Tilbakestill søk
Carolyn KoontzCarolyn Koontz
Rediger rute
Carolyn Koontz

Carolyn Koontz

reiste i 18 land Les mer🇺🇸St. Louis
FølgMeldingStatistikk
    • Carolyn KoontzReisendeWorld Cruise 2020
      1
      11Moonrise

      Day 64 ~ 21,400 Miles, Portland

      8. mars 2020, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

      The last couple of days have been filled with nature’s beauty and pleasant surprises offset by the unexpected.

      Portland and Adelaide are wonderful destinations. We’ve see an amazing garden, quaint seaside villages, beautiful coastlines, beaches, sunrises, sunsets, and full moons worthy of postcards and travel posters, and of course koalas. I’ve learned so much about this wonderful country and the amazing people that live here.

      I’ve also come to realize that the hysteria and fear created by Covid-19 has paralyzed the travel industry and this trip is just a tiny blip in the grand scheme. My traveling companions and more importantly, my friends, have made the decision that best serves them and will be ending their trip early. I am happy for them that they are at peace with the decision but selfishly sad for myself. It seems that our cruise line, Regent, may be breaking under the weight of the virus restrictions to the point that the scuttlebutt on the ship ranges from further revised itineraries to ending the trip early. Time will tell.

      Whatever happens with the remainder of this trip, I remain ever grateful for the opportunity to travel this far and I will continue to cherish every moment spent and those moments yet to come.

      I am blessed.      Les mer

      Se oversettelse
    • Carolyn KoontzReisendeWorld Cruise 2020
      Rhyll, Philip Island
      Koala Conservation CentreHike through Rhyll Inlet and Conservation Area

      Day 62 ~ 20,750 Miles, Phillip Island

      7. mars 2020, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F

      Day 62 ~ 20,750 Miles

      It is probably not more 40 miles as the crow flies from Geelong to Philip Island but the Captain kept it in first gear all night to fill time on our revised itinerary.

      We received a warm reception from the local welcoming committee and a duo performing Drunken’ Sailor. Oddly enough, this is the song I sing to myself as I walk the long corridors of the ship when the seas prevent one from walking in a straight line and admit I have burst into song a few times when there have been other “drunken sailors” having the same issue.

      But I digress.

      We did have the opportunity to visit the Koala Conservation Centre and see 10 permanent Koala residents in what the Rangers call the “pensioners quarters”. The Centre is also treating koalas from the recent bush fires but because the intent is to return them to the wild they are understandably limiting their exposure to humans and to stress.

      After the Conservation Centre we did a nice 3-mile semi-guided hike through the Australian bush before returning to the ship.

      The evening brought the announcement of additional itinerary changes due to the ongoing Coronavirus restrictions being put in place by various nations and our trip is quickly becoming The Magical Mystery Tour.      Les mer

      Se oversettelse
    • Carolyn KoontzReisendeWorld Cruise 2020
      1Great Ocean Road
      Otway Fly Treetop WalkGiant Ferns as seen from 100 feet above21Giant mushrooms3

      Day 61 ~ 20,700 Miles, Geelong

      6. mars 2020, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

      Day 61 ~ 20,700 Miles

      The southern coastline of Australia heading west from Geelong is magnificent. Even on our cloudy drive along the Great Ocean Road the color of the water ranged from pale green to midnight blue topped by unending waves crashing into the rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and jagged rocks. The road meanders along the coastline as it climbs and descends then twists and turns hugging the terrain.

      After arriving at Anchor Bay we turned inland to the Otway Fly Treetop Walk which felt like a walk into Jurassic Park with its ancient giant ferns and massive eucalyptus trees. The peeling bark of these giants and moss covered branches added to the other worldly feeling. We walked in the treetops along a steel bridge elevated 25-40 meters above the rain forrest floor.

      We had a late night departure from Geelong and a quick overnight cruise to Philip Island for our next adventure.      Les mer

      Se oversettelse
    • Carolyn KoontzReisendeWorld Cruise 2020
      1Kurious Kangaroo
      1Snack timeMeerkat1Smiling And Laughing OstrichEmu1Warm and Cuddly Wombat2Tasmaniam DevilsDevils dining on a hind quarter

      Day 59 ~ 20,300 Miles, Tasmania

      4. mars 2020, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F

      Day 59 ~ 20,300 Miles

      I have written and rewritten today’s post multiple times trying to describe the beauty of Tasmania and the fun we had, but the bottom line is that we got to pet and feed kangaroos today and it just doesn’t get much better than that!Les mer

      Se oversettelse
    • Carolyn KoontzReisendeWorld Cruise 2020

      Day 59 ~ 20,200 Miles, Burnie Tasmania

      4. mars 2020, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F

      Day 59 ~ 20,200 Miles

      With the rising sun comes good news from home, my nephew’s surgery was successful. Thank you all for your prayers and kind words.

      Thanks and Glory to God

      Se oversettelse
    • Carolyn KoontzReisendeWorld Cruise 2020

      Day 58 ~ 20,100 Miles, The Tasman Sea

      3. mars 2020, Bass Strait ⋅ 🌙 61 °F

      Day 58 ~ 20,100 Miles

      It’s late here in the Tasman Sea and it is a night sky that I wish I could share with each of you. An iPhone picture can not possibly capture what I see. The colors range from the darkest of black interrupted by an extremely bright half moon to the pure white of cresting waves. Even this half moon lights the sky brighter than city lights and highlights the clouds from behind to create a glowing effect until it peaks from behind to cast beautiful rays of light onto the oceans surface. The moonlight captures the white-capped waves unlike a similar scene in daylight. The night sky above the moon is so full of stars that it seems unreal. The sound of the ship cutting through the sea is like a symphony, the gentle rocking of the ship feels like being wrapped in the arms of a loved one, and tonight one knows that this place was created by God.

      In this night, seeing this beauty, I pause to ask each of you to join me in a prayer of healing for my nephew, Joshua, who is waiting at this very moment to undergo a surgical procedure.

      I feel homesick for the first time.      Les mer

      Se oversettelse
    • Carolyn KoontzReisendeWorld Cruise 2020
      Sailout view of Harbour Bridge
      Sailout view of Sydney Opera HouseSailout view of North Head. Whitecaps are 6-8 feet already.Coast near Sand Patch Point with smoke rising

      Day 58 ~ 19,900 Miles, Sydney

      3. mars 2020, Tasman Sea ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

      Day 58 ~ 19,900 Miles

      After 3 wonderful days in Sydney we left the harbor yesterday afternoon just as the weather was dramatically changing from a sunny and hot 98° to an overcast and windy 70°.

      The wind and the waves intensified as we left the safety of the harbor but the sailors seemed to be enjoying the speed at which they were cutting through the wind and waves or maybe they were just trying to hurry back to the pier.

      Today is a sea day and I have a constant view of the Australian coastline from the starboard side as we cruise south from Sydney before crossing over to Tasmania. Sadly I do see what appears to be smoke rising from a brush fire on the coastline near Sand Patch Point.      Les mer

      Se oversettelse
    • Carolyn KoontzReisendeWorld Cruise 2020
      Didgeridoo and Boomerang Shop
      The Rocks neighborhood1

      Day 56 ~ 19,600 Miles, Sydney

      1. mars 2020, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

      Day 56 ~ 19,600 Miles

      Day Two in Sydney and I spent the day shopping for a new Didgeridoo to add to my expansive collection of authentic Aboriginal instruments. Well, actually we spent the day exploring The Rocks area of Sydney and I stumbled across a Didgeridoo shop...who knew.

      The Rocks has a great history yet is alive with a very current vibe. After the First Fleet arrived bringing the convicts to Australia this area became home to the convicts while the more gentile arrivals laid claim to the other side of the harbor. Now it’s a collection of some of the oldest pubs, hotels, and churches along cobblestone streets, hidden alleyway eateries, locals and tourists mixing seamlessly shopping the designs and creations of local artists in an open air market, museums, an observatory, and yes, even a Didgeridoo shop all within view of the stunning harbor.      Les mer

      Se oversettelse
    • Carolyn KoontzReisendeWorld Cruise 2020
      North Head of Sydney Harbor
      South Head of Sydney HarborSydney HarborHarbor BridgeSydney Opera HouseBondi BeachVaucluseHarbourside and Cockle Bay

      Day 55 ~ 19,600 Miles, Sydney

      29. februar 2020, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F

      Day 55 ~ 19,600 Miles

      I carefully staked out my spot on the top deck at 10:30 this morning knowing full well that the Port Pilot was not scheduled to pull alongside until close to noon and that we wouldn’t be tied into our berth until 2PM but I did not want to miss one moment of arriving into Sydney Harbor.

      I was completely mesmerized by the beauty of this place. Sheer cliffs being pounded by the South Pacific’s powerful waves on the North Head and a low lying rocky outcrop dotted with light houses on the South Head with the city rising from the sea in the middle. Slowly and ever so carefully we followed the Pilot Boat passing crafts of every shape and size: sailboats, speed boats, catamarans, ferries, water taxis, yachts etc. Finally, we rounded the bend and the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Sydney presented themselves. I was not disappointed.

      After clearing immigration we took an afternoon tour of the Opera House, Bondi Beach, Vaucluse, Rose Bay, and Paddington then ended the evening with a stroll around Woollhara, Harborside, and Cockle Bay before catching a shuttle back to our home away from home.

      Even now as I reflect on the day I’m drawn out to my balcony by the sounds and sights of fireworks along Oxford Street from the gay Mardi Gras celebration and numerous party boats cruising in the harbor waters.

      I’ll think about the CDC Travel warning for Italy later, now is to enjoy Sydney.      Les mer

      Se oversettelse
    • Carolyn KoontzReisendeWorld Cruise 2020
      1

      Day 54 ~ 19,000 Miles, Tasman Sea

      28. februar 2020, Tasman Sea ⋅ 🌙 66 °F

      Day 54 ~ 19,000 Miles

      It’s Day 2 at sea heading towards Sydney. Our final itinerary for Sydney to Sri Lanka is confirmed and all of our excursions are booked. Regent was unable to secure a berth in Melbourne so are rewarded with another port and an additional sea day.

      I would like to share some street signs from New Zealand. This country is not only polite but they have a fun sense of humor. I hope you enjoy the small differences from typical US signage      Les mer

      Se oversettelse

    Få din egen reiseprofil

    Gratis

    QR code

    FindPenguins for iOSFindPenguins for Android

    • 2025© FindPenguins
    • Hjem
    • Om oss
    • Gruppesporing
    • Presse
    • Vilkår
    • Personvern & Cookies
    • Hjelpesenter
    • Avtrykk