And so the substitute Alaska trip begins

[Pushka]

So I wont bore you all again with the details other than saying that right now we were supposed to be on Denali, Alaska, doing a glacier landing from a light plane. But an untimely DVT waaay back in February stopped the 18 months worth of plans at a halt.

A few days after discharge MrP noted a good deal on Hayman Island for five nights. Assuming that short hop flights were ok we booked on the spot.

We converted our AA flights for the USA to business class flights Adelaide to Hamilton Island which was a bonus. All the other non refundable flights were paid out on Insurance so we did not lose anything financially.

Our plans - 5 nights on Hayman Island where we spent our 25th wedding anniversary 13 years ago and then 9 nights at the 'couples only' resort on Hamilton Island. Celebrating a 60th and another wedding anniversary. Yes, I was married on my birthday.

We took out a second mortgage to pay for the luxury catamaran to Hayman as you are forced into that as the cheapest option.

Our meals are included at Hayman - the prices are eye watering otherwise and my luggage consists of wine, sparkling, gin, tonic water, cokes and snacks. Figured we are saving around $500 doing that.

At Hamilton it is easy. And thats where the birthday will be celebrated.

Did I ask if I was ok to fly? Ummm. Maybe? Made sure the compression stockings are on and the daily blood thinners taken. When the Flik did I get so old?

Anyways, we are awaiting our flight to Melbourne where we stay overnight for a 9.30 departure tomorrow.

Clearly I still haven't adjusted to the fact that I am not travelling overseas. I sometimes think we are sampling the glorious F Int lounge in Melbourne tomorrow. That will have to wait until December.

Until then, salut!


Note the Gold card? I was relegated to Silver on May 1 but I absolutely refuse to use it. Gold card works just fine. .

 

[love_the_life]

and you're off......
Can't wait to read more. I have an affinity with eye-watering hotels though rarely stay in them so have to make do with reading TRs

I see a sparkling there - I always say "start as you mean to go on"!

 

[Pushka]

Almost off. 50 minute delay. Another sparking in order.

 

[Bindibuys]

Love birthday celebrations. Congratulations.
Mine this year will be spent under a full moon on Nile cruise.

 

[TomVexille]

Good to see you flying again

Have a fantastic trip

 

[Pushka]

Good to see you flying again

Have a fantastic trip

Can't keep an AFF'er on the ground too long. I didn't exactly ask permission though. Figured I didn't want to hear no. 3 months is enough jail time.

 

[JessicaTam]

Seat in the upright position, tray table stowed, window open and seat belt on.

Bring on the substitute TR!

 

[Major]

The weather is very pleasant this time of the year in the Whitsundays

Enjoy

 

[Pushka]

Good news. The five tiny bottles of bubbly and the wines all got to Melbourne and the Laksa onboard was awesome. Shame only MrP ordered it.

Not raining in Melbourne - Adelaide is drenched. Whitsunday weather looks rather nice for a week.

Upgraded at the Parkroyal - to a room that looks exactly the same as every other room - oh yeah, has free water and wifi.

Off for snacks. The restaurant is expensive and not all that great.

 

[love_the_life]

Good to hear the wine made it. That's an important thing (some might say 'the important thing').

 

[Pushka]

It's Melbourne. It's raining.
Caught a cold a few days ago and other than a coughing jag during the night slept well. Forgot to set the iphone to auto time so half an hour later than I realised.
Flight leaves at 9.30am so all set for a brekky in the lounge.

Did I mention I did not drink any alcohol on the flight? grumble. Still get some thoughts about dvt.

 

[love_the_life]

I've got the solution to no drinks when flying. You need to use one of the airlines that does not serve alcohol at all. That way you won't feel bad.
Have a good flight and make sure you get rid of that cold.

 

[JohnK]

Can't keep an AFF'er on the ground too long. I didn't exactly ask permission though. Figured I didn't want to hear no. 3 months is enough jail time.

A birthday celebration was more important than getting clearance to travel? Hope all goes well for you.

 

[Pushka]

A birthday celebration was more important than getting clearance to travel? Hope all goes well for you.

Yep. Doing what I love doing. Travel. If I cant fly short haul after 3 months then when?
Some fantastic photo opps flying in.

 

[Pushka]

A short walk to the launch. Luggage goes straight to the room




Warm and sunny.

 

[love_the_life]

How many people on the launch over? Looks lovely and warm - freezing in the southern states!

 

[Pushka]

Just about 20 people on the cat, Dame.
A bit of a snaffu with dinner. The only restaurant open tonight for the plan has no space until 8.45pm and the other one is a seafood buffet for an extra $150. Mmmm. Late meal tonight.

Shots of the resort.
View from room


Large room.

 

[love_the_life]

Weather is looking good! I remember years ago, we were going to Port Douglas and ended up being delayed 24 hours because of fog at CBR airport. Finally arrived and heaved a sigh of relief as I sat on the terrace in the sun, got up the next day and it was raining! Hope your sunny days stay around.
Pity about dinner; just think you're on QM2; it's late seating there. Hope the food is tasty.

 

[Pushka]

Oops. Seemed to have fallen asleep at sunset. Sorry drron.
Still pretty though.


I did actually flash to the QM2 dining time Dame.

 

[blackcat20]

It may not be the trip you planned but it looks lovely! Happy birthday/anniversary.