Blue Planet Journey

Caroline checks out a snorkeling site on Vanuatu.  Swimmer, snorkeler, PADI rescue diver, and previously lifeguard certified, with Italian made Cressi mask, snorkel, and fins... she is prepared.   I really just want to comment on 2 things that relate to the Celebrity Solstice,  and perhaps most cruise ships.  The first is safety in a reef environment (snorkeling).   The second is a commitment to reef conservation. "National Geographic" gear The Celebrity Solstice shore excursion team promotes snorkeling gear sales.   I'm not sure who makes this equipment, but it is sold under a licensing agreement allowing for the "National Geographic" label to be attached (as if NG has any specialized experience in snorkeling gear... you won't find any real divers using it).  The insinuation is that, if National Geographic endorses this gear, the gear is quality, and you are going to have a great and safe time snorkeling.  Who needs, say,...

Noel Krauss is second from the left in this undated photo, in the home of Jacques Fonce, his friend for many years in Noumea, New Caledonia.  The photo is at least 30 years old.  Shirley is on the left, and Jacques is on the right. Our visit to the capitol of New Caled onia ( Nouméa ) wa s a pleasant surprise.  Caroline's mother, Lisa, had reminded us that her uncle (Caroline's great-uncle), Noel Krauss , had spent time in New Caledonia, and that Lisa still exchanged annual holiday cards with one of Noel's friends there.  We tracked down his email, exchanged a few message s, and voilà!  Eighty-seven year old Jacques Fonce met us at the  Nouméa  cruise terminal at 8:30 sharp. Jacques and Caroline meet for the first time in Nouméa. Jacques retired many years ago as the chief plant quarantine inspector for harbors and airports in New Caledonia, and has a long family history in Nouméa. His great-grandfather moved from France to Ne...

One of the nice things about revisiting a place is that you have a better idea of what to do and see.  The first time we visited the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia, Caroline, Doc Martin, and I walked around a little peninsula looking for a snorkeling area away from the other 2000 visitors.  After a short walk with our gear through the columnar pines , we ended up right where we were trying to avoid... the snorkeling spot suggested by the crew of the Celebrity Solstice .  The water was a bit turbid and there were not a lot of fish... not ideal snorkeling conditions.  We ended that trip with a walk to the other end of the beach (where you are stopped by a "private beach" sign - a resort).  Caroline and Doc Martin snorkeled out a bit, and Caroline came back with two thumbs up... we have to try this site on our next trip. That next trip was yesterday. Isle of Pines.  The first time we visited, we walked around the peninsula at the top, to eventual...

I’m finding that I have some photos that don’t fit any thematic blog, but do help document what I am experiencing on this trip (well, not the photo of the sign above!).  I thought I would add them here! Katelin in the Blue Mountains. I didn't know they were lost! Love the cappuccino designs! Dialysis at Sea, at work! Yoga on Lifou. Just finished our 2nd dive on the GBR. Staying in touch with Wesley in Peru. Don't feed the birds! Every time Caroline finds an open table tennis table... she's there for the next hour plus. Dialysis at Sea book club, with Doc Martin. Quiet morning on the stern of the Solstice . Islands in New Caledonia. Boats in Noumea, New Caledonia. Safe work reminder on the Solstice crew deck.