AKL PER NZ173

A day flight got us to Perth at 1430. Air NZ have wet leased a Wamos A330 to get them through the busy summer months. Unfortunately for us there was no premium economy so our seats were downgraded to economy. But all in all an ok 7hr flight (I managed 3 movies).

We rented a car and headed to Prevelly in the Margaret River. 3 1/2 hrs later we arrived at Rob & Maggie Foys.

The “John Foy” siblings - all 6 of them, \240and eventually John and Jean, moved to WA in the 70s and 80s. . The last time Rob saw me I was still in single digits. So a very long overdue reunion. The main purpose of the visit is to see Uncle John- soon to turn 99.

A warm welcome awaited us, roast chicken and wine and lots of chatter. Our heads hit the pillows easily after a long days journey.

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Awake very early due 5 hr time zone difference. Around 6 we went for a walk. Out the door and 100m to the beach. Beautiful. The day was a little grey but we walked along the coastal path to discover the neighbourhood. When back Rob was about to take the dogs for a walk so I headed out again with him. We headed to the beach and had a swim. Delicious.

We visited Uncle John who is in a nursing home. He is very frail. We had a few moments of connection when we talked about David (his brother, my Dad) & Maureen, the farm, and 3 kids.

Tony Foy turned up, again a 50+ year gap since meeting.

After leaving Uncle John we all went for coffee and a catch up.

Early afternoon we went with Rob & Maggie on a coast walk. It took about 2 hrs. After easily reaching our step count for the day, a pie & ale were well earned.

That evening we went to dinner and Penny Foy (Tony’s wife) joined us.

Another early walk and swim, then a delicious breakfast at home. We packed the car and before leaving walked to the local cafe, on the beach of course, for coffee.

It was a very special time spent reconnecting with family, in a very beautiful part of the world.

Back to Perth to Fremantle to board the Queen Elizabeth.

Mary & Harry boarded in Sydney 2 weeks ago and have been around Australia. Unfortunately Harry tested positive for Covid and has been isolating in his cabin for 6 days. He is well, but frustrated.

It is our second time on the QE. Cabin 6060.

A glass of bubbles on arrival, unpacked and then a famil of the ship. Dinner this evening in the Britannia restaurant. It’s nice to be back in board.

A day at sea. On waking, our position was the Margaret River- took a lot longer to get there by boat!

Our usual routine - breakfast in our cabin. We have a balcony which is port side, so we view the coast of Australia as we make our way to Sydney via Esperance, Adelaide, Kangaroo Is, Melbourne.

The weather is NOT tropical, and our attempt to do our deck circuits was abandoned due to the strong winds.

Went to the gym instead.

I attended a Metabolisim seminar with Mary.

We had lunch in the Golden Lion pub. Good replica of a English pub. So in theme we had the fish & chips and steak & mushroom pie and a pint (wine for me) to wash it down.

I attended an art seminar before having a afternoon siesta.

The evening is a formal theme- Red & Gold. I wore my lovely red dress that I wore 10 yrs ago on the QM2. Mike looked dashing in his dinner suit and gold bow tie. Dinner in the Veranda restaurant.

This morning we arrived at Esperance, but due to bad weather we were not able to go Ashore. Such a shame for the locals to miss out on the business and for us as it looked like a lovely place. Back out onto the ocean for 3 days at sea until we reach Adelaide.

A visit to the gym and then the good news that Mary and Harry finally cleared to leave their cabin after 7 days covid cabin arrested.

Lunch in the Britannia Club. Very nice.

A lazy afternoon, reading, movie.

Drinks in our cabin prior to dinner.

Three days at sea. Somehow the days go by. Breakfast, exercise which consists of walking around the deck, average 6 times, morning coffee, lecture or seminar, lunch, then.a leisurely afternoon. M&H to our cabin for pre dinner drinks then dinner. The Britannia Clob is lovely. The food.m is amazing. After dinner a visit to the Commodore Club for lovely piano music then to the pub for a bit of toe tapping to a Irish father and son duo.

We came along side port at 0630. A lovely morning arrival into Adelaide at Outer Harbour.

We left the ship around 0930, planned to get an Uber to the city, but there was a train about to leave at 0958 so bought 2 tickets $5 each (day pass). 40 min journey to the city.

I went for a quick shop at H&M, looking for some warmer clothes. A pair of jeans and a party dress later, we then meet Anne and headed back to her house for coffee.

Lovely to reunite with Anne, Terry and Eleanor again - it’s been 8 years!

We headed to the “Adelaide Hills” for a lovely lunch at the Scenic Hotel. It was a bit fresh on the deck, but with fleece blankets we managed. A delicious lunch with a few vinos.

We visited Mt Lofty for a city overview and spotted Mary & Harry on their city tour.

Anne & Terry kindly dropped us back to the port. Fabulous catch up.

We headed to the pool deck for “Sail away” drinks and music. Pisco Sour the special.

Dinner at club and a drink in the Comodore bar.

Kangaroo Island - I visited KI 32 years ago - fair to say, it’s changed heaps.

We hired a car and hit the hot spots (unfortunately the weather wasn’t a hot spot).

Vivonne Bay - stunning beach.

Seal Bay - many many seals. Wonderful to see them protected in such a great way and be able to get so close to them.

KI Gin Distillery - delicious gin tasting and pizza- worth a visit.

KI Oyster Farm - can’t leave without a dozen!

Pre dinner drinks with the local gin.

After dinner Mike and Harry enjoyed a cigar in The Churchill Cigar Lounge. It’s a small intimate lounge, chesterfield couches etc. an amazing air extracting system that takes away the smell of smoke. So it’s pleasant for non smokers also.

Lunch & Learn today. Another excuse or name for more eating and drinking.

It was held in the Verandah Grill. Four courses with a couple of wine matches for each.

The ship’s Sommelier ran the event and yes, I did learn some things!

It was all delicious.

To off set it, I didn’t have breakfast and went to the gym then did deck circuits prior. This probably only covered the first course!

Gala night - Roaring 20s.

Finally, beautiful clear blue skies and no wind. A glorious morning arrival into Melbourne. A couple of deck circuits before a light breakfast.

I met Samantha at 10 with her beautiful Luna. We walked for an hour, then headed to The Commons Collective to meet T, Mike and Sophie for lunch.

A great spot for a lovely beer garden lunch, great food, wine and company.

Onto our next appointment! \240Andrew and Sara for coffee. Such a lovely catch up with old Camino friends.

Back to the ship for sail away at 1800.

A late arrival at Burnie. A port at the top end of Tasmania. We had booked a tour as unknown territory and we didn’t think a lot to see. We had a great day. Visited a wildlife park first - not the most picturesque place but some interesting creatures to see and learn about.

Then onto the underground caves which were WOW - impressive.

Overall an unexpected great day.

A day at sea before our early arrival into Sydney. \240I woke early to watch us sail through the heads and into Sydney harbour. Very spectacular. We paid a visit to EJ Sydney before our flight home.