Total steps

The total step count was 811,01 steps, including the 3 days we lost the step totals.



Using the 2000 steps per miles....that's 405.9505 miles.



Guess that explains why my feet hurt some days

Westward Voyage Menu Choices

Sorry no pictures

Westward Voyage Menus

Monday

Nancy

Chicken Consomme with herbed Quenelles

Oak Leaf and Boston Salad with Sherry Vinaigrette

Penne Puttanesca

Warm Apple Strudel with Brandy Sauce

Neil

Cream of Mixed Mushroom, Parmesan Croutons

Sobo Noodle Salad, Sesame Soy Dressing

Chedder Cheese Crusted Loin of Pork, Wild Mushroom Ragout, Truffle Mash with Aged Cider and Calvados Sauce

White Chocolate and Raspberry Parfait, Berry Coulis

Tuesday

Nancy

Cheddar Cheese Soup, Rye Bread Croutons

Lolo Rosso and Apple Salad, Caramelized Walnuts, Cider Vinaigrette

Beef and Lobster Medallion, Fondant Potato with Tarragon Jus and vegetables

Banana Chocolate Napoleon, Malibu Coconut Cream

Neil

Cheddar Cheese Soup, Rye Bread Croutons

Lolo Rosso and Apple Salad, Caramelized Walnuts, Cider Vinaigrette

Grilled Lamb Cutlets, Mediterranean Vegetables, Lemon and Thyme Butter

Rocky Road and Cherry Vanilla Ice Creams with Strawberry Frozen Yoghurt and Kiwi Sauce

Wednesday

Nancy

Chilled Vichyssoise

Iceberg lettuce, Beef Tomato Salad, Onion Rings

Grilled Sirloin Steak, Cauliflower Polonaise, Pont Neuf Potatoes and Four Pepper Cognac Sauce

Caramelized Crème Brulee Cheesecake

Neil

Cream of Asparagus and Truffle Cream

Iceberg lettuce, Beef Tomato Salad, Onion Rings

Grilled Sirloin Steak, Cauliflower Polonaise, Pont Neuf Potatoes and Four Pepper Cognac Sauce

Caramelized Crème Brulee Cheesecake

Thursday

Nancy

Chicken and wild Mushroom Terrine, Fig and Apple Chutney

Mixed Young Lettuce, Crisp Vegetables, Raspberry Sherry Vinaigrette

Chicken Scallopine Parmigana, Saffron Risotto, Porcini Jus

Chocolate and Walnut Slice, Caramel Sauce

Neil

Seafood Chowder, Tarragon Cream

Mixed Young Lettuce, Crisp Vegetables, Raspberry Sherry Vinaigrette

Pan Sheared Halibut, Forked Red Skin Potatoes and Lemon Butter Sauce

Chocolate and Walnut Slice, Caramel Sauce

Friday

Nancy

Cream of Broccoli and Stilton Soup with Scallions

Baby Spinach Salad, Walnut and Crispy Bacon Bits, Balsamic and Grape Dressing

Chateaubriand, Larded Peas and Gratin Dauphinoise Potatoes

Baked Alaska with Flambeed Morello Cherries

Neil

Cream of Broccoli and Stilton Soup with Scallions

Baby Spinach Salad, Walnut and Crispy Bacon Bits, Balsamic and Grape Dressing

Broiled Lobster Tail, Shrimp and Scallop Geuillantine, Newburg Sauce

Basked Alaska with Flambeed Morello Cherries

Saturday Incomplete because we didn’t get a copy of the menu--oops

Nancy

Turkey

Chocolate Lava Cake with Ice Cream

Neil

Turkey

Chocolate Lava Cake with Ice Cream

On to Iowa --where they grow potatoes, right?

Chicago, A bridge on the Chicago Skyway, The California Zephyr to Galesburg and beyond

Soybeans and corn fields.. My awesome birthday cake from Ian and Sara.

Tuesday August 10, The Last Day

We awoke early as our train rocked and rolled through northern Ohio. We weren’t exactly sure where we were but we guessed that we were late. We remembered the busy time at dinner, so we got our clean clothes out of the bag and did the contortionist act to get dressed in our compartment and moved to the dining car. We were seated with a retired teacher from Erie, Pennsylvania, who with some friends was on her way to Chicago for a holiday. They had gotten on at 2:00 AM because the train was over an hour late, and she had only had 4 hours sleep before breakfast. Her friends who had coach seats, not a sleeping room, had to sit up even longer until coach seats were available….train was overbooked. We had a pleasant breakfast comparing schools in Pennsylvania and Iowa and pleasant stewards—we don’t know where they get their patience. Back in our compartment the steward had put away the beds, and we had our chair seats to Chicago. We seemed to be ripping along part of the time, but alternatively we had to wait for freights to clear the track. It was a pleasant ride except knowing we would be late---the second late leg of the entire trip.

A note: We woke up to FOG!!!! It was even quite thick for a while.

We pulled into Chicago about 1:30 hrs. late and got off the train—a long hike to the station (it was a very long train) in the warm humid Chicago air. We collected our checked baggage, loaded it all on a cart, then moved to the counter to see if any bags could be checked through to Galesburg—we thought not and we were correct so we moved the whole kit and caboodle to the first class lounge. We as first class passengers from New York could wait in this crowded but air conditioned lounge and board with the first class passengers, but we could not move the baggage gurney on the carpet. So we waited, went in singles to get some lunch and waited. The lounge was very full as Amtrak is busy, and there were four major trains leaving in the afternoon. The Texas Chief, The Empire Builder, the California Zephyr, and the Southwest Chief.

We were scheduled to leave at 2:00, but the train was delayed getting to the platform, something about adding another car or changing an engine. By 2:30 we were ready to board and off we went down the platform, past the sleepers to the coaches asking train people as we reached them which car was for Galesburg. At the third asking and only about half way down the platform we found our coach. We loaded the luggage, and went upstairs (this was the superliner the California Zephyr) to find seats—not difficult as we boarded before a majority of the coach passengers. The ride to Galesburg was pleasant enough, nice seats with plenty of room. Minor annoyances the family who no sooner found seats and were off to find the lounge car and then complained when others took their seats, the man who needed a shower with great immediacy, the self important business type who took two seats, and talked loudly on his cell phone. It reminded us that coach travel is indeed a step more hectic than a sleeper cabin. Anyway the ride was fun with lots of familiar landmarks and plenty of corn fields.

We arrived at Galesburg a little late and were met by Ian as we stepped off the train. His dark pants, and blue stripped dress shirt had convinced some of the people waiting to get on that he worked for AmTrak, and he had fielded several questions. The drive home was familiar and pleasant. We stayed at Ian’s to see the boys and to have dinner. We pulled into the driveway a little after 8:00—it’s great to finally be home---but what a grand adventure.

The menus from the Queen Mary and an accounting of the steps are in separate entries.

Steps today 3806

Heading to the Midwest

Sculpture in the garment and bead district---oh so many bead stores---it would be heaven, but there were no quilt or dollhouse stores to make it perfect. Fashions made of very strange materials. Still crooked--still haven't figure out how to turn them.

The Acela Lounge at Penn Station, a bridge from the train, a scene from the train before it got dark at 8:15.

Monday August 9, 2010

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Woke up well rested after a night in a good bed that did not move about. Took our time getting cleaned up as we had a tub and used it. Then down to the street and on to McDonalds for a quick familiar breakfast. We took the coffee back to our room 905—and packed for the train trip. The packing was accomplished fairly quickly….actually we are just getting more efficient.

We had two hours to spare so we went out for a walk. On Broadway south of 39^th we found another bead store. It is really fun to look through their huge collections of beads and chains. Needless to say we found a few things. We worked our way back toward the hotel, window shopping as we went. Then gathered the bags, and waited for the elevator—we waited because we needed a whole elevator to ourselves and our bags—only took 15 minutes. Then out to the curb where the bellman hailed a cab large enough to fit our stuff, and off to Penn Station.

We entered this huge station from a different corner than we had left months earlier. We walked through the whole place to find the Acela Lounge where we could hide out until train time. We checked three bags through to Chicago and then went out in search of lunch. Quite a search—it was hot (no air conditioning in the general station)—it was crowded—and there were a number of choices. We settled on Nathan’s Hot Dogs, which is a New York name, because it wasn’t too crowded, and it promised to be quick. Not the best choice—the Pepsi was watery, the fries were greasy and undercooked, and the hotdog was a little dry. Neil compounded his error by ordering a large, thinking that was a bigger hot dog, but no! the hot dog was small, lots of crummy fries and extra crummy Pepsi to drink.

After lunch we took turns leaving the cool comfort of the lounge to survey the station and identify the track where our train would be boarding. Finally, the call came to board and with another couple from the Queen Mary rushed out to get it line. Only a short wait and then down the escalator to the platform to find car number 4911. The car was found, room #2 was found and with our carry-on bags we collapsed. The car steward was very nice to us and explained procedures and asked about time to make up beds and so on. We left New York pretty much on time and rode up the Hudson. We had the correct side so we could see the river the whole way. At Albany things began to go awry. The section from Boston was late so we sat at Albany waiting for them. At 7:05 we made our way to the dining car. We had reservations, but there seemed to be a number without. And the car was a bit confused and the waiters a bit harried. We were seated and had dinner with two men from Illinois. One of whom didn’t make it through his second bottle of wine and had to be escorted back to their room. Still for a while they were pleasant companions. The food while acceptable was a step down from the QM2. We finished dinner with a dessert and left as they were in need of seats for the 8:30 seating. On returning to our room the beds were made up, and we changed into jammies and read for a while. Really a let down that it gets dark by 8:30 instead of 10:00 or 10:30. Eventually the fatigue and tension of the last two days claimed us both, and we nodded off as the train rocked and sped through New York and Pennsylvania.

Steps. 6224

Land Ho -- It's New York!

There's a bridge in there somewhere. Coming into Brooklyn, the Queen's Room--our disembarkation meeting point

The Queen Mary 2 at Red Hook pier in Brooklyn, The Brooklyn Bridge, The Brooklyn Bridge

Times Square, Some type of mobile police unit, McDonalds in marque lights off Broadway

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Travel Update: 6:38 AM

Position: Brooklyn 40.40.9 N 74.00.97 W

Sea: slight Wind: 9 knots

Humidity: 82% Barometer 29.9 Steady Temp 73.4

Miles from Southampton 3,149.3 New York 1.8 --It eventually changed to zero.

Today we returned to the USA—it’s been a while. We have been tearing across the Atlantic at 24 knots, and at some point in time during the night the vibration disappeared as we finally slowed down. We were full of anticipation, and worry: there was customs—did we remember everything or not? As it turned out we forgot a few things but not on purpose. Anyway at 4:45 or so Nancy got up and went to deck 7 so she could see the Verrazano Narrows Bridge from the ship. She made it and said it was quite spectacular as there were only three or four meters between the bridge and the ship. Neil, on the other hand, tried to sleep, gave up, got cleaned up and went on deck---missed the bridge by a little and almost missed the Statue of Liberty because I was on the wrong side. Together we watched the police helicopter, the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline and the ship slowing to a stop. We went in at some point and had our last breakfast on board ship and a cup or two of coffee—the staff was as courteous as ever. We said our farewells to a great ship and a wonderful experience. Then down to the room to get things straightened around for the final time---find Denys, our room steward, for a tip and then to wait for our turn to disembark.

One Interesting thing happened on Nancy’s quick look to find our Steward. She passed the stairway entrance B, looked and saw two ship’s officers with lots of bars on their shoulders (means they’re important) and a very big police officer with NYPD on his uniform. She decided not to go that way and turned back toward our cabin. As she turned she noticed the cabin door open at 4156 with a second very big NYPD officer in the room looking around. One passenger in the cabin was on the bed and the other was sitting in a chair. At this point Nancy hurried back to the room. She went out about 20 minutes later and the policemen were still there. They still didn't offere an explanation, so Nancy just talked to Denys and went back to the room. We speculated on the purpose of two NYPD dpartment members on board the ship. We figure either the drug dogs found something or there was an outstanding warrent for someone in the room.....all guesses, but why NYPD on the ship with a British registry.

We said good by to the cabin and found our way to the Queens Room where the #4 Aqua group was to wait their turn to disembark. It was going very wel,l and it looked like we would leave early, but then a problem developed at customs and things slowed down. We read our books, did Suduko puzzles, and wondered and worried. At sometime about 10:00 they called for people with US passports to disembark. We gathered our small bags and made our way to the gangway—turned in our Queen Mary identity cards and made our way to the baggage room. After a brief wait we were allowed to find our big bags, collect them, and make our way to Custoims. There was hardly any line for US passports, so we went through customs quickly. The officer scanned our passports, stamped them and passed us through with hardly a question. I wonder what kind of questions you have to answer if you bought one of the Picasso's at the art auction?

We made our way out into the sun and wait for a cab. We joined the line and followed instructions; (Cunard is big on properly queing and instructions) eventually we were directed to a cab. Cabs were assigned by amount of luggage; we didn’t need a huge cab for our luggage, at least not compared to some of the other passengers. The cabbie took us over the Brooklyn Bridge, another new experience, and took us to our hotel, even avoiding the parade forming on Sixth Avenue that morning. The check in guy, Mike, had a room for us even though we were early. We went upstairs, found our room, cranked up the air conditioning, changed into shorts, and set out into the heat. We went South to a bead store that we had found on the way out but had decided not to buy beads because we would be hauling them all over Europe. We spent an hour checking all the many many beads and designing jewelry in our heads. We left in search of lunch. We went into a Burger King but with ten people in line and one counter lady working in slow motion and a small kitchen staff we left. Apparently BK failed to realize with a big parade on 6^th Avenue (a block away) the demand might be higher than the usual Sunday. We ended up back on 40^th street at a McDonald’s right by the hotel. After lunch and a short break in the cool cool room we set out again. Neil had looked up some hobby shops during the break, and they were added to the reasons for our trek.

We marched north up Fifth Avenue. We found one hobby shop, but it was closed on Sunday. We then cut west to Time Square heading for the M&M Store. Along the way aside from lots and lots of people and slowly increasing temperatures we managed to change our last 80 pounds into dollars—took a hit on the exchange rate, but pounds don’t spend well in New York City. At the M&M store Neil bought a few red ones (3 pounds worth at $12.99 a pound--apparently single color M & Ms are more expensive to produce---right!) for the Red Napoleon dispenser purchased on the North Sea. Then across the street to the Hershey store where we purchased some of the incomparable dark chocolate Kit Kat bars. We finished our purchases and started south with Neil looking for two hobby shops and Nancy hanging in there. To put it succinctly the hobby shops were not at those addresses so after a long walk we were headed back to the hotel and a break from the heat. Nancy was about done in, and we still had to have some dinner.

After a break and a bath we were able to head out looking for dinner. We went to a café we had been in during June. We ordered a bowl of soup and a pasta dish—it was passable but not great. Maybe it was the heat or a different cook, but it just wasn’t so good. We wandered back to the hotel for some television and relaxation. We had planned to work on the blogs, but the connection was so feeble that it was not possible. And so to bed.

16,485 steps. This is why Nancy was so tired--so was Neil

Day 5 The Last Full Voyage Day

Blue skies and Blue Sea, a strange Coke can, our first ship since the UK

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Travel Update: Day 5 6:44 AM

Temp: 71.6 Humidity 95% Barometer 29.6 rising

Sea: slight Wind: Force 4 14 knots SW

Weather: fog/haze Speed: 23.8 knots

Position: 42.13.45N 63.20.91 W

Southampton: 2634.9 New York 516.1

The last full day on board. The sun is shining, the fog disappeared as we ate breakfast. It will be a wonderful day. Coffee and muffins arrived precisely at 7:00. We enjoyed, got cleaned up for the day and set out for breakfast. After our usual wonderful breakfast we went up to deck 11 and our bridge lesson. However, the ship was for once moving about enough that it bothered Nancy, and she excused herself and went down to deck 3 where the motion is much less noticeable. I stayed for bridge and learned the first steps in the bidding procedure, I guess we will have to make another voyage and attend the intermediate bridge lessons.

I found Nancy in the “Chart Room” where we enjoyed a Coke and worked on pictures and the blog. While there people signed up and auditioned for the talent contest to be held later that afternoon. One young girl I would guess of ten or twelve sang a song from Les Miserables and was excellent—she was the only one to receive an ovation from the people gathered in the bar.

We went up to deck 7 and found some lunch. After lunch for a change we walked on deck for two laps which was more than we had managed on any day save the first on this voyage. The sun was great—and a lot of other people thought so as well.

At this point we decided to do some work and returned to our cabin to pack the three bags we were going to have the ship’s crew unload. This involved some planning as we wanted our clothes for the next three days to be easily accessible and not to have all of the souvenirs and gifts in one place. In addition it seemed we had a great deal of stuff. We also spent time checking our list of purchases for the custom’s declaration. It took most of the afternoon, but we didn’t work too fast.

We dressed for our last dinner aboard ship, put the three bags out in the hall and went down to a splendid meal again. We then went to the farewell show with Mark O’Malley a singer who performed mostly in stage musicals in London. He was a Scot, but he could sing without an accent as the song demanded. He was wonderful and boy could he sing. He was followed by a singing and dancing tribute to Neil Diamond which was great fun, but sad as this is the final show for the voyage.

We went to the casino with a dollar and it took a long time to lose a nickel at a time—at one point we were at $4.50, but we eventually lost it all. We had some tea and then an early bed as Nancy had the strange idea to get up early to see the ship pass under the bridge at 5:00 AM and into the harbor in addition to excitement of docking and returning to the U.S.

Travel Update: Day 5 9:25 PM

Temp. 69.8 Humidity 82% Barometer 29.9 rising

Wind: Force 3 9 knots Sea: slight

Weather: clear Position: Southampton 3011.5 New York: 139.6

Position: 40.33.85 N 71.16.75 W

Steps: 6942

Day 4 The Westward Voyage

Fog, More fog.....the appearance of fog doesn't change....the chocolate buffet

Chocolate sculptures

Chocolate Sculptures and petitfores

Friday, August 6, 2010

Travel Update: Day 4 7:06 AM

Temp. 57.2 Humidity 95% Barometer 29.7 Falling

Wind S Force 3 9 knots
Sea: slight Weather: fog/haze

Position 46.48.05N 51.50.95W Speed 14.9 knots

Southampton: 2048.8 New York: 1,102.3

Woke to that wonderful fog again. Breakfast was on the opposite side of the dining room. We usually end up on the 3^rd deck. We go down from the 4^th deck to the second deck to enter the dining room and then go back upstairs to the 3^rd deck. The dining room is two levels. Guess we look like we are still capable of climbing stairs. Breakfast was wonderful as usual. We went up to Bridge class in the Atlantic room. We played with an Israeli, who with his wife had travelled the oceans of the world on board container ships, often as the only passengers. He said it was often boring—no entertainment, and that the food was hit or miss depending on the cook. They had made a twenty-one day voyage from Hong Kong to San Francisco. They had made the journey across Russia on the Trans-Siberian. They were way more adventurous than we—and had way more money it is safe to assume. After a pleasant game/lesson we went downstairs to deck seven, picked out a good table, and worked on pictures and blogs. We had lunch, attempted to walk on deck but failed, and worked some more. Eventually we headed down to our cabin for a rest, some TV and to get ready for dinner. The fog and wind are really a buzz kill, the ship folds in upon itself, and we find it harder to do anything active .

The fog has allowed us to work on the journal of pictures. They will be identified before we get home. Today we had a group of 25 teenagers together in the section across from us in the Deck 7 buffet area. They were waiting for the chocolate buffet. The chocolate buffet includes all kinds of chocolate desserts, candies, and sculptures. The buffet is done once a voyage and appears to be a rather big hit with everyone. The teenagers were loud, rude, and rather obnoxious; however, they weren’t really doing anything wrong but being loud. Some of the passengers in the area where I was sitting were not very happy with them. They did make for the chocolate as soon as it was opened and disappeared shortly thereafter. The buffet table was short one tray of desserts; one of the waiters setting up the table dropped a whole tray on the floor---oops! There didn’t seem to be a shortage because of the accident though. The chocolate dessert tables were gorgeous….almost too pretty to eat, but we did force ourselves to partake in a sampling….and it was wonderful.

Tonight was the last formal night at dinner so we dressed and went down to dinner. It was excellent as usual. We had a pleasant time and good food, then went off to the theater for a presentation of Apassionata by the Cunard singers and dancers. It was splendid. Then to the casino—but the dollar went quickly tonight. We decided we were done and returned to the room as the masked ball had little appeal and anyway we did not have masks. The room: reading relaxing and sleep.

Travel Upate: Day 4 10:43.PM

Temp: 69.8 Humidity 95% Barometer 29.5 rising

Weather: Fog/haze Wind Force 4 moderate 14 knots

Position 43.26.69 N 59.0.88 W

Sea: slight Speed: 23.6 knots

Southampton: 2811.7 New York; 339.4 Someone on the bridge or in the network controls has made a boo-boo. No way have we gone 800 miles today.

Steps: Friday 4807