Up the Amazon Without a Paddle.

[drron]

The time is fast approaching for the next adventure.This time I have been able to satisfy my love of nature by going to the Amazon River but also mrsdrron's love of luxury by doing it on the Silver Cloud.
This coming Wednesday(31/10) we set out at OMG o'clock so as to get QF505 BNE-SYD and have enough time to enjoy the Flounge before QF11 to LAX.Our first flight on the A380 and at the moment are in Emerald city but seat number is being kept secret in case some much more important people find out and want us re allocated.Request is in for upgrade to F.
Our first stop is again Carlsbad for mrsdrron to engage in her favourite past time-outlet shopping.Then staying in Hollywood at the W so I can attend a conference-the only reason for this trip.
Full trip is BNE-SYD-LAX-DFW-MIA-BGI-Silver Cloud-BGI-MIA-DFW-NRT-BKK-SYD-BNE.

But first as has become tradition an Australian lead in.This time my recent stay in Tasmania as this time we drove enabling us to sample the pleasures of the Spirit of Tasmania.Our first stop was in tamworth where a Best Western for room only was $140.Paying the same price later this trip for the SGS in Bangkok and they throw in a fantastic breakfast buffet and a 2 hour happy hour along with internet and laundry.no wonder the Australian tourist industry is having problems.Had dinner at Bibs and Ribs-would advise giving it a miss.
Then on to Sydney staying at the 4 Points and having a couple of days with the grandkids.We got a refurbed king room on the top floor of the 4P.Unfortunately they have taken out the bath in the refurb-

Leaving Sydney we decided to try the Grand Pacific Drive.It wasn't a great day and it isn't something I need to do again-

We decided to continue on down the Prince's highway.Unfortunately just south of Nowra there were major roadworks and we got a nice crack in the windshield.Stayed at Eden and can reccomend the Twofold Bay motor inn.$100 and very quiet.Also ate at the Wheelhouse Restaurant.We were worried as the only customers on a Saturday night-though it was blowing a gale.Didn't have to worry,the seafood was very good.
Next Beautiful melbourne and we get the spirit.

 

[KitKat]

Love your trip reports.. can't wait for more
W Hollywood - let us know how you go with this

 

[Major]

Looking forward to another good one,especially the Amazon

 

[drron]

In Melbourne we do like to walk around the little park that gives its name to the nearby Hilton.Some Australian history-

And we do love the greenhouse-

But we stayed at the Hilton closest to the wharf.Mrsdrron's status had us upgraded to a nice suite recently vacated by Simongr.We ate in their main restaurant and felt it was quite good.Sorry forgot to take my camera.Sunday afternoon it was down to the dock.the dreary saturday had morphed into quite a nice sunday.The view from the dock was pretty good-

And so on to the Spirit we went.One of the first on and virtually last off.I will remember that for the trip back.On the voyage to Tassie it was a cabin-of sorts.

The words cat and swing for some reason came to mind.But it was a very smooth Bass Strait that night and that enabled us to sleep well.
Tasmania is next.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Checking in dr and mrsdrron, one day I'll write a trip report when I grow up

 

[drron]

Our mini trip on this visit was to Strahan.It had been many years since our last visit and there were a few changes.The weather wasn't behaving so we did not do the Gordon river Cruise-but also because the boats dont go as far now as they did nearly 30 years ago.I had gone then because it was just after "biggles"Evans had stopped the Gordon below Franklin river dam.I was fortunate to have been in one of the last groups into the old Lake Pedder before the upper Gordon river was dammed.Nice views now of Macquarie harbour and Strahan from the lookout above the main tourist hub.

Went down to Regatta point-the old port and rail terminal from Zeehan and Queenstown.nice views over the bay to the tourist centre and one of the few places that can now sell Huon pine-

What intriques me is that the harbour was in use well into my lifetime.The rail link to Queenstown was closed in 1963.The wharves now are interesting in a very different way-

And the railway has a new lease of life as a tourist attraction-

More of strahan to come.

 

[drron]

We drove about as far as you can towards the mouth of the Gordon and came on this quintessential old Australian waterfront village-

Driving back we wondered whether we should try for quail for lunch-

But we decided to let him have his freedom and instead had some very nice fried scallops at the local tavern.washed down with a lovely Tassie SB.

Then a last look at the railway relics-

And then the day's train came in-

Just a little more of Strahan to go.

 

[drron]

On this trip we did something that you couldn't do in an ordinary car 30 years ago.We drove out to the inlet for Macquarie Harbour-Hell's Gate.However the place was not living up to it's name fortunately for us.The sun even made an appearance-

The locals came out to enjoy the sunshine,have to be watchful on the highway though-

The water was it's normal tannin stained self-

On the way back we saw this Island of birds.In the background you can see the reason for the road-salmon pens-

There are some grand buildings still present-

We stayed at The Crays cottages.Highly reccomended.$120 a night for a 2 bedroom cottage with all facilities.They even sell you crays off the boat for a 10% discount if you are staying there.That was our dinner 1 night.The other night we went to Mistys which was just across the road from the Crays.Gets good reviews on TA but we didn't really enjoy the night.Meals used good quality produce but the combinations just didn't work for us.As well there was a tendency to ignore the tourists so they could talk to the locals longer.
Unfortunately it was out of season so a few eating places were closed.There is a seafood cafe on the water run by Mures but that was still closed for the season.
Next-preparing to leave Tassie.

 

[drron]

Sunday was an awful day.Wind and rain.At 0800 in Strahan was 9C.Midday in Burnie it was 4C.So no more touristy stuff in Strahan.We did make the short diversion into the Zeehan CBD.Absolutely amazing the buildings that mines built including a majestic Opera House where Dame Nellie Melba performed.Nothing like that happens today.

Decided to put in a bit of fuel here as would be touch and go making it back to Burnie.They had an automatic station.all done on CC.I put $10 on the pump but it stopped at $7.80.couldn't get it to go to $10.A $10 charge appeared on the card and i was about to complain when a $7.80 credit appeared-who said computers are smart?
At Burnie a good place to have lunch is the Hellyers distillery but we decided to go on to Devonport and have lunch at Drift-still our favourite restaurant in the North west.However we did visit the Makers workshop which is also the Information centre and now has the Lactos Factory Cheeseshop-King Island seconds still taste great even though a little misshapen and can be very cheap.
Between Burnie and Penguin we did discover another good value restaurant-Casablanca which is in the Penguin Surf club at Preservation Bay.We had a Sunday lunch and a dinner there.Really good food at a very good price and friendly staff-well it is owned by a Queenslander!

As usual in my time at Latrobe I went out to the Henry Somersett Orchid reserve on the Railton road.The early orchids were out though not spectacular I still appreciate the greenhoods-

As usual if you sit and be quiet you will see the birds.This time a kookaburra-

Of couse after that you continue on to Railton and the Seven sheds Brewery.Some interesting drops.
The other place I go is the Warrawee Forest reserve.There is a series of ponds from the Shale mining venture from early last century.if I go there between 1700-1800 I usually see this fellow who comes over to check you out-

But now it is time to leave.As this is the first time in recent years that I have seen Devonport from the river I saw it in a different light-

As is the case just about the case everywhere in Tassie you get lovely mountain backdrops-

Leaving Devonport will continue after the break.

 

[drron]

It was just the second week of DST in Tasmania so sunset occurred as the Spirit was leaving.Once again because I was viewing from the middle of the Mersey you saw buildings that aren't apparent from the car-

And then the smoke was the signal we were about to depart-

There were some colourful reflections in the water-

from the clouds above-

And as dusk fell the colours changed again-

 

[drron]

We passed some of the waterfront pubs.The Ellimatta is our favourite for lunch-

And as we headed out into Bass strait we could see Drift at Mersey Bluff-

And the last look at the Northwest coast as the sun set-

Now on this trip I was in a sleeper chair.Like a domestic J seat and was not really comfortable so no real sleep.I had had a meal before boarding as the food on board is a little expensive.This meant I was one of the last cars to checkin thinking OK I was nearly first on coming over and nearly last off so this time I will be nearly last on.Well ship life is not so logical and once again I was nearly last off.

Before I leave the Tasmania part of the TR I will just illustrate the tip in the last TR about talking to locals.Travelling regional Australia has given me so many different experiences opening my eyes to different points of view.The treatment of our Indigenous population really came into focus during my time in Mt.Isa especially their interactions with our justice(?) system.
On a previous time in Latrobe I had met 2 former residents of Palm Island now living there.Talking to them gave another insight into the problems.Although full blooded Indigenous people they are not recognised as Indigenous by the TLC.They told me of the problems in that there are very genuine Tasmanian aboriginals from the Islands in Bass strait but again they are not recognised as such because they were not born on the main island of Tasmania.On this visit I met one such fellow whose attitude was quite hostile,but talking to him about what I already knew he opened up.An amazing life story.Because I gained his trust we were then able to set him straight with the aims of treatment and what he had to do to accomplish that.I made a point of seeing him just before I left and the change was remarkable.I felt really humbled when he said I would have to come o Cape Barren Island one day and he would see his mob make me an honorary elder.
As extra background everyone I spoke to that had treated him in the past referred to him as a hopeless alcoholic-he had not had a drink for 5 years.Whilst there the Hospital had a visit from 2 Indigenous health workers.I mentioned I had an Indigenous patient in hospital.They asked his name and was told he is not indigenous,he is a mainlander.One of his grandmothers came from Western Australia all his other ancestors were from Cape Barren or Flinders Island.
So never believe the story that the Tasmanian Aboriginal does not exist.

The next post will reassume a much lighter tone as i give a brief rundown of the trip back to the Sunshine coast.

 

[drron]

Actually being last off ended up being a blessing.It meant mrsdrron could finish her lounge breakfast at HSW after spending her night in her upgraded 2 bedroom suite!I drove out of Melbourne,switched drivers and I promptly went to sleep.an uneventful run stopping in Shepparton to stock up on some goodies from the SPC factory outlet.Just south of Narranderra we saw 2 large groups of emus.Stop in Narranderra for a gourmet subway meal.
Our overnight stop is always Dubbo.Just short of the halfway mark.We now stay at the Country apartments in Brisbane street a block off the Highway.Quiet,well set up and walking distance to several restaurants.The closest and our favourite is the Rose Garden Thai just on the other side of the highway.This time we had a very tasty garlic and pepper quail dish.

So some pics of our accommodation-

A little pricier at $165 but much more comfortable than an ordinary motel.
We were up and away early reaching Narrabri for breakfast.Once again between Yelarbon and Inglewood on the Cunningham highway we as always saw a lot of emus.
Not long and we were back home.
So that does the prelude.Just 3 more days and we are off.Today though the seat map changed and of course we are on a 747.Stuck upstairs now in row 12.We prefer downstairs.Not many unallocated J seats but going to the QF site I could buy 5 first saver fares for this flight and 9 at full price so hopefully we will be able to move donstairs.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Just 3 more days and we are off.Today though the seat map changed and of course we are on a 747.Stuck upstairs now in row 12.

DAM ...... And I was looking foreward to my first A380 trip !!! Oh well back to the packing.

 

[amaroo]

DAM ...... And I was looking foreward to my first A380 trip !!! Oh well back to the packing.

What a bummer:evil: could have been worse - you could have been traveling F:!:

Good luck with the up-grade.

 

[turtlemichael]

Let's both hope for no more hurricanes in the Caribbean. Surely not lol Looking forward to reading your adventure.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Good luck with the up-grade.

Thanks for that - it worked - while having a coffee at Kawana today I got a text message from the Upgrade Fairy - now in F - very happy.

 

[drron]

Well the trip has begun.Up at 0300 for an 0400 limo to BNE.Nice checkin experience and we have our BPs through to LAX.In J lounge by 0515.Not too crowded.No other famous or infamous people as far as I can tell.We each have a cup of coffee and share a slice of raisin toast.Brekkie comes later.Soon boarding is called right on time at 0540.By the time we get to the gate however most Y pax have already boarded.We are first J pax on.Unfortunately gate 16 and so down and across the tarmac.

QF505. BNE-SYD.ETD-0600.Push back-0601.Take off-0610.
ETA-0835.Land-0833.At gate 0844.
We have 3A,C.Uneventful flight and we forgo breakfast.The Flounge awaits!No problems with the transfer to T1.In the Flounge at 0920.Now QF really does have it's mojo back in our opinion.We had great service oin our last flight back from NRT and on this occasion couldn't fault the pre flight service.Mrsdrron had an SMS from the Upgrade Fairy 48 hours before the flight.24 hours prior she gets a phone call from the Flounge and we book our spa treatments.The lady also enquired if we would be having breakfast there-yes please.
So on arrival at the Flounge and handing over our BPs the fellow at the desk gets up and escorts us to our table at the window.Now we have had 2 prior upgrades to F,actually now 3 from 3,but never this level of service.Certainly couldn't pre book spa treatments and always had to find our own way to the restaurant.:shock:Mrsdrron had the Bircher muesli and then we both had the corn fritters-I was keeping room for an early lunch.

After that it was time for my 30 minute massage-neck,back and shoulders.It was very good.Mrsdrron is now off for her facial.A great start to this trip.
So by for now,the next post will be from sunny California.

 

[drron]

After our Spa treatments it was off to the restaurant section again.We were immediately intercepted by a waiter and taken to a window seat.It appears F pax trump P1!:shock:
Mrsdrron had the Parmesan crusted lamb cutlets followed by the raspberry pavlova.She expressed contentment with her choice-

Whilst I had the sashimi Kingfish followed by the pork belly with chilli.Again both very good-

But is this really a view befitting a Flounge-

Who are these Jetscoot people?
Of course some people on this forum have a particular favourite food in the Flounge so here it is-

I washed my food down first with a glass of the Delamotte and then a glass of Coldstream Hills pinot noir.
We noted that D*ck Smith joined us in the restaurant.
Whilst eating we noticed our means of travel being towed to the gate.As we found out later this was the last time this would happen for this particular plane,OJQ,in Australia.

We waited until the flight was called before going to the gate.The flight is next.

 

[drron]

QF11.SYD-LAX. ETD-1400. Push back-1437. Take off-1447
ETA-0940. landed-0950. At gate-1004.
When we got close to the gate boarding had started but we were able to walk past the very long line to the priority line.No one else there.There were already a few in the F cabin when we got aboard.I didn't think the crew was very organised.Waited a while for jacket to be taken.We boarded at ~1350 and it was 1420 before anyone got something to drink.By then I needed my Tattinger.Things got worse.The CSM didn't even talk to mrsdrron but did with everyone else in the cabin-she is the WP not me.Then she was told that there was no duty free loaded.
After take off the IFE failed and had to be rebooted.It was then time for another drink and not too long after that the canapes were brought around-spanner crab with nan jim dressing and crostini with caramelised eschallots,ricotta and panetta.Then we both had the same entree looking suspiciously like Serfty had in J 2 days later-

I do hope it was a new batch for him.By this time I was on my third glass of Tattinger and decided to switch to the Moss Wood 2009 pinot noir-

Having only finished our Flounge meal a little while ago I felt like something simple so had the steak sandwhich-

Mrsdrron just had the baked cinnamon creme brulee whilst I had the cheese plate-

After 2 glasses of the Moss wood I decided to have a glass of the Frogmore Iced reisling.I would have liked a glass of a Rutherglen sticky but decided that might be just a little too much.So I settled back and decided to watch the Sapphires.After 30 minutes the IFE needed to be rebooted.Mine didn't work again.Apparently the same happened to the whole of the upstairs cabin but as well they had no lighting.
It turns out that we were on OJQ which was making it's last commercial flight.After LAX it was a one way to the Mojave Desert.It was delivered to QF in 1992.Flown ~ 90000 hours,has had 11000 take offs and hopefully was going to have it's 11000th landing.

I tried to sleep but I am afraid that I find the old 747 F seat uncomfortable even with the new liner and having the bed made for me.When we awoke mrsdrron had a long chat with the CSM and came away with a bottle of Tattinger.Fortunately for him I had given her the magic medication-chocolate.
After that I settled back and once again listened to the music of the 60s.I enjoyed breakfast and once again looked like Serfty's Sans sausage.And I thought you got more in F!Mrsdrron had an upset stomach so missed breakfast.Then it was time to get ready for TBIT.
That next.

 

[drron]

I did have this post nearly ready to go 2 nights ago but mrsdrron decided to delete it.So here goes again.
The good thing about row4 in the old 747 F cabin is that you are first off.However as is usual for us we were at the furthest gate from Immigration so just a few of the more fit pax passed us.Unfortunately we had landed just after an AeroMexico,China Southern and Korean flights.The lines were long.As we got close to the booths they decided to pull all the remaining China Southern pax from the other lines and put them in front of us.Now most had not filled out their forms,many needed an interpreter.Two were taken off not to be seen again.
When we got to the officer he was very good,friendly and we were on our way quickly.Our bags were already out so a line up for Customs then off to Avis.

I really like the Avis preferred treatment.Our car was ready,very close to where the bus dropped us and all we had to do was go to the exit,the woman zapped the bar code,I showed my licence and I was on my way by 1130.Now mrsdrron was feeling a little down but I had the perfect medicine again-shopping!
So down I-405 we sped and soon were having lunch at P F Changs as well as earning Aadvantage miles.We over ordered but that meant the leftovers were our dinner.We had edamame,2 sorts of ribs,a delicious Vietnamese style crab salad and fried rice-

After that we checked in at the Sheraton Carlsbad resort.Report here-
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....d-reviews/sheraton-carlsbad-resort-44677.html

We then had a 3 hour nap and then off to the Carlsbad Premium outlets.It was Halloween so a lot of specials including my RACQ card getting me 20% off instead of the usual 10%.Mrsdrron was now a lot happier.
One of the great things here were the sunsets.Unfortunately we were not back to take a shot from our balcony so from outside the shops-

On the way back to the hotel we stopped at Albertsons to get something for brekkie.Once more we got their loyalty discount even though we dont have a card.Much cheaper than Australia-raspberries $15 a kg,Cloudy Bay SB-$20,nobilo SB-$8.
More shopping next.