America's Cup boat races now going on in San Francisco
Bay. New Zealand leads, but USA has won the last four races. We have been
watching the races every morning since we got here.
A quick lunch
of fish and chips preceded our boat trip (we were afraid we'd be late so we
took leftovers onto the boat). The boat was very much like those plying the
waters around Maui. Room for a sixty or so inside and out. We sat and talked
with a couple from Auckland who were using a voucher given them for a free trip
they had received some time ago. Guests get a free trip voucher if the boat
fails to see dolphins. We got a voucher after we failed to see dolphins on this
trip. Good for our next trip. Sometime.
The highlight
of the trip is to pass through the "Hole in the Rock" formation in
the east. Our boat passed easily through it. On the way back the skipper tried
to find dolphins. No luck. We did see some fur seals lying on some rocks,
however. And hundreds if not thousands of seabirds surrounding schools of fish.
September 24,
2013: RUSSELL
It was
raining today and the forecast was for a real storm later in the day and Wednesday.
However, by 3 PM there was not some light rain. We were told by a resort
receptionist that storms tend to pass quickly here because the island in rather
narrow. We drove a little up the hill to the east and saw the other side of
this promontory that is Russell. Many vacation homes lined the hills and the
shore.
After a stop
for groceries for lunch we headed back in the rain to eat and see what happens
in the weather. Fortunately there is CNN with news about the Nairobi terrorist
attack. There was only one America's Cup race today and USA won bringing the
score to 8-6 in favor of the Kiwis.
September 25-26 Russell to Rotorua to Matamata (Hobbiton)
September 25,
2013: RUSSELL TO ROTORUA
This was a
long day as we were to drive from Russell in the Northland south past Auckland
to Rotorua in the center of the island. Of course, we had to watch the first
race of the day in the America's Cup sailing regatta. Team USA won the race and
the second race we missed on our drive. The match is now even at 8-8 despite
USA's two race penalty.
Whatever
storm had passed in the night had moderated by morning. There was no rain where
we were. The drive south was pleasant as I was more comfortable in the car now.
We were ready to head into some curvy hill roads when we encountered a detour
sending us east toward the ocean. This was somewhere between Whangarei and
Wellsford on your maps. Whatever the reason for the detour, our car passed some
small towns and farms and some curves that slowed us down considerably. It
rained on and off. We came within fifty
yards of the roiling surf in a place called Waipu Cove. Once back on Highway 1
we made good time. The traffic through Auckland was heavy but we made good time
as the signage was clear. Past the city we stopped for lunch at McDonald's. as
everywhere else prices for food are high here. A simple burger is $2.00.
On our way
south the tropical foliage of palms and cycads gave way to deciduous trees. As
this is the start of the New Zealand spring we were not surprised to see
budding trees and many cherry blossoms along the road and in yards. The next
large town we encountered was Hamilton. With grassy expanses of parks along
rivers and lakes this town was charming as was Cambridge a ways further. In
these towns we came to several roundabouts where the directions and my
unfamiliarity with NZ driving rules presented some confusion. In the US we go
counterclockwise, here it is clockwise. We just kept on Hwy 1 until we needed
to go to Hwy 5 toward Rotorua.
As our car
headed into the hills in this area, the tropical greenery were experienced in
the north reappeared and at one time the road seemed to exist in a deep green
tunnel of cycads, palms, and other plants all around us. The road came into
Rotorua along its namesake lake where we promptly got lost. The maps we had did
not appear to match the streets we were on. After traveling a bit we oriented
ourselves to the main thoroughfare, Fenton Street, and we soon found the
Holiday Inn. This is a large hotel at the south end of the town near the
Whakarewarewa geothermal area we detected earlier by its sulfurous smell. Yuck.
We registered quickly and went to our upgraded room on the 4th floor (or 5th
floor as the ground floor is not numbered). Our room faced the town and the
lake northward. Behind the resort were columns of steam rising from the
geothermal pools powered by the region's volcanic nature.
We drove to
the Countdown grocery for food and returned for the night.
September 26,
2013: ROTORUA AND MATAMATA
The day broke
with some sun and clouds. In the distance out our window is Lake Rotorua.
Behind our hotel is the thermal area that is fenced off for safety reasons. A
tour is available to enter the thermal village of Whakarewarewa. I tried to
walk through a decorative gate onto a bridge but was stopped by a guard who
said I would need a ticket. The tour shop had displays about the history of the
area. Apparently there were huge thermal terraces of brilliant colors in the
past. In 1886 a volcanic eruption destroyed these terraces.
Later in the
morning we drove northeast to Matamata where the Hobbiton movie set is located.
We stopped at the local tourist center and got directions to the 1,250 acre
sheep farm where the set was located. The cost for the two hour tour was $75 so
Donna said she would remain at the tour center and shop while I was bused to
the site.
The small bus
navigated over the gravel road that was built by the New Zealand army in
preparation for the movie in 1999. Deep valleys with herds of sheep lay on one
side of the road and after a short ride we arrived at the set. All the
structures here were left to the weather after the first film series was completed.
When plans for The Hobbit series were started, the set was rebuilt and much
attention was spent to make sure the rebuilt set was completely identical to
the first. We walked along gravel paths past dozens of Hobbit homes. Each was
unique and tied visually to the characters who lived there in the film. At the
top of the hill overlooking the village was Bag End, home of Bilbo Baggins. As
these are exterior sets, there are no finished interiors to see. Behind Bilbo's
green door we could see a finished interior wall but that was all there was. I
went into another door to look out the window and have a picture taken. The
only interior was a muddy and rocky floor and a back wall was about four feet or so from the door.
At the end of
the tour we visited the large Green Dragon Inn for a beer before
departing. The original Inn was burned
as part of the third film in Lord of the Rings. The new version was completed
last year and now hosts tour groups, weddings, and meetings. Once back at the
tour center I met Donna and we picked up a few souvenirs.
We drove back
to Rotorua and walked around the shopping district with the intent of having a
dinner at a place call the Pig and Whistle. Regrettably the prices of pigs and
whistles have increased considerably and we could not see spending $15 each for
chowder and bread. So our trusty Holden
hatchback beat a path back to the Holiday Inn where we had ramen noodles.
September 27-28 Rotorua to Napier
September 27,
2013: ROTORUA
On this day
we drove into the city and walked around the lakefront. Later we sat by the
pool of the hotel and soaked up some sun. Had lunch at Carl's after touring a
big shopping area called Farmers.
September 28,
2013: ROTORUA TO NAPIER
Got up early
to drive into Taupo before driving to Napier. As it was a Saturday many people
were walking around the town. We stopped in a few stores. Donna bought a pair
of fingerless gloves that were lost within two days. We also bought a book for
Caidin's birthday. The drive to Napier took us through very curvy roads and
deep valleys. Some bridges crossed deep chasms and the geography was very
interesting. Again, sheep covered any grassy areas.
The Esk
Valley Lodge sits at the base of a large hill. Out front are expansive
vineyards that were young and just starting to bud out in this early Spring.
Our hosts for two nights at this bed and breakfast were Jess and Eilene Roddy,
originally from England. Their farm has sheep, pigs, chickens, and other
creatures. The vineyards are leased out to others. The house where the rooms
are rented out is large with great hedges and flowering trees extending in
front toward the vineyard. We were in the Reisling room which included twin
beds, a tv, large bathroom, and great wifi. Our bedroom looked out toward a
barn and grapefruit and orange trees.
After getting
situated, we drove in to the town of Napier known for its Art Deco
buildings. We stopped for lunch and
drove back to the B and B were we napped. At about 5 PM, we were served wine
and snacks and had an opportunity to talk with our hosts. Later we were joined
by other guests, a young couple from Newfoundland now working in New Zealand.
September 29-30 Napier to Wellington
September 29,
2013: NAPIER
As befitting
the nature of this Establishment, the Esk Valley Lodge serves breakfast to
guests. We had fresh omelets, bacon, and toast. The jam and orange juice were
from the Lodge. We were offered a menu and chose the safest items. All items
were very good. This was the first time I had ever seen Kidneys on Toast as a
breakfast option. I wonder how many select it.
After eating
we drove past Napier to Hastings for its weekly Farmers Market. Fresh eggs,
honey, hot sauces, candies, and cheeses were offered in booths and tents in a
park- like setting. The weather was sunny and the green of the park and the
blooms on the New Zealand flowers added a lot to the atmosphere. Bought a piece
of walnut brittle.
Driving back
into Napier, we stopped by the waterfront park as there appeared to be another
Farmers Market going on. This was actually a swap meet activity with people
selling old books, tools, knitware, and assortments of vegetables. One wild
looking man was selling moonshine that was offered in reused two liter soda
bottles. We passed on this.
We had
brought some laundry with us in the hopes of finding a laundromat somewhere in
Napier. The rest of our morning was spent driving around the town looking for
one. Came back to the Lodge where Donna took a nap. Not a good idea to drink
Starbucks instant before bed. That and the change to NZ daylight saving time
caught us short on sleep.
Later we
drove to Napier, found the laundry and sat out in the sun while our clothes got
washed and dried. At 5 PM Jes and Eilene joined us for wine and snacks. The
Reisling wine served was from their own grapes. Their fields are contracted out
to a winery that does all the work.
September 30,
2013: NAPIER TO WELLINGTON
After a nice
breakfast served to us by host Jes Roddy,, we drove to Wellington through green
fields covered with flocks of sheep, deep valleys, and as we approached the
country's capital, the blue green of the Tasman Sea on our right. We had a
choice of routes and were glad we followed the western one as we could see
storm clouds in the east. At one time our path along the road had black clouds
on the left and sunny skies on the right as we neared our destination.
It was
confusing as we entered the city due to some steady rain and our erroneous
assumption that we would arrive from the south of the bay on which the city is
built. After a brief drive down some streets we could recognize on the map, we
arrived at the James Cook Grand Chancellor Hotel. Our room was on the 20th
floor with a view of surrounding skyscrapers. While technically a Lambdon Room,
we dubbed our room the Fujitsu Room after the gigantic neon lights outside and
above our large windows.
We parked the
car in the garage earlier and decided we would leave it there for the duration
until we take the ferry on Thursday. Despite the rain we walked down toward the
quay stopping at a Pita Pit restaurant for Thai chicken pita sandwich we
shared.
The weather
was forecasted to be better on Tuesday, so we returned to our lofty room and
read and watched television.
MISCELLANEOUS
NOTES ABOUT NEW ZEALAND
Streaky
bacon- American bacon strips
Torches-
flashlights
Take away- to
go
Long Black-
black coffee
Roundabouts
instead of signaled intersections
Political
signs everywhere
Green hills
Cycads- fern
trees
Sheep
everywhere
Chirping
pedestrian Walk/Don't Walk signals
October 1-3, Wellington
The day broke
sunny and cool on the first of October. I learned that there was an elevator
that descends down to Lambton Quay so we would not have to walk up and down
between the terraced streets that run in a curvy parallel to the waterfront. I
walked down to the Pita Pit for a humongous breakfast wrap that we ate in our
room. This was all after being in a panic because we had apparently left
Donna's jewelry in Rotorua three days ago. After one call to the hotel, we were
relieved when the manager called us confirming they found the jewelry in the
nightstand. The manager indicated she would send it to our next stop in Christchurch
Later in the
morning after looking at some shops nearby, we gathered the nerve to take our
car and drive a few miles to the Weta
Cave
We managed to
find our way back to our hotel and had a late lunch. Because all the news on tv
was about the imminent US Broken City
A bit cloudy
today. A funicular style cable car runs up the hill from Lambton Quay up to the
Botanical Gardens. The car went up about 30 degrees and made several stops on
the way to the top. An observatory and extensive gardens are at the summit. we
walked a trail featuring many Australian species of plants and trees. As it was
early spring there were not many blooms yet and we did not walk down into some
of the other areas featuring rose gardens and the like. After going on the
cable car down the hill we walked around near the Parliament building and train
station before having lunch at Burger King. Only authentic New
Zealand New World deli and market at the station.
In the
afternoon we walked to Cuba Street
We got up
early to turn in our car and board the ferry. It was confusing to bring the car
to the ferry terminal. All we were supposed to do was to lock the car and drop
the keys in a box in the terminal. Because we had ordered a Plus ticket we were
in the Kaitaki Plus lounge where we were served breakfast and later some mini
quiches. The ferry transports people, their cars, and some very large trucks
carrying farm equipment and, if my nose is correct, cattle or sheep. Despite
being on the ocean, I never was able to detect the ocean salt air that is so
familiar in Oregon
The trip took
about three hours and we arrived at the port
of Picton South
Island about noon . I was
able to pick up our Hyundai at the Avis counter while Donna waited for bags.
Then we were off on a 330 kilometer drive down south to Christchurch New Zealand Pacific Ocean on the left and green hills and snow
capped peaks on the right.
Once off the
coast the roads picked up more traffic as we approached Christchurch Riccarton Road
The Lorenzo
Motor Lodge is in an area west of a large park. On the east side of the park is
the central business district which suffered the brunt of the earthquake. We
walked to a grocery a few blocks away and saw one stone church with huge metal
braces supporting its wall. Across the street a Buddhist temple was closed for
earthquake repairs. The blocks around our motel is very Chinese-oriented with
many restaurants and food stores catering to that clientele.
October 4-5 Christchuch
October 4,
2013: CHRISTCHURCH
Sunny this
morning in Christchurch. We drove into town to see the earthquake damage which
was extensive. Many buildings were boarded up and others were being repaired.
Of course, there were entire blocks where there was nothing but rubble or
nothing where the rubble had been. We drove toward New Brighton on the beach.
Even there several miles out of the CBD ,
evidence of building damage was visible. Places where there had been homes were
grassy plots of ground. At the beach we walked onto a 300 meter pier that
jutted out into the surf. Many people were fishing, but most were crabbing. The
crabs we saw were small, nothing like Dungeness. No size limits according to a
poster.
We spoke to a
young man about his crabbing. He mentioned he had been to the states and even
drove through Cannon Beach.
We drove back
into the main part of town and stopped for lunch at a Japanese restaurant for
some Curry Katsu, deep fried chicken strips over rice with curry sauce. After
lunch I thought it good to find the airport as we were to drive there early
Sunday for our flight to Sydney. The airport is west several miles from where
we are staying and the traffic around the motel is heavy. We found another
hotel nearer the airport, the Copthorne, and after checking with our current
motel, made a reservation for Saturday night. Our Sunday morning flight would
be much easier. Of course, we'd need to move the following day. But the new
place had a pool and hot tub!
After
relaxing in our room and catching up on Republican mischief in the USA, we
walked down the street to aces little stores. We stopped at a new age store
full of religious artifacts. Hindu, Buddhist, Wiccan, Celtic Christian, and
secular statues and posters filled the store. The proprietor said she missed
the first of the three large earthquakes in the fall of 2010. Since that time
there have been over 12,000 aftershocks in the area.
October 5,
2013: CHRISTCHURCH
We moved into
a new hotel nearer the airport in the morning. The Copthorne Commander is a
very nice hotel near a golf course. It has a spa and pool. And a lunch buffet
that we chose to partake in rather than fast food or deli food.
We sat out on
the interior patio near the pool and read in the morning. This was done due to
the pleasant weather. Later we took the car back to the airport early in order
to speed up our activities the next morning when we were to leave for Sydney.
A group
staying at the hotel was from the US: military personnel going to Antarctica
for the summer.
October 6-7 Sydney
October 6,
2013: SYDNEY
Because our
flight to Sydney left at 7 from Christchurch we were up before 4 AM. Our
shuttle got us to the airport promptly and our bags got checked. What we were
not aware of was that carry-ons are weighed as well so we had to rearrange some
items. The flight was a little over three hours on Air New Zealand.there was no
first or business class and I have been in a plane with seats so close
together.
Arrival in
sunny Sydney was uneventful. We were able to get a shuttle to downtown with
about eight other people. Our stop was next to last so it took a while. The
Westin is beautiful and we were upgraded to a 23rd floor king suite with Club
Lounge privileges. We stopped at the Lounge to get a snack as we had little to
eat in the morning.
Then we
walked about half a mile down to Sydney Harbor to take in the sights. A big
event called the Fleet Review was going on so the quay was packed with people
trying to get on tour boats to see the ships. There were some three masted
ships as well plying the waters between Sydney Cove and Port Jackson neared the
mouth of the Harbor. We walked around the beautiful Sydney Opera House and then
up into the Royal Botanical Gardens on the eastern side of the central business
district where our hotel was located. It was very warm and we were exhausted by
the time we returned. So due to our early morning and our walk we got showered
and rested and read in the afternoon. Our room faced the harbor but because of
the intervening buildings we had only a couple of peeks at the harbor.
In the
evening we took advantage of the Club Lounge for wine and hors'doerves. As the
sun set the lights in the nearby buildings clicked on. So ended our first night
in this wonderful city.
October 7,
2013: SYDNEY
We were up
early given the time change. It was Labor Day and many people were in the
downtown quay area for the Fleet Review. Breakfast in the Club Lounge was
interesting. Besides scrambled eggs and bacon, there was baked beans and green
beans. We were offered baked beans on the ferry from Wellington, too.
Sydney has a
series on hop on hop off Explorer buses so we figured this was a good way to
see the city. We went most of one circuit then hopped on the bus out to Bondi
Beach south of town. The beach was beautiful so we got out and had lunch and
Donna bought a shirt for Caitie. The return ride gave us some grand views of
Sydney Harbor from the south. We passed the naval base where thousands of
people were lined up to see the ships on display. Once we were on the city circuit
bus, the route took us past some of the other smaller bays in Sydney. We passed
the aquarium, a large pier side shopping center, Chinatown, and finally under
the Sydney Harbor Bridge that took nine years to build in the 1920's.
Once back
downtown we hiked back to the hotel and spent some time reading before going
upstairs for wine and hors'doeurves.
October 8-10 Sydney
October 8,
2013: SYDNEY
We spent the
day visiting several of the shopping venues around Sydney. These included the
Strand, the Queen Victoria Shopping mall in one of the older buildings in
Sydney, and the Harbourside Shopping Center in Darling Harbor.
October 9,
2013: SYDNEY
After
breakfast we walked down to Circular Harbor and took a ferry out to Manly
Beach. This beach is north of the entrance into Sydney from the Tasman Sea. On
the way we saw a dolphin leaping out of the water a couple of times. Manly is a
small community on the beach. As it was a very lovely day, the sea shone bright
turquoise as surfers, sailboarders, and paddleboarders, played in the water. We
ambled through several shops including an aboriginal art gallery with beautiful
paintings, statues, boomerangs, and even some didgeridoos. I want a didgeridoo.
Donna said didgeridont. We sat by the beach and watched the seabirds that were
plentiful and aggressive as they swooped down to get a young man's lunch.
On our way
back we stopped at Watson Bay and had lunch at an old restaurant named Doyle's
that has been on that location for about a hundred years. The seafood basket of
fish, shrimp, squid, scallops, and shrimp was good, but cooking all these
together made the separate items taste much alike.
There was a
huge line to get back to Circular Harbor and we missed one boat but caught the
next only to find out later it was on another ferry line. We were allowed to
exit without buying another ticket.
October 10,
2013: SYDNEY
We took the
free downtown shuttle to Chinatown a mile or so away to check out the souvenir
stalls in a huge warehouse setting. Rows and rows of small booths with
trinkets, stuffed kangaroos and even some didgeridoos. Many shops had iPhone
and iPad cases. After this we strolled up an alleyway toward the bus stop and
checked out prices for souvenirs there. Prices were significantly higher. So
back to the warehouse we went and filled up on different tchotchkes. The bus
took us back to Circular Quay from which we strolled along an area called The
Rocks, a very old part of Sydney along the water. One place we passed was the
oldest bar in Sydney.
We walked
around the area and under the massive Sydney Harbor bridge then returned to the
quay. After a lunch at a local Scottish establishment, we bought tickets for
the ferry to Parramatta, the furthest stop inland on the ferry line. By the
time left it was very warm. According to the tv, the temperature was to be 39
that day- 103 degrees Fahrenheit. The SeaCat we were on took us by Cockatoo
Island that is used for a prison. Dozens of tents were pitched outside. We
passed the site of the 2000 Summer Olympic Games and then entered into a
smaller estuary, muck like a mangrove swamp for our last few miles. We did not
want to stay in The town, Australia's second oldest settlement, so we purchased
tickets on board for the return. It was very warm in the boat and despite
breezes outside while moving, we preferred the cabin to be out of the sun. An
hour later we were back walking to our hotel after picking up some items to eat
in our room. Later we watched MSNBC to catch up on the government shut-down.
October 11-12 Sydney to Cairns
October 11,
2013: SYDNEY TO CAIRNS
In spite of
our early wake-up call, our shuttle was late. But we made it to the airport
only to discover we were unaware of the terminal to enter. There are two
domestic terminals and one
international. Our driver suggested we go to the domestic as that was the type
of flight we were on. She was right. After getting our boarding passes we
waited in line a while to check bags then proceeded to our gate.
While we got
our tickets through Expedia, apparently when booking through Aussie/Kiwi
airlines on can request additional options such as meals. We did not, but were
able to order a bagel on our earlier flight to a sydney and a pie on our
current flight. Our flight attendant indicated that the additional fee was not
worth the food. The flight to Cairns was about three hours, but because
Queensland is not on daylight saving time, the change in time was only about
two hours. Interestingly enough, at no time were we asked for identification
prior to boarding our plane.
Our plan
arrived in Cairns at about 11 AM. It was a small airport and we debated between
taking a shuttle or renting a car. We opted for a small car from Avis. A good
choice. The road up to Port Douglas passed through small towns with many
roundabouts and finally narrowed to a
windy two lane road running along the shoreline. Fortunately there were several
passing lanes as we did not want to restrict others behind us.
After an hour
we reached the Sheraton Mirage Resort. It is an extensive resort with a main
lobby and fresh water pool and two branching wings on either side surrounded by
large salt water lagoons. A golf course wraps around the facility. Our room was
in building four with a branch of one of the lagoons below our second floor
king suite. The reviews on this resort are mixed, but the central conflict is
this: a spacious resort with many amenities directly on the beach, yet in
desperate need of renovation. The room had a mild musty smell but was well
appointed. Carpeting in tropical locations should be eschewed in favor of tile
or wood planking. The refrigerator was large, the windows looked out at fingers
of the lagoon. The hotel had a promotion
that allowed for 12 meal coupons for $240. Guest use the coupons for meals. One
for breakfast buffet and more for dinner or lunch. The breakfast buffet made
the expenditure worthwhile.
Once our room
was situated we made for the pool, a very large irregular shape near the lobby
building and restaurant. Like the hotel itself, it is showing wear. But with
the early Australian sun bearing down on us through a cloudless sky, the pool
was refreshing. I walked out to the beach where signs were posted about the
possibility of "stingers" that is box jellyfish that can give
powerful stings. Few people were on the beach. Most were lounging by the pool
or in one of the many salt water lagoons.
We drove into
Port Douglas proper for groceries and to buy some sun screen. Shops lined its
main tourist center.
October 12,
2013: PORT DOUGLAS
Because there
is no daylight saving time here, we were an hour earlier than Sydney. So
getting up early was not a problem, or depending on one's point of view,
remained a problem. We took advantage of the breakfast buffet that included
many items such as made to order omelets, pancakes, rolls, fruits, juices, and
even the Australian version of an Egg McMuffin. The lamb sausages were okay,
but the bacon great.
After
breakfast we walked to the pool. I was surprised there were so few people in or
around the pool as the restaurant and lobby earlier were very crowded. We
talked a while with a couple from Sydney. She hailed from the city while her
husband was from Israel.
After a
couple of hours it was decided we should do our laundry. This was to be done at
the laundromat in the Sunbird center a short walk from the lobby.short but
confusing. I had tried to find it earlier in the day and had become hopelessly
lost in the labyrinthine paths around the resort. And having found it earlier,
I had difficulty locating the specific room it was in as I had earlier found it
by coming into the lovely central courtyard from a different side.
The laundry
gave us a chance to read and write. And later we returned to the pool for a
swim.
October 13-14 Port Douglas
October13,
2013: PORT DOUGLAS
After
breakfast we spent the morning by the pool reading and playing video games.
Talked with two ladies visiting from Germany. I walked onto the beach but there
was not a lot to see. The resort has allowed the trees and foliage to form a
barrier between the buildings and the beach. Few people were walking along the
shoreline. Coarse sand and bleached pebbles and shattered coconuts were
everywhere.
Later we
drove to the port to make reservations for the Great Barrier Reef on Tuesday.
Set up a trip with Quicksilver tours that will take us out 90 minutes to the
outer reef called Agincourt Reef. There is a huge pontoon platform there where
we can snorkel from. There is also a semi- submersible, restaurant for lunch
and viewing platforms.
We then drove
to town where we visited an oceanside Sunday market that was in the process of closing. A lot of pottery,
beads, and tarot card readers. We learned there would be another market nearer
the port on Wednesday.
Once back at
the resort we spent some time by the pool. Later we watched a movie in our
room.
October 14,
2013: PORT DOUGLAS
The day broke
much sunnier than the one before, so after breakfast we walked to the pool
area. We swam and read until about 2 PM then we drove to Mossman and walked
through the Daintree rain forest to see Mossman Gorge. A sign at the start of
the trail showed that at certain times of the day, bats swoop down to catch and
eat the large spiders that inhabit the forest. This was enough for me to cancel
the walk, but we proceeded walking on an elevated metal path that took us
through the jungle at a height of ten or twenty feet until we came to a viewing
platform near a rocky stream where a number of people were swimming in the
pools formed by the boulders. Apparently during the rainy season the stream can
be filled with deeper and faster running water so there are plenty of signs
warning swimmers to be careful.
After our
walk in Mossman we drove back to Port Douglas proper and visited a few shops
then bought some breakfast items for the next day as we were sailing to the
Great Barrier Reef.
October 15-18 Port Douglas
October 15,
2013: PORT DOUGLAS
This was the
big day for our Great Barrier Reef trip. We arrived at the port early and were
the first to board the jet propelled catamaran. We were told there were about
260 guests on board. It took about 90 minutes to arrive at the reef. Attached
to the reef's bottom was a huge pontoon structure with dining facilities, scuba
and snorkeling areas, two semisubmersibles and a place for two large boats to
dock. I signed up to be with a novice group under the tutelage of a biologist.
While the fish here were not so spectacular, the coral formations and varieties
of coral were . Our guide showed us a huge clam about four feet across and got
it to close its shell. We saw a clownfish like Nemo and many other varieties.
The colors were vibrant and less muddy than in the heavily trafficked Maui. And
we paddled in shallow as well as 30 feet of water.
After
snorkeling, I met Donna and we had lunch buffet and sat with a couple from
South Africa. Then we descended to a lower deck to ride a while on the
semisubmersible so Donna could see the coral. After about three hours we got
underway and sailed back to Port Douglas. On our way back we talked with the
South Africans and a family from the Gold Coast south of Port Douglas.
October
16-18, 2013: PORT DOUGLAS
During the
last three days in Port Douglas we spent time by the pool, read, played games
on our iPads, shopped, and prepared for our long trip home. We had the
opportunity to speak in the pool with a couple who lived in the Sydney suburbs.
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