WEEK 5

 22 SEPTERMBER 2022 – SAGUENAY CANADA

The day did not go according to plan,we had to cancel our date night because  a patient made a turn for the worst and that carried on right through the night at one stage did not think he was going to make the night,so talk about stress levels for my dear hubby. I got up early to get some fresh air and see the sail into the Saguenay River but no sunrise to see was overcast and very chilly but still sat on deck 12 with cup of coffee , croissant and a stunning view just wilderness.

We were going to get to port earlier to get the patient to hospital and arrived at  9 instead of 11 

o clock.This beautiful little town were ready to welcome us again with there dancing music and thank goodness this time round the captain blew the horn just after we docked so everyone in town new we had arrived.

While I was standing on deck 7 listening to the music a ambulance was waiting for the patient and next thing the patient is loaded into the ambulance and hubby and the patients  wife come out and was so special to see him holding onto her and then she gives him a hug before she also gets into the ambulance ,a special moment that had me feeling tearful ,that I call compassion.Was upset to hear afterwards that he does not think he is going to make it. 

Today is freezing cold in this place even have my Alaska gloves packed in for my walk in the park is raining at the moment but said it might clear a bit later so sitting in the terminal building while listening to lovely upbeat local music.Hubby is going straight to bed or should I say as soon as he can for he is on duty today.Also heard last night that we might overnight in Quebec due to the hurricane that is moving up the East coast of the USA ,that is a bit scary!!They say it might also hit Bermuda and that is were we are heading as soon as our trips to Quebec come to an end in middle October. What a wonderful thought,ahhhhhhhh scared of these things.

Got off the ship and spent some time in the terminal building before we got on our bus that would take us to the Saguenay National Park for our walk.I have to admit when I saw our tour guide and he looked at least 80 or older i wondered how this tour would go and to my surprise he was fantastic and had a witty sense of humour 10/10 for him.We traveled in a yellow school bus and gave us so much information about the town and what goes on , some history was so interesting , absolutely loved it.

Arrived at the park about 45 min later and my luck was in for the walking and the hiking tour were on the same bus and same time in park so I asked the walking guide if I could join the hiking tour and he said anytime as long as I feel I would be able to do the hike with an elevation of 700 feet that is about 213 meters and naturally I said for sure.

Our guide gave us interesting information about the park before we started  had walking poles and offered them to us , I did not accept them tot my spyt and then off we went at first I thought why the fuss this is not too hectic but boy was I going to eat my words a little bit later, the path is rough , steep and you climb most of the time when we hit the 450 feet mark I was huffing , puffing , and sniffing , my tot in n loop neus ingeloop! 

Took a video of the view and had to laugh when I heard my breathing and sniffing but decided to post it just as it was ,did ask to excuse the sniffing part.

When our guide asked do we want to go all the way we said yes that’s is what we came for so he said well the view is worth all the hard work , so off we went.

By this time I am sweating and want to take off my layers of warm clothing and thought should have taken the walking polls for the coming down is going to be another story and is very rocky and wet and the last thing I want to do is slip or fall.In some areas they have put wooden railings up but a lot of areas there is nothing and they are still busy improving the hike path he told us they actually use helicopters to fly in the wood supplies and polls.

The view from 700 feet is spectacular it takes your breath away and you feel you can see forever and are on top of the world.Well worth the effort just wish we had more time to enjoy and take it all in actually would have wanted to just sit for 10 minutes catch your breath and enjoy the view but time was running out and we had to get back in time to catch the bus back to town so off we went on our decent.Was omtrent briek briek al die pad en ek dood bang ek gly so was  oor versigtig.

The special part was that I was on my own for most of the way down so that I really enjoyed imagine being in the forest all on your own with just a tiny little squirrel calling every now and again.The decent went a lot quicker than I thought it would go and once I got to the bottom I took some nice pics of the river.This river has sea and fresh water and they don’t mix so much interesting information wish could share everything also told us that the tide can rise by 7 to 8 meters .

By this time I am in desperate need of a drink so thank goodness the shop was still open for we were the last group for the day.On our way back the guide told us more about the big flood that hit the town when it poured with rain non stop for 3 / 4 days with devastating consequences.When we got back to the pier we were the last to board the ship ,  was freezing outside and got a little piece of chocolate from a local women, a lovely gesture the locals really went out of there way to make you feel welcome in there town it was an amazing day and so thankful I could do it.A warm shower was great and I definitely got my steps and exercise in for the week!

 

23 SEPTEMBER 2022 – QUEBEC CITY CANADA

We arrived here early morning and are docked here for 2 days and are going to overnight because of the Hurricane Fiona that is on its way to Canada.Thank goodness they don’t take any chances with things like this you have to stay out of there way.Hope we are going to be able to leave by Saturday afternoon but it will depend on where the hurricane is and if it has moved past our route along the coast.We are going to be at sea for 2 days after we leave Quebec so if we leave later they might be able to put there foot on the gas, and make up some time,haa haa.

Hubby was off so we could walk around for the first time today which was great and had something to eat.When he wanted to go back to the ship I stayed behind and could pop into all the shops for the first time and enjoyed that without being told to hurry up! After the walking I was so thirsty so I stopped at a tiny pub for some local beer .Then it was time to come back to the ship i had enough for one day and we are going out for supper tonight after we had to cancel the other night ,so hope all goes well.

The poor patient did not make it he died the same afternoon after being admitted to hospital , so that was sad news.

 

24 SEPTEMBER 2022 – QUEBEC CITY / DAY 2

Last night the captain informed us that we were only going to be leaving around 5 on Saturday due to the hurricane that is going to make landfall in Charlottetown and Halifax both towns are on our list to spend a day in. We went out for a lovely supper at Cayneys and then we wondered out into the streets of Quebec city for a night walk in very cold weather so had all our warm clothing on.

Really special to visit a city at night has a different feeling and vibe and because it does not happen often we used our opportunity and the bonus was that hubby was off so we could do it together.

This morning I was pooped think that 2 days of walking and hiking caught up with me so had breakfast and then I made a quick stop at the local supermarket and then just sat in terminal for my usual wifi.Had time to check up on the latest hurricane news and my goodness scary stuff saw videos with scenes of houses being swept into the sea and really hope we never have to experience something like that.

The captain has just informed us that they have been instructed to delay our departure with 4 hours so will only be leaving at 9 o clock tonight.Have 2 days at sea waiting for us really hope the sea has calmed down otherwise we are going to be in for a rough ride and not very excited about that.It is hurricane season and they seem to be popping up all over so not very happy about that but thank goodness they do warn us in time to get out of the way at least we can get out of the way but if it makes landfall they  just have to buckle down and hope for the best.

Can remember being told that some crew who were on a ship in a hurricane actually experienced the ship being lifted up by the winds and suction and turned around I don’t think I would survive that or that might be the end of cruising

 

25 SEPTEMBER 2022 - @SEA

We have been very blessed with nothing hectic on our sea route they did put away all the tables and chairs strapped them tightly to the railing even had drawers tied up due to strong winds but think that was just a  precaution later this morning they opened up again.Have never seen them close this area in the 10 years we have been cruising so there is always a first time . Seeing the videos of all the damaged and destruction on BBC is very upsetting and scary.

This type of thing does not normally happen in Canada for the hurricane usually loses its strength due to the cold sea water so this was a monster and the next one is heading for Florida which is not great news.Tomorrow we have another sea-day and Halifax our first port of call don’t even want to think what poor Penny Cove in Nova Scotia must look like for they are right on the water is  a beautiful little town.Cant even think why you still get people who don’t believe in climate change and the terrible effect it is having on the weather and the world.

 

26 SEPTEMBER 2022 - @SEA

This morning was not bad but chilly outside no rain but that did not last long the weather is closing in on us and has started raining we are rocking and rolling but not too bad.Got to the gym this morning so that was nice but if I am honest not firing on all cylinders! So n half hartige poging gewees!See the next hurricane is going to hit Florida just hope not going to come up all the way to Boston and Canada but only time will tell.Tomorrow we are in Halifax don’t know what to expect in this port after they were hit last week.2 Days at sea not my favourite thing so imagine how a Atlantic crossing will feel like but then you would use the pool and sunshine to get by.Has been a peaceful day in the medical so at least hubby also has a rest day even if he is on duty maybe a good thing after last week.Want to try and go on another excursion next cruise so will start planning and looking at the different option.

 

 

27 SEPTEMBER 2022 – HALIFAX CANADA

Arrived here on an overcast day but not too cold all still looks the same can just see that the trees had a bit of a hammering for leaves and branches lying around.The crew had there weekly safety drill then we left after that. 4 ships in port so the terminals are packed with people is busy .We first headed for the botanical gardens but just after getting there decided to rather go to the local library and just as well for not long after we arrived the heavens opened and it starting raining hard.In the library there was a very suspicious man making a scene don’t really know what it was about but something wrong with him for sure was talking loud then screaming and talking to himself thank goodness the librarian calmed him down also had a hole pile of belongings with him.

While we were quietly sitting doing our thing another man came in and he looked like someone that is living on the streets think the rain made them run for shelter and some warmth don’t even want to think what happens to them in the winter.

Was disappointed when we wanted to by some coffee and something to eat but were told they don’t accept USA $ so that was the end of the coffee.

Passed a few tents that were pitched in a local park on our way to the botanical gardens.So today not really nice to walk around so after a while hubby returned to the ship for he was up since 3 o clock this morning so wanted to get some sleep.

I followed a bit later but should have left with him for it starting pouring with rain and in some areas there were rivers of water so walking back was a tricky business and my shoes were sopping wet.

Thank goodness I had my plastic raincoat and the umbrella have learnt the hard way to never go out without the 2 of them.

Was quite strange to see so many passengers in the terminal building so things are getting back into the swing of things regarding cruising . In our cabin it was time to put on dry clothes and have a afternoon sleep.Tomorrow we go through customs again and then it is Portland for the day.

 

28 SEPTEMBER 2022 – PORTLAND /MAINE

Never thought I would be so glad to see the sun but after the last few days of overcast weather and rain , I am! We had another restless and busy night for hubby ,he had another drama with a lady that was sent to shore side was seen at the local hospital and sent back to the ship and given the go ahead and fit to sail letter but that did not last long and during the night things went from bad to worse and she made a turn for the worst  they had to get the go ahead to speed up the ship again to get her to port in time.

Two cases on the same cruise is not really the norm just hope this time she makes it but does not sound to promising.Thinking that she might have a  brain apses. So we sailed into Portland Maine at about 10 one hour before were we suppose to dock.

Then it was time to go through immigration again before I could get off . Was going to treat myself and go for a ride on the Maine Narrow Gauge train decided to leave the first class offer and rather sit in the open carriage with the wind in my hair for don’t want to miss anything. 

My genade got my spot and just when I was really enjoying it we stopped only to be told this is it and the turn around point that was a bit of a disappointment for I was really enjoying the ride and the views.Took a few nice pics over the Casco Bay and then it was back to the station.Walked to the Porthole Restaurant and there I had oysters ,wine and chowder soup what a combination anyway , was lekker.

Really a stunning day in Portland today and everyone is really enjoying the sun and lovely weather the sail-away tonight will be stunning while leaving port with the city’s lights in the back round.Tomorrow we are in Bar Harbour .Something else I have learnt is when you see something you like or want to rather get it for with cruising things can change and you might not go back to the place or the itinerary changes due to unforeseen circumstances.

Well I had a fantastic day today and very glad I did the train ride and had my Portland oysters and wine , can tick them off the bucket list.Want to try and do the Scenic Cabot Trail next week in Sydney

Some or other famous writer says it is one of the most beautiful places on this earth and he was well traveled, so am going to try and do it might never have the opportunity again , am on our last cruise to Quebec City Canada.

 

29 SEPTEMBER 2022- BAR HARBOUR

Another stunning sunny day with calm flat seas hubby can only get off when they have open tenderdering so that should be at about 11 he just wants to get his feet on dry land , get some fresh air , lie in the park before he heads back to try and catch up on some sleep ,is really tired after this crazy week.The TV coverage on hurricane Ian and the damage over Florida is crazy must be so scary to have to experience that and the only thing you can do is flee and try and get away leaving everything else behind.

We got off and went to shore in a big local boat and then we decided to go and sit on the beach and was perfect had the beach to ourselves with nobody in sight.

Then it was back to the ship for hubby and I decided to take another route walked in the suburbs working my way towards the harbour area.Got carried away once again with the beautiful orange colour of the trees actually took a very short video just to show a photo not the same and the beautiful holmes.

I really just love this little seaside town the hotels , houses everything is just pretty and then you have all the fishing boats anchored in the bay ,no wonder the rich and famous decided to come here on holiday and build there mansions along the coast . Sometimes I wish one could get a peep into the past just to see how the people lived and went on with there daily business.Getting chilly outside so once I was back on the ship it was straight under the blanket for a afternoon sleep.At least hubby had a nice long sleep and feeling better and rested.I had my covid test done early this morning and was so thankful it came back negative really have been blessed with all the coughing and sneezing doing the rounds.

Just wish they would stop testing for every week it does put strain on you so I really believe it is a miracle that I have been negative since I left home ,have been here for 6 weeks.

Does sound like they are going to scrap the testing for you can enter Canada without having a test so things are looking up.Do think the winter flu is going to start for the temperature is dropping and chilly winds are starting to blow , time for the next season to start.So gaan dit ne,niks bly 

  n tyd v alles. Boston is waiting and then we leave on our last cruise to Quebec for this season.