Pardon for my absence, it’s been a busy time and my leave is coming to an end; I rejoin the “Amsterdam” in Seattle at the end of the month for an Alaskan itinerary.
It is a wondrous place and in my view the ‘Great Land’ comes a close 2nd to Antarctica. Both have their challenges, however the rewards are worth it; stunning scenery, wildlife and some wonderful tours. The Humpback whales should be up there now, some stay year-round, however most will have completed their journey from Hawaii and will be gorging on the krill, fattening themselves for another winter.
There is no golf though, (although I believe there is a 9-hole course near Sitka, bears being one of the ‘hazards’) 😉
As you may surmise from the ‘header’ image, England has been my focus, the Houses of Parliament, taken from across the river Thames.
Unsurprisingly, Olly, Emily and Violet are growing fast and I enjoyed some wonderful times with them and their Mums and dads, Sam, Liz, Ant and Lawrence.
This post is to share their most recent photos for your delectation.
A happy Emily after demolishing dinner
Emily
Emily
Emily and mum, Liz
Violet practicing her reading
Gramps and Violet
Olly
Following your blog of the World Cruise inspired me to book the Grand Asia – Pacific 2014 cruise. It was so interesting to read about cruising from the captain’s point of view. I just heard that you will be the captain for our cruise too. We are looking forward to meeting you.
Jane and Bruce Barbeau, Toronto.
Beautiful photos, what a lovely family. Looking forward to reading your reports once again from the Amsterdam. Welcome back!
Jonathon, Thx for sharing the great photos of your family…beautiful! We’re looking forward to seeing you here in the Great Land!
Thank you Jeff, great to hear from you and I hope our schedules coincide. it’s been a while since we sailed together! 🙂
Hello Captain Mercer
Wonderful pictures of your family, glad to see you have had some quality time off you deserve it! I see you mentioned golf , I know the ship does stop here in Victoria a few times, if you have enough time there are awesome golf courses here (http://www.victoriagolf.com/welcome.cfm) Victoria golf club is just around the corner from us, even though we don’t play we have friends that could likely arrange a round or two for you ?
Take care and happy sailing
Al & Jenn Butler
Thank you for the golf information, Al and Jenn. I managed a round or two during drydock in Victoria on the Oosterdam, however never seem to find the time during our ‘normal’ visits. I wanted to take my clubs on the 2014 World, however, once Karen had her luggage in the car, there was no room! For the 2015, I am going to leave her 50 pairs of shoes behind and make room 🙂
Hello Again Captain
Too bad you don’t have time for golf we know your stops here are pretty short only tome for a few quick stops ashore then you’re off again . When you’re here if you want to go anyplace around the city let us know and we’ll gladly take you,we’re quite close to the docks.
Hope you enjoy your Alaska run your family photos are wonderful the little ones are certainly growing quickly
Take care
Al & Jenn
Thanks for sharing the photos of your lovely grand children and daughter with us. It will be great to be able to read all about your new adventures as well. Thank you.
Helen
Jonathan, would you have time for a drink or to break bread whist in Seattle? We’d love to see you. John J.Nance and Kathleen Bartholomew
Hello John, I hadn’t forgotten you 🙂 I arrive quite late on Saturday 26th, so won’t have time then, however would love to make time during one of our calls, or possibly you visit? Let’s talk later……
Excited to have you back Captain!
Capt. Jonathan, Thanks for sharing your news and family photos. Cheers!
We have been hoping you would again be skippering the Amsterdam. We followed your blog on the GWV. We have booked the first segment of the Grand Pacific and Far East Voyage in September.
Hello Jack and so pleased you have booked the Grand Pacific and Far East, fascinating places beckon, I’m sure you will have a wonderful time. My best wishes, Jonathan