Step into 2024 with KHWD Holidays — a year of real journeys, honest stories, and motorhome adventures across the UK and beyond. Explore fresh routes, hidden gems, campsite reviews, and photo‑rich travel diaries designed to inspire your next escape. Whether you’re planning, dreaming, or reliving the road, this is your gateway to a year packed with discovery. 2024 Alaska & The Rocky Mountaineer Travel Guide 🇺🇸🇨🇦 Alaska & West Canada 2024 – Full Travel Route Summary 1) Vancouver → Alaska Cruise (Celebrity Solstice) Inside Passage → Icy Strait Point → Skagway → Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier → Juneau → Ketchikan → Inside Passage → Vancouver Vancouver (Canada Place) – Boarding Inside Passage – Northbound Icy Strait Point (Hoonah) – Gondola to mountain top, forest tram Skagway (USA) – Yukon Suspension Bridge → Fraser → White Pass & Yukon Route Railway Endicott Arm – Narrow fjord Dawes Glacier – 360° ship turn among heavy ice Juneau – Capital; Goldbelt Tram to Mt Roberts Ketchikan – Very wet day; brief walk ashore Inside Passage – Southbound Vancouver – Disembarkation 2) Vancouver → Vancouver Island (Sidney, Cordova Bay, Victoria, Saanich) Tsawwassen → Swartz Bay → Sidney → Cordova Bay → Victoria → Saanich Vancouver → Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal BC Ferries: Tsawwassen → Swartz Bay Sidney – Meet David & Cathy Cordova Bay – AirBnB stay Victoria – Provincial Parliament lunch China Town & HOHO Bus Saanich – Observatory viewpoint Cordova Bay – Local exploring Swartz Bay → Tsawwassen – Return ferry 3) Vancouver → Kamloops → Canmore → Stettler → Banff (Car Hire Road Trip) Vancouver → Hope → Merritt → Kamloops → Canmore → Stettler → Banff Vancouver → Kamloops (Trans‑Canada Highway 1) Vancouver Fraser Valley Hope Coquihalla Highway Merritt Kamloops – Overnight Kamloops → Canmore → Stettler Kamloops Chase Salmon Arm Sicamous Revelstoke Glacier National Park Rogers Pass Golden – Time zone change Lake Louise Banff Canmore – Overpriced motels noted Kananaskis / Dead Man’s Flats Calgary NW (Stoney Trail) Airdrie → Olds → Red Deer Stettler – Meet Rob & Sandy Stettler → Banff (Return leg) Stettler Red Deer Airdrie Calgary Banff – Drop off hire car 4) Rocky Mountaineer (Banff → Kamloops → Vancouver) Banff → Spiral Tunnels → Continental Divide → Kamloops → Thompson River → Fraser Canyon → Vancouver Banff – Departure Spiral Tunnels Continental Divide Field Golden Glacier NP Rogers Pass Revelstoke Kamloops – Overnight Thompson River – Desert‑like scenery Fraser Canyon Hope Vancouver – Arrival & end of trip SUMMARY Vancouver Alaskan Cruise Icy Strait Point Skagway Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier Juneau Ketchikan Victoria Kamloops Banff Stettler Rocky Mountaineer (Banff to Kamloops to Vancouver) Vancouver USA 2024 ALASKA for my 70th Birthday celebrations on a Celebrity X Cruise. You can see the full write up on our motorhome-travels Blog 204 or continue to view here, thanks for looking DIARY SUNDAY 150924 FIRST DAY AT SEA ON THE SOLSTICE After a hearty breakfast at the Carey centre on Endowment land at UBC Oscar picked us up about 11.05 am and drove us to the cruise ship terminal at Canada place in downtown Vancouver, you know the one that looks a bit like Utzon's Sydney Opera house #justsayin Canadian friends. Getting there in downtown was a nightmare, unbelievable levels of traffic controlled by the cops, if you are in the wrong lane you are going around again, 1 hour maybe, luckily Oscar has been there before. Traffic levels so intense as 4 cruise ships all in together with passengers coming and going. Anyhow we did the customs checks etc. and then much to my surprise but sheer delight because of my walking stick Annie and I were fast-tracked through everything and onto the ship. We were supposed to board 1.30 pm, got on by 12 noon, poor Linda was supposed to be on at 11.30 am but spent almost 3 hours queueing and Ian's legs were killing him. Anyhow Annie and I did the emergency learning stuff and headed to the buffet for an early lunch. Nice it was too. We then discovered our cabin for the next 7 days and our luggage arrived a bit later on in the evening. All very smooth. Great weather so some fab views from our balcony as it left Vancouver. Take a look! MONDAY 160924 KEEF'S THREE SCORE & TEN BIRFDAY! What you can't be 70 I hear you all shout. Mentally I would totally agree, physically however I might have to start agreeing. I seem to be sticking it to the stick much more often these days and I've promised Annie and Linda I will start the knee replacement process. Anyhow enough of the gloom, it was a truly fabulous day. Cheeky Linda and Ian had decorated the outside of our cabin which obviously we didn't notice until coming out for breakfast. Very embarrassing but it meant I got to have a long chat with the Rhinestone cowboy who was celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary , we matched on the same ship’s cakes, but with a different legend. #haha The day was spent relaxing mostly on the balcony with the usual cruise interruption for a top up of food, what's the line , "come on as passenger, go off as cargo" #smile I had pre booked my birthday meal for Le Petit Chef experience and it was certainly memorable. The beef wellington element in terms of food was mouthwatering. See the videos especially those of the little chef in action, memorable and completely different. After the meal in the evening, we went to the theatre which although spectacular was a little confusing. Tired we retired a very very HAPPY and memorable 70th birthday, thanks to all for making it so much fun. And there is a clever video of Le Petit Chef at my Birthday meal, just so clever TUESDAY 17th SEPTEMBER, ICY STRAITS POINT We completed the inside passage and arrived at the Hoonah collective made cruise ship terminal at Icy Straits point, the 2nd highest location for our trip in Southern Alaska below Skagway however. Beautiful sunshine as we arrived c 1.30pm. After disembarkation and a nice walk across the bridge we exchanged our excursion passes for the red gondola ride to the top of the mountain and the forest excursion tram. We ascended to be afforded some wonderful views and a chat with 2 Americans whilst we waited for our forest ride. A local Klink-it (pronunciation not spelling which was Tsilingit band) elder did some tribal demoes around the fire, all very interesting. The forest tram ride was very informative and asking questions of the Kling-it driver it was totally clear that they would favour independence from the states, which my guess is will never happen, too much rich minerals and oil at stake. The driver also told me that they had started with 4 cruise ships day, they are now up to 260+ per months so a steady stream of profit for them. Anyhow have a look at the slideshows. WEDNESDAY 180924 SKAGWAY, YUKON SUSPENSION BRIDGE & WHITE PASS RAILWAY Arrived whilst it was still dark in Skagway. We had by now mastered the fine art of ordering breakfast and having it delivered to the door on our selected time in the next morning. Luxury, you just leave your order sheet pinned to the cabin door handle, and they deliver, I've tried it since we are home but sadly it didn't work #haha Anyhow as our trips in Skagway started early it was ideal. It was a full day but in our humble opinion the best day in Alaska, truly memorable, nice to share with Linda and Ian. Initially a coach trip up to the Yukon border meaning we crossed back from the States into Canada, initially visiting the Yukon Suspension bridge and as our driver, a resident of Skagway got us their early we had the place to ourselves, as we were leaving the tourist coaches were filling up. We even got our passport stamped; a touristy thing similar to the forgotten world highway in New Zealand. After that he collected us and took us to the Fraser border crossing to board the White Pass and Yukon train back into Skagway, one of the real great train journey, following the gold mining Klondike trail. Have a look at the slideshows, the second of which about 4 minutes in will give you a complete train journey. Hope you enjoy! The coach driver told us that by 20th October more than half the population of Skagway, himself included, would leave Skagway for the winter, no cruise ships, no employment and mostly stuck indoors. They all head off to Whitehorse and way beyond for the winter. 2024 7 Days Between 15th to 21st September ALASKA From Vancouver, in sequence we saw the Inside Passage, Icy Straits Point (Hoonah) , Skagway (amazing), Endicott Arm a long narrow fjord if you like leading to the Dawes Glacier, which the wonderful ship’s Southern Alaska, up to Skagway, is a region rich in natural beauty and history. Here's a quick summary: Geography Southeast Alaska, also known as the Alaskan Panhandle, is a narrow strip of land extending about 500 miles from Misty Fjords National Monument to the base of Mt. Fairweather. The region is characterized by its stunning Inside Passage, a network of waterways, fjords, and islands. Key Locations Juneau: The state capital, accessible only by boat or plane, known for its scenic views and outdoor activities. Ketchikan: Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," it's famous for its totem poles and rich Native American culture. Skagway: A historic town that was a gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush, offering a glimpse into the past with its preserved buildings and museums. Activities Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to see bears, whales, and eagles in their natural habitats. Hiking and Boating: Numerous trails and waterways for outdoor enthusiasts. Historic Tours: Explore the Gold Rush history in Skagway and other historic sites. Transportation Alaska Marine Highway: A ferry system that connects many communities along the Inside Passage. White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad: A scenic train ride from Skagway to the Yukon border, offering breathtaking views. captain got as close as he dared, he described it as the most icebergs he had ever seen there, it took a Titanic effort (geddit?) to avoid them #smile then we headed into Juneau , Alaska's capital, Ketchikan and returned to Vancouver on the inside passage past Vancouver Island. Here are the ships daily newspapers delivered each night to our cabin, with chocolates no less, luxury indeed for us Septuagenarians. The first video is the ship's log THURSDAY 190924 ENDICOTT ARM, DAWES GLACIER, JUNEAU Another early rise but just so worth it, initially dark when we entered the Endicott Arm, which is traditionally a fjord, not naturally associated with Alaska. Some fabulous views and then the first teeny icebergs came floating by, which got more and more intense as we approached the end of the fjord which is the Dawes glacier. The captain did a 360 degree turn as close as he dared to the glacier having already announced that this was the most ice he had ever seen, now was another ship and icebergs but the less said about that the better. Such spectacular views, waterfalls everywhere, some elements of Milford sound as a comparison. We were treated to Dr Ann's commentary to accompany the voyage up the fjord to the glacier which created some wonderful learning points. After the glacier we headed off to Alaska's capital. Linda and Ian did the Mildenhall glacier trip, we walked around, did a bit of tourist shopping, called in at the cultural centre, had a chat with an elder and admired many woven rugs and totem poles. Juneau is fairly cut off but there were still a surprising number of cars there. The road runs out in about 37 miles from downtown. Annie was a little tired so returned to the cabin. I decided to go up Mount Roberts via the Goldbelt Tram, the mist faded, and I got some fabulous views from the top. Sadly we were not allowed out, probably sensibly, because of the presents of a bear at the top a few days earlier. On descending I walked along the board walk past the brewery (no I didn't go in, honest) reading up on the Haida culture as I went. We all met up in the restaurant for evening meal before going to the show. Served ably by Kier who was great and his boss Miguel who was...less good and a little to pushy on "good feedback, I need score 10" FRIDAY 200924 KETCHIKAN, A VERY WET DAY We arrived in a very wet Ketchikan having had lunch with Linda and Ian. After their glacier tour yesterday Linda was feeling exhausted and didn't want to go on the crab fishing trip with Ian, we were asked but passed. Annie and I left the ship for literally 5 minutes, it never stopped pouring down. We had a chat with the ex-harbour master who offered us a free trip on his salmon boat, we declined far to choppy and wet. He told us they were down on visitors in Ketchikan today as 4 cruise ships had decided not to land. Anyhow we all met up for supper in the restaurant later, Ian had been at a crab feast (not their catch I'm afraid as not eco) so only joined us for puddings. SATURDAY 210924 LAST DAY AT SEA, INSIDE PASSAGE THEN DISEMBARKATION The last day was spent at sea, relaxing , watching the Inside Passage views, admiring both the British Columbian coastline as well as that of Vancouver island as we traversed between the two, eating, drinking, chatting and playing trivia games in the observation lounge (guess the Diva music - Hmm the modern ones we really didn't know but Tina etc. were easy) and at about 5am on the 22nd being docked in Canada place, downtown Vancouver. It has been a wonderful trip. 24 Alaskan Diary CANADA 2024 WESTERN CANADA for our combined 70th Birthday celebrations on the Rocky Mountaineer train Amongst other adventures i.e. Meeting up with pals David and Cathey in Cordova Bay / Victoria on Vancouver Island, Hiring a car and travelling across British Columbia and Alberta as far as Stettler and noticing just how much Canada has changed, Tsawwassen ferry so different, Vancouver / Raincouver so much more built up than it was back then, and the avelanche covers on the Trans-Canda Highway 1 so much more imroved and pronounced, we did this western end of Canada back in 1999 with Doug as a 15 year old, you can see that trip 25 years ago, you can also see the full write up on our motorhome-travels blog , blog 204 or continue to view here, thanks for looking. It was so nice coming back again University of British Columbia, Vancouver BRITISH COLUMBIA The home of Vancouver Island, we travelled through all of British Columbia (BC) west to east then east to west on this trip firstly by foot, ferry and car, then the Rocky Mountaineer back westward. The border with Alberta is between Field and Lake Louise although the time zone changed around about Golden in BC. Field was a fascinating place but the scenery through BC is spectacular. There is no point in me using words, just look at each individual day’s images. I also learnt a lot not least that Victoria on Vancouver Island is the provincial capital not Vancouver, its biggest city or Raincouver as we learnt to name it. Driving from Vancouver to Kamloops on the TransCanada Highway 1 is a scenic adventure through some of British Columbia's most beautiful landscapes Here's what you'll see along the way: Vancouver to Hope Fraser Valley: Start with the fertile farmlands and charming small towns of the Fraser Valley. Coastal Mountains: As you head east, you'll enter the lush, wet coastal mountains, with dense forests and rushing rivers. Hope to Lytton Coquihalla Highway: This section offers stunning views of the Coquihalla River and the surrounding mountains. Lytton: Known for its hot summers, Lytton is nestled in a narrow valley with the Thompson River running through it. Lytton to Kamloops Lytton Canyon: A dramatic landscape with steep cliffs and the Thompson River winding through1. Desert-Like Terrain: As you approach Kamloops, the scenery transitions to a more arid, desert-like landscape with rolling hills and sagebrush. Kamloops Welcome to Kamloops: A charming city surrounded by mountains and situated on the North Thompson River. This drive offers a mix of lush forests, dramatic canyons, and desert-like landscapes, making it a memorable journey through British Columbia's diverse natural beauty Vancouver Island, Mostly Victoria Alberta, Meeting Annie's Cuz in Stettler 2024 14 Days in Canada, 2 days Vancouver Uni Area arriving from Heathrow, 5 days Vancouver Island with friends (after Alaskan Cruise), 4 days across to Alberta to see Annie's cousin, 2 days Rocky Mountaineer (*what a trip!*) , 1 day back in Vancouver Uni before flying home CANADA This is our 3rd trip to Canada, once in 1999 when we travelled very similar the same path to this trip with Doug aged 15 and then again in 2010 which enabled us to say we have travelled from west to east coast of Canada in a hired motorhome. We say mile 0 of the Trans Canada Highway (TCH) on Vancouver island in the park and we have also been to North Sydney in Nova Scotia where it apparently officially ends but as you can see from the map we have even been further through Newfoundland and Labrador as far as Red Bay. So we have probably travelled most of the TCH's 7476 km's. This trip was basically Vancouver, Tsawwassen (in Delta), Vancouver Island featuring Swartz Bay, Sidney, Cordover Bay, Victoria, Saanich, Hope, Merritt, Kamloops, Chase, Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Revelstoke, Roger's Pass, Golden, Banff, Canmore, Dead Man's Flats (love that name), Stoney trail around Calgary, Airdrie, Olds, Red Deer, Stettler and back to Vancouver. What a privilege it was to travel on the Rocky Mountaineer. Rocky Mountaineer to Home ALBERTA After Field on the TCH we entered the Banff National Park and for us the start of our Alberta time. As we were not visiting David and Cathy in Edmonton this time as had a fab time meeting up in Victoria, we travelled around Calgary on the Stoney Trail on up through Airdrie Red Deer, the David Thompson highway , Summer River and into Stettler for 2 days principally to meet up with Annie's cuz Rob, but Stettler itself proved to be a very interesting Prairie town. Traveling from Canmore to Stettler via Red Deer, while bypassing Drumheller, presents a variety of scenic views and quaint towns. Here is what to expect along the route: Canmore to Calgary Bow Valley Parkway: Offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, including the iconic Three Sisters peaks and the serene Bow River. Canmore: This picturesque town nestled among mountains is ideal for a brief stop to stretch and relax. Calgary to Red Deer Calgary: This vibrant city provides numerous amenities should you need to make a stop for supplies. Highway: Traveling eastward, you'll traverse the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor, characterized by its farmlands and small communities. Red Deer: This lively city boasts a blend of city conveniences and natural splendor, highlighted by the Red Deer River. Red Deer to Stettler. Open Prairies: Journeying through Central Alberta, you'll be greeted by expansive prairies, undulating hills, and pastoral farmland. Buffalo Lake: Located just south of Stettler, the lake features picturesque views, recreational day-use areas, beaches, and opportunities for activities such as fishing and boating. Stettler. Arriving in Stettler: This charming town boasts a deep agricultural heritage, set amidst scenic farmland. The drive offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from alpine panoramas to the vastness of the prairies, ensuring a memorable trip through the heart of Alberta's countryside. 2024 Canadian Diary FRIDAY 130924 HEATHROW TO VANCOUVER Left from home reasonably early just in case there were any further issues with the car, couldn't afford to miss the plane. Meet and greet at Heathrow terminal 2 was fairly painless once we had paid a fortune being in the lower levels which sign posted M&G, silly us, should have realised its actually on level 4, location row B. Note to self for next time at Heathrow "get it right" smile So, the Air Canada flight was OK, not like the return journey but that is another story. Watched the Amy Winehouse biopic "back to black" but as I had a window seat spent a lot of time enjoying initially the Faroes, then Iceland with a spectacular shot over Isafjordur, then Greenland which seemed to be totally ice, wonder why it was not called Whiteland ? Then it was Hudson Bay and some of those Eastern Canada / Nunavut / Yukon areas until we landed in Vancouver. It was raining hence Raincouver. The scheduled taxi was late but eventually we met Sunny a lovely man whom we grew fond of over the holiday. Sunny ferried us to the Carey Centre, we saw the Coyote in the grounds and eventually jet lagged out slept well. We were in North America keen for the days ahead! SATURDAY 140924 WET LOCAL WALK AROUND UBC PLUS JET LAG SNOOZE Slept somewhat erratically, not surprisingly as no idea which time zone we were in. Had lovely, included breakfast in University , such a lovely lady serving and then booked lunch and dinner at the uni, both of which were very good. Went out so a walk around the area, it rained consistently, and some kind ladies advised us not to go down to the beach as steep and slippy steps. Good advice. We did find a coast viewing spot but as Annie's knee was hurting we returned to the campus and read / drifted off to sleep in between meals. Good to catch up before our Alaskan adventure. We also learnt quite a bit about William Carey, the missionary after whom the Carey Centre is named, this area was big theology departments. The next 7 days are the ALASKA cruise SUNDAY 220924 FERRY, MEET UP WITH DAVID & CATHY, SIDNEY Sunny picked us up from the cruise ship terminal at Canada Place, well not quite. Our ship had arrived early, and they let us off really early and customs was a breeze, so I had texted Sunny to let him know the pickup time had been bought forward. He couldn't park where we had been dropped off by Oscar, so he asked us to make our way to the front of the Pan Pacific hotel just outside Canada place car park. He drove us through Richmond and Delta plus other areas to Tsawwassen, which was so much more built up than we remembered it for 1999. Quite a long limo journey, probably about 45 minutes. Then we got our ferry tickets, very cheap as foot passengers, weight our bags and sent them on as checked luggage, good stuff. Long queue to get on with lots of sports teams going back to the island, maybe they had been to Kamloops, he capital of mediocre tournaments on a Saturday, who knows. I texted David to say we were on the 10 am ferry, the journey is about 90 minutes. Amazed at the number of islands the ferry traverses around. David picked us up, Cathy was at church. So lovely to see them again. Travelled to Sidney, which I do remember from years back. David showed us a co habiting house set up they had looked at and explained what it was all about, sounds like their future. We then had a coffee and a lot of catch up, Cathy joining us. A stroll around the lovely Sidney and a fab fish restaurant on the sea front, bliss. After that we went to check in at the Air B&B in Cordova bay. Tee hee it was lovely but at the top of a steep hill and the key lock was bust so the front fell into the bushes . David kindly retrieved it #hero We then parted company to settle in, D&C house sitting just down the road. A fun day. Keef bought Annie some Canadian socks in one of the shops the ladies enticed us men to enter MONDAY 230924 70th LUNCH IN BC's VICTORIA PROVINCIAL PARLIAMENT After breakfast and sitting out on the balcony reading and admiring the coast , David and Cathy arrived, after a quick catch up we headed off into Victoria. Cathy dropped the 3 of us near the parliament building and went and parked somewhere she knew about. We went through security, were given BC badges having parted with driving licenses as security , waited for Cathy, it what seemed like the dungeon or prison wing of an old Victorian building, in fact the BC parliament building. The Harvey's had kindly booked us in for lunch. It was a lovely lunch even if our waitress was a bit brusque, maybe she had been a prison warder there in a previous life #smile After lunch we had a stroll along the front with a brilliant set of tour guides, D&C, must give great feedback on trip advisor. We saw all the boats, including the bath tubs to Fisherman's wharf plus the front of the Empress, minus it's Virginia creeper after all these years, spruced up by Fairmont hotels which it is now owed by (along with Banff Springs and Le Château Frontenac in Quebec city. We visited the tourist info, spent time in Cathy's favourite Rogers chocolates, saw the floral killer whale display and then had a good nose inside the Empress, to the point where Keef was told he was not a resident and was not allowed out on the roof top garden, shame! Some fab architecture, all exhausted after that we returned to Cordova bay for the evening. TUESDAY 240924 US IN VICTORIA WITH D&C, LINDA IN VANCOUVER David and Cathy picked us up early, wonderful sunny day, for breakfast at a Gluten Free (Cathy is) cafe in the Saanich area called Charlotte and the Quail, food to die for and pretty good coffee. The lady serving us what a little high pitched, but we soon got over that as the food arrived, it was totally yummy. After breakfast we had a good look around the attached formal gardens, manned mostly by volunteers and what a great job they had made of it. David bought a gardening book, and we all strolled around taking endless flower and tree photographs, and quite right too, a fab gardens. After that we drove up and up to the centre of the universe observatory, with spectacular views. You could see the Olympus mountains in Washington State. After this they took us on a fab drive along the truly tremendous coastal road, flash house and hotel viewing, gardens, traditional cemeteries, whale watching in the mist, until it cleared listening to the sound of ship's foghorns, then only the even more wonderful Fisherman's wharf with its quirky housing and residents to match. #superb We had beer , wine and fish (halibut or salmon) and chips on the sea harbour front until such time as the temperature dropped. It being quite late in the eve , about 7.30 pm if memory serves me right, we returned to Cordova Bay, all in all a fab, fun day with many laughs. WEDNESDAY 250924 A VERY WET DAY IN CORDOVA BAY PLUS BBQ Cathy's cousin and wife had returned late last night so they stayed there today, having to both catch up, pack and tidy up after spending a while in their house both house and cat sitting. Max (the cat) certainly matched his name. I joked that he was a skinny thing before the Harvey's arrived and over fed him #teehee We picked a good day to chill, relax and read, the rain was torrential nearly all day both Vancouver and Victoria get their fair share of "weather". Cathy had given me some halibut and salmon her cousin had caught the night before and they did some shopping kindly for us I did a fish and salad BBQ in the evening, David had bought an apple crumble for pud and Cathy had cheese and bikkies. This was our last night together, we will miss them, we had an extraordinarily good time together, thanks so much for your hospitality, David and Cathy. We stayed in contact via text whilst we each went our separate ways. THURSDAY 260924 HOP ON HOP OFF BUS VICTORIA & CHINATOWN After showers etc., and a cooked brekkie to keep us going, we noticed a cracked window in the bathroom which was either there before or not? Victoria had had a 4.1 earthquake over night. Anyhow we got an uber to the Empress in Victoria and caught the Hop On Hop off bus , doing a complete circuit first around, much of which we recognised from the Harvey's guided tour. All hugely interesting with commentary on the bus. We were glad we stayed on to take the bus to Chinatown as lots a cruise ships were in later and the bus and place were heaving. Chinatown is very interesting; we visited the free museum down Fan Pan alley (sometimes referred to as tin pan alley) We had a lovely coffee (the best in Canada or Alaska) at a coffee shop just outside Chinatown plus lovely cake and bought a pasty to take back to cottage. It was raining a lot so we called it a day at about 4pm and got a uber back to Cordova Bay. Nice tea, packing for early start tomorrow and earlyish to bed for our onward travels and new adventures. FRIDAY 270924 FERRY BACK TO VANCOUVER, PICK UP CAR, DRIVE TO KAMLOOPS Up early, it was still dark, rang for an uber which annoying always stopped one block away in the main road down the hill. Care when putting the key back in the cottage outside key safe, as pitch black i didn't want to drop it, especially as the battery in my phone was now regularly dying. Wheeled the suitcases to the top of the hill, in the dark. Keef went slowly down to the main road , found the uber guy, and got him to drive up the hill to collect Annie and the suitcase, good driver, took us to Swartz bay. Ferry back to Tsawwassen, Sunny was waiting for us and kindly took us to the Avis office at Vancouver airport in Richmond. Checked in, picked up the keys, loaded the cases and off we went. Bit nerve wracking initially in a very busy Vancouver but soon got used to it and we were on Highway 1 heading towards Hope. After Hope it was onto to Kamloops, we stopped for both refreshments, mediocre coffee and many photo opportunities. A good days travel. We arrived in Kamloops as it was getting dark, some lovely colours on the hills. Kamloops is semi-arid. Kamloops is known as the "Tournament City of Canada" basically because on Saturdays the hotels / motels are free from Rocky Mountaineer travellers, the train comes into Kamloops 6 days a week, 3 journeys in either direction and that was true when we arrived late on a Friday evening and surprisingly found everything initially was fully booked with parents and their young lads for a mini baseball league tournament. As one of the wags on our train journey said you are most likely to end up in conversation with a mediocre lacrosse player #haha We did eventually find accommodation at the Ramada which had a great breakfast included in the price, which was quite high at approx. £175 but nothing in comparison to the extortionate price charged in Canmore the next day at £235 and there was no breakfast AND THEN BACK HOME FRIDAY 041024 CAREY CENTRE THEN FLY BACK HOME Bit of a lie in as no rush today and we were ahead of the game. Lovely extended breakfast in the uni canteen. Checked our just before 11 and waited for Sunny to come and collect us. He took us to terminal 2 at Vancouver airport, we had a bit of time to kill before we could check in at 1.40 pm, but time went quickly. Once thru security we had a meal, the plane left on time, but this was definitely the worst of the flights. Folk were in our seats and had to be evicted , the charger didn't work, the movie wasn't great (a Kevin Costner Cowboy) and the food was even worse. Still, We got back to Heathrow, had to register the fact that they had lost our suitcase , picked up car easily and drive home, stopping for coffee and some minor provisions, tried to stay up as long as we could then crashed at about 8 pm. We were home. What a FAB holiday. 2024 21 Days in Canada and on our Alaskan Cruise with my Sister Linda & Hubby Ian SATURDAY 280924 KAMLOOPS TO CANMORE VIA BANFF After a hearty breakfast in the Ramada Kamloops, shared with a visiting 1st nations excursion group, we packed up checked out and hit the road with a lot of distance to travel today. We saw Salmon Arm (not great), 3 valleys gap, Revelstoke where we stopped for Pharmacy and Post office , Golden for Tim Horton's and lunch and clock change, as well as seeing lots en route. We thought we might stay in Banff for the night but as gridlock struck as we drove in we rapidly changed our minds. Saturday evening, Rocky Mountaineer train in, it was heaving and our budget didn't stretch to the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. Interesting that Fairmont now own most of these classic Canadian railway hotels, Empress, Banff Springs, Frontenac etc. etc. So we went onto Canmore, filled with fuel and set about finding a place for the night. Wow Canmore is expensive.! See our slideshow. At the ski lodge we saw 2 guys kite surfing if that's the correct term, not something we would ever entertain at 70 Here is the Trip Advisor review I left for the rip-off Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge, we have never been so disappointed or overcharged. "A COMPLETE RIP-OFF! No price list on display when we arrived. Extortionate charges for a one bed queen / no breakfast. As pensioners we were even promised a discount, but I’ve checked my bank statement, and the full price was charged so that was a lie. $420 cad / £229. We could have stayed in a posh London hotel for less, indeed I told the receptionist this. She told us it was high season, and the price dropped when the snow fell , which must be rubbish as it’s a ski lodge and winter will be when they make their money. It feels like they just charge what they like to tourists. Surely a reputable business should have its price list on display. I am even more upset that I could have got the same via the UK if I had pre booked for £75. I will advise my family and friends in the UK and Canada to NEVER use “Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge” Even the car park was a waterlogged dirt track and as disabled we had to lug suitcases upstairs after they got dirty thru the mud bath car park. So, so ripped off and angry." SUNDAY 290924 CANMORE TO STETTLER We packed up at our hugely overpriced one bed in Canmore, it was pouring at the time so the muddy car park was awash with water and mud. I carefully carried each suitcase over the obstacle course to put each in the boot / trunk trying for as little mudslide as possible but slightly failing. We called in at reception to check out vowing never to return, at least to that establishment. We filled up with gas and had breakfast at one of the fast-food joints. Wendy's I think, perfectly adequate for our journey onto Stettler in the Prairies. Back on Trans-Canada Highway one we made our way around Calgary on the Stoney Trail, up through the outskirts of Red Deer and onto the David Thompson highway, where we stopped for the autumn colours at the Summer river before reaching Stettler where we had a subways for lunch before checking in at the Super 8 motel. One of the most amusing stories was when we arrived in Stettler at the Super8 (ok maybe not so super #smile more Adequate8) and checking in the lady asked us where we were from, we answered with our usual Nottingham, home of Robin Hood and Kevin Costner, and said we were there to meet Annie's cousin Rob Littlejohn, she laughed obviously not believing the coincidence , that was until I told her my real name was Will Scarlet . Driving from Canmore to Stettler via Red Deer, while avoiding Drumheller, offers a mix of scenic landscapes and charming towns. Here's what you'll see along the way: Canmore to Calgary Bow Valley Parkway: Enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, including the Three Sisters peaks and the Bow River. Canmore: A charming town surrounded by mountains, perfect for a quick stop to stretch your legs. Calgary to Red Deer Calgary: The bustling city offers plenty of amenities if you need to stop for supplies. Highway 2: As you head east, you'll pass through the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor, with farmlands and small towns. Red Deer: A vibrant city with a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty, including the Red Deer River. Red Deer to Stettler Open Prairies: The drive through the Central Alberta region offers wide-open prairies with rolling hills and farmland. Buffalo Lake: Just south of Stettler, this lake offers beautiful scenery, day-use areas, beaches, and opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and boating. Stettler Welcome to Stettler: A quaint town with a rich agricultural history, surrounded by picturesque farmland. This route provides a diverse experience, from mountain vistas to prairie landscapes, making it a memorable journey through Alberta's beautiful countryside. MONDAY 300924 MEET UP WITH ROB AND SANDY IN STETTLER Up early we had a really good breakfast at the Super 8, chatting to the lovely receptionist who was amazingly friendly. It is worth noting that 2 nights at the Super 8 and breakfasts was still vastly cheaper than 1 night in Canmore, you can tell I don't like getting ripped off! Anyhow after brekkie we drove around to discover Stettler especially the grain stores on the outskirts and surrounding the main downtown. Stettler has a mini stampede to rial Calgary, well when I say rival I clearly don't mean it. We liked Stettler , it had a lovely feel to it, to call it a one-horse town is unfair, I saw 2 #smile We went shopping in Dollerama and Walmart then returned to our room and waited for Rob & Sandy to arrive, what nice people. Annie had not met her cousin before. We had coffee in the cafe (lots of it and various interruptions from an over attentive lady waitress) however I did earn something about CFL Canada's equivalent of gridiron. We then had some drinks and a meal, the afternoon was a delight hatting about just about everything under the sun, with a lot of humour chucked in for good measure. So glad we made the effort to meet up, too good an opportunity to miss. TUESDAY 011024 STETTLER TO BANFF We had breakfast with Rob and Sandy, got the receptionist to take some photos, said our goodbyes , packed our cases and set off back to Banff taking a slightly different route back to the Queen Elizabeth Highway, cross land as directed by the Jeep's satnav, sadly because there were lots of road works (or construction as it is know in Canada). One back on the main highway it was full steam ahead, past Airdrie, Stoney Trail around Calgary, back onto the TCH 1 and into Canmore having first pulled into various tourist spots on route for some Fuji moments. Filled up the car in Canmore as had to return it full of gas. In Banff it was still raining but we stopped in front of the mega Banff Springs hotel, then checked in at the Bow View Lodge hotel, our refuge for the night prior to our well awaited Rocky Mountaineer train ride tomorrow. With time to spare until 4 we called in at the Avis office who said not here, all very confusing for car returns #recommendation You have to drop off in the bottom 2 floors of the local car park, shame Avis did not mention that, oh well, sorted we walked back to the hotel in the rain, it was not very far. After 4 we went and did the Rocky Mountaineer guest formal check in in the local mall, they gave us both a pin badge and sadly a load of irrelevant drivel, but hey the trip was magnificent. So it was early to bed for pick up in the morning. Cases would go straight onto the Coast hotel in Kamloops by coach and we passengers would be ferried to the train. Nice views of the Bow river outside our window. In the eve we ate at splendid Italian Lupo Restaurant in Wolf Street, and it was good. WEDNESDAY 021024 ROCKY MOUNTAINEER DAY 1 - Banff to Kamloops Up early at the Bow View Lodge hotel. Suitcases packed and downstairs in the lobby with quite a few other folk waiting to be transported to the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) line station at Banff. Now we knew the guy at check in last night had lied when we said we had booked that hotel because it was where the coach picked you up from. He promised if we had to walk around the corner their staff would wheel our suitcases , clearly that didn't happen, not great service from Rocky Mountaineer, but in fairness the luxury of being promoted from Silver leaf service to Gold leaf service for no extra cost was brilliant. We were now in an observation car and our luxury food and drinks was served directly at our seat for us #luxury There was even a light dusting of snow in the Rockies getting down to ground level at times, such a romantic journey, the Christmas tree effect with snow was spectacular. We passed over / alongside 5 rivers. Loved every moment of this trip. See the slideshows of images and the movies taken whilst the train was rolling! Due to numerous reasons, mostly the hold ups due to cargo which has priority on the CP lines our train was running very late, so the chef prepared an evening meal for us (normally taken in Kamloops) and very nice it was to. We arrived at the CP station in Kamloops (not the one the train would leave from tomorrow) and were coached to our Coast hotel, which after a fiasco with room keys meant we got to bed about 10pm, a very satisfying day. On the Rocky Mountaineer train journey from Banff to Kamloops, you'll cross several beautiful rivers1. Here are the five main rivers you'll see: Bow River: This iconic river flows through Banff and offers stunning views as you start your journey. Kicking Horse River: Known for its turquoise waters, this river is a highlight as you travel through the Canadian Rockies. Yoho River: As you pass through Yoho National Park, you'll see the Yoho River winding through the stunning mountain scenery. Columbia River: This river marks the border between British Columbia and Alberta, offering breathtaking views. North Thompson River: As you approach Kamloops, you'll cross the North Thompson River, which flows through Kamloops and is a key feature of the landscape. These rivers contribute to the breathtaking scenery and make the journey an unforgettable experience. THURSDAY 031024 ROCKY MOUNTAINEER DAY 2 - Kamloops to Vancouver Kamloops back to Vancouver Canadian National Railway (CN) station. We had been delivered to the Canadian Pacific (CP) station in Kamloops the night before, quite late, and after the key fiasco we were a little jaded in the morning, I had had bad cramp in the leg probably from sitting all day the day before, however we were LOVING the Rocky Mountaineer, one of the world's true great train journeys. Todays, scenery was spectacular but different from Day 1 in mostly in Alberta and the Rockies, more lakes that rivers today. Oh, and the food and drink was pretty premium as well, so glad we did this! See the slideshows and videos to get a true feel of the day. We also got to see the famous "last spike" We chatted a bit to our new Australian friends from Penrith. Once we had arrived in Vancouver, not the greatest views in that last hour, we caught a taxi to the Carey Centre, checked in , resorted the bags for flight home tomorrow and exhausted , early mornings on the train had been a bit boot camp. During the Rocky Mountaineer's voyage from Kamloops to Vancouver, you will encounter several magnificent lakes. The main ones include: Enderby Lake: Situated near the beginning of your trip, it provides scenic vistas as you travel westward. Shuswap Lake: This is one of British Columbia's largest lakes, renowned for its beautiful landscape and variety of recreational activities. Little Shuswap Lake: Adjacent to Shuswap Lake, it offers charming views during your journey. Nicola Lake: Further along, you will come across Nicola Lake, cradled in the Nicola Valley. Coquihalla Lake: Near the conclusion of your trip, this lake presents a stunning setting as you near Vancouver. These lakes enhance the spectacular scenery, rendering the journey truly memorable.

Explore Nova Scotia’s rugged coast, historic towns, lighthouses and maritime culture in this 2010 travel diary revisiting early‑2000s adventures across the province. 2010 Nova Scotia Travel Blog & Guide Suggested 10‑day motorhome itinerary in Nova Scotia Best coastal campsites we used SUMMARY Here are five strong campsite or camping‑base recommendations drawn from that Nova Scotia trip page, with reasons why they stand out for your blog readers. 1. Antigonish campsite (Highland Games base) Great base for the Antigonish Highland Games, bagpipes and dancing, and a very Scottish atmosphere that fits Nova Scotia’s “New Scotland” feel. Memorable story element (caravan awning bending in high winds) that you can use to give practical tips about wind, awnings, and weather awareness. 2. Broad Cove Campground (Cape Breton Highlands NP) Inside Cape Breton Highlands National Park and close to the Cabot Trail’s dramatic coastal scenery. Puts you near Ingonish Beach and Freshwater Lake, so readers can easily combine beach, lake, trails, and viewpoints from one base. 3. Pugwash camping (North shore Bay of Fundy area) Offers access to Bay of Fundy tides from the Nova Scotia side, plus quieter coastal scenery and small‑town stops. Good for travellers who like a less touristy feel but still want big‑tidal‑range experiences and seaside walks. 4. Digby camping (Annapolis Basin / Fundy) Ideal for exploring the Digby area and the Bay of Fundy, famous for its extremely high tidal range. Pairs well with nearby Annapolis Royal’s heritage buildings, giving readers a mix of scenery, seafood, and history from one stop. 5. Yarmouth / Port Maitland / Crescent Beach area Camping around Yarmouth gives access to Port Maitland Beach, Crescent Beach, lobster stalls in old tram/railway carriages, and a working fishing‑and‑ferry town. Great end‑or‑start point for a loop, with the option of the ferry to Portland, Maine, plus classic coastal views and seafood that many readers will love. Practical tips for driving in Nova Scotia Driving a motorhome in Nova Scotia is all about keeping things steady and unhurried. Aim for about 50–60 miles a day so you have time for viewpoints, photos and little detours. Plan fuel and supermarket stops before you leave each base, as services can be widely spaced outside towns. Coastal and highland roads can be narrow, winding and exposed, so take extra care in strong winds and reduce speed. On rural stretches, watch for wildlife at the verges, cyclists and slower local traffic. A smooth, patient driving style makes it easier to react safely and pull in at scenic stops. Overall, a relaxed pace makes motorhome travel in Nova Scotia safer, less stressful and far more enjoyable. NOVA SCOTIA (NEW SCOTLAND) - HOLIDAY in 2010 A Travel Blog Experience DIARY During 2010 we have now been from one side of Canada to the other in a motorhome, British Columbia to Labrador, we loved it, it is a fabulous country and quite an achievement with memories we shall treasure forever. For Nova Scotia the following were some of the highlights, the wonderful bay of fundy, or Baie de Fundy, look at that I am observing the Canadian desire to be multi lingual although in all honesty we were surprised that despite Quebecs desire for this to happen and maybe some elements in New Brunswick the road signs were bi-lingual in all Provinces bar Quebec, no logically how does that conform, yours puzzled bt it does seem to be a bit of a cultural battle that we noticed across Canada…. To summarise the thing about the Bay of Fundy is it is a bay between the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia with a small portion touching the US State of Maine. It has an extremely high tidal range which is the highest in the world. The name is likely a corruption of the French word fendu, meaning 'split'. See our images for more detail of this fabulous Bay. We went back via Nova Scotia to Prince Edward Island to see our dear pals David and Cathy again for a few days, there are many heritage buildings in Nova Scotia especially at Annapolis Royal which was just lovely with its old weather-boarded classy Hotels & Lunenburg which is UNESCO world heritage and we can easily see why, we attended around the time of the highland games at Antigonish preserving their distinctly Scottish roots, watching both Highland dancing and lots of Bag Pipe music, sadly watching someone's caravan awning bend in high winds at the Antigonish campsite, we also visited wolfville, crossing the fab confederation bridge near mayfield (NB) , Cape Breton National Park , the world famous Peggy’s cove @ st margarets bay, Halifax Nova Scotia’s capital and KEITHs beer of course I got the t-shirt, why wouldn’t I ? caught the ferry from sydney to newfoundland, after having fast food at KFC and foolishly drinking far too much fizzy pop in fast food joint (free refill - never again!) had awful gut ache all the way across on the ferry, myt fault and self-induced, still you learn by your mistakes and that was a big one, tee hee there really is no such thing as a free lunch, cap le Moine, cheticamp, Cape Breton island, the truly magnificent views of the cabot trail, do take a look at some of our many pictures, camping at Pugwash, digby, bridgewater, peat bog walks, north river, lakie's head, Pictou, Glenora distillery the only single malt in Canada which I did buy a bottle of and very nice it was too, clearly had to have a taster first but only a very small one as was driving, basically it touched my lips and I got that distinctive peaty taste. Nice. Remember well Ingonish beach and freshwater lake in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, maybe Jump from ocean saltwater at Ingonish Beach to Freshwater Lake with just a few steps! This welcoming day use area is packed with family-friendly activities. After a refreshing swim, enjoy the playground, tennis courts, soccer field and picnic area. Connect with nature on Freshwater Lake trail, popular with cyclists in the summer and perfect for snowshoeing in the winter. Also loved broad cove campground, joe’s scarecrow visited by billy connolly and us (sadly close 2011), oxford, Amherst, truro, highland national park, Louisbourg and the fortress, wolfe and the french, halifax’s murray-mackay bridge, pier 21, prospect, Shelburne, port maitland beach, crescent beach, lobster stalls at Yarmouth which were either old tram or railway carriages, Yarmouth is famous for both fishing and tourism plus we noted you can catch a ferry here to Portland, Maine no not the one in Oregon, plus lockeport and many more truly fabulous places, we really HEART Nova Scotia and its distinctively Scottish feel and scenery. Louisbourg Here is a little bit about the heritage and history of Louisbourg we visited, the French military founded the fortress of Louisbourg in 1713 and its fortified seaport on the southwest part of the harbour, naming it in honour of Louis XIV , the Sun King, a legend in his own lunchbox, ha-ha. The harbour had been used by European mariners since at least the 1590s, when it was known as English Port and Havre à l'Anglois. The French settlement that dated from 1713. The settlement was burned the first day the British landed during the siege of Louisbourg in 1745. The French were terrorized and abandoned the Grand Battery, which the British occupied the following day. It was returned to France in 1748 but recaptured by the British in 1758. After the capture in 1758, its fortifications were demolished in 1760 and the town-site abandoned by British forces in 1768. A small civilian population continued to live there after the military left. English settlers subsequently built a small fishing village across the harbour from the abandoned site of the fortress. The village grew slowly with additional loyalist settlers in the 1780s. The harbour grew more accessible with the construction of the second lighthouse in 1842 on the site of the original French lighthouse which was destroyed in 1758. A railway first reached Louisbourg in 1877, but it was poorly built and abandoned after a forest fire. However, the arrival of Sydney & Louisbourg railway in 1894 brought heavy volumes of winter coal exports to Louisbourg Harbour's ice-free waters as a winter coal port. The harbour was used by the Canadian government ship Montmagny in 1912 to land bodies from the sinking of the Titanic. In 1913 Marconi established a transatlantic radio transmitting station here. History wise that’s all folks, hope it was of use. Nova Scotia, Canada, Travel Guide for Motorhomers best view on cape breton island, ok maybe not bog plant 1/148 2010 11 Days in Nova Scotia, Canada between 8th & the 24th July INCLUDES 294 PHOTOS We visited amongst others the wonderful Bay of Fundy, Baie de Fundy, back via Nova Scotia to Prince Edward Island to see our dear pals David and Cathy again for a few days, many heritage buildings especially at Annapolis royal & Lunenburg which is UNESCO, highland games at Antigonish, sadly watching someone's caravan awning bend in high winds at the Antigonish campsite, wolfville, crossing the fab confederation bridge near Mayfield (NB) , Cape Breton National Park , the world famous Peggy's cove @ st Margaret's bay, Halifax and KEITHs beer (got the t-shirt) ferry from Sydney to newfoundland, far too much fizzy pop in fast food joint (free refill - never again!), cap le moine, cheticamp, cape Breton island, Cabot trail, camping at Pugwash, digby, bridgewater, peat bog walks, north river, lakie's head, Pictou, lighthouses, glenora distillery the only single malt in canada, Ingonish beach, freshwater lake , broad cove campground, joe’s scarecrow visited by Billy Connolly and us (sadly close 2011), oxford, amherst, truro, highland national park, Louisbourg and the fortress, wolfe and the french, Halifax the capital and its murray-mackay bridge, pier 21, prospect, shelburne, port maitland beach, crescent beach, lobster stalls at Yarmouth which were either old tram or railway carriages, lockeport and more . We have been from one side of Canada to the other

TBA for australia by KHWD it needs doing after the page has been created AUSTRALIA - Aussie Adventures 4th February - 9th April 2017 INTRODUCTION & DIARY Arrived in Perth, WA from Singapore. We saw the town before picking up the motorhomes and seeing Monkey Mia, Carnarvon, Rottnest Island & the adorable quokkas, Margaret River, Cape Leeuwin, Albany, Northam, Wave Rock, the wheat belt and a whole lot more before picking up the wonderful Indian Pacific railway to Adelaide, flight to and from Alice springs before picking up a 2nd set of motorhomes to see the Barossa Valley and more. We crossed over into Victoria from South Australia at Portland where we saw a Koala crossing the main road right in front of us. We headed around the coast taking in the fab Great Ocean Road, London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, The 12 Apostles to name but a few sights before crossing into New South Wales just above Mallacoota. We saw a lot of wildlife in Victoria especially at Kennet River where once again the Koalas obliged. Once in NSW we headed up for family time in Sydney, oh and Tassie for K&A. In Sydney thanks to Allyson we saw the wonderful spectacle that was Carmen in the harbour. Feb 17 Diary Mar 17 Diary April 17 Diary "From Carnarvon in Northern WA, On the Indian Pacific Railway, Thru the Red Centre and then around the Coast Adelaide to Sydney, Plus Popping over to Tassie & Rellies" Our 39th Wedding Anniversary at the Shag Inn, Perth #haha Desert Park, Foothills of the Gap, Alice Springs, Northern Territory BBQ at our place in Beacon Hill, Sydney, NSW - April Fools Day (who knew?) haha Roadhouse Blues, Western Australia, halfway between Geraldton and Carnarvon 2017 Australia with Pals Click to enlarge and scroll thru slideshows gallery images created by KeefH Web Designs for this Travel Photography site with care and love 1/9 gallery images created by KeefH Web Designs for this Travel Photography site with care and love 1/5 £10 Poms return to Connor's landing, Freo, Western Australia Australian Ad Campaigns - so much better than ours 2008 2017 Australia has never been shy about shaking drivers awake, and two of its most memorable campaigns hit harder than a rogue kangaroo on the bonnet. In 2008, the anti‑speeding ad “No one thinks big of you” used a tiny finger‑wiggle gesture to mock macho drivers, turning bravado into national embarrassment overnight. Then in 2017 came “Hey, you tosser!”, a gloriously blunt litter‑shaming campaign that called out roadside rubbish‑dumpers with the subtlety of a megaphone. Both ads worked because they were bold, funny, and brutally direct — classic Aussie public‑safety messaging that sticks in your head long after the drive is over. WESTERN AUSTRALIA 4th - 27th February 2017 INTRODUCTION & DIARY Includes Perth (3 days), Freemantle (Freo), Ledge point, Pinnacle National Park, Cervantes, Thirsty Point, Jurien Bay, Indian Ocean drive, Greenhough hanging tree, Geraldton, Northampton, Nerren Nerren, Billabong & Overlander roadhouses, World heritage drive, Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Shell beach, Denham, Carnavon, Nanga, Hamelin Pool (where the desert meet the sea), Space Museum, Gascoyne River, Port Denison, Badgingarra, Moora, Brand Highway, Avon River, Northam, Crossing the flooded road nr Hyden, Wave Rock, Kalgarin farm stay, Wheatbelt, Snake, Blue tounged skinks, Tin Horse highway, Kulin, Dumbleyung, Bluebird, Mens Sheds, Railway, Farming, Boot fences, Kojonup - possibly the best campsite in the world NOT!, Rosellas, Mount Barker, Porongurup, Albany Highway, Castle Rock at the Porongurup National Park, Brig Amity, Princess Royal harbour, Middleton beach , Scenic drive Wilsons bay, Denmark, Greens pool, Elephant Rocks, Parry beach (for lunch) and the hippy in the van, valley of the Giants red tingle trees and tree top walk, Quokka on the path, Northcliffe eco park and roos plus roos jumping across road at dusk,Pemberton, Augusta, Cape Leeuwin and lighthouse, Leeuwin-Naturaliste national park,Margaret river, cape Mentelle winery, Lenton Brae winery plus tour and ladies picture of a family house in Lenton, Nottingham, we will try and find it, cheeky monkey brewery, Cowaramup, Busselton and the pier / jetty, Bunbury and Koombana bay , plus non dolphin watching, although in fairness Chris & Allyson did see one on their walk. Mangrove board walk, sub tropical flowers, Lechenault inlet and estuary, swimming in the site pool, sunbathing, chilling, intersting sub tropical birds, Avalon beach, Mandurah, Rockingham, Penguin island, seals, little blue penguins, board walks, conservation areas, Freemantle or Freo, Ferries, Van bumps, Rottnest island, Quokkas again, cycle rides, swims, guided tours, walks in the sun, history, lunch, cafes, ice creams, friends, fun, rocks, boats , blowholes, blue seas and skies and ice creams , royal perth hotel, lucky shag bar and aqua bar for our 39th wedding anniversary in perth Feb 17 Diary SEE THE FULL WESTERN OZ EXPERIENCE, 1hr 19mins Gold Class Ale across the Nullarbor One small step, about to enter Apollo 11 "From Perth to NASA at Carnavon" Album cover, Busselton pier Make like Quokkas, Rottnest Island And now videos of our images that accompanied the Diary, you may want to read that as well! 2017 Western Australia with Pals Click to enlarge and scroll thru slideshows gallery images created by KeefH Web Designs for this Travel Photography site with care and love 1/32 🌞 The Great WA Ramble: A Humorous Chronicle of Two Travellers, One Van, and Several Quokkas We began in Perth, easing into the adventure with three days of sunshine, city strolling, and the smug feeling that comes from knowing you’ve remembered your sunhat. A quick hop to Fremantle (Freo) gave us coffee, markets, and the first of many moments where the van made a noise we pretended not to hear. Then it was north — Ledge Point, Pinnacles National Park, and Cervantes, where we admired the limestone spires and tried not to think about how many snakes might be admiring us. At Thirsty Point we were, indeed, thirsty. At Jurien Bay, the Indian Ocean sparkled like it had been Photoshopped. We cruised the Indian Ocean Drive, stopping for the Greenhough Hanging Tree (a tree that looks like it’s had a very long day), then on to Geraldton, Northampton, and the legendary roadhouses of Nerren Nerren, Billabong, and Overlander — each one a reminder that civilisation is optional in WA. The World Heritage Drive took us to Shark Bay, Monkey Mia, and Denham, where dolphins turned up for everyone except us. Shell Beach dazzled, Hamelin Pool impressed (“where the desert meets the sea”), and Nanga and Carnarvon kept us fed, watered, and slightly sunburnt. We even squeezed in the Space Museum, because nothing says holiday like contemplating your insignificance in the universe. Southbound again: Gascoyne River, Port Denison, Badgingarra, Moora, and the Brand Highway, which delivered us to Northam and the Avon River. Then came the flooded road near Hyden, where we bravely crossed like pioneers… except pioneers didn’t have rental insurance. Wave Rock waved, Kalgarin Farm Stay hosted us (along with a snake and several blue‑tongued skinks), and the Wheatbelt rolled on forever. The Tin Horse Highway at Kulin gave us comedy sculptures, and Dumbleyung gave us Bluebird history and a reminder that Australians will race anything. We admired Men’s Sheds, railways, boot fences, and then reached Kojonup — “possibly the best campsite in the world… NOT!” The rosellas were lovely though. Onward to Mount Barker, Porongurup, and the mighty Castle Rock in the national park. Albany brought the Brig Amity, Princess Royal Harbour, Middleton Beach, and a scenic drive to Wilsons Bay that made us consider buying a drone and pretending we were travel influencers. Denmark, Greens Pool, Elephant Rocks, and Parry Beach delivered postcard views and a hippy in a van who looked like he’d been there since 1974. The Valley of the Giants gave us towering red tingle trees and a treetop walk that tested our bravery and our knees. A quokka even appeared on the path, clearly moonlighting away from Rottnest. At Northcliffe Eco Park, the roos greeted us politely, then later jumped across the road at dusk like they were auditioning for a wildlife remake of Fast & Furious. Pemberton, Augusta, Cape Leeuwin, and the lighthouse kept the coastal drama going, while Leeuwin‑Naturaliste National Park and Margaret River added wineries to the mix — Cape Mentelle, Lenton Brae, and a photo of a house in Lenton that we now apparently need to track down in Nottingham. Cheeky Monkey Brewery lived up to its name, Cowaramup gave us cows (of course), and Busselton gave us the famous jetty. Bunbury and Koombana Bay offered dolphin‑watching… except the dolphins didn’t get the memo. Chris and Allyson saw one though, so we’re counting it. We wandered the mangrove boardwalk, admired sub‑tropical flowers, and enjoyed the Leschenault Inlet. There was swimming, sunbathing, chilling, and bird‑spotting — all very civilised. Then came Avalon Beach, Mandurah, Rockingham, and Penguin Island, where we met seals, little blue penguins, and enough boardwalks to close our daily step rings twice over. Back to Freo for ferries and van bumps, then across to Rottnest Island for more quokkas, cycle rides, swims, guided tours, sunshine, history, lunches, cafés, ice creams, rocks, boats, blowholes, blue seas, blue skies, and — did we mention? — ice creams. Finally, we wrapped it all up in Perth with drinks at the Royal Perth Hotel, the Lucky Shag Bar, and Aqua Bar, celebrating our 39th wedding anniversary with style, views, and the knowledge that we’d just completed a trip worthy of a book, a documentary, and possibly a sitcom. Then it was up early in Perth to get a taxi out to the Indian Pacific Railway station for our wonderful train journey across the Nullarbor to Adelaide between the 26th and the 28th February, magical travels! SOUTH AUSTRALIA 28th February Plus 3rd - 9th March 2017 INTRODUCTION & DIARY Arrived by Indian Pacific Railway to the Adelaide Parklands station, we to BIG4 campsite, C&A started their cricket ground tour. Pool, beach, swimming, relaxing, reading. Adelaide airport, lockers,off to NT for a few days in Alice springs. Glenelg,Oyster bar, sunset walk, Tram, Fringe, Marina pier, Collect the vans, Tanunda, Barossa Valley, Wolf Blass, Stockwell, Angaston, Rowland Flats, Jacobs Creek, Hahndorf, Pioneers Park, Rubble,Everything Germanic, McLaren Vale, Tintara estate, Hardys, Strathalbyn, Langhorne Creek, Milang, White cockatoos or Corellas, South Australian Light railway museum, Wellington chain ferry, Charles Sturt, Lake Albert, Salt marshes, Meningie, Chinese cigars, Birdman of the Coorong, Kingston SE, Rosetown, Larry the lobster, Cape Jaffa historic lighthosue, Norfolk pines, Robe, 9 mile beach, circular town walk, Customs House, Matt Flinders,Chinese memorial, Flag hill, Harbour, Marina, Ray, Arthur Fennell Way, Pier, The Obelisk, Millicent for lunch, Mount Gambier, Blue Lake, Crater Lakes - leg of mutton (empty), valley (green algae), Hentys Monument, Wildlife park, Centenary Tower,Limestone sculpture, Pukeko or Australian swamphen,Town centre, Cave gardens, Sink Hole, Northumberland point, Port MacDonnell, Border crossing into Victoria Feb 17 Diary Mar 17 Diary SEE THE FULL SOUTH AUSTRALIA EXPERIENCE, 18 mins Outside Jacob's Creek Winery, SA Cheers, Oyster Bar, Glenelg "South Australia fun times, Glenelg Oyster bar, Hats in Hahndorf & walking Robe(s)" It's gum nuts, you numb nuts haha The Langthornes at Langhorne Creek Cool hats in Hahndorf, larking about Larry the Lobster, Kingston SE, Naff Icons 2017 South Australia with Pals Click to enlarge and scroll thru slideshows gallery images created by KeefH Web Designs for this Travel Photography site with care and love 1/17 And now videos of our images that accompanied the Diary, you may want to read that as well! 🍷🦞 The Great South Australia Wander: A Humorous Chronicle of Lakes, Lobsters & Light Railways We rolled into Adelaide Parklands Station courtesy of the mighty Indian Pacific Railway, feeling very trans‑continental and only slightly crumpled. Straight to the BIG4 campsite, where C&A immediately launched into their personal mission: visiting every cricket ground known to humankind. We, meanwhile, heroically tested the pool, the beach, and the art of doing absolutely nothing except reading. A quick detour to Adelaide Airport to stash bags in lockers, then off we flew to the Northern Territory for a few days in Alice Springs — because why not add another climate zone to the itinerary. Back in SA, Glenelg welcomed us with the Oyster Bar, a sunset walk, the tram, the Fringe, and the Marina Pier — basically everything except a marching band. Then came the big moment: collecting the vans, our trusty chariots for the next leg. Into wine country we went: Tanunda, Barossa Valley, Wolf Blass, Stockwell, Angaston, Rowland Flat, Jacobs Creek — a tour so full of vineyards we’re amazed we didn’t start photosynthesising. Then Hahndorf, where everything is Germanic, including the souvenirs, the sausages, and possibly the pigeons. Pioneers Park offered rubble, history, and the sense that early settlers were made of sterner stuff than us. Southward to McLaren Vale, Tintara Estate, Hardys, and then Strathalbyn, Langhorne Creek, and Milang, where flocks of white cockatoos/Corellas screamed overhead like feathery car alarms. The South Australian Light Railway Museum delighted the inner trainspotter, and the Wellington chain ferry carried us across the Murray with all the drama of a slow‑motion action scene. We passed Charles Sturt country, Lake Albert, salt marshes, and Meningie, where we discovered Chinese cigars (don’t ask) and the legendary Birdman of the Coorong, who may or may not be a myth, depending on how much wine you’ve had. At Kingston SE, we met Larry the Lobster, a giant crustacean who looks like he escaped from a 1970s tourism fever dream. Rosetown, Cape Jaffa lighthouse, and rows of Norfolk pines led us to Robe, where we tackled the 9‑mile beach, the circular town walk, the Customs House, the Matt Flinders connections, the Chinese memorial, Flag Hill, the harbour, the marina, Ray, Arthur Fennell Way, the pier, and the Obelisk — all before lunch. After a refuel in Millicent, we reached Mount Gambier, home of the Blue Lake, the crater lakes (one empty, one green, one dramatic), Henty’s Monument, the wildlife park, Centenary Tower, limestone sculptures, and a pukeko/Australian swamphen who strutted around like it owned the place. We explored the town centre, the Cave Gardens, the Sinkhole, and Northumberland Point, before cruising to Port MacDonnell for a final blast of sea air. And then — with a flourish, a cheer, and probably a van rattle — we crossed the border into Victoria, leaving South Australia behind with full hearts, full cameras, and a strong suspicion we’d eaten our bodyweight in oysters, wine, and bakery goods. NORTHERN TERRITORY 1st - 3rd March 2017 INTRODUCTION & DIARY Flying from Adelaide to Alice Springs over the Simpson desert and the red centre outback, MacDonnell ranges, salt lakes, dirt tracks, Elkira motel, pool, heat, humidity, flies, cockroaches (poor Allyson),Court house, The residency, Queen & Prince Phillip, Heritage area, RFDS-Royal Flying Doctor Service, Aboriginal Art, Anzac park, Anzac Hill lookout, Red Ochre Grill, Todd River & boat race, Alice springs desert park, Bush Bird display, Nocturnal red centre animals, Dingoes, Many Birds, the town of Ghan, MacDonell Ranges, Great talk from Margaret on bush tucker and medicines, Cinema experience, Roo at the Red Ochre and Pizza , Shuttle to and from airport, Airport displays, Desert scenes and clouds, close up on Adelaide and the shores.... and back in South Australia March 17 Diary See the full Northern Territory experience, approx.. 8 mins Near the Royal Flying Doctor Service "Flew into Alice for a few days, Desert Park and all, Red Ochre Grill but no Didge Show" Flying over the Simpson desert, Adelaide to Alice Springs, NT My all time favourite Aboriginal art by Helen McCarthy Tyalmuty 2017 Northern Territory, Australia with Pals Click to enlarge and scroll thru slideshows 1/10 Desert Park views, just outside Alice A Humorous Summary of Our Alice Springs Adventure Flying from Adelaide to Alice Springs felt like we were being dropped onto Mars — if Mars had salt lakes, dirt tracks and a motel pool we could dive into fully clothed. The Simpson Desert and MacDonnell Ranges stretched out below us like someone had tipped a giant bucket of red paint across the outback. We checked into the Elkira Motel, where the heat, humidity and overly friendly flies greeted us like long‑lost cousins. Cockroaches also made an appearance — much to poor Allyson’s horror — proving even insects enjoy a good getaway. Alice Springs rolled out its full cultural carpet: the courthouse, The Residency (complete with Queen & Prince Philip history), the heritage area, and the RFDS where we learned how heroes fly doctors across half a continent. Aboriginal art, Anzac Park, and the Anzac Hill lookout added proper gravitas… before the Todd River boat race reminded us that Aussies will race anything, even a dry riverbed. The Desert Park introduced us to nocturnal critters, dingoes, and birds that looked like they’d been designed by committee. Margaret’s bush‑tucker talk taught us which plants heal us and which ones probably don’t. Evenings meant cinema trips, Roo at the Red Ochre Grill, and pizza — because nothing says “authentic outback experience” like a good slice. The airport shuttle whisked us past desert scenes and clouds, before the plane carried us over the coastline and back into South Australia. A trip full of heat, history, wildlife, and just enough insects to keep us alert. VICTORIA 9th - 19th March 2017 INTRODUCTION & DIARY Entered Victoria from South Australia just after Mount Gambier near Portland, Koalas, Non Fish & Chips, Speeding fines, Frightened waitress, "Kind" man who disconnected my electrics, Cape Breakwater, Discovery bay, Petrified forest, Coastal Walkway, Wind farm, Port Fairy, Poor pies, 41st Folk Festival, busy busy, Flagstaff hill, Warrnambool, Logans beach, no whales but surfers, The Great Ocean Road including Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, Loch Ard Gorge, The Arch, The Grotto, London Bridge, 12 Apostles, Apollo Bay, Scenery and then some, bank holiday weekend, Princeton DOC, Giltbrook river, failed campsites then the 5* motorway service station outside Geelong, Echidnas, 3 Koalas at Kennett River, Snakes, Rock wallaby, Mt Macedon, The hump, Hanging rock, Reserve, Summit, Picnic at Hanging rock, Historic Woodend, Coburg, Melbourne, Federation square, Heritage Trams, MCG, Rod Laver arena, Olympic park, Shane Warne sadly passed aged 52 in 2022, there is an image of us posed by his statue at the MCG, the Don , Dennis Lillee, Greek Quarter, Chinatown, James Squire brewery , Busy drive out of Melbourne, Mornington peninsular, St Kilda, Brighton, Luna Park, Elwood (keefs old home in pine avenue), Beach and pier at Mordialloc, Chris for a swim, Lunch at Mornington, Shopping in Frankton, Drive to Traralgon BIG4 on Princes Highway, Historic Port of Sale, White cockatoos, Lakes Entrance lookout, Lakes entrance connecting Gippsland lakes to the Bass Straits, 90 mile beach, Wood carvings, Fishing trawlers, Wood carvings, nice walks, Orbost, Snowy River, Marlo, Sammy the seal, Where the snowy river meets the bass straits, Banjo Paterson, Quirky Hats, Dredging, Sailors grave beach, cape Conran, Steps, Mackenzie river rain forest walk, Gypsy Point, Roos, Boats, Mallacoota, Pelicans, Harbour, Nasty brown snake warning, Koala at campsite, Lucy's for brekkie, Shady Gully walk and nice plants, Tasman sea lookout, boats and more, Double Creek in the Croajingolong National Park fairly near the border with New South Wales. March 17 Diary SEE THE FULL VICTORIA EXPERIENCE, 22 Mins Picnic at Hanging Rock , Macedon plus a hand break turn by a very tall roo, mid run "Victoria, my many homes as a child in suburbs of Melbourne, home of the Great Ocean Road" The best place to find Koalas, Kennett River Iconic, my home area destination station for quite a few years, Lalor to Flinders And now videos of our images that accompanied the Diary, you may want to read that as well! Time for a rest, vans parked up at Portland 2017 Victoria Australia with Pals Click to enlarge and scroll thru slideshows gallery images created by KeefH Web Designs for this Travel Photography site with care and love 1/23 🌊🐨🚐 Our Wild & Wonderful Wander Through Victoria 🇦🇺✨ We rolled into Victoria from South Australia just after Mount Gambier, cruising toward Portland with the confidence of seasoned travellers and the diet of people who thought they were getting fish and chips… only to discover they were getting “Non Fish & Chips,” a culinary mystery best left unsolved. Koalas lounged in trees like they owned the place, while we collected speeding fines like they were souvenirs. A frightened waitress fled from us (we swear we were polite), and a “kind” man helpfully disconnected our electrics — because nothing says welcome to Victoria like accidental sabotage. Cape Breakwater and Discovery Bay gave us windswept drama, the Petrified Forest looked like a set from a sci‑fi film, and the coastal walkway tried to blow us into the ocean. The wind farm waved at us with every rotation. Port Fairy offered charm but terrible pies, and the 41st Folk Festival was so busy it felt like half of Australia had turned up with a banjo. Warrnambool’s Flagstaff Hill was brilliant, Logan’s Beach promised whales but delivered surfers, and then came the big one: The Great Ocean Road. The Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, Loch Ard Gorge, The Arch, The Grotto, London Bridge, the Twelve Apostles — scenery so spectacular it made us forget the bank holiday crowds and the fact we were basically living out of the car. Princetown DOC, the Giltbrook River, and a series of failed campsites eventually led us to the unexpected luxury of a 5‑star motorway service station outside Geelong. Honestly, it felt like the Ritz. Wildlife kept us entertained: echidnas shuffling around like spiky vacuum cleaners, three koalas at Kennett River doing their best “don’t care” faces, snakes slithering about, and a rock wallaby posing like it wanted a modelling contract. We climbed Mt Macedon, tackled The Hump, wandered Hanging Rock, and debated whether we’d vanish mysteriously like in the film. Woodend charmed us, Coburg bustled, and then Melbourne swept us up in its energy: Federation Square, heritage trams, the MCG, Rod Laver Arena, Olympic Park. We posed by Shane Warne’s statue — bittersweet knowing he passed in 2022 at just 52. The Don and Dennis Lillee watched over the cricketing faithful, while the Greek Quarter, Chinatown and James Squire Brewery kept us well fed and watered. Escaping Melbourne’s traffic required nerves of steel, but the Mornington Peninsula rewarded us: St Kilda, Brighton, Luna Park, Elwood (Keef’s old stomping ground in Pine Avenue), and Mordialloc where Chris bravely went for a swim. Lunch in Mornington, shopping in Frankston, and then off to Traralgon BIG4 on the Princes Highway. We explored the historic Port of Sale, admired white cockatoos, and took in the Lakes Entrance lookout where the Gippsland Lakes meet the Bass Strait. Ninety Mile Beach stretched forever, wood carvings popped up everywhere, fishing trawlers bobbed in the water, and the walks were gorgeous. Orbost, the Snowy River, Marlo, and Sammy the Seal greeted us where the river meets the sea — Banjo Paterson would’ve approved. We admired quirky hats, watched dredging, wandered Sailors Grave Beach and Cape Conran, and tackled rainforest steps on the Mackenzie River walk. Gypsy Point brought roos and boats, Mallacoota gave us pelicans and a peaceful harbour, and a nasty brown snake warning kept us alert. A koala at the campsite supervised us like a furry park ranger. Breakfast at Lucy’s was perfect, the Shady Gully walk was lush, and the Tasman Sea lookout reminded us how far from home we really were. We finished at Double Creek in Croajingolong National Park, not far from the New South Wales border — tired, dusty, happy, and full of stories. Victoria had given us scenery, wildlife, mishaps, pies of questionable quality, and memories we’ll laugh about forever. NEW SOUTH WALES 19th March - 4th April, then 8th-9th April 2017 INTRODUCTION & DIARY A Potted History Entering New South Wales (NSW) from Mallacoota (Victoria), Eden, harbour & whale museum, Old Tom, Ben Boyd , Whale lookout, Twofold bay, Pambula beach, fishing, roos, birds, Rosellas, Brewery (closed), Farm stores, Horse food, Merimbula, Tura beach, Tathra wharf and beach, Catching flatheads, plaice and salmon (well almost), Bermagui, Dalmeny, Central Tilba Historic Village (went there in 2007-8 but had forgotten its name), Borrell, Meeting up with Steve & Laura, Forsters Bay, Wagonga inlet, Narooma, Wagonga princess, Sexist jokes (not good!),Eurobodalla NP, Mill Bay boardwalk, Rays, Rain (lots), Overpriced fish & chips by campsite, Mogo, Batemans Bay, Kings Highway (B52), Great Dividing Range - no pics too scary driving,Braidswood, Bungedore,Bywong,Goulburn, Marulan, Mittagong, Rural NSW, Balmoral, Buxton, Thirlmere, NSW Railway museum, Cockatoos, Horses, Silverdale, Warragamba dam, visitors centre, Haviland Park, Narabeen Lakes, Class driving campaigns, Handing van back at Britz in a new area of Mascot by airport , Public transport (bus/train/bus) back to Beacon hill apartment, Chilling, Views, Pool, BBQ, Movies, Food, Wine, Beer, Friends, Family, Bus to Manly, Manly Ferry, Harbour & Manly views, Voyager of the Seas cruise liner (D&P&C were on it 2 months later), Botanic gardens, Picnic, Mrs Macquaries chair, Sunsets, Opera, Carmen, Voyager of the Seas, last ferry back, Possum in the park in the dark, Sunny pool days around the Bali hut, No 169 bus route & timetable i.e the Manly bus from our pad in Beacon Hill, if you are NERDY enough click HERE to see that full bus timetable, anorak's at the ready, Opal cards, Seeing LION at Warringah Mall on a rainy day , C&As time in Sydney with Laura & Steve visiting Blue Mountains & Parkes observatory , Jervis bay, Snakes, Walking, Rain, Hannah and Connor visited and we had a play in the pool, Balgowlah, Lamb dinner (yummy), Lovely seeing David & Hannah again, heavy rain for a day, bright sunshine, day out in sydney centre, manly ferry, circular quay, barangaroo wharf, cockle bay wharf, darling harbour, harbourside, Hard Rock Cafe, Circular ferry trip, Pyrmont bridge, History, Milsoms point, MacMahons point, Balmain East, Luna Park, Emerald Princess, Maritime museum, Endeavour, Sunsets, Rained all day so watched goldstone (poor), noctural animals (good) and oz gogglebox, Train trip to Broadmeadow, Newcastle to visit Annies cousin Susan, Gosford, Wygong, Hawkesbury river, back from Tassie, Ibis budget airport, Doughnuts (never again), fire alarm, Flight to NZ March 17 Diary April 17 Diary SEE THE FULL NEW SOUTH WALES EXPERIENCE, 47 mins Beers at Manly just by the Ferry terminal "NSW from Eden to Newcastle cousins, Beacon Hill stay in Sydney, and meeting up again for NZ" Opera Sydney, harbours edge sadly had to leave before the encore to get the last ferry back to Manly The Opera House from our Ferry to Watson's Bay Beacon Hill, pool and BBQ fale, our Air B&B Historic Central Tilba store, National Trust colonial village Our boat trip on the Wagonga inlet, Narooma 2017 New South Wales Australia with Pals Click to enlarge and scroll thru slideshows gallery images created by KeefH Web Designs for this Travel Photography site with care and love 1/30 And now videos of our images that accompanied the Diary, you may want to read that as well! 🌊🦘🚐 Our Big, Bold, Bonkers New South Wales Adventure 🇦🇺✨ We crossed from Victoria into New South Wales via Mallacoota, rolling into Eden where the harbour shimmered, the whale museum beckoned, and Old Tom the killer whale stole the show. Ben Boyd’s history loomed large, the whale lookout scanned Twofold Bay, and Pambula Beach gave us fishing, roos, birds and Rosellas — basically a wildlife documentary with sand. The brewery was closed (rude), the farm stores were open, and we somehow ended up buying horse food. Merimbula, Tura Beach and Tathra Wharf kept the coastline gorgeous, while our attempts at catching flathead, plaice and salmon were… optimistic. Bermagui and Dalmeny drifted by, and Central Tilba — which we’d visited in 2007–08 but completely forgotten — charmed us all over again. We met up with Steve & Laura around Forsters Bay and the Wagonga Inlet, cruised on the Wagonga Princess, and endured some sexist jokes that really should’ve stayed in 1973. Eurobodalla National Park, the Mill Bay boardwalk, rays gliding underfoot, and rain — lots of it — filled the days. Overpriced fish and chips by the campsite filled the stomachs (barely). Mogo, Batemans Bay, and then the Kings Highway (B52) hurled us over the Great Dividing Range — no photos because the driving was too terrifying. Braidwood, Bungendore, Bywong, Goulburn, Marulan, Mittagong… rural NSW rolled past in a blur of paddocks, cockatoos, horses and towns with names that sound like they were invented during a pub quiz. We wandered Balmoral, Buxton and Thirlmere, where the NSW Railway Museum delighted the inner train nerd. Silverdale and Warragamba Dam gave us engineering, a visitors centre, and Haviland Park. Then it was up to Narrabeen Lakes for some “class driving campaigns” (your words, Keef), before handing the van back to Britz in a new Mascot depot that felt like a maze. Public transport whisked us back to Beacon Hill — bus, train, bus — and then came the good life: views, pool, BBQs, movies, food, wine, beer, friends, family. The Manly bus (Route 169) became our chariot, the Manly Ferry our cruise ship, and Sydney Harbour our daily screensaver. We spotted the Voyager of the Seas (D&P&C would be on it two months later), picnicked in the Botanic Gardens, sat at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, and watched sunsets that deserved applause. Opera night brought Carmen, the last ferry brought a possum in the dark, and sunny pool days around the Bali hut brought pure bliss. Opal cards kept us moving, and a rainy day took us to see Lion at Warringah Mall. &A had their own Sydney chapter with Laura & Steve — Blue Mountains, Parkes Observatory, the works. We squeezed in Jervis Bay, snakes, walks, rain, and a pool play‑session when Hannah and Connor visited. Balgowlah hosted a lamb dinner (yummy), and it was lovely seeing David & Hannah again. Sydney gave us one last weather mood swing — heavy rain then blazing sunshine — before another day out in the city: Manly Ferry, Circular Quay, Barangaroo Wharf, Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour, Harbourside, Hard Rock Café, a circular ferry trip, Pyrmont Bridge, Milsons Point, McMahons Point, Balmain East, Luna Park, the Emerald Princess, the Maritime Museum and the Endeavour. Sunsets wrapped it all up like a postcard. A rainy day meant movies: Goldstone (poor), Nocturnal Animals (good), and Gogglebox Australia (chaotic brilliance). Then came the train trip to Broadmeadow and Newcastle to visit Annie’s cousin Susan — Gosford, Wyong, the Hawkesbury River — and finally back from Tassie to the Ibis Budget Airport, where doughnuts betrayed us and a fire alarm kept things lively. And then… the flight to New Zealand.New South Wales had given us beaches, rainforests, ferries, friends, fish (sometimes), snakes, sunsets, possums, culture, chaos‑free fun, and enough stories to fill a season of travel TV. 169. Manly – City a Sydney bus via Narraweena & Seaforth Our stop Highlighted - full anarak 209541. Belgrave St near Raglan St, 209542. Pittwater Rd near Steinton St, 209543. Pittwater Rd near Pine St,209544. Pittwater Rd near Collingwood St 209545. Pittwater Rd near Balgowlah Rd,209546. Pittwater Rd near Eurobin Av,210030. Pittwater Rd near Queencliff Rd, 210032. IPittwater Rd near Oliver St 210033. Pittwater Rd near Riverview Pde,210034. Pittwater Rd near Western Av,210035. Pittwater Rd near Wakefield St ,210036. Pittwater Rd near Kentwell Rd 210037. Pittwater Rd near Sterland Av,2100111. Pittwater Rd near Warringah Mall,210015. Pittwater Rd near Roger St 210016. Pittwater Rd near Winbourne Rd 210017. Pittwater Rd near Pine Av,210018. Pittwater Rd near Federal Pde,210019. Pittwater Rd near Warringah Rd,209911. Pittwater Rd near May Rd 209912. Pittwater Rd near Pacific Pde,209913. Pittwater St Davids Av ,209996. Fisher Rd near Lewis St,209997. McIntosh Rd near Vale Av,209998. McIntosh Rd near Victor Rd 209999. McIntosh Rd near Beverley Job Park,2099100. McIntosh Rd near Mundara PI,209917. Alfred St near Oceania St,209918. Alfred St near Warringah Rd, 209992. Warringah Rd near Consul Rd,209993. Warringah Rd near Northcliffe Av,210067. Warringah Rd opp McKillop Rd,210068. Warringah Rd near Beacon Hill Rd (see 24-30 March) 210069. Warringah Rd near Willandra Rd,2100141. Warringah Rd near Earl St,210070. Warringah Rd near O'Connors Rd,210071. Warringah Rd near Goverment Rd, 210072. Warringah Rd near Jones St,208642. French Forest Rd near Patanga Rd,208643. Frenchs Forest Rd near Hurdis Av (Annie's old residence), 208644. Frenchs Forest Rd near Skyline PI,208637. Wakehurst Pwy near Frenchs Forest Rd,208674. Warrringah Rd near Bantry Bay Rd 208638. Wakehurst Pwy near Warringah Rd 208655. Wakehurst Pwy,208712. Wakehurst Pwy near Manly Dam Res,208713. Wakehurst Pwy near Kirkwood St,209254. Wakehurst Pwy near Judith St 209246. Wakehurst pwy near Burnt St,209247. Wakehurst Pwy near Armstrong St,209231. Wakehurst Pwy near Lister Av,209232. Wakehurst Pwy near Castle Cct 209233. Clontarf St near Montauban Av,209234. Frenchs Forest Rd near Montauban Av,209235. Frenchs Forest Rd near Baringa Av,209257. Frenchs Forest Rd near Macmillan St 209252. Sydney Rd near Hope St,209335. Manly Rd near Heaton Av,209212. Manly Rd near Avona Cr,208812. Spit Rd near Parriwi Rd,2088186. Spit Rd near Medusa St 2088187. Spit Rd near Parriwi Rd,2088188. Spit Rd near Stanton Rd,2088189. Spit Rd near Awaba St,2088243. Spit Rd at Clifford St,2088190. Spit road near Military Rd 2088192. Military Rd near Wudgong St,2088193. Military Rd near Lang St,2088194. Military Rd near Belmont Rd,209059. Military Rd near Cabramatta Rd 209019. Military Rd near Hampden Av,208944. Military Rd near Rangers Rd,208913. Military Rd near Wycombe Rd,208959. Military Rd at Bydown Lane,208960. Military Rd at Watson St 208912. Military Rd near Watson St,2000133. York St at Lang Park,200035. Wynyard Station, York St - Stand N,208657. Cemtery Front Gate Hakea Av,208671. Forest Way near Warringah Rd 208697. Naree Rd near Rabbett St,208649. Rabbett St near Holland Av,208664. Warrringah Rd near Bantry Bay Rd,200025. Wynyard Station, Carrington St - Stand E,200021. Wynyard Station, Carrington St - Stand A 208947. Military Rd near Watson St,208948. Military Rd near Wycombe Rd,209021. Military Rd near Hampden Av,209058. Military Rd near Cabramatta Rd,2088176. Military Rd near Prince St 2088177. Military Rd near Lang St,2088178. Military Rd near Bond St,2088179, Military Rd near Cowles Rd,2088180. Spit Junction, Spit Rd,2088181. Spit Rd near Awaba St 2088182. Spit Rd near Bickell Rd,2088183. Spit Rd near Quakers Rd, 2088184. Spit Rd near Medusa St,2088185. Spit Rd near Pearl Bay Av,208811. Spit Rd near Parriwi Rd,209213. Battle Bvde near Manly Rd 209214. Battle Bvd near Seaforth Cr,209215. Palmerston PI near Alan Av,209216. Ponsonby Pde near Palmerston PI,209222. Ponsonby Pde near Panorama Pde,209223. Ponsonby Pde near Sydney Rd 209224. Frenchs Forest Rd near Ellery Pde,209225. Frenchs Forest Rd near Macmillan St,209236. Frenchs Forest Rd near Baringa Av 209237. Frenchs Forest near Redman St 209238.Clontarf St near Montauban Av 209239. Wakehurst Pwy near Castle Cct,209240. Wakehurst Pwy near Lister Av, 209241. Wakehurst Pwy near Armstrong St,209242. Wakehurst Pwy near Burnt St 209243. Wakehurst Pwy near Judith St,209253. Wakehurst Pwy near Kirkwood St,208711. Wakehurst Pwy near Manly Dam Res,208630. Wakehurst Pwy,208631, Wakehurst pwy near Warringah Rd 208639. Frenchs Forest Rd near Skyline PI 208640. Frenchs Forest Rd near Romford Rd,208641. Frenchs Forest Rd near Inverness Av,208617. Frenchs Forest Rd near Patanga Rd 2100142. Warringah Rd near Jones St 2100143. Warringah Rd near Ellis Rd 2100144. Warringah Rd near Oxford Falls Rd,2100113. Warringah Rd near Cornish Av,2100114. Warringah Rd near Willandra Rd 2100139. Warringah Rd opp Beacon Hill Rd ,us again on the return journey, 2100140. Warringah Rd near McKillop Rd,2099106. Warringah Rd near Princess Mary St 2099107. Warringah Rd near Waratah Pde,2099108. Warringah Rd near Alfred St,2099119. Alfred St near Warringah Rd,2099120. Alfred St near Amaral St,2099122. Alfred St near McIntosh Rd 2099115. McIntosh Rd near Mundara PI 2099116. McIntosh Rd near Victor Rd 2099117. McIntosh Rd near Vale Av 2099118. Fisher Rd near St David Av,209922. Pittwater Rd near Howard Av 209923. Pittwater Rd near Pacific Pde,210021. Pittwater Rd near Harbord Rd,210022. Pittwater Rd near Carter Rd ,210023. Pittwater Rd near Mitchell Av,210025. Pittwater Rd near Chard Rd 210026. Pittwater Rd near Orchard Rd,2100131. Pittwater Rd near Warringah Mall Stand A,210041.Pittwater Rd near Sterland Av 210042. Pittwater Rd near Corrie Rd 210043. Pittwater Rd near Wakefield St,210044. Pittwater Rd near Western Av,210045. Pittwater near Riverview Pde ,210046. Pittwater Rd near Oliver St 210047.Pittwater Rd near Aitken Av 209547. Pittwater Rd near Eurobin Av,209548. Pittwater Rd near Balgowlah Rd 209549. Pittwater Rd near Collingwood St 209550. Pittwater Rd near Pine St 209551. Pittwater Rd near Carlton St,209552. Pittwater Rd near IRagIan St,209553. Belgrave St near Sydney Rd 209554. West Esplanade Stand B - MANLY 🌅🚍 A Day in the Life: Riding the 169 From Beacon Hill Morning light slid across Pine Avenue, catching the tops of the gum trees and the cockatoos already arguing about absolutely nothing. We stepped out of the old Beacon Hill pad, that familiar mix of sea breeze and eucalyptus drifting up from the valley. The hill sloped away beneath us — steep enough to wake the legs, gentle enough to pretend it wasn’t exercise. Down Pine Avenue, past the houses with their sun‑bleached fences, then left onto Beacon Hill Road. Cars hummed along Warringah Road below, the great concrete artery of the Northern Beaches. That was our target: the 169 stop, the gateway to Manly, Narraweena, Seaforth and the city beyond. We reached the stop just as the bus crested the rise — that classic blue-and-white Sydney livery, the driver giving the tiniest nod as if to say, “Hop on, mate.” Inside, the air‑con blasted like a gift from the heavens. Seats were a mix of schoolkids, office workers, and the occasional surfer who looked like he’d been awake since dawn. The bus rolled down Warringah Road, swung toward Dee Why, and then began the climb into Narraweena — the exact stretch you’ve got open on YouTube right now, maybe if you are viewing the Bus route video, it is an exact replica of the route. The houses leaned into the hill, the ocean glinting in the distance. At the top, the view opened up like a postcard. Through Seaforth we went, the bus weaving past sandstone houses and jacarandas. Then came The Spit Bridge, that iconic pinch point where the harbour suddenly appears — blue, bright, and full of boats that cost more than the bus itself. Neutral Bay brought cafés, commuters and the smell of fresh pastries we never quite had time to buy. And then, as always, the final glide into Wynyard, the city rising around us like a steel canyon. We stepped off into the hum of Sydney — ferries, trams, skyscrapers, the whole lot — knowing that at the end of the day, the 169 would carry us back up the hill, past the ocean, past the gum trees, and home to Beacon Hill (our Air B&B with pool for a week) and gave us and especially Annie many memories from her teenage years. A simple bus ride, but one stitched into memory like a favourite old photo. TASMANIA 4th - 8th April 2017 INTRODUCTION & DIARY Early morning flight from Sydney to Launceston, Car hire, Evandale, Midland Highway, Powranna, Epping Forest, Cleveland, Campbell Town, Convicts, Nice egg and bacon pies, Wood carvings, Sunshine, Elizabeth river, Loggers, Conara, A4 Esk main road, Avoca, Fingal, St Mary's, Volcanic Mount, Purple possum café, Break O'Day municipality, Cornwall, Gray, Chain of Lagoons, Seymour, Douglas River, Tasman Highway, Bicheno, Picnics, Views, Scuba Divers, whales (if only!), Apslawn, Cranbrook, Swansea, John & Diana - so nice to see them again, wonderful hospitality, 9 mile beach, Mayfield, Rocky hill beach, Spiky bridge & beach, Swansea pier and beach, Freycinet national park, visitors centre, Wine glass bay, Cape Tourville lighthouse, the Road rage guide, Gravel roads, Friendly beaches, sunshine, fun, walks, Surfing, pristine empty beaches, Oyster bay, The Hazards, Coles bay, Triabunna, Maria island, Ferry, Tassie devils, Orford, Prosser estuary, Café, Cricket, Raspins Spit & beach & dunes, Petanque, History, East coast heritage museum @ Swansea, Tarleton, Thylacine, Family, Up early, Say goodbye, Back to Launceston Airport, John and Diana had moved to Swansea from Huonville, which is why we came into Launceston airport April 17 Diary SEE THE FULL TASSIE EXPERIENCE, 10 Mins Memorial to the convict road, Campbell Town "Fun days with family in Swansea and beyond " So lovely to see John & Diana again Sunset over Swansea, we love Tassie Drive slowly, usual clever Kiwi road sign 2017 Tasmania, Pals stayed in Sydney & NSW with their family Click to enlarge and scroll thru slideshows gallery images created by KeefH Web Designs for this Travel Photography site with care and love 1/13 ✈️🌞 THE FULL TASSIE EXPERIENCE — IN 10 MINS! With a small injection of Humour! 🛫 Launceston Landing & The Great Pie Pilgrimage Touchdown in Launceston, grab the hire car, and off you zoom through Evandale and along the Midland Highway, ticking off towns like you’re speed‑dating Tasmania: Powranna, Epping Forest, Cleveland, Campbell Town. Campbell Town, of course, offers: Convict history Wood carvings Egg & bacon pies so good they should be heritage‑listed The sun is shining, the Elizabeth River sparkles, and the local loggers look like they’ve stepped straight out of a 1970s forestry calendar. 🚗 Eastward Ho! Through Volcano Country Onwards via Conara and the A4 Esk Highway, through Avoca, Fingal, and St Mary’s, where a volcanic mount looms dramatically and the Purple Possum Café tempts you with wholesome goodness. You officially enter the Break O’Day municipality, passing Cornwall, Gray, and the wonderfully named Chain of Lagoons. Then Seymour, Douglas River, and finally the Tasman Highway leads you to… 🐧 Bicheno — Where Whales Should Be Bicheno delivers: Picnics Views Scuba divers And whales… well, theoretically. (They must have been on their tea break.) 🏡 Swansea — The Reunion Tour Through Apslawn, Cranbrook, and into Swansea, where the real highlight awaits: John & Diana, freshly relocated from Huonville and offering warmth, hospitality, and enough food to feed a small rugby squad. Local attractions include: 9 Mile Beach Mayfield Rocky Hill Beach Spiky Bridge & Spiky Beach Swansea Pier Swansea Beach Basically: beaches, beaches, and more beaches — all pristine, empty, and showing off. ⛰️ Freycinet: Where Postcards Come From A day trip to Freycinet National Park brings: Visitors Centre Wineglass Bay (ridiculously beautiful) Cape Tourville Lighthouse Friendly Beaches The Hazards Coles Bay You also consult the Road Rage Guide, which is presumably a polite Tasmanian pamphlet saying, “Please don’t.” Gravel roads, sunshine, walks, surfing, fun — the full Tassie sampler platter. 🦘 Triabunna, Maria Island & Devilish Encounters Next stop: Triabunna, where the ferry whisks you to Maria Island, home of: Tassie devils History Wildlife And the kind of scenery that makes you consider quitting your job and becoming a ranger Back on the mainland, Orford and the Prosser Estuary offer cafés, cricket, Raspins Spit, dunes, petanque, and more history than you can shake a thylacine at. Speaking of which — the East Coast Heritage Museum in Swansea gives you a good look at the legendary thylacine, plus a reminder that Tasmania does museums just as well as beaches. 🧳 Homeward Bound - Well Back on the trail to Beacon Hill Air B&B and Sydney Up early, bags packed, hugs exchanged. Back to Launceston Airport, because John & Diana’s move to Swansea means this is now the official family gateway. A whirlwind, sun‑drenched, pie‑powered, beach‑blessed FULL TASSIE EXPERIENCE — all in one glorious loop.

Explore KHWD’s Original Travel Cookies—simple, essential browser cookies that keep your holiday archive experience smooth, secure, and personalised. Learn how these small data tools support navigation, preferences, and site performance across decades of travel stories. Clear explanations, no jargon, and full transparency about how cookies enhance your visit while respecting your privacy. Cookies Cookie's Banner and Policy used by KHWD Your Choices Cookies Most web browsers are set to accept cookies by default. If you prefer, you can usually choose to set your browser to remove or reject browser cookies. Please note that if you choose to remove or reject cookies, this could affect the availability or functionality of our Services Promotional Communications You may opt out of receiving promotional communications from us by sending an email as directed below. If you opt out, we may still send you non-promotional communications, such as responses to any commentary you may leave. Push Notifications/Alerts With your consent, we may send push notifications or alerts to your mobile device. You can deactivate these messages at any time by changing the notification settings on your mobile device. Contact Us If you have any questions about this Cookies Policy, please contact us at KeefHWebDesigns@outlook.com COPYRIGHT Copyright (21/12/2022) by KeefH Web Designs, © All rights reserved: I take the theft of my original work very seriously and would draw to your attention it is protected under UK copyright law. Please note any part of my website, design, images, text or search engine optimisation (SEO) is wholly owned by KeefH Web Designs and must not be found being used elsewhere without prior authorisation in writing to KeefHWebDesigns@outlook.com The following screens detail our Cookies Policy, see below Cookies Policy KHWD cookie policy page 1 KHWD cookie policy page 2 KHWD cookie policy page 3 KHWD cookie policy page 4 KHWD cookie policy page 5

Discover Malaysia through the decades with vivid stories, rich culture, and unforgettable journeys. From buzzing Kuala Lumpur streets to tranquil island escapes, this page brings each era to life with photos, memories, and immersive travel moments. Relive the food, the colour, the people, and the adventures that shaped your travels across Malaysia’s most iconic destinations. MALAYSIA - Desaru Resort , Bandar Panewar,Johor Coastline 3 Day Weekend Break - 9-11 June 2017 INTRODUCTION & DIARY We had a lovely 3 day long weekend break with our Singapore family at the Lotus Desaru resort, a fabulous setting, relaxing pools and ambience and great food. Read more by clicking the diary button June 17 Diary Twin Towers of the Desaru Lotus resort "Family Time with Doug, Phoenix & Charlie" The big pool, Desaru Lotus resort Ferry from Singapore arrives in Malaysia then it was a coach trip thru the palm oil plantations (not great but a livelihood) to the Lotus Desaru resort Grandparents at Desaru resort, Malaysia 2017 Desaru with Family Click to enlarge and scroll thru slideshows gallery images created by KeefH Web Designs for this Travel Photography site with care and love 1/6 The beach at our resort in Desaru

Step back into 1995 with Keef & Annie’s original travel diaries, photos, and memories from the early years of their long‑running holiday archive. Explore authentic stories, UK breaks, family adventures, and the beginnings of a journey that now spans nearly three decades. A nostalgic, well‑organised look at where the KHWD travel chronicles first began, blending personal insight with timeless travel moments. Our First Trip to Australia as Adults, 1995 Travel Blog Lived here in our Youth, Visited States NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Australian Capital Territory Here is the real 1995 route london heathrow->kuwait city->jakarta->denpasar->sydney->katoomba->goulburn->camberra->melbourne->great ocean road->melbourne-> fly to cairns->atherton tableland-> fly cairns->brisbane->sydney->heathrow-> nottingham 1995 Route Summary (3–25 August) Outbound & Long‑haul Travel Derby London Mum & Dad’s (London) Heathrow Airport Kuwait City, Kuwait Changi Airport, Singapore Denpasar Airport, Bali (stopover) Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport Sydney Base (West Balgowlah Heights) West Balgowlah Heights (30/1 New Street) Spit Bridge Manly Watsons Bay (Doyle’s) The Corso, Manly Blue Mountains Katoomba (Scenic Railway) Balgowlah Clontarf Sandy Bay Castle Rock Waratah Zoo Circular Quay Chinese Gardens (Darling Harbour) Macquarie Street Royal Botanic Gardens Bondi Beach Pittwater Palm Beach Sydney Tower Harborside Shopping Centre Hawkesbury River (day trip north) The Rocks Sydney Harbour Bridge Sydney Opera House Hard Rock Café (Sydney) Sydney Aquarium Fairlight North Head Sydney → Canberra → Melbourne Road Trip 16 August – Depart Sydney Liverpool Campbelltown Mittagong Marulan Goulburn Yass Murrumbateman Canberra (Lake Burley Griffin, Parliament House, Sky Tower) 18 August – Canberra → Melbourne Gundagai Wagga Wagga Albury (Murray River) Glenrowan Beechworth Seymour Melbourne (city centre) Melbourne & Surrounds Flinders Street Station Greek Precinct Lalor (Keef’s old house) Mornington Peninsula Elwood Pine Avenue Phillip Island Nobbies Point San Remo Ventnor Rhyll Cowes Ballarat & Victoria Touring Southern Cross Ballarat (Sovereign Hill) Darlington Ellerslie Hopkins Falls Warrnambool (Logan’s Beach – whales) Great Ocean Road The Grotto Loch Ard Gorge London Bridge Twelve Apostles Melba Gully (glow worms) Anne’s Cascades (Madsen’s Track) Johanna Glenaire Great Otway National Park Marengo Apollo Bay Lorne Moggs Creek Torquay (Surf Coast) Gippsland → Melbourne Airport South Gippsland Giant Earthworm Museum & Zoo Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) Flight to Queensland Cairns Airport Cairns (motel) Green Island (Great Barrier Reef) Motorhome Pickup & First Stops Cairns (motorhome depot) Gordonvale Fishery Falls (campsite) SUMMARY London → Heathrow → Kuwait City → Singapore → Denpasar → Sydney West Balgowlah Heights base with Brian & Anne Manly, Watsons Bay, Blue Mountains, Katoomba Railway Clontarf, Sandy Bay, Castle Rock, Waratah Zoo Chinese Gardens, Botanic Gardens, Bondi Beach, Pittwater, Palm Beach Sydney Tower, Circular Quay, The Rocks, Opera House, Harbour Bridge Hawkesbury River day trip Sydney Aquarium and Harbourside Depart Sydney → Goulburn → Yass → Canberra Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra Sky Tower, Parliament House Canberra → Gundagai → Wagga Wagga → Albury → Glenrowan → Beechworth Arrive Melbourne, Flinders Street, Lalor, Mornington Peninsula Phillip Island: Nobbies, San Remo, Ventnor, Rhyll, Cowes Ballarat and Sovereign Hill Warrnambool and Logan’s Beach whales Great Ocean Road: Grotto, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, Twelve Apostles Melba Gully glow worms and Anne’s Cascades Apollo Bay, Lorne, Moggs Creek, Torquay South Gippsland and Giant Earthworm Museum Fly Melbourne → Cairns Green Island, Great Barrier Reef Pick up Maui motorhome → Gordonvale → Fishery Falls 📍 Full Route (Sequential Waypoints), this was created by AI and is more akin to the 2007-8 Australia part of our long haul trip See above for our real 1995 route Sydney, NSW Katoomba – Blue Mountains, NSW Canberra, ACT Melbourne, VIC Torquay, VIC (Start of Great Ocean Road) Lorne, VIC Apollo Bay, VIC Port Campbell, VIC (Twelve Apostles / Loch Ard Gorge) Halls Gap – Grampians National Park, VIC Adelaide, SA Barossa Valley, SA Clare Valley, SA Port Augusta, SA Coober Pedy, SA Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park, NT Kings Canyon, NT Alice Springs, NT Tennant Creek, NT Daly Waters, NT Katherine, NT Kakadu National Park, NT Darwin, NT Cairns, QLD (flight) Great Barrier Reef (Cairns Reef Terminal) Kuranda, QLD Brisbane, QLD (flight) Gold Coast / Surfers Paradise, QLD Sydney, NSW (return flight) Total wonderment covering the highlights of our time in 1995 with our young family in Australia. KHWD has recreated this in 2026 using a lot more modern techniques on old photos to show the art of the possible! 1995 Diary 5 weeks in Australia with the Family Initially staying with family in Sydney but then other parts of New South Wales, Canberra the capital in Australian Capital Territory, Victoria before flying up to Queensland and hiring our mega 6 berth motorhome with antiquated double declutch gears and no power steering, our first experience in a motorhome and yet we continue to this day despite the battle to drive her, tee-hee. By way of a Summary, we spent 5 weeks in Australia and were away between 3/8/1995 - 5/9/1995, have a look at our calendar why don’t you, thanks for looking. Bit of nostalgia for you website browsers, on the old website photos were arranged in batches of 50 via the gallery to make it quicker to load them and easier to navigate through them. In 2020 we updated this so you can now use the slider feature under the 1995 images menu to run across them or click one and then just tab thru, up to you. All You Tube videos from that trip are available via the Playlist buttons above. Enjoy! This is a visual summary of our family trip to Australia in 1995. What lovely memories! We were supposed to have 2 stops on route, Kuwait City & Jakarta but in the end stopped at those and Changi airport, Singapore (where in fairness since 1995 we have been often as our family now live in Singapore, but that’s a different story) plus Denpasar airport , Bali, Indonesia, where we saw a lovely lady doing Batik and Keef filmed her for prosperity, just a fabulous skill and creation, note is also a mecca for Aussie surfers which would have given us and issue on the return journey if we hadn't arrived at Kingsford Smith early as unbeknown to us apparently they always overbook flights, we would worse case scenario have to get the next one and miss our connections, which is not fair plane by the airlines in our humble opinion #badnews. 48 hours travel to save the cost of one child's flight. We would not do that again, far too tiring. Whilst in Oz we visited Sydney, Hunter Valley wine area, travelled the Pacific highway to Hawkesbury River , French's Forest and Annie's old haunts, Hard Rock Café Sydney (defunct for a bit but now reopened at Circular Quay), Used the now defunct Sydney Monorai l, visited Waratah Zoo, Botany Bay, Etamogah pubs so unique, ate at Doyle's Watson Bay (why wouldn't you?), Great Ocean Road , Loch Ard Gorge and the 12 Apostles , this was in the days when you could just park opposite them, no longer, now a huge tourist site, think it was better back then, Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin and Parliament house, Melbourne, Mornington peninsular, Keef's old haunts, Philip Island and Japanese tourist who just did not understand "no flash" please!, Ballarat gold panning at Sovereign Hill, Ned Kelly's at Beechworth, Glenrowan, Hopkins Falls near Warrnambool, Melba Gully Glowworms, Anne's Cascade Falls, South Gippsland's Earthworm experience and zoo, and Queensland especially Cairns, Fishery Falls campsite, Mossman Gorge, Gordonvale, Gillies Range, Crater Lakes National Park, Green Island, the Great Barrier Reef , the fab Kuranda Railway , Tapuki Aboriginal dance troop, Port Douglas, 7 mile beach, stinger stations, Daintree River croc and snake boat trip, Doug spotted a huge crocodile, Hartley's Creek Crocodile Farm (now closed but reopened as Hartley's Crocodile Adventures in 2001 ) , Wangetti, Cathedral Fig Tree , Danbulla , The Bruce Highway (highway 1) and the Atherton Tableland. By 2020 including living there as a child / teenager respectively we have been 5 times and still have rellies / friends living there, love the place! By 2017 we had in essence travelled from Caernarvon high up on the west coast all the way around up to Cooktown high on the east coast plus thru the red centre from Darwin to Adelaide including Alice Springs, plus Broome & Kunannarra both high up in Western Australia, oh and all the way around the island of Tasmania, and travelled on 2 of the great world railway experiences, The Ghan from Darwin to Alice Springs, and the Indian Pacific from Perth to Adelaide across the Nullarbor plain which we have also done in a motorhome in 2013. We would have lived in Sydney as a family way back in the late 80s if my company (Boots UK) had given me the job in the rocks area but in the end, they decided it was cheaper to give the job to an Aussie rather than pay for a whole British family to be shipped out there, shame, but travel & life is still fun. Indeed, my pal Peter and his family did do the job in the Rocks, he so loved it when Boots dragged him back to the UK he resigned and returned to Brisbane , where just outside in warner he and his family now live, we have visited them, snakes in the pool and all, ha-ha. PLAY Anyway, to the Diary detail. Thursday 3rd August 1995 Finish work, travel to London, stay overnight at Mum & Dad’s. We had booked all our flights via the Ilkeston Co-op and planned to snooze either at airports or on the plane, big mistake, we soon learnt that kipping on a plane is not easy with all the distractions around you. Friday 4th August 1995 Linda drives us to Heathrow, leave Mum & Dad’s at 8 a.m. Linda is having our car for the duration of our time away, I put her on the insurance. Got to Heathrow about 9.30 a.m., heavy traffic understandably. Our first flight was at 11.30 a.m. to Kuwait City in Kuwait. We got there about 22.30 p.m. It was amazingly hot. There gave us a voucher for a drink and sandwich in the transfer area. A guy told me it had been 52 degrees centigrade at lunch that day, the 45 at almost midnight was more than enough for all of us and the jet lag was already kicking in. We looked out of the big glass windows at the airport it was just sand everywhere, even the roads looked like sand crop circles if that makes sense. We left Kuwait City at about 23.30 p.m. Saturday 5th August 1995 We were on the Indonesian airline Garuda which at the time had the worst safety record in the world, which did play on your mind a bit, and tried to sleep on the plane, it landed at Changi Airport , Singapore for refuelling, I remember they woke me to ask if I wanted yet more food, I shooed them away and tried to sleep. Unsuccessfully I might add. The Garuda airline then touched down at its headquarters at 14.40 p.m. i.e., Denpasar airport, we were there for almost 5 hours at the airport, which meant we could stretch our legs, see all the wonderful palm trees and lady doing Batik, which Keef filmed. You will see that on the way back (2nd September) we finally got let out into Indonesia , what an interesting place, in Jakarta the capital of the island of Java. We finally left Denpasar at 19.30 p.m. local time and flew on to Sydney overnight using the then Australian Ansett Airlines (they folded in September 2001), well and truly jet lagged by now after our epic journey with far more stops than Ilkeston Co-op had booked us, I even remember trying to sleep on a bench at Denpasar airport, it just didn’t work, the kids however seemed quite happy. Sunday 6th August 1995 We arrived at Sydney Kingsford Smith International airport at 8.45 a.m. early morning Australian time, exhausted from travel but happy to be here. We waited for the sweet shop to open and bought a disgusting Australian chocolate honeycomb bar that was supposed to be the equivalent of a crunchy bar, it wasn’t. Anyhow the logic was to get some coins to ring Brian to say we had arrived and could he come at pick us up. After some lovely greeting he drove us back to their abode at x where we were greeted by Anne, Laura, and Leo, so nice to see them all again. Brian’s company (BT) provided both accommodation and a car for the family, they lived at 30/1 New Street, West Balgowlah Heights, Sydney, Australia, NSW 2093 just overlooking Spit Bridge if you went out the front of their house. As a family we tried staying awake to get into Australian time and went out for a meal with B&A down at the harbour’s edge. I remember seeing our 1st Kookaburra and me having fish curry for my meal which on reflection was not a wise move, and it paid me back for at least a couple of days in ways I don’t wish to write about, ha-ha. Monday 7th August 1995 Lazy day recovering from Jet Lag, spent it at B&A’s. Brian was at work in the city centre, a fab journey to work on the sea cat or ferry across to circular quay from the Spit, what more could you ask for? The boys played basketball with L&L and we all took a little stroll along the road outside to have a look at spit bridge and the harbour, nice. Tuesday 8th August 1995 Brian drove us to pick up our hire car, a white holden, which we will keep for 15-16 days and drop off at Melbourne airport before we fly up to Cairns and pick up our motorhome. The car in Sydney gave us the flexibility to go out exploring as a family independent of B&A but we also did stuff with them as well. In the evening we all went to Doyle’s at Watson Bay, our first encounter of many at this fine fish establishment, we also had a bit of a stroll around Manly and the Corso, so remember all those Norfolk pines. As Brian had the day off, we visited Laura and the Blue Mountains, quite an experience with views to die for, we had a snack in a café in Laura to calm our nerves after an eventful go on the funicular railway, the kids loved it. It was called the Katoomba railway. Wednesday 9th August 1995 Sydney and the surrounding area. We took our car into Balgowlah to get used to it and had another look around, on the 1st day we had used the bus from here to get around and Brian picked us up from the bus stop. In the evening we all went to Clontarf, Sandy Bay and Castle Rocks, great fun and oh so warm’ later met the Jones at Waratah Zoo to feast our eyes on all the wonderful Aussie animals and birds, especially the Koala’s a firm favourite forever. We also saw wombats, kangaroos and dingoes. It is worth noting that we used a combination of both open topped bus and our hire car to get around, car parking not being cheap or accessible often. Thursday 10th August 1995 Sydney and the surrounding area, used the Manly ferry today and kept the ticket as a souvenir, in the day we visited the Chinese Gardens, so tranquil, Keef dressed up in traditional costume for photos, boy it was hot in that garb, plus strolled to the Botanic gardens up Macquarie Street (the ex NSW governor way back when it was a colony) where we saw Ibis and a whole lot more, some fascinating tropical plants that were a feast for the eyes, and then we finally went to Bondi beach in the evening and had the obligatory ice cream along the promenade. We also got views of the fab Pittwater and visited the posh houses at Palm Beach, allegedly at the time Russell Crowe owned something there as well as Home & Away / Neighbours being filmed on the beach there, so glad Kylie took up singing instead ha-ha. Friday 11th August 1995 Sydney and the surrounding area, Manly ferry to Circular quay again, love this area, listening to the trad aboriginal playing didge (indeed the same guy was still there in many future years when we returned) and some street theatre under the high-level railway arches. We even used the monorail to get around, quite and experience and great views. It closed in June 2013. We went up the Sydney sky tower and got some great views and photos of the dense panorama, including out over the harbour, we both love Sydney. We also had a look around the Harbourside shopping mall but bought nothing bar ice-creams, some of the days Ann came out with us when she was feeling up to it, B&A’s kids were at school during the day, following the “slip-slop” mantra. Saturday 12th August 1995 Brian had hired a large people mover and we set off early north through New South Wales towards the Hawkesbury River which in 2017 when we were staying at Beacon Hill in our lovely apartment with pool, we travelled alongside on the train to visit Annie’s cousin Susan at Newcastle. Sadly, Brian picked up the obligatory speeding fine this time for too fast on the motorway out of Sydney i.e., the Pacific highway Sunday 13th August 1995 We went with Brian, Ann, and family into Sydney centre by ferry, saw the Rocks market, harbour bridge, Opera house and went to the then Hard Rock Café with its huge hanging American car, not surprisingly Keef bought the T-shirt. We also went of the Sydney aquarium and later in the week for a look around, when we went into Manly via Fairlight Ann took our boys into the one there near the wharf. We all had a good look around before returning late in the evening tired and happy to bed. Monday 14th August 1995 Sydney and the surrounding area. Redid some of the things we had already done in the city centre but we so love it, including using the Tourist hop on hop off bus to get around the sites, much easier than driving into a very busy Sydney centre, we are getting to know our way around now and well and truly over jet lag. Tuesday 15th August 1995 Sydney and the surrounding area. Went with Ann to the North Heads area. In the evening had a nice family meal as we are off on our travels from tomorrow. Wednesday 16th August 1995 Said our goodbyes, we will see them later in the month, and left Sydney heading out towards Goulburn on the Hume Highway (M31) through Liverpool, Campbelltown, Mittagong and Marulan (we did see these in more detail in 2017) which we didn’t stop at but saw as we drove through, we stopped after Goulburn at Yass for a rest. We travelled onto the Australian Capital Territory to our hotel in Canberra through Murrumbateman, an interesting place. Thursday 17th August 1995 We spent the whole day in Canberra visiting lake Burley Griffin and taking a boat trip out on the lake which gave us extensive views of the surrounds. Keef did quite a bit of videoing on his old fashioned (but at the time top tech) camcorder. We went up the Canberra sky tower and got some amazing views, most of which however was bush. We then visited the Australian parliament and did the tour which we adults found fascinating, less sure about the kids. Canberra in our humble opinion is quite a weird place, people seem to drive in for work and drive out in the evening, we had an evening meal out in what now seemed like a ghost town before returning to the motel and bed, a hugely interesting day, tick. Friday 18th August 1995 Set off quite early in the morning after breakfast to avoid some of the heat whilst travelling, even though the car had air conditioning. Visited Gundagai whose past inhabitant Horatio Wills is credited with inventing Aussie rules and the 1st aboriginal cricket team. Some fame. We then went thru Wagga Wagga, just because we love the name. Stopped at Albury to see the historic department store and the paddle steamer on the Murray, this being the NSW / Victoria border. The mighty Murray runs into Lake Hume nearby. We then went to Glenrowan and Beechworth to see some history on Ned Kelly. We finally arrived at Melbourne and our hotel quite late in the evening having seen Seymour and its station, we have returned there since in 2017. Saturday 19th August 1995 Today we went on a Keef Nostalgia tour after seeing the city centre cathedral. You must be so careful with trams when driving. You must stop alongside when they stop or get fined, a good safety idea. We parked in a central car park undercover and then caught the free trams around the sights of Melbourne. Flinders Street station, Greek area etc. We then took the car to Lalor to find Keef’s old house and then onto the Mornington peninsular, Elwood and Pine Avenue, another Hellinger haunt, and then onto Philip Island and Nobbies point to see the fairy penguins land on shore and hobble up the cliff side, just magical. We visited San Remo, Ventnor, Ryll and Cowes on Philip Island as well, how original eh? We returned to our motel late evening , a fun packed day. Sunday 20th August 1995 Today we went out through Southern Cross to Ballarat and spent the whole wonderful day at Sovereign Hill both seeing a re-enactment of a gold mining village and doing some gold panning ourselves, in the evening there was a show with lights and sounds, a fab day which I think the boys will remember forever. We stayed in a motel at Ballarat overnight. Monday 21st August 1995 We set off early in the morning for Warnambool passing through Darlington and Ellerslie. Stopping on route at Hopkins Falls and having a gave of footie as well as seeing the falls. Sadly it was renamed as Doug did have a fall and badly grazed himself. We called in at Warnambool hospital to have him patched up. He was in a bit of pain but we went to see if we could see any southern right whales nearby at Logan’s beech from the viewing platform, we saw a Mum and cub, wonderful. We stayed overnight in a motel here. Tuesday 22nd August 1995 Today we left Warnambool and started travelling along the absolutely world class Great Ocean Road coming off the Princes Highway where we could travel along the roads edging the Bass Straits and see some of the truly sublime scenery and sandstone rock stacks that edge this coast. We saw amongst others The Grotto, Loch Ard Gorge, where we and the boys descended much of the available staircases to the viewing platforms, great views, London Bridge ,which in fairness over the years we have visited “has fallen down” with a huge chunk eroding away into the sea, however in 1995 it was all in one piece and of course the truly magnificent 12 Apostles. In 1995 it was not so touristy, so we were able to pull the car up right near by and had the whole view to ourselves, truly magnificent. After the 12 apostles we went onto Melba Gully where we chose our guest house. The chap who ran it took us along with torches later in the evening into the rainforest gully nearby to see the glow worms, magical stuff, and something we all remember to this day. Wednesday 23rd August 1995 Packed up early from the guest house and said goodbye to the incredibly kind owner who had taken us down into the Gully last night to see the glow worms. We returned to the Gully and walked up to Anne’s Cascades along Madsen’s track, how appropriately named are those falls. It did feel like we were in a rainforest. It was only about an 8-minute walk, but you seriously thought you were on a different continent, maybe the Brazilian rain forests, not that we have been there. After that we travelled further along the Great Ocean Road through Johanna, Glenaire, the Great Otway National Park (we returned in 2017 to look for koala’s there) and Marengo before stopping at Apollo Bay briefly. Quite a touristy town but with a fab beach. From Otway to Torquay , the eastern end it is called the Surf coast. From Otway back to Warnambool , the western end, it is called the shipwreck coast. We saw Lorne and stopped at Moggs creek to see some of the amazing exclusive residences that were architect designed overlooking the Great Ocean Road and the Surf coast. We then went onto Torquay. In 2008 when we went onto Torquay and were lucky enough to see one of the car rally old vehicles just going under the Eastern wooden arch and Keef managed to snap it. It is also a monument to the soldiers who built the whole of the Great Ocean Road. At Torquay we went down to the beach to watch the surfers doing their thing in the sun. After Torquay we used the Princes Highway to travel on up to Gippsland , going around the outskirts of Melbourne, at South Gippsland we visited the Giant Earthworm Museum and zoo. Fascinating stuff. The boys petted a few kangaroos there as well as learning about Giant earth worms, not sure I would want to come across one of those. After Gippsland we returned to the Melbourne airport area and stayed in a motel there overnight. I think it was Sunbury but my memory is a little hazy on that. Thursday 24th August 1995 Up latish as no great rush this morning, had breakfast and packed the car up and headed off to the car rental company on the outskirts of Melbourne airport at Tullamarine. We handed back the car and then they transported us to the internal flights’ terminal. We flew Quantas internal which back in 1995 took 4 hours 40 minutes, nowadays (2022) the journey is only 3 hours 30 minutes on average. In Cairns we took a taxi to our motel which was fairly near the airport and had a bit of a look around the area we were in. We also used the long days to take a boat trip out to Green Island off the Great Barrier Reef, had BBQ supper on board, Doug & Keef saw a stingray and hared out of the water quick at it's sight, as a family we all did the submarine , glass bottom board excursion and saw masses of fish including the Trevally, a huge edible fish common in these waters. Friday 25th August 1995 Awoke in Cairns, Queensland on the Coral Coast, just so tropical and humid. A delight for the senses. We really liked Cairns and have returned since. Rumour has it that when my Dad was out in Australia as a single guy in the early 50s he was offered a strip of land on the coast in Queensland which he could easily have afforded but he turned it down not knowing where his future lay, what a shame that sort of real estate would be worth a fortune now, and what a fab coast line it is. Anyhow we got a taxi to the motorhome company in Cairns where we picked up our Country Club Maui 6 berth motorhome, the 1st we had ever hired. We drove out of Cairns learning to master this beast in terms of driving and looking forward to seeing all the sugar cane fields and coast had to offer, well excited. We stayed in our first campsite not far down the coast visiting Gordonvale on route and staying at fishery falls, a fabulous campsite with lovely tropical flowers that we have returned to on future trips. full calendar 1995 august full calendar 1995 september august 1995 calendar full calendar 1995 august 1/4 Our Route 1995 & Pix yass drive in bottle-o wooden bridge at gundagai 1/132 Saturday 26th August 1995 Today we had a look around the Fishery falls area and then drove onto Innisfail. After that we used highway 25 through the amazing Wooroonooran National Park to Millaa Millaa and then on through the Crater lakes National Park to camp at Dunbulla. Sunday 27th August 1995 Up early before it got too hot, we went to see the amazing Cathedral Fig tree nearby, it was truly amazing we used the board walk to get there and took lots of pictures. After this we visited Yungaburra which is about where the Atherton Tablelands start on the Gillies Range Road, the terrain was definitely getting steeper to the point where I had a queue a mile long behind the motorhome and in double-declutched lowest gear I really thought we weren’t going to get up the incline but with patience and time we did thank goodness, the Aussie behind were tooting supportively NOT! Ha-ha. We stopped at Atherton for a good look around the town with interesting trees , monuments, and shops. Bought some provisions and stayed at the campsite there. The campsite was quite modern and we had wallabies watching us which was fun. Monday 28th August 1995 Left the delightful site at Atherton and used the Bruce Highway, the Australian National Highway 1, to travel through Mareeba, with its lovely Jacaranda trees (and pods which we collected). We passed through Mount Molloy and the Mount Lewis National Park onto Mossman Gorge. We camped here but not before exploring the river , gorge, and rain forest. We went for a bit of a walk across the gorge swing bridge , seeing Boyd Tree frogs and a whole lot more wildlife and fauna, a magical place. The town of Mossman was quite sad with aboriginals drunk already outside the local taverns quite early in the day, in later years when we have returned to Mossman they had moved the whole aboriginal community into buildings on the outskirts of town, still drunk sadly, not sure they have integrated as a culture very well into modern western life, indeed for the most part I can safely say they haven’t , its just so sad across Australia and is still a very big issue to sort. The campsite at Mossman we liked a lot, especially the green tree frogs in the flap on the electric hook up posts. Oh and the magnificent tree palms everywhere. Tuesday 29th August 1995 Left the campsite at Mossman early and travelled up to Daintree Village where we did the Daintree River cruise , the river is a UNESCO world heritage site as it is a Wet Tropics example. Doug spotted a huge crocodile and we saw quite a few on the banks. The boat captain told us, we were the only ones in the boat, that sometimes the crocs pull cattle from the banks if they stray too close. Doug also spotted a tree snake sitting up high, what amazing eyesight he has. We then went onto Port Douglas and had a rally good look around, such a nice place, so nice we have returned later when the ferry across the Daintree to Cape tribulation was open. Whilst here went to the Flagstaff hill lighthouse and 7-mile beach where we saw the stations to help eradicate the pain of being stung by one of the stinger jellyfish that frequent that coastline. We had quite a nice walk on 7-mile beach, not the whole 7, however. We stayed at a campsite just outside Port Douglas. Wednesday 30th August 1995 We left our campsite at Port Douglas and used the Captain Cook Highway through the Thala beach nature reserve and the very interesting Macalister Range National Park down to Wangetti on the coast. We turned off there up to Harley’s creek where we spent much of the day at the Hartley’s creek crocodile farm, watching amongst others Bruce and his black snake devouring a live mouse (yuk!), numerous crocodile feeding shows, “he’s behind you”, and learning about exactly how many pounds pressure a crocs jaw can impose, not with this and their roll if you ever get caught by one I don’t envy your chances. Beside crocs and there were lots of them, there were other traditional Aussie animals, notably the very dangerous Cassowary. I remember going through the town of Cassowary on our way from Atherton to Port Douglas. We stayed almost until the park closed and then drove again on the Captain Cook highway along past numerous beaches to Yorkey’s Knob campsite, right on the beach and we got an end slot with fabulous views and were able to watch the sun go down. Thursday 31st August 1995 We left the wonderfully named Yorkey’s knob campsite and drove the short distance to the Freshwater railway station where we parked up the van and bought our tickets for the Kuranda Railway, an almost 2-hour journey with the lovely Simone as our guide and waitress up to the rainforest town of Kuranda. It stops for 10 minutes both ways at Barron falls , a majestic fast flowing and extremely high falls, vaguely reminds me of the Bridal Veil falls in New South Wales Blue Mountains. We had a few hours to both look at the historic station, tropical plants everywhere, stroll around town and see an aboriginal dance show (bit touristy) but with dreamtime stories presented by the troop known as Tapuki. We collected some of their marketing memorabilia which for many a year we displayed on the boy’s playroom wall. They were impressive especially the didge playing which I still haven’t mastered despite owning one. It was a wonderful day, we found a campsite in North Cairns to stay at overnight. Friday 1st September 1995 On the way back to the motorhome hire company near Cairns airport we briefly called in at the AJ Hackett sky park bungee jumping place to see and hear the mad fools jumping, you wouldn’t get me doing that. So, we then cleaned up the van packed our stuff away in our cases and checked the van back in leaving any leftover provisions at the office for other campers, this is a great gratuity we have taken advantage of over the years, it gets you started. We then got the free shuttle to the airport and flew back to Sydney via Brisbane, seeing the Brisbane River out of the window whilst we touched down to let travellers off briefly. The whole flight into Sydney only took 2 hours 50 minutes. We then got a taxi from Sydney airport back to Brian and Ann’s in Balgowlah. Lovely to see them all again. Saturday 2nd September 1995 We were all up early to say our fond farewells and thank them for all their kind hospitality but then it was off to Sydney airport. We got a taxi at 6.30 a.m. and arrived at the airport at 7 a.m. We left on time and flew to Jakarta, Java, Indonesia arriving at 14.10, K p.m. where we had a few hours checked out in the town. We caught a taxi for our excursion and sightseeing, after Keef had crossed off 3 trailing zeroes from the guys Rupiah quote (would have been a years salary for him, tee-hee) we saw a lot, I remember how busy it was, folk having to do press ups by the road side enforced by the police because they had been jay walking, people hanging off the back of very over crowded buses, buying our wooden fruit bowl in a department store, watching people doing wood carving in back streets with the blades shaving towards their bare feet, frightening but it is and was the way. All in all a very interesting visit. We then had to get back on the plane. Sunday 3rd September 1995 At 00.10 a.m. we finally flew out of Jakarta onto Kuwait City which we arrived at 8.15 in the morning local time. This was both a refueling and leg stretching stop, we were in the transfer lounge for about 3 hours finally flying on to the UK departing from Kuwait City at midday local time. We arrived back at Heathrow at 16.30 p.m. After getting through customs and border control we got a taxi back to Mum & Dads, had a brief catch up and all crashed out exhausted after all the time travel. Monday 4th September 1995 Caught up a little more with Mum & Dad, told them how we had visited all our old Australian homes in the Victoria area, thanked them for putting us up, said our fond farewells and having retrieved our car from Linda who popped round drove back home to Nottingham. We were still all jet lagged so went to bed. Tuesday 5th September 1995 Back to normal life, Keef to work but the boys had an extra day off to further recover, a great family holiday. Our Hired Motorhome Gold panning In Ballerat To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

A real 2013 travel diary across Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia and Singapore. Photos, stories and motorhome adventures from a once‑in‑a‑lifetime trip done 3 times. Singapore Travel Blog 2013 – Family Adventures, City Highlights & Photo Diary PLAY Singapore 2013 Including spending time with family , Jurong Bird Park, Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by The Bay, Raffles one visit 7th-21st April, 14 days in total Arrived slightly earlier than expected due to a time change in our Quantas flight into Singapore that everyone knew about apart from us. Absolutely lovely to meet up with the newest Mr & Mrs Hellinger again and spend 2 weeks with them. So we have a much better feel for life in Singapore and it makes you feel closer to folk if you have seen where they live, eat and hang out.Singapore is a very modern country / city with fabulous architecture and eateries to die for. Someone coined the phrase that Singaporeans eat 24/7. Whilst staying with Doug & Phoenix in the lovely Geylang East we had the opportunity to see many of the tourist highlights whilst they were at work and see them in the evening for some lovely food. They looked after us so well. In the middle weekend we had a great family trip away across the border back into Malaysia & Melaka. See our diary and pictures both here and under Malaysia. Big love to Doug &Phoenix. We have been through Singapore many times in the past , 1995 & 2008 but never stayed so it was lovely to do so this time. After 2013 we have revisited in 2014 & 2019 HIGHLIGHTS:- Spending time with Doug & Phoenix Geylang swimming pool & library Food, MRT, MBS..... oh and TLAs Gardens by the Bay,Botanic Gardens Clarke Quay & 2 river cruises (day & night) Jurong Bird Park The long bar @ Raffles Hotel & Singapore Slings Durian LOWLIGHTS:- Bad tummy on last night Saying goodbye Singapore with Family, Meeting up with the new Mr & Mrs. Douglas Read the Travel Blog Diaries, Look at the Travel Blog Slideshows, See the You Tube Videos, Use the 2013 CHOICES MENU to Explore, 3 Days at a Time (mostly) Have Fun, This travel blog is referenced as our 3rd Holiday of a Lifetime to cover our trips in 2007/8 (Downunder) & 2010 (Across Canada), we have since had a 4th in 2017 (Downunder) All the usual travel blog information can be found here. and for Singapore it is broken down into Hop On Hop off bus travel, trips to Sentosa Island, Jurong Bird Park and the Little India area of Singapore. SINGAPORE, Hop On Hop Off (HOHO) Bus Day 1, Geylang, 7-9 April 2013 Hop On Hop Off bus booked for 2 days, this was day 1 and covered Suntec City, Bugis, St Andrews, Cathedral, Cricket ground and all major sights since we did a whole trip around, first time around to get our bearings. What else does the bus cover? Here you go. Covered MRT to Suntec City to pick up the bus, then amongst others Geylang, family, eating out, trying durian, Clarke Quay, Singapore River there are 5 waterways in Singapore, Marina Bay Sands Hotel, The Singapore Flyer, The singaore Formula 1 grand prix track, all the wonderful architecture, rain, covering amongst others 175 selective slideshow images, shop houses, river boat cruises, the Merlion, colonial hotels and much much more, see the images. Plus visiting family in Geylang and being tourists on the Hop On Hop Off bus ,Singapore 7-9 Apr 2013, Geylang area & HOHO bus, family fun, Geylang, arriving 2 hours early from Perth, catching taxi to family, east avenue, foo hai chan monastery, the protector dharma, dharma = truth or reality, MRT = mass rapid transport system, sri shriven temple, MRT stations, aljunied, paya lebar, dhoby ghaut, markets, suntec city, cross street, raffles place, raffles, club street, old hill police station, yachts, merlion, marina bay sands, Clarke quay, fort canning, shop houses, old colonial buildings, F1 grand prix, art and science, Singapore flyer, gardens by the bay (GBTB) Local info, very useful we found #humour #hintsandtips Kopi-C-kosong = Coffee with evaporated milk but no sugar. The “kosong” means “nothing” in Malay. 6) Kopi-O = Coffee with sugar only which is “black coffee” in layman's term. 7) Kopi-O-kosong = Coffee without sugar or milk, note the "C" stands for carnation milk my all time fave restuarant in geylang, lamb bbq who is winning the race 1/88 Sunday April 7th 2013 Summary, fly to Singapore depart Perth 11.55 a.m. Arrive Singapore 17.25 a.m. Note that got changed read on! We rang for a taxi from the Wattle Grove Motel, 6.9 kilometers from Perth airport in Western Australia, at 7.30 a.m. and it arrived quickly. We got to the airport in 20 minutes and found that the flight time had been changed to 9.55 a.m. i.e., 2 hours earlier with no notification that we had received from Quantas nor or tour operator. It turned out later when I contacted our tour operator they had sent an email which we never received as travelling for so long. Not even in our spam folder. We thought we had 3 hours to kill at the airport when in fact we were boarding in less than ½ an hour. Really good job we went to the airport early as we were up already. Not pleased but so happy we did arrive early as we would have missed the flight all together. The flight took 5 ½ hours to Singapore. Rang Doug as clearly, he was not there to meet us as he had our original time of arrival. So, we got a taxi to their flat instead. They were stood outside to meet us when the taxi arrived and guide us to the lift with our luggage. It was so nice to see them again after the Wedding looking so happy and relaxed. They took us out to dinner to a local Geylang seafood restaurant and then gave us a brief guided tour of their area around the apartment block. It was very hot and humid. The dinner was very nice with the local Singaporean delicacy, black pepper crab and lots of other dishes. Quite a feast. Doug pointed out their local swimming pool complex, the local library, shops, hawker food centre and then we all walked back to their flat past a Hindu Mosque, a Buddhist Temple, both of which were very interesting and ornate. The Buddhist temple had a monastery attached. Tired as it had been a long day and even though the time zones are the same we were tired from the travel and Doug & Phoenix had work the next day. They gave us the keys to the flat so we could come and go as we pleased in the day. Monday April 8th 2013 Summary, Geylang, very hot and humid Spent the morning doing washing and communication with everyone on the internet to say we had safely arrived with D&P in Singapore. We were both dripping with sweat the whole time as our bodies not used to the humidity as yet, maybe they never will be. It is tropical heat as Singapore is on the equator. We visited D&P’s local swimming pool at 2.20 p.m. Found out it closes on Monday morning for cleaning but reopened at 2.30 p.m. so not long to wait. Now this is lovely, we got OAP tickets 50 cents each for the whole day or 25 pence English, amazing they kindly treat anyone who is over 55 as a pensioner in Singapore. We had a refreshing swim initially and the pool was empty until a class of school kids arrived for a lesson. Then there were storm clouds and thunder, so everyone had to get out of the pool. No risks are taken in Singapore especially if there is a risk of lightening. We sat undercover and read our books. We chatted to a friendly local lifeguard who gave us free bottles of chilled water which was most refreshing. We then had a late lunch in the Thai restaurant nearby the pool. We chatted to a man from California who was a tourist. We then returned to the flat and waited for D&P to return from work. They took us to Geylang East Central, we walked and to a restaurant that did barbeque food at each table. It was a Chinese restaurant, and we had a whole leg of lamb with a spiced outer crust that had been marinated and mostly cooked out the back, along with other dishes they bought to the table. Once at the table we continued to cook it on the table BBQ / firepit, never seen anything like it as good or since as it was charcoal in a pit on the table. Keef still rates this as the best lamb meal he has ever had, praise indeed. The whole meal was so nice, we both really enjoyed it. Everyone seems to eat out in Singapore at restaurants and cafes, the city that eats 24 by 7 as the locals say. The streets are all very busy and hectic, thronged with people as we walked back to the flat at 10.30 p.m. We walked past lots of interesting fruit stall and saw some strange vegetables we had never encountered before. It’s what I love about going to different places one should always immerse oneself in the cultures and customs, it’s what is just so interesting. Tuesday April 9th 2013 Summary, Geylang and then the Hop on Hop Off (HO-HO) Bus Day 1 from Suntec City. We got into central Singapore by the MRT, Mass Raid Transport system, from Aljunied station which was a short walk from Doug & Phoenix’s flat. The NRT is clean and modern, you are not allowed to eat or drink on the trains or the station platforms and be fined if caught. We booked tickets at 12.05 p.m. for the 48-hour HO-HO tourist bus. The cost was $39 per person and included a river cruise and coach to Sentosa Island. We got on the heritage tour bus which took about an hour around to get our bearings. It went through the older areas of central Singapore and we had ear phones for the commentary, available in a variety of languages, not surprisingly we chose English, tee-hee. Then we got on a different hop on, hop off bus which did the city tour including the Central Business District (CBD to all Kiwi’s and Aussies). It went through the shopping districts, Orchard Road, all designer shops, clothing etc. and around the marina, we saw Marina Bay Sands hotel (MBS) which Singapore is famous for, the infinity pool on the top is quite a landmark and a feat of design and engineering, curved and sleek. There were floating football pitches, Clarke Quay, the Merlion and lots of both colonial and unusual architect designed buildings, all in all a real feast for the eyes and senses. We had lunch at a café on Olive Grove, Suntec City shopping mall, panini with tuna mayo, cake and a drink costing $8 each. We then got soaked on the bus tour after lunch as there was a tropical storm with thunder and lightning, about the same time as yesterdays at the pool, maybe this will become a recurring theme. We were on top of the open topped bus which had a small, covered section at the back, all customers tried to huddle in there to keep dry, but it just wasn’t a large enough covering for all. Still the downpour certainly cooled the humidity levels. We had coffee (kopi-c-kosong) in the café next to the tour start and tried to dry off. We then did the included river cruise at Clarke Quay, quite touristy but interesting for the shop houses along the Singapore Riverbank and the old ferries we were carried on. It took us right up as far as MBD , the Art and Science Museum and the Merlion water fountain. We ate in the food hall in Suntec city mall in the evening and got back on the MRT after all the commuters had returned from work., although it was still busy in the evening. Doug goes to the gym every Tuesday evening. SINGAPORE, Little India, 18-21 April 2013, to the 1* Michelin Street Food, sadly closed but not in 2017 Bugis, Little India, Nightime at Harbourfront and sadly leaving for UK, Singapore 18-21 Apr 2013, Bugis Centre, Little India, Night meal at Harbourfront or side, Keppel Island, Leaving 4 UK ,covering amongst others 57 selective slideshow images, ironman movie plugs, indoor craft markets, sir stamford raffles, governor, history boards, Singapore MRT, Harbourfront, Little India & Farrer Park MRT stations, Mustafa's which we have been to often, maybe not this time though, strange fruits, exotic vegetables, best samosa in the world, lotus flowers, nelumbo nucifera to give Indian Lotus flower it proper name, fascinating back streets, liitle india arcade in serangoon road, Arab Street, love Singapore it is so multi-cultural, traditional shop houses, looking across at Sentosa, Singapore at night time, shabu shabu restaurant, wagyu beef, hot pot, durian, king fruit, jack fruit, late evening volta, chinese bakery in Geylang (yummy), sadly having to leave family to return to UK love this pic coming out from dunlop street 1/29 Thursday April 18th 2013 Summary, Geylang, Bugis Shopping Centre, Little India, Arab Street area, Singapore Visited Bugis shopping mall and bought 2 towels as a gift for D&P, from a large department store. Bugis Centre is one of the biggest shopping malls in Singapore and take our word for it there are a lot of them. It is on so many levels and you could easily get lost. We had lunch at Nando’s in the Bugis Centre which was very nice, and in Keef’s case very spicy. Then we went to Little India on the MRT alighting at the Little India station stop. If we are going to Mustafa’s department store, we would get off at the Farrer Park stop, we would highly recommend it for just about everything at a reasonable price, it’s always busy and Keef buys their Samosa’s. It was very hot and humid again. We saw lots of fruit stalls with exotic fruits and other good and even saw a lot of lotus flowers. Anne bought some fabric and then we walked through the famous Little India Arcade. It was originally a market with stalls but has now been translated into a culturally exquisite arcade with all things Indian. It still retains a few old stalls but is now hugely touristy. We loved it. Keef bought what are probably the best Samosa in the world from here, even better than those at Nadi airport Fiji in 2007 and / or Mustafa’s department store on most of our trips to Singapore to visit family there. By now it was late in the afternoon, so we returned to the MRT station and then back to Aljunied and the flat. Phoenix returned from work, and we got back on the MRT to meet Doug at a restaurant near Arab Street, where there were lots of shop houses and many restaurants. Singapore is amazingly multi-cultural, Singaporeans, Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, Malay, Arab, Bugis even the odd European, ha-ha. A little history here about Shophouses In Singapore, the shophouse is one of the most popular forms of local Singaporean architecture. It is symbolic of the heritage of Singapore, and as a result they are more commonly found in the more historic cities throughout Southeast Asia, Shophouses have a few features that make them distinctive from other buildings you may find in south-eastern Asia. They have a narrow face to look at, but they have a greater depth. Shophouses are a part of Singapore’s colonial history, stretching all the back to the 18th century. As Singapore started to grow in the 1960s, many Shophouses were flattened for new developments. Understanding the importance of conserving some it’s heritage, the 1970s and the start of the 1980s saw a change in policy. State owned shophouses along Murray Street and Tudor Court were renovated and restored to their original state which brought with it a change in perception as to the value of these pre-war buildings. The 1980s brought with it a renewed interest in preservation and conservation. A good example is the pedestrianisation of Emerald Hill Road in 1981. In 1986 the URA unveiled their Conservation Master Plan to renovate and restore Singapore’s historical areas. Starting with 9 Neil Road in 1987, it was a catalyst for increased restoration of Shophouses throughout the Tanjong Pagar precinct and other areas too. Heading towards the late 1980s, over 3200 building were earmarked for conservation in 10 historical districts across Singapore. Those districts were: Chinatown (Telok Ayer, Kreta Ayer, Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Pasoh), Little India, Kampong Glam, Singapore River (Boat Quay and Clarke Quay), Cairn hill and Emerald Hill. To date, conservation status has been given to over 7000 buildings in more than 100 areas. We love them. We had a lovely evening meal with D&P in Arab street and then walked through this splendid heritage area, we saw a beautiful mosque and old colonial buildings. When we returned to the MRT it was packed with people and it was 10.30 p.m. that’s the difference it’s so much cooler in the late evening and people like to relax, eat, chat and volta. Friday April 19th 2013 Summary, Geylang, Singapore Did more laundry, it rained in the morning, so we decided not to go swimming. Instead after visiting the local Chinese bakery to buy something for lunch, they do great breads and cakes, we took our e-books to the local library which was almost next door to the flat. The library is fully air conditioned and has very comfortable leather seats, plants, quiet rooms for private reading plus areas for magazines and newspapers. The Straits Times is a favourite. This is a much nicer library than our one at home, just so much more modern and funded. Lots of elderly Chinese people were asleep in there, bless! We saw a man trying to rob one of the people who was asleep until Keef gave him a long look, he stopped and left promptly. Appalling. Doug & Phoenix were out for the evening so Keef cooked us noodles with black peppered chicken, lovely. Saturday April 20th 2013 Summary, Geylang, Harbourfront, Singapore Phoenix must work on a Saturday morning 9-1 a.m. She works in a Chinese factory as their Finance Director. So we went swimming with Doug to his local Olympic sized pool. Doug did 30 lengths, and we did a few widths in the middle-sized pool, it’s just so refreshing to be in the cool water. Doug then left to meet and go shopping with Phoenix. We stayed at the pool to read our e-books. Then we all met up at 3 p.m. and walked to Geylang East main shopping road to taste some Durian fruit from a local stall. Keef liked it but Anne reserved judgement, thought it smelt like spring onions., looked the colour of mango but was quite custardy in texture. It does have a rather pungent smell and it is banned from the MRT in Singapore because of that smell and I remember back in the De Baron Hotel in Kuah Town on Langkawi in Malaysia there were signs on all the lifts saying it was banned for carrying inside. D&P like the fruit, it is extremely popular in Singapore, Malaysia & Thailand, and most other southeast Asian countries. In all these the smell is so strong it is banned from planes, trains, taxis, and lifts. We then got the MRT to Harbourfront station where D&P had booked a table at a Japanese restaurant. It was a shabu shabu restaurant where there was a hot plate on each table and a container with a meat and veg stock and you cooked your own thinly sliced beef (wagyu), chicken and vegetables. Wagyu beef was thinly cut a bit like Parma ham and is just so tender. It was a very nice meal that D&P treated us to. We then went for a walk along the harbour side and saw the cruise terminal and all the pretty lights across the bay to Sentosa Island. The palm trees were all lit up with fairly lights. We really liked Harbourfront as an area, shopping mall and views of the harbour. We also caught glimpses of Keppel Island. Sunday April 21st 2013 Summary, Geylang, Singapore plus sadly leaving family for UK at the end of an Epic HOLIDAY2013. Doug and Phoenix went to a large supermarket to do some food shopping and we stayed in the flat. Keef was ill with an upset stomach, maybe the Durian, who knows. Not so good as we were flying back to the UK in the evening. They bought back a Subways roll for Anne, but Keef did not eat anything. Phoenix made some crocodile soup. Watched some TV as we had done our packing earlier in the morning. We set off in the taxi to the airport, Changi with D&P. By now it was dark. We all got there about 8.30 p.m. We claimed tax back on some receipts that Phoenix had worth $16. We said our fond but slightly sad farewells with lots of hugs and kisses all round. We sadly won’t be seeing them again except for Skype until next February when they come over for Craig’s wedding. Our flight was at 10.50 p.m. i.e. a night flight with a faint hope of sleep, Not, it never works for both of us. The flight was delayed 20 minutes due to an alleged fault in the air conditioning unit (AC) at the back of the plane where we were sitting. It was not working; it became uncomfortably hot. Our conspiracy theory is they shut off the AC to conserve fuel and therefore save dosh whilst waiting to taxi. In hot climates that is very bad news. This was British Airways, not a nice journey, food, and cabin crew rubbish, we vowed to not fly with them again. It was a 13 ½ hour flight back to Heathrow where we arrived at 4.50 a.m. Tired but glad to be back after a truly memorable holiday, away for 3 months, January 22nd to April 23rd, we went on to see Mum for a couple of days in Ewell before returning the hire car to the East Midlands Airport. Nice to see the spring blossom and lambs again. SINGAPORE, Sentosa Island, 10-12 April 2013, then it was onto Melaka , Across the Border into Malaysia for 2 Days with Family Hop On Hop Off bus booked for 2 days, covered Raffles Hotel, Sentosa Island & the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 10-12 Apr 2013, Hop on Hop Off (HOHO) bus for 2 days, Raffles & Sentosa, plus Mass Rapid Transport System (MRT) to Singapore's wonderful and exotic Botanic Gardens, covering amongst others 172 selective slideshow images, MRT stations Aljunied, Dhoby Ghaut and Botanic gardens, Cluny Park Road with mega posh houses, Raffles hotel long room bar, courtyard, peanuts, tiffin, billiard room, Singapore slings, SunTec City Mall, palm valley, Sentosa island, resort world, hard rock café, Coach to Sentosa, 48 hour travel passes, Singapore port area, mist house, ginger area, shaw foundation symphony stage, lake with turtles swimming in it, water lilies, orchids, hire car JB, Sat Nav, Toll booths on Malaysian motorways, cannon ball tree, ancient clock, silosa beach, cable cars, buses, trams, sun, rain, humidity, bananas, Geylang east and community swimming pool, prep for trip to Malacca raffles hotel siloso beach sentosa 1/85 Wednesday April 10th 2013 Summary, Hop on Hop off bus day 2 including Raffles Hotel & Sentosa Island We used the MRT to go back into the city centre from Aljunied station to Dhoby Ghaut. We were using day 2 of our ticket for the hop on hop off bus. This time rather than going all the way around, as we now know the route, we got off at the famous Raffles Hotel. We wandered around downstairs and in the courtyards but only guests are allowed upstairs. It is a very old colonial hotel and as it is on Beach Road was literally that once before reclaimed land from the coast moved it somewhat inland. We bought some gifts and a tea towel for us in the Raffles Shop. We then went to the famous Long Bar and had a Singapore Sling $26 (£13.50 in 2013 prices, £16 by 2022) and a fruit punch $14. We shared both, that’s what love is. Very expensive for a cocktail but lovely and you just have to do it don’t you. We had fish and chips and lamb satay for lunch there in the Long Bar. Peanuts (monkey nuts in shells) on the tables, traditionally people break them open and nonchalantly drop the discarded shells on the floor. You get that distinctive crunch as you walk around the bar, ha-ha. You also , and this wasn’t hygienic, had birds who flew into the open bar, fans on ceilings and the cool breeze of open windows, to peck at both shells and nut pieces. The service in the bar was poor, speed wise, but the atmosphere was great. There were lots of tourists there and large groups of American businessmen drinking Singapore Slings all afternoon, obviously on company expenses, tee-hee. We then returned to Suntec city Mall on the bus and then got a different coach to Sentosa Island which was all part of our 48-hour voucher. The coach went past the Singapore port area, thousands of containers piled 8 or 9 high. Singapore is a very busy port as witnessed by the number of ships moored of Sentosa / East Coast Park. Sentosa was a themed purpose-built tourist island reclaimed from the sea. Full of mainly Chinese tourists, there are a huge number of casinos on the island which culturally is a huge draw for the Chinese nation. Witness the island of Macau. There were lots of rides and activities all of which cost money. Fountains everywhere, it was extremely hot and sunny today so dipping one’s hands in the colling fountain waters was a true delight. Not surprisingly Keef bought a T-shirt in the islands Hard Rock café shop. We walked around a bit and decided not to go into Universal studios, we are getting on a bit now, tee-hee, white knuckle isn’t what it used to be. We then took the free tram to the man-made beach and paddled in the sea with the background of container ships moored up off the coast. Bit weird. We then returned to the coach and the driver dropped us off in the wrong place on the way back to Suntec city, so we had to walk ½ mile back to the MRT station near Suntec city. We bought a sandwich on the way back to the flat. Yummy as hungry by then. Thursday April 11th 2013 Summary, Geylang and Singapore Botanic Gardens. Did laundry in the morning and then got the MRT and bus combo to the Botanic Gardens. It free to go in, we had lunch there in the café and then wandered around, it is a well-kept and stocked garden, everything is very tropical and very green. The lake in the centre has turtles swimming around. Just lovely. We then visited both the Ginger and Orchids gardens; they were both spectacular with amazingly exotic plants. We saw a turmeric tree, the spice comes from the root of the tree, it looked a bit like a banana palm. It was hot and humid in both these gardens which is what the plants love to thrive. We must have walked about 2 ½ to 3 miles around the Botanic gardens as we were there some 4 ½ hours. We then walked back to the MRT along Cluny Park Road with very posh houses and the French Embassy and ambassadors’ houses for many nations. It is clearly an exclusive area but well worth the stroll along despite our tiredness. We then got the MRT back to Geylang East to avoid the 5 p.m. rush hour but still packed with people and school kids, Singapore seems to always be mega busy. When D&P got home from work, we went swimming at the local pool at 8.30 p.m. It is an Olympic sized pool. Doug did 20 lengths, we pottered around doing widths in the medium sized pool. There was also a kids play pool with water apparatus. We then all ate in the nearby Hawker centre. Then we went to the supermarket to buy chicken and provisions for the trip to Malacca at the weekend, so looking forward to that. The supermarket was busy even at 10.30 p.m. Friday April 12th 2013 Summary, Geylang, Singapore to Melaka, Malaysia Did more laundry including D&Ps in ethe morning. Clothes get very sweaty here in Singapore, but they do dry on those poles hung out of the flat windows very quickly. We went swimming again early in the afternoon at the Geylang East community pool. We love this place and at 50 cents a go how could you not, the best place we know to cool off apart from maybe air-conditioned libraries. The sun was very intense today so lots of waterproof suntan lotion liberally applied. We returned to the flat after lunch at our new favourite Thai restaurant near the pool. Keef cooked black pepper marinated chicken pieces and added to salad for our evening meal this evening before swimming. Then after swimming he cooked a whole chicken and baked yam for D&P in their rotisserie oven. All the cooking made the kitchen unbearably hot; K was cooking in just shorts, no top. Phoenix had management meetings 2-5.30 at work but then rushed home after that. Doug got home before her and then we all sorted out our stuff to the weekend trip away to Melaka in Malaysia. After eating and a swim we caught a taxi to border control to cross over to Malaysia at Woodlands on the Singapore side and Johor Bharu (JB) on the Malaysian side. There was passport control on both sides with a ridge in between where we had to get a packed bus to get across it. It was totally grid locked with people everywhere, workers trying to get home for the weekend to see family, and it was hot and sweaty and just generally very unpleasant but worth it for our weekend away with D&P. Hot, humid, noisy, and packed buses and even though it was crammed with people we all managed somehow to get a seat, luxury. Then we got a taxi to the lady’s house Phoenix had been negotiating with to pick up the hire car. Keef drove the car using our Sat Nav to the guest house in Melaka which we finally reached at 1 a.m. There had been quite a hold up at the car hire stuff. Our Sat Nav helped on the motorway and with which turning to come off at as we headed north out of JB towards Melaka. There were entrance and exit toll booths on the motorway as travel on them we had to pay for, it wasn’t very expensive however and good raid surfaces. Because it took so long at the border crossing and picking up the hire car it was very late at night when we finally arrived but the Tea House owner, the very kind Mr. Li, had stayed up for us. Exhausted we all had showers and flopped into bed. 700‑Word Summary: 2013 Singapore Family Visit & Travel Diary The 2013 Singapore Family Visit & Travel Diary captures a warm, nostalgic return to one of Asia’s most vibrant cities, blending family time, sightseeing, and the unique rhythms of everyday Singapore life. The trip forms part of a wider long‑haul adventure that year, but Singapore stands out as a place of familiarity, comfort, and cultural richness. This diary reflects not just the places visited, but the atmosphere, the people, and the small moments that make travel meaningful. The journey begins with the family arriving in Singapore after time spent travelling through Malaysia, New Zealand, and Australia. Singapore immediately feels different — cleaner, more organised, and more structured than many of the destinations visited earlier in the year. There’s a sense of returning to a place that balances modernity with tradition, where the efficiency of the city blends seamlessly with its multicultural character. A major theme of the diary is family connection. Much of the visit centres around spending time with relatives living in Singapore, catching up over meals, exploring neighbourhoods together, and sharing stories. This personal layer gives the trip a deeper emotional resonance. It’s not just about ticking off attractions; it’s about reconnecting with people and places that hold meaning. The family base themselves in Geylang, a district known for its mix of traditional shophouses, food culture, and lively streets. The diary captures the sensory experience of the area — the colours, the heat, the bustle, and the unmistakable aroma of hawker food drifting through the air. Meals become a highlight of the trip, from simple breakfasts to evening feasts featuring local favourites. Singapore’s food culture is woven into the narrative as an essential part of daily life. Sightseeing forms another key thread. The family visit Gardens by the Bay, one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions. The Supertrees, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome leave a strong impression, offering a futuristic yet serene escape from the city. The diary reflects on the scale and ambition of the gardens, noting how they blend engineering with nature in a way that feels uniquely Singaporean. Another memorable stop is Jurong Bird Park, a long‑standing favourite for families. The diary describes the colourful aviaries, the interactive shows, and the sheer variety of birdlife. It’s a nostalgic visit — the kind of place that evokes childhood memories while still offering something new with each return. The trip also includes time on Sentosa, Singapore’s dedicated island of leisure and entertainment. Whether relaxing on the beach, exploring attractions, or simply enjoying the views back toward the mainland, Sentosa adds a lighter, holiday‑style contrast to the more urban parts of the trip. The diary captures the island’s playful energy and the sense of escape it provides. Throughout the narrative, photography plays a central role. The diary is structured around images — street scenes, family moments, city skylines, nature shots, and snapshots of daily life. These photos help tell the story visually, giving readers a sense of being there. They also reflect the KHWD style: honest, personal, and rooted in real experiences rather than polished tourism. Music also features, with playlists accompanying the diary. These tracks act as a soundtrack to the journey, adding emotional texture and helping to anchor memories to specific moments. It’s a small but distinctive detail that gives the diary personality. The summary of the trip emphasises how Singapore serves as both a destination and a touchstone — a place that feels familiar yet always evolving. The city’s blend of cultures, its food, its architecture, and its people all contribute to a sense of belonging. Even short visits feel rich and meaningful. By the end of the diary, the family prepare to continue their travels, but Singapore leaves a lasting impression. The visit reinforces the importance of family ties, the joy of shared experiences, and the value of returning to places that hold personal significance. The 2013 Singapore diary stands as a warm, detailed snapshot of a city that continues to inspire, comfort, and surprise — a place where memories are made and remade with each visit. 🌴 Dreaming of Singaporean Travel? 2013 Singapore Family Visit & Travel Diary Step into the vibrant heart of Singapore with this warm and nostalgic travel diary from our 2013 family visit. This long‑haul stop became one of the most memorable parts of our year of adventures, blending family time, iconic attractions, and the everyday rhythms that make Singapore such a captivating place to return to again and again. Our journey begins in the lively district of Geylang, where colourful shophouses, bustling streets, and the irresistible pull of hawker food set the tone for our stay. Singapore has a way of wrapping you in its energy from the moment you arrive — the heat, the scents, the mix of cultures, and the sense of order woven into the city’s fast pace. For us, this visit wasn’t just about sightseeing; it was about reconnecting with family, sharing meals, and rediscovering the places that hold personal meaning. Food plays a starring role throughout the diary. From simple breakfasts to late‑night snacks, Singapore’s culinary scene becomes a thread that ties the whole trip together. Whether it’s a steaming bowl of noodles, a plate of satay, or a sweet treat from a local bakery, every meal becomes a moment worth remembering. Pinterest readers who love food, culture, and authentic travel moments will find plenty to enjoy here. Of course, no visit to Singapore is complete without exploring its world‑c lass attractions. One of the highlights of our trip was Gardens by the Bay, a futuristic wonderland where nature and architecture blend seamlessly. The towering Supertrees, the misty Cloud Forest, and the vibrant Flower Dome left us in awe. These spaces feel almost otherworldly, and the diary captures the sense of wonder that comes with wandering through them. We also spent time at Jurong Bird Park, a classic family favourite. With its colourful aviaries, interactive shows, and peaceful walking paths, it’s a place that brings out the childlike joy in everyone. The diary reflects on the nostalgia of returning to a spot visited in earlier years, while still discovering new experiences along the way. Another highlight was Sentosa, Singapore’s island playground. Whether relaxing on the beach, exploring attractions, or simply enjoying the views back toward the mainland, Sentosa added a fun, holiday‑style contrast to the more urban parts of the trip. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, soak up the sun, and enjoy the moment. Throughout the diary, photography plays a central role. The page is filled with snapshots of daily life, city skylines, nature scenes, and family moments — all captured in the honest, personal KHWD style. These images help tell the story visually, making the diary perfect for Pinterest users who love travel inspiration boards, family memories, and real‑life adventures. This 2013 Singapore diary is more than a travel log — it’s a heartfelt look at a city that continues to evolve while still feeling familiar. It’s about family, culture, food, and the joy of returning to a place that always feels welcoming. If you’re dreaming of Singapore, planning a future trip, or simply love exploring the world through stories and photos, this diary offers a rich, colourful journey worth saving to your Pinterest travel boards. SINGAPORE, Jurong Bird Park and Gardens by the Bay,15-17 April 2013, after returning from Melaka Malaysia Post Malacca, Gardens by the Bay, Jurong Bird Park, Geylang Swimming, Singapore 15-17 Apr 2013, Gardens by the Bay, Jurong Bird Park (by 2022 part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve or as we used to call it "Singapore zoo"), covering amongst others 172 selective slideshow images, marina bay & Jurong east MRT stations, South African gardens, baobab & bottle trees, Flowers , trees and perfumes from World climate zones, The Cloud Rainforest, easter eggs, pollen café, marina bay sands hotel, Buddhist monks, Singapore flyer, Art & Science Museum, Geylang swimming pool, supermarket fun, multiple tropical flowers, Jurong, pool amphitheater, hornbills, toucans, Lorikeet loft & walkway, waterfalls, cloud forest with mist and ferns, trams, model railways, sunsets, Singapore at night, funnels at night, boardwalk by 2020 moved to singapore zoo area buddhist monk tourist 1/86 Monday April 15th 2013 Summary, Geylang. Phoenix went to work but Doug was off sick as he also had food poisoning and was ill during the night after our weekend away in Melaka. Annie did more laundry; in this humidity it is endless, indeed eventually (bit like Darwin in Australia) jour clothing just disintegrates. In the morning we stayed with Doug who looked poorly having been sick all night. He rang his work to tell them he was ill and would not be coming in today. Keef caught up with emails and backed up all our holiday photos for safe keeping. Would hate to lose them. Doug had a nap but still felt ill so went to the doctors for a sick note. Annie did laundry / ironing again. 2.30 p.m. we went to the Geylang pool for a swim, becoming regulars these days, know a few of the lifeguards. Doug rang at 4 p.m. to ask us to buy some eggs and bottled water from the supermarket on the way back. We met P at the supermarket as she had left work early to look after Doug. He had been sick again in the afternoon and when we got back to the flat with Phoenix he was stretched out on the sofa in the lounge. We think, like P, the food poisoning was either from the street kebabs and / or the shellfish in Melaka, but honestly who knows. Neither K nor A were ill, and we didn’t eat either of those two options. We had jacket potatoes, grapes and nuts for tea and D&P had steamed fish, rice and greens. He perked up a bit after that and looked much better. He said his body ached from being sick so often, understandably stretching your stomach muscles. We watched telly together, a Korean channel with a game show and then a programme like Dr Who but set in ancient Korea, very different but educational. Then we had showers, a great way to cool at the end of the day and then bed. Tuesday April 16th 2013 Summary, Geylang, Singapore, Gardens by the Bay Laundry and ironing initially for Annie, Keef made cheese cobs and we took apples for lunch. As Doug was recovered and they were both back at work today we took the MRT train from Aljunied station to Gardens by the Bay as Doug had kindly bought us tickets and a river cruise as our Xmas presents. We got a free shuttle car from the MRT station to the Ticket Office, how cool is that? We had our lunch sitting on a lovely long wooden tree bench under fans at the entrance. Most relaxing and enjoyable. We then went into one of the two huge glass domes that are Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. The flower gardens inside were laid out in different climate zones with trees and flowers from the countries in those parts of the world. Lovely flowers, loved the hibiscus trees in large pots , baobab trees, colourful Mediterranean flowers etc. Just so much to look at and admire, puts our limited gardening skills to shame, tee-hee but I guess we have less of a budget. They did not have any frangipani trees surprisingly. We loved the flowers and perfumes coming from every section. We then had coffee in the Pollen café, appropriately named, somewhat expensive in there but very nice and classy. We met a woman from Adelaide who now lives in Singapore and had done for 15 years. Quite interesting, the average salary was $1,500 per month but many people were on less around $800 per month so she said. Then we went into the second glass dome which was plants in rainforests and called the cloud forest. It had a fantastic indoor waterfall and lots of water and mist everywhere, orchids, bromeliads, quinine trees, mosses, ferns, busy lizzies etc. all very exotic. We got the lift to the top of the Cloud Forest and walked along the gantries suspended out of the central garden pillar to the ground floor, the walkways afforded such a close-up view and atmospheric experience. So worth going, will remember the experience forever. The whole thing looked like the Hanging Garden of Babylon. Back on the ground level we then watched on the big screen a video about climate change effecting the world habitat in the future. This was 2013, by 2022 COP 26 was finally doing something about it, do hope we as a world aren’t too late. We then visited the Marina Bay Sands hotel, a definite Singaporean icon. From the foyer of the hotel as it was now dark, we walked through to the Marina Bay mall for dinner in a pizza restaurant, it was very expensive but yummy. There are lots of designer shops in the mall, we watched a laser light show at 9.30 p.m. just outside by the Art & Science Museum on the bay. It lasted about 10 minutes and projected laser light streams onto MBS, very atmospheric. We then got the MRT back to Aljunied station and the flat and chatted to D&P about our day and how much we had enjoyed it. Doug had been to an Amazon works seminar all day. Wednesday April 17th 2013 Summary, Geylang, Singapore, Jurong Bird Park Annie did ironing and laundry 8.40-11.20 a.m. after a huge tropical storm had hit at 6.50 a.m. Thunder, lightning and sheet rain coming in onto the floor even though the flat is on the 10th floor. Doug had to shut all the windows to keep it out which increased the humidity inside 10-fold, however once it stopped and the windows were reopened, we really felt the benefit as it reduced the humidity and temperature dramatically, however as ever in Singapore that benefit didn’t last long, we are on the equator. We then went to Jurong Bird Park using the MRT to Jurong East station. We had to get a bus for a short trip from the train station to the bird park entrance. Arriving at 2.30 p.m. The weather was now full hot and humid again. We saw penguins, flamingoes, parrots, scarlet ibis, and lots of other tropical birds. We used the parks road train to get around the various sectors. We sat and watched one of the shows which featured a giant hornbill called Alfred, he was a massive bird but well trained. The show also featured a talking and singing cockatoo, parrots flying around the auditorium and flamingoes and pelicans, all very entertaining as well as colourful. We really enjoyed the show. The park closed at 6 p.m. so we left then and got a combination of the bus followed by the train back to the city centre. We then took the train to Clarke Quay so we could redo the river boat cruise but this time at night, which was very atmospheric. This was another part of our Christmas present from D&P. After a relaxing cruise and seeing all the lights we returned to the flat late evening, a lovely day. Jurong Bird Park & Singapore Travel Diary This three‑day Singapore travel diary (15–17 April 2013) captures a vivid slice of life in Geylang while exploring two of Singapore’s most iconic attractions: Gardens by the Bay and Jurong Bird Park. Blending family life, daily routines, tropical weather, and immersive sightseeing, the diary offers a rich, authentic look at Singapore beyond the typical tourist itinerary. It’s an ideal resource for travellers researching Singapore family holidays, Jurong Bird Park reviews, or Gardens by the Bay experiences. Life in Geylang: Heat, Humidity & Everyday Singapore The diary begins with a grounded look at daily life in Geylang, a neighbourhood known for its colourful streets, food culture, and lived‑in authenticity. Much of the first day revolves around caring for Doug, who is recovering from food poisoning after a weekend in Melaka. This slice‑of‑life detail adds realism and shows the slower, domestic side of long‑term travel in Singapore. Laundry, ironing, supermarket trips, and cooling off at the Geylang Swimming Pool paint a picture of what it’s like to stay in Singapore rather than simply pass through. The tropical humidity is a recurring theme — clothes take ages to dry, storms roll in dramatically, and the heat returns just as quickly as it disappears. These details help readers understand the climate challenges of travelling in equatorial Southeast Asia. Gardens by the Bay: A Full Day of Iconic Singapore On 16 April, the diary shifts into full sightseeing mode with a complete day at Gardens by the Bay, one of Singapore’s most famous attractions and a major SEO keyword for travel planners. The journey begins with an MRT ride from Aljunied to Marina Bay, followed by a free shuttle to the entrance — a useful detail for visitors researching how to get to Gardens by the Bay. The couple enjoy lunch under cooling fans before entering the two massive conservatories. Flower Dome Inside the Flower Dome, the diary highlights: Mediterranean gardens Baobab and bottle trees Hibiscus and tropical blooms Fragrant climate‑zone displays The narrative emphasises the scale, beauty, and immersive design of the dome — ideal for readers searching for Flower Dome reviews or what to expect at Gardens by the Bay. Cloud Forest The Cloud Forest is described as a standout experience, with: A towering indoor waterfall Mist‑filled walkways Orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and rainforest plants Elevated gantries offering dramatic views The diary compares the structure to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, reinforcing its visual impact. A climate‑change video exhibit adds educational depth, making this section valuable for eco‑travel and sustainability‑focused searches. Marina Bay Sands & Evening Activities After the conservatories, the couple visit Marina Bay Sands, explore the luxury mall, enjoy dinner, and watch the 9:30 p.m. laser show by the ArtScience Museum. These details support SEO queries like Marina Bay Sands evening activities, Singapore light shows, and what to do at Marina Bay at night. Jurong Bird Park: A Classic Singapore Wildlife Experience The diary’s final day (17 April) focuses on Jurong Bird Park, a beloved Singapore attraction that, by 2022, became part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. This section is rich with SEO‑friendly content for travellers researching Jurong Bird Park reviews, Jurong Bird Park shows, or how to get to Jurong Bird Park. After a dramatic early‑morning tropical storm, the couple take the MRT to Jurong East, then a short bus ride to the park entrance. The visit includes: Bird Exhibits Penguins Flamingos Parrots Scarlet ibis Lorikeets Tropical aviaries The diary highlights the park’s lush landscaping, waterfalls, and humid rainforest atmosphere — ideal for readers comparing Singapore’s wildlife attractions. Bird Shows A major highlight is the amphitheatre show featuring: Alfred the giant hornbill A singing cockatoo Free‑flying parrots Flamingos and pelicans These details help the page rank for Jurong Bird Park show times, hornbill show Singapore, and similar queries. Evening River Cruise After the park closes at 6 p.m., the couple head to Clarke Quay for a nighttime river cruise — another Christmas gift from family. The illuminated skyline, bridges, and waterfront architecture create a memorable end to the day and add SEO value for Singapore river cruise reviews and Clarke Quay at night. A Rich, Realistic Singapore Travel Snapshot Across these three days, the diary blends: Family life Local culture Iconic attractions Weather experiences Public transport tips Honest reflections This makes it a strong choice for anyone planning a Singapore itinerary , researching Jurong Bird Park , or exploring Gardens by the Bay . Little India 13 Singapore travel summary

A sun-soaked family adventure through Florida’s best moments — Disney magic, iconic parks, and the full 2022 USA holiday story brought to life. Dive into the photos, the memories, the laughs, and the little details that made this trip unforgettable. If you love travel diaries, theme parks, or a good nostalgia hit, this page is a must‑read. Ready to relive the journey? 2022 Travel Blog For Disney's 50th Celebrations 🗺️ USA 2022 – Travel Route Summary (Florida) 🏡 Base Location Davenport, Florida (Regal Palms Resort, Berry Town Centre area) Bay Lakes area, Florida Travel mainly via US‑27 (Purple Heart Highway) and US‑192 (West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway) 🎢 Theme Parks & Attractions Visited Walt Disney World – All Four Parks Magic Kingdom (50th Anniversary fireworks) EPCOT (50th Anniversary fireworks) Animal Kingdom (entry via Sherberth Road) Hollywood Studios Other Major Parks Disney Springs Universal Studios Orlando (Craig & family only) 🛣️ Local Areas & Towns Kissimmee (regular visits for food, access roads, and park routes) Davenport (accommodation, shopping, dining) Berry Town Centre (local amenities) 🍔 Travel Pattern Based on the diary description, your daily route pattern was: Davenport → US‑27 → US‑192 → Disney/Universal parks Return via the same highways Occasional diversions via Sherberth Road for Animal Kingdom access 📍 Full Route List & Summary This is the distilled list of all unique locations mentioned, in clean sequence: Davenport (Regal Palms Resort) Berry Town Centre Kissimmee Magic Kingdom EPCOT Animal Kingdom Hollywood Studios Disney Springs Universal Studios Orlando Bay Lakes area US‑27 (Purple Heart Highway) US‑192 (Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway) Sherberth Road (Animal Kingdom access) Read more under Blog 183 if you want to or just read here on this site USA 2022 Florida (FL) USA with the grandchildren for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World resort, Walt had built it from the late 60s when he purchased the land from Irlo Bronson Sr, rancher and Democratic senator for the state of Florida, it opened in 1972 hence the 50th celebrations including fireworks at both Magic Kingdom and Epcot which were spectacular. Family Holiday to Orlando, Florida, USA - Theme Parks for Disney's 50th at Magic Kingdom A wonderful family holiday for 3 weeks staying at Regal Palms Resort in the Davenport and Bay Lakes area of Florida, just off the Purple heart highway (no 27) and mostly using the 192 Highway (West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, both father and son Irlo Bronson (Sr & Jr) were prominent Floridian Democratic Politicians and the father is best known for selling some of his ranch land to Walt Disney to construct Disney World, there you go a bit of relevant history for you). The 192 got us to Disney (& Universal) theme parks and all the obvious American eateries, some of which are to die for (sadly in some folks cases literally) just loved the all American "big and brash" approach to life for 3 weeks. Not sure I could live there, the gun thing and school shooter issue is very prominent every day in their newscasts (dominated by adverts #smile) plus Florida's republican governor Ron DeSantis has views I could never align with , BUT 3 weeks to explore a highly interesting culture that really defines the term "2 nations that speak the same language but are separated by it" was truly a wonderful opportunity spent with my loving and fun, caring extended family, I am a VERY HAPPY MAN #fact Note also entry to Animal Kingdom off the 192 should be via the Sherberth Rd (entry point) Art Work If the Video Includes our Grandchildren you need ask to view else they are private DISNEY SPRINGS We went twice to Disney springs, I guess it is the mega replacement for what Paradise Island was back in the day as the entertainment element of Disney World Resorts offering. Disney springs is huge with many car parks, named after fruits, i.e., Lime, Watermelon, Orange etc. etc. All car parking is free. The first time we went we had a good look around, security is good on entry, all the typical posh shops and of course Disney & Co. which we did spend quite a bit of time in. Keef looked at buying Levi's, traditionally a cheap purchase in the States, but even with the 30% discount they were still way more expensive than the UK, must be the exchange rate or prices in the US have gone ballistic. The Lego shop was fun, Edie played with the available bricks to entertain the kids, Grandpa made a car #teehee We then avoided a mega downpour and eventually legged it over to Planet Hollywood for our pre booked table getting a little wet on route. What a fascinating restaurant. Reminded me of my fave Hard Rock café but with film memorabilia and some fab sing-a-longs. #magic Our second return was to watch Cirque Du Soleil, which was wonderful. You can park in the surface car park for free just in front of the purpose build big top. Disney don't do things by halves #haha UNIVERSAL STUDIOS We had a day off when C&L and family visited Universal, it is located about an hour away from Davenport in what is basically south Orlando. They had a lovely day mostly in the Harry Potter area with Edie using her Hermione wand to make stuff "move", i'll try and find some images, they stopped for donuts on the way back, but as the kids were flagging didn't make it through to 9 pm for the fireworks which was an original intention. It as fun place, much changed I'm sure from our 1997 visit but ET is still there although massively updated. Edie had great fun with her wand , now what exactly does "Expelliarmus" mean, well I'm so glad you asked Harry fans, here you go..... Expelliarmus is a disarming spell, and is used to knock the opponent's wand from their hand. It is commonly used in the dueling club of Hogwarts and in many of the Harry Potter movies. Although called the 'Disarming Charm', it is only used to take wands from your opponent, whereas other spells can be used for summoning or pushing away an object. There is a very brief you tube video of Craig & Leanne's day out FIREWORKS We were lucky enough to be at Disney's world resort to celebrate their 50th anniversary which meant spectacular fireworks every evening at both Magic Kingdom and Epcot, on reflection we all agreed it was the Magic Kingdom ones that were the best which is to take nothing way from Epcot who used huge screens to coordinate Disney classic songs and screen time with the fireworks over the world lake. By fireworks down main street in front of the castle at Magic Kingdom just edged it for us it was , sorry to repeat the word, just MAGICAL! Do hope these videos do it justice. It should be noted that each "performance" at both parks lasted about 20 minutes with a crescendo finale, our video has captured about 20 minutes combines across the 2, you will easily see which park is which, over the lake at Epcot and in front of the Castle at Magic Kingdom. EATERIES AND SHOPPING We went to very few shops apart from those inside Disney Parks for various souvenirs and gifts, Keef bought himself a NASA T-shirt inside EPCOT but for those outside we got SIM cards from AT&T, Food shopping from Publix, and we visited the old style US store Cracker Barrel and the Magicians Gift Store on the 192. Restaurants we eat at or got take aways were in no particular order, i-Hop and Applebee's at Berry Town Centre , Ponderosa on the 192, McDonald's on the Disney World Resort Estate, Mexico and China in EPCOT, Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs, take away fish and chips from the English bar in Berry town centre, where I had a draft pint of old speckled hen whilst waiting, a great place run by a nice English guy from London who had been there for 14 years. Plus for breakfasts Rainforest café in Animal Kingdom and the Royal Table in the castle at Magic Kingdom, all very magical. I think thats it... oh C&L ate at a Donut place on the way back from Universal on the last Thursday. We also did up sandwiches etc. which we ate in the parks to save a bit of money but mostly in that heat and humidity it was drinks we needed, lots of iced water and Sprite , which worryingly cost about £4 for a small bottle. Here is a short slideshow to capture those events Chinese lunch at the Nine Dragons, China, Epcot, absolutely scummy Final Applebee's meal. What a nice place and great food all just up the road at Berry Town Centre #ace 2022 24 Days Between July 29th & August 21st For this trip I will mention where we went and what we did which included Davenport, Berry Town Centre, Kissimmee, all 4 parks, i.e. Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, Universal Studios (although that was only Craig and family) as near Septuagenarians by then having walked 37.5 miles around parks in blistering heat and humidity we were to put no finer point on it... knackered #teehee, we returned again in 2018 on our 40th Wedding Anniversary cruise, click HERE to see that Blog. This Family trip is also replicated on the motorhome-travels blog as BLOG 183 . We had been before BLOG165 but if you prefer to stay here on this site there is a almost identical version of that here as USA 1997, thanks as always for looking folks, best KeefH Web Designs . FIREWORK FUN DIARY Fun times with the family, use this to see what we did and where we went on our 24-day holiday with Craig, Leanne, Edie and Tate. It of course included that very special day on the 16th for Edie's 6th birthday, it was also the last of our 14 days continuously at the Disney World Parks, a fabulous time of rides, shows, shops, restaurants and meeting celebrity Disney characters, getting their autographs and having cuddles with them and getting our pictures taken with them a true delight for grandchildren #magical Have I said as yet, we almost Septuagenarians, walked 37.5 miles around the parks, not bad in that heat and humidity #creamcrackered Note on the 17th we returned to Disney Springs in the eve to watch Disney's version of Cirque du soleil, but I sadly left that off the calendar #dumbkopf (see I do know some other languages) #haha WEEK 1 - 29th July to 7th August 2022 Summary: There are 660 images in a slideshow lasting 21 minutes followed by a video with speech lasting for 43 minutes. Since we are in movie land the ones with speech we will call "The Talkies" #haha #hollywood The contents of which cover flying from Manchester Airport on the Saturday having stayed in the Premier Inn, quite a posh modern one, and eating at their attached pub, nothing special but good for the Friday eve before flying and it avoided any unforeseen obstacles to getting on the plane, most relaxing. We took quite a few pictures of the takeoff over England before hitting the cloud and Soarin' through it (this is a reference to the mega ride experience in Epcot which was a 4D hit with one and all in our party, how to fly around the world in less that 80 minutes (well seconds maybe #haha) rather than Mister Verne's days. Our seats were over the right-hand wing and engines so a little noisy, Keef took his headphones which were far superior to the free Virgin Atlantic free ones. Watched 3 movies on the way out. The best of which was The House of Gucci (Lady GaGa is excellent) and Kenneth Branagh's Belfast a close second, it certainly passed the time as well as playing with / chatting to grandchildren over the seat tops, they were all in the row in front of us. Food also not bad and well designed with eco sentiments in mind. I guess if you are burning fuel at a rate of knots as an airline it's good to contribute in some small way #COP26 We landed and the least said about the rest of the night probably for the better, if you really wish to indulge them have a read of the LOWLIGHTs, I've warned you it wasn't a great time and boy were we all tired after 22 hours traveling. The kids had a bit of a melt down at the start of driving the new hire car but who can blame them being 5 and 1 a piece. I think the adults were probably close to it as well, but we are HELLINGERs and soldiered on. So besides doing some shopping in the very convenient and hugely stocked Publix supermarket a stone's throw away up the road in the Berry Town centre area and lots of swimming in the Regal Palms complex with its lazy river, 5ft pool and paddling area Keef, Craig and Leanne tried out the "fast water slide" into the pool. Only Craig was brave enough to lie down whilst descending although I can vouch for it building up speed even if you were sitting on that last bend #fun Loved the Reggae playlist music that adorned the swimming complex, I could almost believe with the sun that I was back in Jamaica. We also went out for breakfast at the i-Hop, a pancake place, and Applebee's, a trad American bar / diner which did fab chicken dishes especially the Lime chicken and meltdown chocoholic puddings with ice cream. Overall, I would rate US ice-cream but not eat it in tub loads as sadly many Americans must appear to do whilst watching TV. Don't get me started on the quality of US TV! Both these establishments were on the Berry town centre site. So, what else did we do in that 1st week. Got AT&T Sim cards, unlimited data, for Craig and my phone, Visited all 4 Disney parks for the first time. Ate a buffet lunch out at Ponderosa, a nostalgic visit inspired by Leanne's extended family visit over 20 years ago. I will always remember those brightly coloured sugary drinks and Edie's dark blue and bright red Jelly (or Jell-O as our Patriots call it) Addendum she didn't eat it after the 1st mouthful #notsurprising Saw and recorded the magnificent 50th anniversary firework shows at both Magic Kingdom and Epcot, both late nights for the grandkids but they were great and loved them. I now know a lot more Disney "toons" than just let it go, Annie & I are determined to watch a few of the Disney's we don't know well, sorry we are old skool ...from Snow White probably only as far as Sleeping Beauty, one of my favourites is Dumbo. Bambi was I think the first movie I saw at the cinema as a kid when Mum took us. We did 1 Magic Kingdom visit, 2 Animal Kingdom visits and 2 Epcot visits in that first week. At Animal Kingdom whilst collecting stickers for Edie's conservation book we visited Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, Harambe Market, where later in the trip we saw the truly wonderful Lion King show in the theater just behind on the riverbank. Plus, the whole conservation area where animals are housed getting there via the old train. At this centre Granny, Edie & Grandpa joined the artwork class and drew Pula (the pig) from the Lion King, great fun. See our artwork BELOW. We saw various animals and fish which the kids loved. On those 2 Animal Kingdom visits visited mostly Oasis, Africa, Rafiki's Planet watch and bits of Discovery Island. WEEK 2 - 8th to 14th August 2022 There are 738 images in a slideshow lasting 25 minutes followed by a video with speech lasting for 43 minutes. Week 2 kicked off with our first visit to Disney Hollywood Studios, which seems to have been designed on a 1930s film set theme. Very classy, liked it here a lot, the Star Wars theme now they own Lucas has expanded massively from 1997 and their rides are enhanced, Tate was even quizzed by a stormtrooper, he didn't seem interested #haha The Mickey / Minnie / Goofy train ride was very classy and some of the shows were good. Due to thunder and lightning our 1st Indiana Jones show was wiped out, just too dangerous and because of the loud bangs Edie was not interested in a 2nd attempt although Keef & Annie did for old times' sake. Lots of hats were tried on in the various shops and Minnie ears for Leanne and Edie. Street parades (nothing like Magic Kingdom) featured the Incredibles and others. We did a few trips to regal palms pool area this week as well as having a few meals out plus a splendid Planet Hollywood bonanza for our first visit there as well as a late night for the fireworks at Magic Kingdom and breakfast at the Rainforest café in Animal Kingdom, what a surprise that was, just amazing, only at Disney, with thunder and lightning inside the café on the half hour with real rain showers over you. #Amazing The restaurant also had a whole host of animatronic animals as well as giant fish tanks, the grandkids loved these. We did a 2nd visit to Hollywood studios as well, getting to know our way around by now. Sadly the white knuckle ride themed on Aerosmith the band broke down just as Leanne and I were about to get near the front of the queue , Friday this week was a lazy one, but one we all picked up a bit of sun burn despite factor 50 sun tan lotion at waterpark Typhoon lagoon. Just shows how intense the sun is in Florida, 34-39c often and very humid. We also did our final Epcot visit this week and Edie had to say goodbye to her beloved Soarin' ride , she went on 5 times in total, it is a very clever 4D experience. It was also our final visit to Animal Kingdom, mostly spent in Asia area just across from the stage Dino land we had been in earlier in the week. Edie and I did the triceratops rid twice. Want to see more then look its all here on the blog via picture slideshows etc. Note we also visited Typhoon Lagoon, for which we don't have a site guide but it can be found here and Disney Springs which is included in the set of guides. That's it for week 2 EPCOT We visited this park 3 times and saw the spectacular Sonne et Lumiere fireworks show around the Lake, plus travelled on the wonderful rides Soarin' and Galaxy. There are 330 images lasting 9 minutes. The talkies are included elsewhere under weeks 1 thru 3. Thanks for looking, best KeefH Web Designs x DISNEY HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS We visited this park 3 times and went on the fab Mickey and Minnie train ride in Main Street. We also due to thunderstorms had to have 2 attempts to see the whole of the Indiana Jones re-enactment of stunts. Its wonderful and not much changed from 1997 only that those stunt men and women have now retired #tooold There are 162 images lasting 6 minutes. The talkies are included elsewhere under weeks 1 thru 3. Thanks for looking, best KeefH Web Designs x We missed out on this one (Aerosmith Rock & Roller) having used a Lightening Lane and queued a bit when it broke down (again apparently last time was for 14 days!!!) they refunded our pass, but it didn't restart during the time we were there that day, good job that in the "white knuckle" ride stakes we did eventually get on Guardians of the Galaxy ride at EPCOT july 2022 august 2022 his 1921 business card, obviously worked july 2022 1/3 2022 24 Days Between July 29th & August 21st WEEK 3 - 15th to 21st August 2022 There are 461 images in a slideshow lasting 12 minutes followed by a video with speech lasting for 44 minutes. Week 3 started with the last trio to Disney Hollywood Studios and the kids both dancing and singing along to the Frozen show, the male compare was great at ad lib, and very funny. Tuesday saw us finish our very enjoyable 14 days at the Disney parks with what was probably both our longest and most fulfilling day , it was Edie's 6th birthday, we started with a bit of present opening at 257 Bergamo followed by a very posh breakfast in the Royal Table restaurant within Magic Kingdom's Castle, Grandpa discussed Grits with the the suitably medieval attired waiter, he liked them with sugar, YUK! but why does that not surprise me, the gouda ones I had were superb. We then went to more shows and on more rides than we ever have and the wonderful "It's a small world" was included. Wednesday we did a bit of shopping and all ate out at the Australian themed Outback restaurant, great grub cobber. Edie even went to the Sheila's. We had a family swim in the eve before tea. Thursday C&L & Co went to Universal studios and K & A had a chill day mostly eating, drinking and watching awful movies however the Meg Ryan / Hugh Jackman time travel romance from 2001 called Kate and Leopold wasn't bad. Friday was a relaxed day with an early morning swim, our last, then packing and getting ready for the big trip home, you don't wanna know about the car dying on us as we left for the airport, but if you do read the LOWLIGHTS, Grr. We finally managed the full Indiana Jones show, hooray. Used both ferry and monorail at Magic Kingdom. Edie could have had a go on the cable car at Hollywood studios , there and back but we just didn't find the time, sadly. The pilot of the river boat cruise was a hoot. Belle was so nice and Cirque Du Soleil back at Disney Springs on Thursday eve was possibly , no definitely, the best circus show G&G had ever seen. Giant donuts and weird picture templates spring to mind, that’s it folks, take a look in more detail through the rest of the menu, I hope there is something to delight each and every one of you. Best KeefH Web Designs. x To see more details of both Magic Kingdom (for Edie's spectacular 6th birthday) and Disney Springs for Cirque Du Soleil which we visited in Week 3 , that's it for week 3 REGAL PALMS RESORT We stayed at 257 Bergamo drive for 3 weeks and used most of the available facilities bar the Spa and eating at the Grill bar, towel hire for the pool was $10 deposit returned when you gave them back and for that deposit you could return them as often as you like, soaking wet during a days swimming if you wanted to. Granny & Grandpa got Edie and Tate a lilo and rubber ring which made journeys around the lazy river a little more fun. On the last day I had to walk from Bergamo back to the office to check out because of our broken hire car but in general one drove everywhere, after all this is America #teehee The pool stuff in fairness was a little too far from where we were. There were minor issue with our stay in the Bergamo villa but nothing particularly serious, more niggles. If you want to read about those click HERE Overall we thought the accommodation and location were great. Above are copies of the guides we were given, the housekeeping phone number was very useful, they got to know me after 3 weeks, indeed their manager did see my point of view when suggested they couldn't come until Tuesday in the last week #assertive Here is a slideshow of Regal Palms resort and the wonderfully relaxing pool time we spent, enjoy Tate loved the Regal Palms pool, especially the shallower baby pool bit where he could play, he has no fear of water and loved going around the lazy river on the Lilo but mostly in Mummy or Daddy's arms MAGIC KINGDOM We visited this park 3 times and saw the parade twice, well at least Edie and I did the second time, Tinkerbell and Chip & Dale were her favourites along with all the Princesses. We celebrated her 6th birthday there on our 3rd and final visit, starting with a fab breakfast in the Royal Table restaurant in the castle. Craig & Leanne had steak, I had old Gouda Grits, you gotta taste local food, so much better than the only time I've had Grits before. Edie's birthday cake was a chocolate mickey head and eats, yummy Clearly stuff is included in the weeks 1-3 You Tube videos but I have combined at least the images here. There are 278 images lasting 7 minutes. The talkies are included elsewhere under weeks 1 thru 3. Thanks for looking, best KeefH Web Designs x ANIMAL KINGDOM We visited this park 4 times and saw the Lion King Show in the Theatre in Africa. Here are some official photographer pix of us all There are 307 images lasting 15 minutes. The talkies are included elsewhere under weeks 1 thru 3. Thanks for looking, best KeefH Web Designs x 29th july his 1921 business card, obviously worked 21st august 29th july 1/25

A curated portfolio showcasing Decades of Travel projects, visual storytelling, maps, blogs, and creative travel archives from journeys across the world by KHWD. Decades of Travel Portfolio Portraitures from our Travels over the Decades

Discover how KHWD Holidays protects your data with clear, transparent privacy practices designed for trust and peace of mind. Learn what information we collect, how it’s used, and the safeguards we apply across our travel archives, blogs, and digital services. This page outlines your rights, our commitment to security, and the steps we take to keep your online experience safe, compliant, and fully in your control. Privacy Policy Website Design Privacy Policy Last Updated 14th February 2026 General Data Protection Regulation "GDPR" This Privacy Policy explains how information about you is collected and used by KeefH Web Designs. For my website design we NEVER disclose your information to 3rd parties. This Website Design Privacy Policy applies to information we collect when you use our website design “Services”, or when you otherwise interact with us. We may change this Privacy Policy for website design from time to time. 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A brief 2008 stopover in Singapore filled with sights, food and first impressions—an inspiring travel snapshot that sparked many return visits. 2008 Singapore Travel Guide & Blog SINGAPORE - HOLIDAY in 2008 A Travel Blog Experience My relationship with Singapore has unfolded over nearly three decades of travelling, filming, and documenting my journeys online. What began as a simple stopover on long‑haul trips to Australia gradually became one of my most familiar and frequently revisited destinations. In the early years, Singapore was primarily Changi Airport to me — a place of smooth connections, clever design, and the kind of efficiency that made travel feel effortless. But with each return, I found myself drawn further into the city beyond the terminals. Across my KHWD travel sites, you can see that evolution clearly. My early notes focus on the novelty of passing through one of the world’s best airports, but over time my trips expanded into the heart of Singapore: Marina Bay’s futuristic skyline, the cultural layers of Chinatown and Little India, the green corridors threading through the city, and the ever‑changing attractions that make every visit feel new. I’ve captured these experiences through photos, long‑form diaries, and now video. The YouTube playlist reflects that shift too. It’s a mix of walking tours, food explorations, airport guides, and city snapshots — mirroring how my own travels moved from quick transits to deeper, more curious wanderings. Each clip adds another layer to the story I’ve been telling across my websites: a Singapore where tradition and modernity sit side by side, where hawker centres are as memorable as skyline views, and where I always seem to find something different each time I return. Singapore has become more than a destination for me. It’s a recurring chapter in my wider travel story — a place I’ve grown with, documented, and revisited as both a traveller and a digital archivist, capturing its changes alongside my own. It is especially loved by me as our youngest son and family live there as well as it being a convenient half way house to Antipodean lands, also special to both of us. See some of our many trips to Singapore PLAY Changi Airport Clarke Quay 2008 15th September Day 326 - Monday 15th September 2008, Sydney 2 Hong Kong via Singapore Just passing thru, touchdown at Changi Airport for refueling and change of plane We had about 1½ hours here Maybe you can argue we were doing a reccie for Doug & Phoenix in advance. Really we were just passing through both on the way out in 1995 and the way back here in 2007-08. We remember the slick fast transit monorail from one terminal to another, not eating gum and in 1995 being woken up for my 7th meal in under 7 hours. Back for 2 weeks to really see it in 2013 with the lovely Mr & Mrs Hellinger.Plus again in 2014, 2018 and 2019 Diary Day 326 - Monday 15th September 2008, Sydney 2 Hong Kong via Singapore Long day flying, watched lots and lots of movies on the flight Up about 4.45am , flew at 8.05am although it was 15mins late going Good airplane, Air Singapore had to swap at Changi and use posh fast shuttle train to our next gate The luggage got transferred automatically for us from one plane to the other Taxi at HK was a hoot Service guy wrote down the hotel in Chinese for the driver who we had fun communicating with by hand signals Kowloon a long way Over lovely bridge and under tunnel 45 mins drive Went to wrong hotel then had to go to New SD all fine £75 a night stayed 3 nights Hot 35c and 100% humidity, what we saw today,Airports and movies, who we met, Shuttle guy @ Holiday Inn Sydney who was annoyed we had loaded on our own bags. Jobsworth! Getting on the plane went very quickly when one considers it, taxi driving thru market to San Diego (wrong hotel) was amusing, took 1 picture of Changi airport only! Plus remembering my Dad with love, who died on this day 6 years earlier. Summary: SINGAPORE 1½ hours , Day 326, 15/9/2008

Explore our 2019 motorhome guide to the Faroe Islands and Iceland—routes, ferries, campsites, tips, and stunning Nordic landscapes for an unforgettable adventure. 2019 Travel Guide - Faroes & Iceland 🗺️ 2019 FAROES & ICELAND — COMPLETE MOTORHOME ROUTE MAP Trip No. 38 — 5 May to 3 July 2019 Total distance: 5,257 miles • UK → Holland → Germany → Denmark → Faroe Islands → Iceland → return via Denmark, Germany, Holland → UK. 🇬🇧 UK → 🇳🇱 Holland → 🇩🇪 Germany → 🇩🇰 Denmark Derby → Hull Harwich Port (DFDS ferry) Rotterdam / Hook of Holland Northbound through Germany (A7 corridor) Hirtshals, Denmark – ferry port for Smyril Line to Faroes/Iceland 🇫🇴 FAROE ISLANDS (Outbound stop on Smyril Line) FULL ROUTE (20 day stopover on the ferry route in May 13-27th) Tórshavn (port) Transit through the Faroes en‑route to Iceland BUT not until we have explored the Faroes and its many islands for 14 days, details coming up 13 May - Arrival in the Faroe Islands Tórshavn – arrival from MS Norröna at 6 a.m. Parking by sports stadium Walk around harbour, marina, back streets of Tórshavn Police station (parking disk fine) Tórshavn Campsite – overlooking the sea 14 May - Local explorations, Kaldbaksfjørður & Kirkjubøur Kaldbaksfjørður – waterfalls, salmon farms Kirkjubøur – Roykstovan (oldest inhabited house) St Magnus Cathedral (roofless, under repair) Domkirke (being repainted) Views to Kirkjubøhólmur Return to Tórshavn via Highway 54 Drive to Vestmanna (Streymoy) via: Hoyvík Leynar Kvívík Valur Bay Vestmanna Campsite – tie‑down hoops, run by sea‑captain’s wife 15 May - Vágar Island Day Return via Leynar Vágatunnilin (toll tunnel) to Vágar Island Sandavágur – church, village walk Miðvágur Sørvágur Sørvágsvatn / Leitisvatn (lake) Buttercup Route 452 – coastal drive with views of Tindhólmur and Gáshólmur Tunnel to Gásadalur Walk to Múlafossur Waterfall Return via tunnels Kaldbak – ancient church, village Back to Tórshavn Campsite (night stop) 16 May — Tórshavn Day Tórshavn town Parliament buildings Return to campsite (sea view) 17 May — Return to Vestmanna Mountain road (instead of tunnel) Vestmanna (craft shops, harbour, bridges) Vestmanna Campsite (second stay) 18 May — Streymoy North & Eiði Oyrareingir Hósvík (harbour walk, wildflowers) Hvalvík Saksun (museum, church, coastal walk) Haldarsvík (sailor’s memorial, church visit) Tjørnuvík (Giant & Witch sea stacks, village walk) Bridge to Eysturoy Road 62 → Eiði Eiði Campsite (football field) 19 May — Funningur & Gjógv Funningur (village walk, bridges, river) Road 662 → Road 632 Gjógv (2‑night stay) Clifftop motorhome area Views to Kalsoy Facilities block Village walk (chain-haul system, old school, harbour) 20 May — Gjógv Day Breakfast outside Long village walk Watching MS Norröna pass Relaxing at campsite 21 May — Funningsfjørður → Fuglafjørður → Æðuvík Funningsfjørður inlet Skipanes (tulips) Road 10 → Gotueiði Road 70 → Syðrugøta Gøtugjógv Norðragøta (harbour, Blásastova museum, Joannis K. art) Fuglafjørður (harbour lunch, whale‑bone‑style arches) Skálafjørður (views to Skála) Æðuvík Campsite (heated room, Faroese TV) 22 May — Leirvík → Klaksvík → Kalsoy Faroes football stadium Viking parliament site Leirvík (Viking settlement) Norðoyatunnilin to Borðoy Klaksvík (2nd city) Ferry to Kalsoy (£44 return) Sydradalur (arrival) Húsar Mikladalur (Kópakonan statue) Two long, dim tunnels Trøllanes (end of the world) Kalsoy United Campsite (car park with EHU) 23 May — Return from Kalsoy → Klaksvík → Skálafjørður → Hósvík → Tórshavn Early ferry back (snow on Kunoy) Klaksvík (town walk) Tunnel back to Leirvík Drive full length of Skálafjørður: Skála Strendur Bridge to Streymoy Hósvík Harbour (lunch, sunshine, boat repairs) Return to Tórshavn Campsite (4‑night stay) 24 May — Tórshavn Day Ferry terminal (Nólsoy) Oldest street Costume shop Community buildings Return to campsite 25 May — Kirkjubøur & Sandoy Attempt Kirkjubøur (clear weather this time) Queue for Sandoy ferry → abandoned (risk of not returning) Relax at St Magnus Cathedral viewpoint Views to Hestur Island Return to Tórshavn 26 May — Rest Day Tórshavn campsite Coastal wall walk Castle Relaxing 27 May — Departure for Iceland Tórshavn → Ferry Terminal Board MS Norröna (both allowed to stay in van) Cabin on Deck 15 Evening meal Overnight sailing to Iceland 🇮🇸 ICELAND — MAIN ISLAND CIRCUIT (A Standard Ring Road approach) & THEN OUR ACTUAL ROUTE Arrival & Loop Suggestion Seyðisfjörður (arrival port) Eastfjords → North Iceland Egilsstaðir Borgarfjörður Eystri Vopnafjörður Húsavík Lake Mývatn region Goðafoss Akureyri Siglufjörður Ólafsfjörður Dalvík Blönduós Hvammstangi (seal peninsula) Westfjords West Iceland → Snæfellsnes Borgarnes Snæfellsnes Peninsula Arnarstapi Hellnar Kirkjufell / Grundarfjörður Stykkishólmur Golden Circle → South Coast Þingvellir Geysir Gullfoss Selfoss Hella Hvolsvöllur Seljalandsfoss Skógafoss Vík Reynisfjara Kirkjubæjarklaustur Skaftafell Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Höfn Return to East Iceland Djúpivogur Breiðdalsvík Fáskrúðsfjörður Return to Seyðisfjörður for ferry 📍 28 May — Arrival in Iceland (Seyðisfjörður → Seyðisfjörður Campsite) MS Norröna docks at Seyðisfjörður (snow flurries, very cold) Drive through town to Seyðisfjörður Campsite (near old church) Hook up, heater on Long walk around: Lake Old streets Church Ferry terminal Craft shop School Town hall Supermarket (Skyr!) 📍 29 May — Seyðisfjörður → Egilsstaðir → Reyðarfjörður Heavy overnight snow Decision: clockwise around Iceland Highway 93 — Seyðisfjörður Mountain Pass Driving snow, zero visibility Frozen lakes on both sides “Most frightening drive of the trip” Pass Heiðarvatn Egilsstaðir Museum visit (moose, winter survival) Supermarkets, petrol Highway 1 south Reyðarfjörður Campsite Hard standing Waterfall, river, mountain views Ducks, clean air One of your favourite campsites 📍 30 May — Reyðarfjörður → Eskifjörður → Neskaupstaður → Djúpivogur Drive around Reyðarfjörður Highway 92 to Eskifjörður Stop at Stromholmi viewpoint Wild lupins everywhere Campsite too hilly Helgustaðir Spar Mine Nordfjardargöng Tunnel → lush valley near Hólar Neskaupstaður (tip of fjord) Return to Reyðarfjörður → Highway 1 Fáskrúðsfjörður Craft shop Chat with local woman Stöðvarfjörður (rock lady’s garden) Breiðdalsvík (volcano, brewery, post office closed) Djúpivogur Harbour walk Campsite behind café Fish & chips with curry batter (loved it) 📍 31 May — Djúpivogur → Höfn Eggin í Gleðivík sculpture walk Waterfall between Hnaukar & Hvalnes Lónsvík grit bowl (sandblasting winds!) Lunch stop Höfn Museum Harbour walk Ice‑breaker ships Beach Campsite (hard standing, windy) Dutch couples struggling with awnings Keef nearly blown off cliff taking photos 📍 1 June — Höfn → Jökulsárlón → Vík Fill water Highway 1 south Views of Vatnajökull glacier Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Blue icebergs Crowds → then peaceful Ice breaking off Hjallanes memorial Long drive to Vík Campsite Skaftafell views Lakes, mountains, glacial landscapes Big campsite, limited EHU Backpacker‑heavy kitchen → cooked in van 📍 2 June — Vík → Reynisfjara → Skógar → Hvolsvöllur → Stokkseyri Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Sneaker waves (tourists ignoring warnings) Basalt columns Dyrhólaey arch Reynisdrangar sea stacks Katla Geopark Lava fields with moss Skógafoss (magnificent waterfall) Hvolsvöllur Lava Centre museum (volcano history) Stokkseyri Campsite Icelandic ponies behind pitch Beautiful sunset 📍 3 June — Stokkseyri → Golden Circle → Grindavík → Sandgerði Walk around Stokkseyri harbour Golden Circle (190 miles) Haukadalur (Geysir, Strokkur eruptions) Gullfoss Þingvallavatn Selfoss Þorlákshöfn Stampar Crater (lost mudguard!) Grindavík (loved it) Sandgerði Campsite Electrical chaos Helpful lady → working socket found Attendant unconcerned 📍 4 June — Sandgerði → Keflavík → Reykjavík Visit Keflavík Airport Reykjavík Campsite (large gravel site) Hop‑On Hop‑Off bus (2‑day ticket) First loop around city Opera House & harbour photos Views to Viðey Island (Imagine Peace Tower) 📍 5 June — Reykjavík Day Old harbour area Maritime Museum Dry dock Gullborg Icebreakers Warehouses → craft shops Murals, chain‑bike art Greenpeace ship Art Gallery & Craft Market (closed) Heritage boards (Viking & Scottish links) City centre (restaurants, puffin & whale menus) Steam engine display Tjörnin Lake Doctor’s visit (antibiotics for Keef) Last HOHO bus → local bus back to campsite 📍 6 June — Reykjavík → Hvalfjörður → Varmaland Dump station near cruise terminal Hvalfjörður lunch stop (lupins) Borgarnes (provisions, craft shop) Varmaland Campsite Lumpy field Muddy track Cash‑only payment 📍 7 June — Varmaland → Stykkishólmur → Snæfellsnes → Tröð (Tradir) Campsite Highway 54 → 56 Hraunsfjardarvatn viewpoint (volcanic landscape) Stykkishólmur Harbour Lumpfish catch Music performance Heritage area Modern church on hill Snæfellsnes Peninsula loop Grundarfjörður Ólafsvík Rif (lighthouse, tourist office) Tradir Campsite (near Búðir) Shower boiler failure → Keef “Tourette’s moment” Hotel showers granted Great views 📍 8 June — Tröð → Búðir → Borgarnes → Bifröst → Laugar Explore Búðir lava fields Highway 54 → Borgarnes (provisions) Highway 1 → Bifröst (lava hotel) Turn onto Highway 60 (mountain road) Laugar Campsite Very poor facilities Uneven ground Worst campsite of the trip 📍 9 June — Laugar → Flókalundur (Westfjords) Attempt gravel road to Flókalundur (17 miles) Extreme shaking, slow progress Fire fell off wall Flókalundur Campsite Beautiful coastal views Decision: do NOT continue gravel loop, worried about puncture 📍 10 June — Flókalundur → Reykhólar Slow return along gravel road Highway 60 → 607 Reykhólar Salmon farms Herring factory Green dredger Reykhólar Campsite Farmer’s field Hot tubs filled with seawater Lovely facilities One of your favourite campsites Dinner outside in sunshine 📍 11 June — Reykhólar → Westfjords → Ísafjörður Highway 61 Long, spectacular fjord drive Reykjanes (diesel stop, geothermal pool) Mjóifjörður Skötufjörður Litlibær Heritage House Walk to seal colony (binoculars provided) Multiple waterfalls Arrival in Ísafjörður Campsite Annie later gets Keef’s cough → hospital visit 📍 12–13 June — Ísafjörður Region Hospital visit for Annie (antibiotics) Explore town, harbour, tunnels, fjords Relax and recover 📍 14 June — Ísafjörður → Súðavík → Hólmavík Súðavík Arctic Fox Centre Long fjord drive Hólmavík Campsite (quiet, remote) 📍 15 June — Hólmavík → Laugarbakki → Blönduós → Sauðárkrókur Highway 61 → 1 Laugarbakki Blönduós (river island church) Sauðárkrókur Campsite 📍 16 June — Sauðárkrókur → Hofsós → Siglufjörður → Dalvík → Akureyri Hofsós Infinity Pool (views to Drangey) Siglufjörður (herring town) Ólafsfjörður Tunnel Dalvík Akureyri Campsite 📍 17 June — Akureyri Day Town walk Harbour Church Shops Relaxing 📍 18 June — Akureyri → Goðafoss → Mývatn → Reykjahlíð Goðafoss waterfall Lake Mývatn region Pseudocraters Lava fields Hot springs Reykjahlíð Campsite 📍 19 June — Mývatn → Húsavík → Ásbyrgi → Dettifoss → Egilsstaðir Húsavík (whale‑watching town) Ásbyrgi Canyon Dettifoss (Europe’s most powerful waterfall) Long drive back to Egilsstaðir 📍 20–21 June — Egilsstaðir → Reyðarfjörður (Return) Return to favourite campsite Relaxing, walking, enjoying scenery 📍 22–23 June — Eastfjords Slow Days Short drives Fjord walks Photography Preparing for return crossing 📍 24 June — Reyðarfjörður → Egilsstaðir → Seyðisfjörður Final mountain pass (this time clear weather!) Return to Seyðisfjörður Campsite Final Iceland walk 📍 25 June — Seyðisfjörður → MS Norröna (Departure) Board ferry Cabin Evening meal Overnight sailing 📍 26 June — At Sea Relaxing Reading Watching waves 🇫🇴 FAROE ISLANDS (Return stop) Tórshavn (return stop on Smyril Line) 📍 27 June — Arrival in Denmark (Hirtshals) Iceland leg complete Continue Europe return journey 🇩🇰 Denmark → 🇩🇪 Germany → 🇳🇱 Holland → 🇬🇧 UK Hirtshals (arrival) Southbound through Denmark Germany (A7 → Netherlands route) Hook of Holland / Rotterdam Harwich (ferry arrival) Derby (home) Map, Postcard, Video SUMMARY Derby Harwich Hook of Holland Germany (A1/A7) Hirtshals Tórshavn Vestmanna Gjógv Klaksvík Tórshavn (return) Seyðisfjörður Reyðarfjörður Höfn Vík Reykjavík Snæfellsnes Peninsula Ísafjörður Akureyri Seyðisfjörður (return) Hirtshals (return) Derby Explore our 2019 motorhome guide to the Faroe Islands and Iceland—routes, ferries, campsites, tips, and stunning Nordic landscapes for an unforgettable adventure. Dive into our 2019 motorhome adventure across the Faroe Islands and Iceland—two wild, weather‑shaped worlds of cliffs, fjords, volcanoes, and unforgettable roads. From ferry crossings and remote campsites to dramatic coastlines and geothermal wonders, this guide captures every twist of the journey. Perfect inspiration for anyone dreaming of a rugged Nordic road trip with breathtaking views at every turn. Icelandic views, a fish smokery The write up is coming......

Explore our 2007 California travel diary with Highway 1 road trips, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, state parks, wildlife, coastal views, and West Coast adventures. 2007 California Travel Guide & Blog CALIFORNIA, USA - HOLIDAY in 2007 A Travel Blog Experience NOTE all words in ITALICS were either written on the trip or before we left (labelled HISTORY) Cali-Forn-I-A here we come UPDATE 31/10/2007 Now left U S of A Arrived safely in Morgan Hill, CA. It's ace!!! Comms: both phones don't work but eMail OK Visited Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur with S&T along the fabulous Californian Highway 1, now one of our New Wonders of the modern world Went for a walk in the Santa Monica County Park and ate really, really well... Went up to the Henry Coe State Park on the back of Morgan Hill (wow, xclent)..Alas have to leave 31st Flight back to LAX, then on AirNZ to Fiji 2350 HIGHLIGHTS Seeing Sherree and Trung again, Monteray & Big Sur LOWLIGHTS None HISTORY Things are starting to shape up. We are staying with my Cousin Sherree and her husband Trung for 4 days and gonna see the Beach Boys coast. Big Sur, Monterey etc. Flight Delta Airlines 7772 LAX to SJC We will be staying in Morgan Hill at the bottom end of Santa Clara County 27/10-31/10 .... "Whatever"...."Awesome"!!! California is a lovely place and the coast along highway 1 truly spectacular. Some of those views will live in the memory forever and images of fields of pumkins, wow! Summary: USA 7 days , Day 1-7, 26/10/2007 - 1/11/2007 EXTRA INFORMATION From our travels, our Holidays, The Gap Year,USA 26 Oct-1 Nov 2007 - California, Los Angeles & San Jose, with family, video now broken into 2 parts in nov2020 ,morgan hills, Monterey, highway 1, carmel, san fransisco images, Californian state parks, santa clara county, leroy anderson lake, reservoir, fishing, quicksilver mercury mine, walks, snakes, henry w coe state park, outside loos, eagles, bald headed, kingfishers, birds & plants, candlestick park, cannery row, steinbeck, clam chowder, rocky creek bridge, sunsets, the big sur, sister hazel, pacific ocean, humming birds, Harley d’s, spindrift inn, jacuzzi’s, gazebos, Travelodge , lax, airports, bush fires, pelicans, bush turkeys, sunset restaurants, compulsory tips, cousins, pumpkins, Halloween, seals, sea otters, harbours, whale watching trips, marinas, arts and crafts market, museums, sardines, garden centres, wild life, town squares, panorama, tranquil, sheep, Japanese food, grits, brekkie out, wharfs, fun times catching up, sherree & trung’s hospitality, big tick 2007 26th October - 1st November We visited California landing in LAX from Heathrow, overnight then up to San Jose, picked up by Cuz's hubby and to Morgan Hills In this California 2007 travel diary, we document our journey across the West Coast, beginning with our arrival at Los Angeles International Airport and continuing through Morgan Hill, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, and several California state parks. Our trip focuses on exploring iconic coastal routes, including Highway 1, and visiting well‑known destinations such as Cannery Row, Carmel Beach, and the dramatic Big Sur coastline. We also spend time in Santa Clara County, visiting family, enjoying local food, and experiencing everyday Californian life. Throughout the diary, we highlight key attractions including Henry W. Coe State Park, Leroy Anderson Lake, and the scenic viewpoints along the Pacific Coast. Wildlife encounters — from sea otters and pelicans to deer and hummingbirds — form an important part of our travel experience. We also describe local dining, from clam chowder in Monterey to sushi and traditional American breakfasts. This page provides a detailed, day‑by‑day record of our California holiday, offering practical insights, location‑based observations, and a clear sense of the landscapes, towns, and coastal scenery that define the region. It serves as a comprehensive travel record for anyone researching California road trips, coastal itineraries, or West Coast travel inspiration. Explore our 2007 California travel diary featuring Highway 1, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, state parks, wildlife encounters, and West Coast coastal adventures. Diary Los Angeles Day 1 - Friday 26th October 2007 Notts->London->LA The Big day has arrived. We had our hire car delivered yesterday evening. Drove to Heathrow, dumped it off and then caught our Air NZ flight NZ0001 1 to LA.What we saw Pirates of the C, World’s End, Unknown, Harry Potter 3,oh and played Who wants to be a Millionaire.the entertainments system on Air NZ is ACEfood superb A really good flightPlus Travel lodge LAX very good, spacious friendly and free shuttle, T2 under the red Courtesy signs Who we met The fruit hunting dog (LAPD sniffer dog working for the Produce Dept). Soccer coaching History teacher from Arizona who kindly loaned us his phone to ring for shuttle bus and knew of Forest and a guy who played for them in 1970s called Goughapparently he teaches alongside him now. Mexican shuttle bus driver who supported the baseball team (Dodgers?) and had a daughter who graduated from Paulo Alto Uni plus Ginger & Grace from Didley Boinge, Idaho (who offered us a Beach Vacation Condo in Malibubizarre), Ohhh and of course the 40 foot high LAX concrete letters outside the airport Plus Swartzenneger (Arnie) Governor of the state of California declared a state of national emergency yesterday after fires ravaged southern California, San Diego / Malibu areas and Fiji times tells us that SavuSavu was flooded, blimey what are we letting ourselves in for.Hurricane Ivan and Jamaica from a few years back spring to mind Alas neither Phone works can’t get a service despite what Travelmood eKit says,Took some photos of the Travelodge which had a nice pool although no time to use was about 69 deg F Hotel california with an eagle-eye Day 2 - Saturday 27th October 2007,LAX->SJC Good nights kip about 9 hours. Really comfortable king size bed. Needed after staying up I guess about 30 hours Travelodge LAX. Got shuttle back to T5 and caught Delta Airlines flight 7772 to San Jose (left 1.50pm) Flew along the coast, superb views. Was a v small plane, one & 2 seats across the aisle. About a 50 minute flight. San Jose airport fun and a bit like east midlands, v small after LAX Trung collected us in TRN 2 (Blue BMW) He has 2 cars and Sherree one. Showed around their excellent house Huge Jacuzzi, landscaped backgarden,Breakfast far too much at Travelodge. First test email to Boys: Watched game 3 of the World Series (Red Sox Vs Rockies) with Trung in the El Toro Brew House last night....whilst Mum & I ate what was probably the larger burger we've ever had (eat your heart out Heston B) Sherree and Trung have been most welcoming and their house is ace (huge actually we need a map to find our way around). They have just had the backgarden landscaped so sat out with Trung under the pagoda watching the humming birds and saw our first bald headed eagle. Sherree alas was working about an hour away. They have a Jacuzzi so gonna try that. V warm here at the mo which is nice. Off to Monterrey and Big Sur today and we are treating them to a meal in the restaurant at Monterrey which is in the 1000 things to do before you die book we have.Flight over good. You will love the Air Nz flight, best we have ever been on....ace food, entertainment saw 3 current movies (Pirates, Harry P and Unknown...plus wait for it we played computer games) When you and Phoenix get to LA however you have to deplane , fill in the green card, wait in line, go to transit lounge for 2 hours and then get back on....only upside is your luggage stays on the plane so no need to recheck that. Bit of a pain but there you go. We forced our way thru jet lag by staying up the whole way to LAX....probably a good move for you too and then sleep on the bit from LAX to Auckland. Still better go, alas roaming profile phone DOESNT work so probably no phone until NZ (more later) Who we met Trung and Sherree, Aussies at San Jose who like us were puzzled by picking your luggage up on the tarmac Must be a fast track thing Plus simpering insincere waitress at El Toro Brew House restaurant Plus Eagle on the old oak tree from their backgarden. Humming birds. Squirrel, Canada Geese , Local Amber Ales and Californian Wines. Discussions with Trung on everything including Politics and Gadgets,Took some photos of Sherree’s from windows plus one of El Toro. San Jose Day 3 - Sunday 28th October 2007,Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur Got up about 7.40 am V Sunny Clear skies Good Sleep, no real jet lag, Sherree & Trung drove us in TRN2 down to Monterey. Took about 1.5 hours to drive there. Saw eagles circling in air alongside highway. Lovely place. Lots of sea life – sealions, sea otters, cormorants, pelicans. Monterey is a 1900 old fishing harbour with now many new posh yachts moored. Used to be sardine capital of the world, which were processed by canning factories. Walked along the sea front having seen fisherman’s wharf and tasted the countless free offerings of clam chowder They hollow out a loaf and put it in there if you buy the full deal. Walked along Cannery Row which was a street next to the shoreline where the sardine canneries used to be (John Steinbeck’s novel Cannery Row). Had a quick bite in McFlys and then walked back along the sea front. Many posh hotels. Then drove through Carmel and onto Big Sur via CA Highway 1 A superb road. Carmel was quaint, individual shops along a busy main street with a small sandy beach at the end. Lots of tourists here. Sherree said that the houses were very expensive in Carmel even though they were very small old fashioned bungalows c 1920. Further along Highway 1 we stopped at Carmel Highlands area at a hotel and went in the Pacific Edge bar. Had fantastic 180 degree views of the ocean from the bar which was set on the cliff edge. Stopped at bar/restaurant at Big Sur coastline and had dinner under the stars. This restaurant is mentioned in book 1000 Things to See Before You Die. Lovely sunset. Would like to come back again sometime and see it all. Returned to Sherree’s around 10.30pm very tired and went to bed.Talked to the waitress in the restaurant about a old RHCP’s song that mentions Big Sur, reminder to K look it up sometime. Dinner under the stars at restaurant along Big Sur coastline. Watching sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Day 4 - Monday 29th October 2007, Morgan Hill, CA Got up about 7.40 am Did some stuff on the PC mostly photos and updating the Website,Off to Santa Clara County Quicksilver Park. Walked about 2.5miles along trail to quicksilver mine where mercury was produced from 1902 to 1976 when it closed down. Sheet metal factory was dilapidated and rusty (took photo). Great views of Californian landscape which looked tinder dry. Sherree and Anne saw a small snake, about 12 inches long and as thin as a pencil. It slithered away from us among the leaves. Unfortunately Keef had the camera and he was too far ahead of us so did not take photo. After the walk we drove round the road near a reservoir and saw two deer and what looked like wild turkeys crossing the road. The houses at the edge of Santa Clara Park were small hick properties with chairs by the porch and rusted cars dumped out front. Other houses that we saw around the area were palatial mansions in contrast. Took photo of a field full of pumpkins on the road back to Morgan Hill. Then had a late lunch and well earned cold drink in a Mexican restaurant. Returned to Sherree’s house and chilled.Saw a small snake and wild deer. Mexican meal in downtown Morgan Hill. Great Burrito Fajitas Keef had beef, Anne chicken ohhh and we watched an Eddie Murphy Disney movie that Keef snored thru. Sorry! Loved Humming Bird, Santa Clara Park Walk Day 5 - Tuesday 30th October 2007,Morgan Hill, CA Got up about 7.40 am Did some stuff on the PC mostly photos and updating the Website, Sherree took us out for an American breakfast wow, ham, eggs (sunny side up) hash browns, stack of pancakes with maple syrup and cream and endless coffee.boy oh boy just too much food. Then as a first 2 times in one day we went to a Sushi bar for our evening meal. Very nicesushi, sashimi, tempura and teriyakisee we know them all, went in the Jacuzzi Keef had a beer and the ladies some Napa valley Chardonnay. Went to the Henry W Coe State park here in Santa Clara County. Twisty road that climbed the hills away from the Morgan Hill valley – stunning views. Saw another reservoir where people were fishing and waterskiing. Keef took photo of an eagle soaring. There was a campsite at the end of the one way road where there was a sign warning campers that raccoons can bite, but we did not see any, only some blue jays and squirrels. Only saw one other car there so the camp area was very quiet. Again, the grass looked very yellow and tinder dry. From the camp area you could see for miles across hills/mountains and valleys. Tried sushi for the first time. The little plates went round on a miniature Amtrac train. Very nice. Sherree told us that further north in the county two joggers were attacked by a mountain lion/cougar. Pictures of Chickens outside Scrambl’z, Drive up past Leroy Anderson reservoir and Dam plus Henry W Coe park with views across the hlls and valleys. Day 6 - Wednesday 31st October 2007,San Jose->LAX, AirNZ Got up about 8 Did some stuff on the PC mostly emails Packed and got ready to go back via San Jose to LAX and then onto Nadi, Fiji Sherree told us that there had been a earthquake in the San Jose area measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale. Not big but a quake none the less Must confess as we were driving back with S from the Sushi restaurant we never felt a thing.Sherree delivered us to San Jose airport Terminal C. They have both been most kind to us and we really enjoyed staying with them. Then via Delta Airlines 7772 we flew back to LAX terminal 5. LA is HUGE spreading in neat little boxes their grid system spreads from coast to hills as far as the eye can see. Have to say it would be most intimidating to live there. Pushed luggage, we now have it under control – 2 X 23kg bags, the laptop bag and the flight bag. In US you have to take laptop outta bag and shoes off for security checks. Got trolley for luggage and walked from T5 to T2 (Air NZ) Quite a way. Departures are top level at LAX and arrivals below. Flew out of LAX at 11.15pm on a slightly smaller plane than the NZ1 flight (we were on NZ21) but that was cool as we tried to sleep. Met check in guy at Delta Airlines SLC. We were over limit and they wanted 50 bucks per bag, took out one jacket and a jumper respectively and saved $100. Saw tramway alongside Highway 101 on the way into San Jose. Keef saw the HOLLYWOOD sign in the brown hills well away from the coast as the Delta Airlines flight came in. Alas not quick enough however to take a photo of it. Took some final photos of Sherree’s to show her Jacuzzi/ pagoda-pergola Day 7 - Thursday 1st November 2007,LAX -> Nadi,Fiji Whole day ‘Lost in Translation’ or is it flight, weird. Basically to do with crossing the International Date line. Note we also crossed the Equator for the first time into the Southern Hemisphere, what we saw or didn’t – Evan Almighty was on the wide screen (no back of seat entertainment) this time but it was tricky to listen / see To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Explore iconic train journeys from 1995–today, including the TranzAlpine, The Ghan and Rocky Mountaineer, with stories, photos and unforgettable rail adventures. Our Train Journeys Exploring Iconic Train Routes Since 1995, KHWD Holiday has taken travelers on unforgettable train journeys. From the scenic Transalpine in New Zealand to the majestic Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, we curate experiences that inspire adventure. All aboard for the world’s greatest excuse to sit down, stare out of a window and call it “adventure.” This collection of famous train journeys celebrates the art of travelling long distances while doing absolutely nothing except eating, gawping at scenery and wondering why life isn’t always this civilised. From desert crossings to mountain climbs, these iconic routes prove that trains aren’t just transport — they’re moving theatres with better snacks. So settle in, sip something fancy, and enjoy a whistle‑stop tour of the planet’s most unforgettable rail escapades… without lifting more than a finger. Kuranda TransAlpine The Ghan Indian Pacific Rocky Mountaineer Kuranda 1995: Cairns to Kuranda, Queensland, Australia "with the lovely Simone" The video showcases the Kuranda Scenic Railway winding through lush North Queensland rainforest, crossing bridges and tunnels carved into the mountainside. It highlights sweeping views of Barron Gorge, Stoney Creek Falls and the historic 1891 railway engineering, capturing a calm, scenic journey from Cairns to Kuranda in crisp 4K detail. Discover More The Kuranda Scenic Railway runs between Cairns and the rainforest village of Kuranda in Far North Queensland. The journey climbs from sea level into the Barron Gorge National Park, passing waterfalls, deep ravines, 15 hand‑cut tunnels, 37 bridges, and dense tropical rainforest. Travellers enjoy views of Stoney Creek Falls and the impressive Barron Falls along the way. The trip takes around 1 hour 45 minutes each way and uses beautifully restored heritage carriages. Built in the late 1800s, the railway remains one of Australia’s most iconic scenic journeys, offering a memorable blend of history, engineering, and natural beauty. Our Images from 1995 “Ride the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway through lush rainforest, waterfalls and mountain gorges. A spectacular Queensland journey packed with scenery, heritage and adventure.” See a 360º TranzAlpine 2008: Christchurch to Greymouth South Island, New Zealand Our 30th Wedding Anniversary The TranzAlpine Railway runs across New Zealand’s South Island between Christchurch and Greymouth, travelling from the Canterbury Plains through the Southern Alps to the West Coast. The journey crosses wide braided rivers, rolling farmland, deep gorges, and the dramatic alpine landscape of Arthur’s Pass National Park. Highlights include the Waimakariri River, the Otira Tunnel, and sweeping mountain vistas from panoramic carriages. The trip takes around 4 hours 45 minutes each way and is considered one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys. It offers a memorable combination of engineering achievement, rugged landscapes, and ever‑changing natural beauty. Discover More The TranzAlpine glides from Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains, climbing into the Southern Alps beside braided rivers and deep gorges. It crosses viaducts, forests and snowy peaks before descending through lush valleys to Greymouth, revealing one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys in just five unforgettable hours. Retro postcard celebrating five legendary rail adventures — Kuranda, TranzAlpine, The Ghan, Indian Pacific, and Rocky Mountaineer — across Australia, NZ & Canada. The Ghan 2008: Darwin to Alice Springs, Red Class seats, 24-26 May If only, not back in 2008 on a Canon Powershot...But...Sweeping drone shots, endless red desert, a long silver train cutting through Australia’s outback, dramatic curves, vast skies, rugged landscapes and fast‑paced visuals capturing the essence of The Ghan’s iconic journey. Discover More The Ghan runs through the heart of Australia between Darwin and Alice Springs, travelling from the tropical Top End into the vast red landscapes of the Northern Territory. The journey crosses floodplains, desert scrub, mountain ranges, and remote outback regions that few travellers ever see. Highlights include the Adelaide River floodplain, the sweeping desert views south of Katherine, and the dramatic approach into Alice Springs. The trip takes around 24 hours and is known for its spacious carriages, off‑train excursions, and relaxed pace. First launched in 1929, The Ghan remains one of Australia’s most iconic long‑distance rail experiences. Big thanks to Elisa & Max, “A fast, stunning 54‑second look at The Ghan, capturing Australia’s iconic outback rail journey with sweeping desert scenery and dramatic aerial shots.” The Indian Pacific 2017: Perth to Adelaide Our 39th Wedding Anniversary The Indian Pacific rolls out of Perth and glides through the Avon Valley before opening into the vast, golden emptiness of Western Australia’s wheatbelt. The landscape stretches wider with every mile until the train reaches the legendary Nullarbor Plain, crossing the world’s longest straight railway line. Remote outposts, red earth and endless horizons define the journey as it pushes east. Short stops at Rawlinna and Cook reveal tiny settlements shaped by isolation. As the terrain softens, the train descends into South Australia, finishing in Adelaide after an unforgettable trans‑continental crossing filled with scale, silence and pure Australian drama. Read the February diary 26-28 for the full details of our experience Discover More February 17 Diary Longest Straight Stretch of Track in the World gallery images created by KeefH Web Designs for this Travel Photography site with care and love 1/5 Rocky Mountaineer 2024: Banff to Vancouver, Alberta to Vancouver, British Columbia Gold Class seats The Rocky Mountaineer's "First Passage to the West" route from Banff to Vancouver is a spectacular journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Here are some key details: Route Highlights Banff to Kamloops: The journey begins in Banff, a charming mountain town, and travels through the Spiral Tunnels and Continental Divide. You'll witness breathtaking mountain passes and dramatic canyons. Kamloops: After a full day on the train, you'll arrive in Kamloops, a lovely town where you can enjoy a stroll along the riverside. Kamloops to Vancouver: The next day, the train continues its journey to Vancouver, offering stunning views of the Canadian wilderness along the way. Experience Discover More The Rocky Mountaineer glides out of Banff and follows the Bow River through towering peaks and glacier‑cut valleys. The train sweeps past Castle Mountain and into the dramatic Kicking Horse Canyon, where cliffs, rapids and engineering feats define the route. Crossing the Continental Divide, the landscape softens into forested slopes and wide river plains. In British Columbia, the Fraser Canyon delivers roaring waters and sheer rock walls before the scenery opens into fertile farmland. As the train approaches Vancouver, mountains give way to coastal greenery, completing a spectacular daylight journey built entirely around views, comfort and pure Canadian grandeur. Daylight Travel: The train operates exclusively during the day, allowing you to soak in the scenery and take plenty of photos6. Luxury and Comfort: You can choose between GoldLeaf Service with dome cars for panoramic views or SilverLeaf Service with comfortable seating. Overnight Stops: Since the train doesn't offer sleeper services, you'll stay overnight in hotels at Kamloops. Season and Schedule Travel Season: The train operates from mid-April to mid-October. We were on the second to last trip which was great as snow had fallen on the 1st part of the journey. Complimentary Transfers: Motorcoach transfers are provided between the train and hotels in Kamloops. Passengers often describe the experience as "unforgettable and luxurious" and "the best way to explore Canada’s Rocky Mountains" and we would whole heartedly concur with that. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Explore our 3‑month 2014 motorhome adventure across France—campsites, routes, photos and stories from a 4,611‑mile European road trip. 2014 Travel Blog & Guide - France French Holiday 2014 – Clear Route Summary (Motorhome Trip No.17) 14 May – 1 August 2014 Total: 4611 miles Countries: France → Monaco → Italy → Switzerland → France 🧭 FULL ROUTE IN ORDER 1. UK → France Home (Notts) Folkestone Ferry/Eurotunnel to France 2. Central & Southern France (Provence / Côte d’Azur / Rhône‑Alpes) Lempdes‑sur‑Allagnon (Auvergne–Rhône‑Alpes) Lunel (Occitanie) Agay (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur) Cannes Nice Grasse Port Grimaud Saint‑Tropez Cavalaire‑sur‑Mer Le Rouet / Salernes Gorges du Verdon Volonne Annecy & St Jorioz (Lake Annecy) 3. Monaco (Day Trip by Train) Biot Gare → Monte Carlo Menton (passed through) 4. Italy (Sanremo) Border at Ponte San Ludovico Sanremo – Villaggio Dei Fiori campsite Local hill walk & Giro d’Italia passing through 5. Switzerland (Lac Léman / Lake Geneva) Saint‑Gingolph (entry) Montreux Lausanne Geneva St Julien‑en‑Genevois (exit back to France) 6. Eastern France → Burgundy & Jura Jura Mountains crossing Mesnois Cote d’Or (Burgundy) Louhans Chalon‑sur‑Saône Meursault Commarin Lac Panthier Lac Marcenay Vincelles Saumur Abbaye de Fontenay (UNESCO) Châteauneuf‑en‑Auxois Canal de Bourgogne 7. Loire & Atlantic Coast Concourson Piriac‑sur‑Mer La Baule St Nazaire → St Brevin bridge Guérande (historic walled town) 8. Brittany (Bretagne) – Finistère & Beyond Clohars‑Carnoët Doëlan Concarneau Bénodet Penmarch / St Guénolé Eckmühl Pointe du Raz Douarnenez Locronan Châteaulin Camaret‑sur‑Mer / Pointe de Penhir Pointe des Espagnols Roscanvel Le Faou Plougastel‑Daoulas Landerneau Brignogan‑Plages Plougasnol Pointe de Primel (Plougasnou) St Quay‑Portrieux Dinan St Malo Domaine de la Ville Huchet campsite 9. Normandy Mont‑Saint‑Michel Granville Les Pieux Anneville Saint‑Vaast‑la‑Hougue Ravenoville Utah Beach Omaha Beach (St‑Laurent‑sur‑Mer) Carhagnolles (Flower Camping) Bayeux Arromanches‑les‑Bains (Gold Beach) Falaise (William the Conqueror’s birthplace) Beuvron‑en‑Auge Deauville Trouville Honfleur Étretat St‑Valery‑sur‑Somme Abbeville Miannay 10. Return to UK Calais Densole (Kent) Home (Notts) 14 Route Visuals Route Summary – France 2014: Folkestone → Calais → Lempdes‑sur‑Allagnon → Lunel → Agay → Cannes → Nice → Port Grimaud → Cavalaire‑sur‑Mer → Verdon Gorge → Volonne → Annecy → Monaco → Sanremo → Montreux → Lausanne → Geneva → Jura → Côte d’Or → Chalon‑sur‑Saône → Meursault → Saumur → Piriac‑sur‑Mer → La Baule → Concarneau → Penmarch → Pointe du Raz → Camaret‑sur‑Mer → St Quay‑Portrieux → St Malo → Mont‑Saint‑Michel → Utah Beach → Omaha Beach → Bayeux → Honfleur → Étretat → Calais → Folkestone. Explore our 3‑month 2014 motorhome adventure across France—campsites, routes, photos and stories from a 4,611‑mile European road trip covering in part Monaco, Switzerland and Italy as well . 🚐 Three unforgettable months on the road, 4,611 miles across France, and a motorhome packed with stories. From coastal drives and hidden villages to favourite campsites, food stops, and the rhythms of long‑term European touring, this 2014 adventure captures the freedom of life on wheels. Dive into the full route, photos, memories and moments that shaped one of our most iconic Motorhome Travels trips. Port Grimaud France The write up is coming......