New Years Eve - Dunedin

What a lovely sleep in - work up just before 9am.   Opened the curtains as we were docked starboard side, which meant we were looking out towards the Silver Shadow, which we will see a few times from now on.

The weather forecast on “Celebrity Today” was for showers - we couldn’t see a cloud in the sky let alone showers.    Again the weather forecast was wrong, but we won’t blame the ship as that is probably the information they have been given.

We made it to breakfast just in time, because at 10am they closed a lot of the stations in the Buffet and go to a “Late Breakfast” selection.   I am becoming addicted to the Granola and berries with yoghurt!!!!   This morning it was mostly blueberries.    We had breakfast with Patty and Colin.   Again, when Colin went to get coffees one of the waiters said “No I will get them, what would you like” - great service again.

We decided just to go into Port Chalmers and have a walk around the village. 

First stop was the local Library, which offers free Wifi, so we were able to use the Netbook to check our emails and make a couple of postings on http://www.cruisecritic.com/  Very friendly locals.  We had a quick read of the paper - poor Christchurch has had more strong earthquakes.  The New Years Honours List was out also - Sir Graham Henry which was very predictable.

We went to a small memorial park across the road from the library, where it was quiet so we could ring family at home in Auckland.    They have been having horrible wet weather since Boxing Day.   So we had made a good choice!

Memorial Park where the following photos were taken from

The Port Chalmers Library

It was getting warm by now, the sun out and the clouds dispersing, none of the predicted showers in sight.      Above the village is a lovely old stone church - Iona, and from there we could get good views.    I would have loved to go up to the lookout above the wharf but it was a steep road and I needed to watch the battery on the chair.

Taken from the rear of Iona Church 

 One of the cars doing tours.

We returned to the ship via the Lotto shop.  Maybe Port Chalmers could be lucky for us!  Back at the wharf we had a great chat to the security staff.  They even waived looking at my photo ID as they remembered me leaving the wharf secure area!!!

Once back on deck we called into the Aqua Spa to see if we could still get the Port Day Special from Melbourne - Five steps to Heaven for USD $129.   A body brush, a neck and shoulders massage, a back massage, an arms and hands massage and finally a foot massage.   They were happy to accommodate us and booked us both for 3pm.    This meant we had time to have a leisurely lunch etc and before coming back.

Our massages were wonderful.   My masseuse skipped the body brush to allow extra time on my feet and calves.  50 minutes of massage was just the ticket.   Due to my MD I have a lot of small knots in my shoulders and neck, plus very poor circulation in my ankles.   For Pete his masseuse was horrified how tight his back was - mainly due to lifting me all the time.    We didn’t finish our treatments until 4.30pm, by the time Pete helped me to dress etc.    Unfortunately when I got up from lying I pulled a muscle in my lower back, which was incredibly painful and made dressing really difficult!   Not what I was expecting post treatment.

As we enjoyed the pampering so much we booked in for another treatment each while in the Bay of Islands on the 5 January, our last day aboard.    Pete will have a hot stone treatment to try and warm up and loosen is strong back muscles, and I will have 75 minutes of the same!

Sailaway is later than normal - 7pm, complicated by the fact it is a Formal Night and the 7pm Show was the Acrobatic Duo - not to be missed.   We joined Patty and Colin on the Sunset Deck, and after much deliberation it was decided that Patty, Colin and I would go to the Show, while Pete went to Sailaway.   As we were joining Patty & Colin for the second sitting dinner, we need to change, which we thought we would do after the Show then we decided we would be better to do this before Sailaway.  

What a made dash to change into formal dress in half an hour!   At least we did not need to shower like the others who had been walking all over Dunedin! 

The Show was brilliant and very well attended.   A pity that Pete missed it.  Just as the Show was about to wind up Pete found us.  Patty wanted to see the Albatross Colony and was extremely disappointed to be told we were already out past ‘The Heads”.   We did however have time for pre dinner drinks on

Rendezvous Square

.   For once the venue was busy.  I think as we have been going to dinner at 7.30 to 8pm most people are either in a show, dinner or getting ready.

 Iona Church on the hill

Baby albatross on their nests!!!  (Pete took this not really knowing what he was looking at!)

One thing I have found disappointing, is the gaps between music being played in the different venues.  It is not staggered, but rather all seems to be on at the same time, then there can be a gap of ½ hr to 1 hr before the next session.   Doesn’t make sense.

Dinner in the downstairs of the Grand Dining Room on New Years Eve second sitting can only be described as madness, rushed and incredibly noisy.   Whoever decided that horns and clackers should be on each table should be shot.   There was no way you could heat anyone let alone have a conversation!!!!  It was a pity as I was looking forward to having dinner with Patty and Colin’s table.

The “Main Event” for the evening was to be held by the Pool on Deck 11.    As it was now rather cold we returned to the cabin to put on warm clothes and we thought the best place to be would be above 11 on Deck 12.   We used the forward elevators, and when we got out we met Jo and Graham.   They had just been in the Hemisphere Lounge and had left as it was full of ‘old people behaving badly’!!!   A couple of minutes later Pam arrived to check out what was happening - Merv was still in the cabin.   We agreed to meet there shortly, then Colin returned saying he had found a sheltered spot on Deck 11.

Eventually we all managed to gather on Deck 11, and Colin had found blankets, so had gathered a few.   There was hardly anyone on Deck 11 at this stage - 11.30pm. But gradually people arrived grabbing blankets, except of course the young ones, who although dressed scantly did not appear to notice the cold.

In the build up, one of the chefs came out and did a ice carving.  Turns out he had the world record for carving a bald eagle - very impressive to watch.   As Midnight approached the place become very busy and noisy.  And just before the strike of midnight waiters came out with free bubbles for everyone.  Colin was so funny, grabbing drinks from every tray he could and stashing them on our table!!!  

Midnight was signaled by “The Bridge” by a long blast of the Horn and the ship stopped for about 5 minutes, during which time the cold chill disappeared briefly.

Once the countdown was over, the big ice carving of 2011 on the Poolside had the 1 pushed off the end into the pool and replaced with a 2.   Then there was hand shakes, hugs and kissing galore!   Mind you I had to line up for a kiss from my DH - he was busy hugging and kissing others - what the heck????   I even got to shake the Captains hand - poor man must have shaken hundreds of hands by the end of the evening.   Pete even found an American Marine in full regalia - Alex Bush who is currently stationed in Japan.

It was looking like it could be a long night, but we were both tired, so headed for bed.    We slept like logs, until we were woken at 3am by some teenagers making a huge noise outside in the corridor.   Pete went out and told them to quieten down, a which point to two boys did a runner.  A couple minutes later the noise returned so he went back out and told the girls ‘To shut it’ and they finally got the message and left.   Goodness knows what they were doing.

Sea Day 4 cruising Milford, Doubtful and Dusky

We woke at 6am, the seas were very slight and the day was dawning beautifully.   We were a bit naughty and skipped the shower, so we could get up on deck early - just like everyone else.  

The starboard side was very popular outside but we went over to the port side where it was sheltered from the wind.  Tucked as far forward as you can go on Deck 12 were William and Neil (Wilneil from Cruise Critics) so we joined them.  

The only way to describe the day is simply stunning!!!   Not a cloud in the sky.  Watching the Sunrise was spectacular, with only a few small wispy clouds up high.   It was all so breathe taking.   Pete took heaps of photos which tell the story.

Once we were right in to Milford, I was starting to feel a little hungry.   With the Buffet handy we went in there, but it was very busy so Pete suggested we try the MDR.    Level 6 was just about deserted with only a few tables at the rear by the windows occupied.   We got a seat with a view and were joined by Pam and Merv.  So we had a very enjoyable breakfast with a view.

The Captain turned the ship, and ended up having the do a full rotation and a half, due to some kayakers crossing the Sound.    We were in for a special treat, the Captain decided he could take the ship into the Sterling Falls and wash the front of the ship.   Passengers were invited to go to Deck 7 to watch (and get wet), so Pete and Merv rushed off.    Unfortunately the Kayakers got in the way, so he could not get any closer.   Still Pete got some more wonderful shots. 

On the way back to the cabin we met Colin, who was in Cova having a coffee with Patty, so we stopped with them for coffee, and I had a citrus mint tea.  Am quite enjoying my new habit of the herbal tea.

We are due at the next Sound - Doubtful at 11.30, so we thought we would find a spot in the Hemisphere Lounge early.   There were still plenty of people up there.

Sometime later they announced due to the rough weather we were delayed arriving by 1 hour, new time of 12.30 pm.

Once we got into Doubtful Sound and it was nice and calm we decided it was a good time for lunch.    The Buffet was really busy so Pete suggested we go to the MDR instead.   It was lovely and quiet - just like at breakfast.    It our first lunch in the MDR and the menu was very appealing, and I had my courses from the Vegetarian Menu.  The food as with every other meal was delicious.    At one stage there were 6 table waiters and 3 wine waiters lined up waiting for passengers - that’s how quiet it was!!!!  Best spot for lunch as the views out the large picture windows were great and it very peaceful.

After lunch and once we were back out in the Tasman Sea we sat in Cova Café reading, as it is on Deck 6, so much lower down and less movement.   There was a lot of movement in the Hemisphere Lounge and after a while I found it quite uncomfortable.   I wasn’t feeling seasick but for some reason I found the movement unpleasant.    The rolling motion in the Cova was fine.

When we arrived in Dusky Sound we went back to the cabin for some quiet time.  Pete used the laptop while I watched some TV and cap napped.   For some reason I was feeling a bit shattered?   The Naturalist who was doing the commentary came over the PA system from time to time (no where near as good as the commentary on the Diamond) and at one point we managed to see a small pod of blue nosed dolphins.   I managed to get up in time to see them out our window.   Pete raced up to the Promenade - the next deck up but was too late to take photos.

I am very happy with our Oceanview cabin.   It is more than adequate, and it is nice having the window and I am not missing the balcony at all.   Being on our own it is better to ‘hang out’ in the Cova or another spot and then you get to chat to people as they pass.

One thing we have found the Captain and Officers are very visible around the ship.   You can just about set your watch by the Captain’s coffee stops in the Cova.   All the Officers and Cruise Staff are very approachable, and even the crew can be eager to stop and chat when they are not busy.

Tonight’s Show is Richard Rubin - ship Pianist, Comedian and a past star of “Beauty and the Geek”.   He was very good, and funny - kept poking fun at the Jews (as he is one!).    Worthwhile seeing.

In the Grand Dining Room we were seated at our ’usual’ table for tow, with Jimmy & Alvin, which is fine but it would be better to be sitting with others really.   Our wine waiters is great - I Made Saskara.   He is good at recommending wines - but the wine by the glass selection is rather limited.   The special on tonight was ‘Surf & Turf’ which was very nice, and I decided to try chocolate for the first time by having Chocolate Meringues with Brandy - sensational.

After dinner we joined Jo and Graham at the back of the Buffet to watch the sunset from inside - it was too cold on deck where they had been sitting.   When we arrived Jo was having a deep conversation with a couple who were at their wits end with their obnoxious child - Luke whom we had seen a couple of times being in meltdown mode.  Poor Dad was so embarrassed and the Mum frazzled.    As we were now in Foveaux Strait the winds had died down and the seas had calmed.    Sunset was 9.43pm, so it was light until about 10.30pm.   The skies were fantastic.  Jo took some great shots on her camera.

We stayed up as late as possible - not actually that late so we would have a nice sleep in on New Years Eve, so we would stay awake until Midnight!!!  Curtains closed.

Sea Day 3

The swell overnight increased to a short while, then eased, so we slept incredibly well, not waking until 8.45am.   The movement of the ship was still too much for me to stand even using the walker, as my balance is not at all good, so I had to shower seated again - no problem.    In fact on the Diamond Princess I showered seated the whole time as we were higher up - Deck 10.

We made it to breakfast in the Buffet with about ½ an hour to spare!    I am enjoying the low fat granola (we call muesli) the wonderful abundance of berries (I am have at least double what I would dare have at home) and natural yoghurt.   Pete is enjoying the cooked breakfasts.

Today we are going to be very lazy.  Pete wants to read his book - he is over half way through, so I am once again blogging.   Of course along with a coffee in Cova.  Just we arrive; we bumped into Hunter who had arrived for a coffee also.     We hadn’t been seated long before Eddie and Christy called by and stopped to have a coffee with us.   We haven’t seen them since Melbourne so we had a bit of catch up, before they headed for Immigration.

For once the Blog is actually up to date.   So far I have written over 14 pages!

 Crossing the Tasman Sea - relatively calm (although Pete reckons there is more of a rock and roll than last year!)

Pete downloaded all the photos he has taken so far onto the laptop, to clear enough room on the camera for The Sounds.

At 1.15pm I went to a ‘Diamond Cut Seminar” in Boutique C.    It was sort of interesting but they were talking more about the Chocolate and Black Diamonds mined at the Argyle Mine in Australia as they are very rare and small.   More of sales pitch of course.  Most of the rings were large and over the top and certainly did not suit my hands.    While I was there Pete stayed on Cova to read his book.   I was there a good ¾ an hour.

As we were up so late we finally decided we needed lunch, as it was now 2.30pm, we didn’t have a full choice so opted for a gourmet sandwich, and we sat at the very front of the Buffet to enjoy the view.     Colin passed us on his way out onto the Sunset Deck, I called him but he didn’t hear, but one of the waiters did, so he went after him for us - that is they wonderful type of service we are getting on board.   Turned out Colin was actually looking for us!  Patty was having a ‘Nana Nap’.  He joined us for a while.

The battery on the lap top was now way down, so we took it back to the cabin to charge and I grabbed a magazine to read instead.    We relaxed at Cova for quite a while; again Colin joined us for a coffee.   We agreed to met at the Rendezvous Lounge between 6 -6.30 for a drink before the 7pm Show in the Celebrity Theatre.

Back in the cabin I put my feet up on the bed and watched TV while Pete read.   We ordered a Cheese Platter via the on screen Room Service, and after an hour of waiting we changed and left for the Lounge.   We saw Martino on the way and let him know, if it turned up to send it back!!!   We may have not ordered properly perhaps.  (never did find out if it turned up)

Tonight’s Show was “Liverpool Knights” based on the songs and bands of the 60’s.  It was excellent, very well done and the Theatre was near capacity.   As with past nights we went straight to dinner from the show - Patty and Colin are on late dining so we cannot eat with them.

The Grand Dining Room had no queue tonight so we went straight in and had a table for two with Jimmy and Alvin - they are such nice guys.  Jimmy often refers to him as ’His Angel’!   We had seen Alvin a couple of times in the Buffet and he always stops to chat.   Each night he gives ‘Jimmy’s recommendations’ which can be quite different to the Chefs recommendations.   Tonight we both had Appetizers, Soups and Entrée (Now that is a word I don’t get - the Americans call a Main Course and Entrée - who knows why???) I caught Jimmy out as he had removed our soup spoons after our first course, so when he served the soup I had to call him back - he had a good laugh.    When it came to dessert Jimmy recommended the standard menu desserts rather than the nights specials. 

The evenings seem to have a big gap in the entertainment from 9 - 10pm for some reason (apart from the second run of the Show) so we thought we should check out the Hemisphere Bar forward on Deck 12.   They were playing “The Best of the Eagles” but the place was all but deserted.   Pete wanted to check out the layout for the next morning going into Milford.    At one stage Pete spotted some whales but by the time I go near that part of the lounge they had disappeared.   We stayed there until about 10pm, and it was still quite light as sunset was way after 9pm - quite weird.  

The swell had reduced quite a bit from earlier in the day.   So the crossing was as smooth as with the Diamond Princess but being a smaller ship we felt the rolling more.

Tonight we will sleep with the curtains open, so we wake with the first light, so we can be on deck before we enter Milford. 

Sea Day 2.

Overnight we had quite a bit if rolling as the ship made its way through a swell.    There is nothing like being rolled to sleep!!!

We woke about 7.30am, to a fine day, and what I would term a slight swell.   It was a swell all the same which meant there was no way I would be able to walk around the cabin, so Pete transferred me to the walker to wheel me to the bathroom.   Showering was undertaken seated on the shower bench.   It is tiny and close to the corner of the bathroom, so I appreciated I was not any larger!     Amazingly the water did not flood the bathroom.  The floor seems to be a better design than in the Diamond Princess.

This morning we made it to the MDR for breakfast.   I had to try the Eggs Benedict which I had heard were just the best.    They were very good - eggs poached perfectly.  The bacon was a little thick for my liking so I put that to one side.   The coffee was excellent - I just don’t get the complaints I read on the Cruise Critic forum about the ‘awful’ coffee.   We struck a conversation with an American couple next to us (well just the wife as the husband did stand a chance!) and a lady from Cairns, who I am afraid I found rather conceited and opinionated (strange for an Aussie as they tend to be more relaxed).

We had to attend to “Kiwi Quiz” which we won getting 11/15.  Our team was Colin, Patty, Bert (a rather lovely American) Pete and I.   Some of the questions were rather subjective but that’s Ok.  We received a medal for winning!!!   We stayed on for ‘Wheel of Fortune’, and Steve (bruin steve) joined us.   The crew member running it was not exactly clear in how he was running it, and after the third question Steve complained as all the words were the same as the quiz from the previous game, and the other team knew all the answers!   After much to do, the game was changed to “X-ray Vision” which was kind of funny.   We had to identify objects in a bag under x-ray.   Again it was full of American-isms and not exactly accurate.   Items were missing from the list and some items were subject to artists’ license!

At Noon we had our Cruise Critic Luncheon in the lower level of the MDR.  I had asked at the Guest Relations Manager about organising one at the Connections Party, and he said they would set the time and send out the invitations.   Matt the Events Coordinator was great - got it all sorted and when I asked for a Santa Sack, one was sourced, for our gift exchange.   When we were all assembled we discovered we had the whole of the lower level of the Grand Dining Room (MDR) to ourselves.   Probably just as well as we made a hell of a lot of noise.    We seem to have twice the number of waiters to normal.

After the mains/desserts we had the gift exchange, but first we had to sing Happy Birthday to the Birthday Boy - Hunter.   Pete drew out the first number, they came and picked a gift, then they drew the next number and so on.   It was not exactly easy to keep everyone quiet but it was fun.    We had 8 - 9 tables, so over 60 people in attendance with about 45 doing the gift exchange.    It went off without a hitch and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.  Mike turned up an hour late as he had not turned is watch (purchased the night before) forward!    Reg made a very short appearance advising Gwyneth was not well and then disappeared.    Discussing the luncheon it appears that not many had experienced a CC luncheon onboard any cruise lines, which I thought was interesting.     Celebrity really makes an effort and acknowledges members of Cruise Critics.

We had kept the last two gifts for Gwyneth and Reg, and called by their cabin afterwards to find Gwyneth had been quarantined by the Ships Doctor for 24 hours!!!

The two Sea Days were New Zealand Immigration Customs days, with all passengers being allocated a half hour time frame to present their documents etc to Immigration and Customs.   Our time was 3.30 to 4pm.   There was virtually no queue and it was a very quick and painless process.   Mike was with us, and he was very nervous about whether he should declare his new watch.  In the end he did and when asked how much and was he wearing it he said a little over the limit and he was wearing it!    A bit naughty as it was rather expensive item - I nearly fell over when he told us how much.  

We were not interested in the quiz games, so we sat in the Cova Café - Pete reading and me Blogging.   I seem to spend a lot of time blogging, but I am enjoying writing.   (Not sure whether others will enjoy my dribble!).    We did have another look at watches and Pete had found another one which is nice.  So he has details so he can check the prices against the local shops onshore.

The sea swell is still evident but it is really quite a gentle sequence of 7 - 6 slight and 1 heavier swell.    The sky is partly cloudy about 20 degrees, but with the chill factor we have not ventured out on the Promenade at all.     The air conditioning inside can be quite cool in parts, and sometimes I feel I need more than just a tee shirt or blouse.

We stayed in Cova until about 5.30, listening to a lovely lady playing the guitar and signing in the back ground.    The ship had lovely background music is some areas.  The whole ship does not have music playing everywhere.   For pre-dinner drinks we returned to the cabin.   I decided to put up my feet on the bed for a while so I could raise my legs and hopefully reduce the swelling of my ankles due to a total lack of walking.   So I reclined and sipped wine while watching the news and Pete carried on reading a book - his second so far.    The book he is reading is “Behind the Pit Wall” my life beyond Formula 1 with Bob McMurray with Eric Thompson.  He is finding it very interesting and amusing in parts.

Our plan to have dinner early never quite happened and we got to the MDR at 7pm.   After dinner of the first night we had requested to be seated with Jimmy and Alvin, and the lady who had taken the request was at Reception, so seated us there at a table for 4.   Jimmy and Alvin were pleased to see us back and we chatted and waited for another 2 guests to be seated with us.   Tonight we were joined by Bob and Ricky from northern Queensland.   We had a lovely dinner with them and the conversation was interesting, as their favourite past time is doing vehicle “Bashes” which are run over 3-4 days and they raise money for SES (Search and Emergency Services).   Run along the lines of the Variety Bashes in New Zealand but off-road.  We were at dinner for nearly 2 hours.

During dinner the swell decreased by about 50% to a very gentle roll.     We have been amazingly lucky with the weather as crossing the Tasman Sea can be one of the rougher seas.

Pete had $20 in his pocket, so we could go via the Casino!   We lost it all on one machine without much trouble and quickly - hardly and decent ‘wins’.

Tonight we had to put our watches forward another 1 hour so we retired at 9.30 (10.30 new time).

Port Day in Burnie

Overnight we had a couple of rough swells mostly as we come though the heads at Port Phillip Bay and a little further out into Bass Straight, but before long the sea became calm.  Hence we had no trouble sleeping, and waking with the sunrise at 5.45am.

Again, as it was so smooth I was able to stand in the shower, something I did not attempt on the Diamond Princess.   I wonder if it is because we are on much lower deck, and there is far less movement.

We got to the Buffet for breakfast about 6.40am (the MDR doesn’t open until 7am) besides the Buffet breakfast has plenty of choices.    I had low fat muesli, with natural yoghurt and berries (galore!)   This morning things were a lot quieter as it was so much earlier than yesterday.   Chris had a bit of a crisis trying to get milk, as he was trying to get it out of the tank rather than the vacuum pump - he finally got it with David’s help!   (Sorry Chris but it was funny to watch & and yelling across the Buffet would not have been a good look).  As we were docking during breakfast Pete shot outside to get some photos.

 Our Berth



Being Turned around

Disembarkation was again on Deck 5 - very convenient for us, but this time on the starboard side so we were able to be one of the first ones off.  This time Pete put the chair in free wheel mode and I was taken down the gangway by two of the porters, (initially I had about 5 men trying to all help me at once!)

The first free shuttle bus was waiting on the wharf, but it was not accessible.   The Hotel Director - Tom Brady was one the wharf and we chatted to him.  He was concerned that when we embarked the tide would rise 3 metres and it would be necessary to carry me up the stairway which they would have to use instead (this could be interesting!!!).    He advised there were two accessible buses (white) on the shuttle fleet.

While waiting for the white shuttle we had the opportunity to shake hands with the Mayor of Burnie and chat.   Very nice chap who was interested to meet & chat with passengers. 

Those pesky photographers!

The Mayor in the mayoral garb.   (And yes Patty he was the 'real' Mayor not a fake one!)

As the port was a working port, all passengers had to be shuttled off the wharf, and the port staff took security very very seriously.   The bus ride to Makers Workshop was only 5 minutes.  All the buses were manned by volunteers giving a brief talk on Burnie and surrounds. 

At the Makers Workshop my cousins, Paul and Meg were already there waiting for us.   Paul in the car and Meg inside taking in all the various crafts and skills on display, and of course shopping.  It was so good to see them.    Meg had meticulously organized the day, and they had done a ‘pre route’ run, so they knew how long it would take to get places.

Driving along the shoreline to Devonport I took heaps of photos out of the car - point and shoot.  By now most of the clouds had dispersed to become a beautiful sunny day, although still a little windy.

Once in Devonport we drove up Steele Street but ended up on Don Road by mistake, so back tracked a few streets and then onto Best Street up to the end to be on Surrey Street.  We took a left turn then over Steele Street and we were at the old home of my grandparents - just one house from the corner #26.    The house had been reclad and had new aluminum windows fitted so it looked different.   Pete took photos out of the car window as we didn‘t like to go in and disturb the current owners.

26 Surrey Street - my grandparents old home

View from the road outside the house.

From there we drove towards the town centre and found a Coles Supermarket where Pete bought flowers, as the next stop was to be the cemetery to see my grandparents’ plots.  

We had a bit of time to kill before going to the Cemetery, as we were meeting cousins on my grandmothers side there.  (Yes I know that sounds weird!!)

So Paul took us for a drive along the waterfront of Devonport, which my sister and I remember well from our childhood holidays with our grandparents.    The following are a selection, as we took heaps (under instruction from my sister!)

The it was onto the Cemetery - unfortunately we were at the wrong one initially - Devonport Cemetery instead of Mersey Lawn Cemetery.   After some team effort with the map I had printed out and the map book we found the right one. 

When we got there Graham Davis (my mothers’ first cousin) was there waiting as promised with wife Bev and daughter Pam.   Meeting was to be brief as Pam and the boys were flying to Brisbane at 4pm, which was such a pity.  Graham and Bev had not aged a bit since we last saw them in 1993 - they are now 86 and 85 respectively.   Graham was a farmer, so as fit as a fiddle.

While we chatted, Pete said he would go find the plaques.   I had written down the reference numbers but not the Lawn Number.    He couldn’t find them, so Pam headed up and joined in the hunt.   Pam eventually came back and said it was no good, perhaps I could ring Uncle Jack and get some help.   Out came the trusty mobile and fortunately I had his number (From our time in Noosa in October) and rang.  While I was talking to Aunt Anita be shouted out he had found them - they were partially buried under the kikuyu grass, which had grown over the plaques over the years as they had never been attended to. 

Graham raced up the hill to have a look (it wasn’t too far from us) before he returned to say goodbye.  As he got in the car, I remembered we needed photos!!    So Pete quickly took a couple of all the family members.  

 Graham Davis, me, Pam Davis, Meg Gilby, Beverley Davis

After the Davis’s had left we went up to the plaques.  Pete pulled back all the grass from around them (not easy with bare hands), then found a bucket from another plot which he temporarily removed, so he could wash down the plaques.  Once cleared and cleaned we could place the flowers on the holders.  

Pete starting to clear the almost buried plaques

It was very emotional for me, especially as my Mum never returned to Tasmania after my grandparents passed away.   I think my Uncles’ may have been once or twice since 1978.   The plots are close to a lovely tree, on a slope with a lovely outlook.   

By this time it was 11.30am so we decided that although our lunch booking at the Chocolate Factory Café was for 12.30 we may as well go there.   Anvers was set in a lovely old homestead in beautiful grounds.   Meg asked if we could have a table outside (she had pre-booked) but unfortunately all of those tables were already taken.    The lunch menu was interesting and I opted for bruschetta with dried tomato, mushrooms, capsicums and parmesan cheese which was huge, but so delicious that I ate it all.    This time Pete manage the “sorry excuse me I need to go to the toilet” routine and sneak up to the cashier to pay the bill before Paul got the chance, as they always want to pay for everything.   The least we could do when they had come all the way from Hobart to Burnie to see us.

Paul wasn't hungry so he ordered the burger and it was larger than any of the other meals!!!

Paul Meg and I out the front of Anvers 



Proof that Anvers was open but not the Factory (a highlight of one of the Celebrity Tours and they drove straight past!!!)

As we were getting back into the car I spotted a young girl trying the change a tyre.  As usual Pete could not leave her to battle on her own, so went over and assisted.    I was astounded that so many men had walked past and not offered at all.   When they were finished one of the waitresses came out of offer them both water and to make use of the bathroom to clean up. 

Now it was time make our way back to Makers Workshop as we had been told the last shuttle was 3.30pm not 4.15pm as advertised.   We couldn‘t quite understand why as the ship was not departing.   The drive back was lovely, so little traffic on a four lane highway.  

We got back to Makers Workshop with plenty of time, so we could have a look at crafts.   Unfortunately we had to leave after 5 minutes as one of the accessible buses had arrived. 

The shuttle went back via the town centre of Burnie, picking up passengers on the way.   At Stop 2 we saw Mike but he refused a ride saying he would walk.   We arrived at Stop 3 at the same time as him!!!  And he still refused to get on…   Meanwhile three crew members (whom we later identified as part of the orchestra on board) got off, for the last chance to have a beer ashore!

Back at the wharf I was disappointed to find that I was not going to be carried up the stairs as they had put a small gangway in place entering on Deck 3 (where the Naughty Room is)!  So no close encounters with the crew for me…

We dropped our things back in the cabin and headed for the Sunset Bar for Sailaway.   It was bitterly cold up there so Pete had to go back and get a cardigan for me.  It may have been alright if I had sat in the sun, but I had already had enough for the day, plus I wanted to do my Blog.   As Sailaway was 5pm, we had at least an hour and half to kill.   Not that was a problem as there was already plenty of Ccer’s there is socialize with.   As it didn’t look like I would get much done I just wrote some bullet points.

As the ships pulled away a band of 6 pipers piped us off - and they wore safety vests over their kilts!!!!   

Band complete with fluro vests!

Once we were underway the cold breeze disappeared and it became quite warm.   Seeing the coast of Tasmania disappear was pretty spectacular.    What a stunning coastline.   There were plenty of people saying it was the best port visit so far, but then again it was only the second!   The town is surrounded by houses dotted all over the hills and looks like the perfect place to retire to.

By 6pm we decided it was time to head back to our cabin to freshen up and get changed for dinner.  For some reason there didn’t seem to be anything on in any of the venues musically so we stopped in Cova for a pre-dinner drink and Tapas.   We had a wonderful conversation with the waitress who is from Peru, on her second contract.   Like all the staff she is very dedicated to her career.   I tried the olives as I have always steered clear of them, and I was pleasantly surprised.

The 7pm show in the Celebrity Theatre was Annie Frances, so we joined Colin and Patty.   We enjoyed most of it until she sang a whole lot of Country, which we don’t particularly like.   We snuck out and went down to the MDR for dinner.   

We were seated at a table for two again in Raymond’s area.  He is a very competent waiter, who appears to be training a girl, as she seems a little nervous and lost when he is not there.    The wine waiter (who’s name I have yet to get) talked us into a red wine, which I then regretted as there was Oysters as an Appetizers, and together they are a no-no for me.   I opted for Pate instead and we both ordered the tenderized beef.  It was sensational and I just had to eat it all, which definitely no room for dessert.

After dinner we retired to the cabin as we were exhausted - me from an emotional day and Pete from a lot of sun, running around the Cemetery and a few beers!

Tonight we had to put our watches forward an hour as we start crossing the channel.