Monterey and Carmel

 On the way to Carmel by the Sea we stopped off at the Mission Ranch Lodge at Mission Beach which Clint Eastward owns and rents out villas on the property. He apparently rescued it from Apartment developers and renovated the entire property. It is a very tranquil setting and we could have stayed longer just wandering around but unfortunately time didn't allow. The grounds cover 22 acres with spectacular views.

 The Dream Casters Tour van that we had all to ourselves. Very comfortable and a great diver who stopped and showed us many places that were not on the itinerary.

 A beach scene in Monterey Bay. Beautiful white sand and many old trees.

 We wandered the streets in Carmel by the Sea before lunch and discovered this home that had a tree canopy covering all of their front section right up to the roof. I imagine it was great for the summer time but not so good on the dismal cold days of winter when the fog hardly disappears.

 Discovered this very large lone statue in Devondorf Park in the town centre. Not sure who it was as no name inscription but it was pretty impressive amongst the trees and looked as though it had been there for many years.

 The former Cannery Company building in Monterey. It was a former sardine canning factory. The business began in 1902. Today it houses stores and restaurants

 We spent a day at the Monterey Aquarium which was one of the best aquariums we have ever visited. Its a non profit attraction and their main mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean. It opened 30 years ago They have a lot of hands on exhibits and kids can book a sleep over in front of their favourite exhibit. They also have diving lessons in an ocean pool behind the aquarium. The most impressive exhibit was the 8.5 metre tall kelp forest that was best viewed from the lower level. It was the first aquarium in the world to grow live giant kelp. It has a surge machine at the top of the tank that provides the constant water motion that kelp requires. The kelp grows 4 inches a day which requires divers to trim it once a week.

 Giant plumed anemone.

 Complete in its own enclosure is the coastal bird exhibit. It was amazing and there were so many birds we had never seen before. The bird on the right is a Western snowy plover which had a nest with eggs in-between two driftwood logs. The one on the left was a killdeer, but I'm not sure what the middle one is. They all seemed to be happy co- habitating.

 This was an indoor clear tunnel that captured the wave wash over the rocks outdoors. Amazing.

 The outdoor diving pool where classes were in action, as school had just broken up for the year, so lots of kids participating

 This huge water tank contained plastic rubbish that had been retrieved from the sea. Looked very colourful but a bit of an eye opener and concerning to what is out their in the ocean and how dangerous it is for marine life.

The giant kelp forest window.

Monterey, 17 mile Beach Drive, Carmel. June 2017

 June 2017 we arrived in the USA and spent two weeks touring independently before we joined the Ship on the 25th June. After a two night stopover in Los Angeles we flew down to Monterey for a week to explore that area and which we really enjoyed very much. There was so much to see and do. The Historic Waterfront was beautiful and the Fisherman's wharf with all its lovely seafood restaurants was a favourite spot. The seafood was so fresh. The photo above was taken at the Pacific Grove outdoor Lodge and even though it is early summer there was still quite a chill in the air so a moment by the fire while we waited for coffees was welcome.

 The beaches at Monterey were great for walking. Some sandy and some very rocky that the seals enjoyed. We walked 5 km each way from the town. The views are beautiful and the temperatures were pleasant. School had just broken up for the summer so there were lots of kids in outdoor sports programs as in the photo above. All of Monterey bay is said to be one the crown jewels of the central coast and is one of the most productive marine environments in the world.

 The recreational yachts in the harbour always made a nice display and in particularly on a still evening with little wind the reflections were beautiful. This was taken from a restaurant and soon after the sea otters were playing and putting on a show which was great entertainment while having dinner.

 Pescadero Point is an ecological reserve which is abundant with crabs, starfish, snails and abalone etc so it is illegal to harvest any sea life. It is a coastline that is very similar to our Kaikoura coastline except it has beautiful white sand and mile after mile of undeveloped coastline.

 The small island in the background was home to a colony of Cormorants. Their droppings from a distance made the island look like it was covered in snow and along with the white sand along the rocky beach it made a beautiful sight. The fog was starting to roll in which it does frequently in this area as it is a natural part of summer and keeps temperatures mild.

 Most surprising to see on the beach was a family of squirrels. They were very tame and looking for food. Some were quite big which I guess was a sign they were very well fed although probably not the healthiest for them I suspect.

 One of the most photographed trees in North America. A lone Cypress tree growing on a granite hillside. Such a beautiful area and note the fog rolling in too. Lucky it stayed clear while we were there.

 We had a quick stop at Pebble Beach Golf Links and hotel. Very very upmarket and where the US Golf Open has been played several times. Was really worth the stop .

 The famous 18th hole and the outdoor balcony of the restaurant. What a great scenic spot to stop and eat but the prices were outrageous so we moved on.

 Had a very nice lunch at The Forge in Carmel by the Sea. Carmel is the town where the actor Clint Eastwood was Mayor a few years back. He still lives nearby. The Forge was built in 1944 and some of the original tools are still on display today. The restaurant has undergone a rejuvenation which has preserved the old world charm and it was such a nice atmosphere with great staff and beautiful food and it was thanks to our guide that we came to eat there as it was one of his favourites.

A large Aloe Vera plant growing right on the coastline. Amazing as I have only seen them as pot plants at home.

 New Years Eve we spent on the Ship with dinner on deck, followed by dancing in the Plaza to the music and singing with The High Rollers Band. Sydney was so busy in the city with many people arriving early morning, to pitch tents and reserve spots anywhere they could find space to watch the midnight fireworks. When we left the city at 3pm it was so crowded that we could only imagine what it was going to be like by evening. Roads had been closed, the ferries all stopped running by 2.30pm except the Government operated ones and security was very high. If we had stayed in the city the earliest we could have got a ferry back to the ship would have been 1.45am so decided to see in the New Year onboard.

 We had it all. Lovely food, beautiful views, great music and Fireworks at midnight with great friends.

 A New Year photo with our favourite resident musician.

 Fireworks from on and around the Sydney Harbour bridge. They lasted over 10 minutes and were spectacular.

 I would doubt that anyone would come to Sydney with out getting a photo of the beautiful Opera House.

 Ready to sail out of Sydney. Always memorable. It has to be one of the most beautiful harbours in the world.

And off course we had to sail back under the Bridge and its goodbye to Sydney.

Christmas Day/Boxing Day in Melbourne

 Happy New year to everyone. Its so hard to believe that Christmas and New Year have come and gone. We had a great time on the Ship with our friends Lynda and David. There was hardly a minute wasted as there was so much to do. Above is the Island display of Gingerbread Bures on blue (water ) jelly. The ginger bread smelt divine and the scene the Chef and his team had created was very impressive.

 Coming up to Christmas Day each department entered a competition by making their own version of a Christmas tree from materials from their particular departments. There were some excellent creations and we particularly loved the one above which was made from paper by one of the Cashiers on the Ship. It was so clever and must have taken many hours to put together. Next to that and almost out of the photo is a chocolate Christmas Tree which won of course.

 And then of course there was the main magnificent tree in the Plaza. All the decorations and numerous trees around the ship were beautiful. There was no getting away from the fact that it was very definitely Christmas.

 Christmas Day there was carol singing and of course Santa arrived with a present for each child.

 This was all that was left of the chocolate Christmas tree the Galley staff had made. Broken down and consumed by all within about 10 minutes. Well I guess it had to be done.

 Egg Nog, hot roasted nuts and other sweet treats were on offer on Christmas Morning after Santa left.

 All dressed up ready to head into dinner on Christmas night. Very good it was too, even if it wasn't the traditional Christmas day dinner we are used to at home.

 Boxing Day we went to the Melbourne Cricket Ground to watch Australia vs Pakistan. Quite an experience as the atmosphere was amazing. Just a shame that the days play was rained off in the afternoon.

Mind you the boys had to pay for it the next day as it was off to the Shop Sales for the girls. ( But they Loved it )!!!! I think !!