The Fleet Report and Daily for Tuesday June 11th, 2024

[richwmn]

 

Today is National Get Outdoors Day, National Making Life Beautiful Day, and Crowded Nest Awareness Day
 

The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.--Isaac Asimov

Meal Suggestion for today - Insanely Good Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins
Drink of the Day - Classic Margarita
Wine of the Day - 2021 Riesling, Bronzelack Trocken, Schloss Johannisberg, Rheingau
Destination of the Day - Kodiak, Alaska, US

Today in History:
1776 Continental Congress creates committee to draft a Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston as members
1987 Margaret Thatcher is 1st British Prime Minister in 160 years to win a third consecutive term

Ship Locations
 

Eurodam

Glacier Bay, Alaska 07:00 - 16:00
 

Koningsdam

Skagway, Alaska 07:00 - 20:00
 

Nieuw Amsterdam

Glacier Bay, Alaska 08:30 - 18:30
 

Nieuw Statendam

At Sea Destination Kirkwall, Orkney Island Scotland eta 06-12
 

Noordam

Ketchikan, Revillagigedo Island Alaska 06:30 - 15:00
 

Oosterdam

At Sea Destination Barcelona, Spain eta 06-12
 

Rotterdam

Trondheim, Norway 08:00 - 16:00
 

Volendam

Sydney NS, Nova Scotia Canada 09:30 - 17:30
 

Westerdam

Ketchikan, Revillagigedo Island Alaska 08:00 - 17:00
 

Zaandam

At Sea Destination Vancouver, BC Canada eta 06-12
 

Zuiderdam

At Sea Destination Runavik, Eysturoy, Faroe Islands eta 06-12
 

 

Edited June 11 by richwmn

[portofrome]

Thank you for the Fleet Report.

[summer slope]

Classic Margarita:

A margarita is a cocktail consisting of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice often served with salt on the rim of the glass. The drink is served shaken with ice, blended with ice, or without ice. Wikipedia

Ingredients:
1 oz Cointreau,
1 oz Lime juice,
2 oz Tequila
Preparation:
Rub the rim of the glass with the lime slice to make the salt stick to it. Shake the other ingredients with ice, then carefully pour into the glass (taking care not to dislodge any salt). Garnish and serve over ice.
Served: On the rocks; poured over ice
Standard garnish: Lime slice, Salt on the rim
Drinkware: Margarita glass

 

[StLouisCruisers]

Good morning friends!  Today is sunny but windy with rough seas as we head across the North Sea towards Runavik, Faroe Islands.  Temperature is 52F, a few clouds, 30 mph winds from the NNW.  Since the ship is heading NW we are traveling at 17 knots and I’m sure it’s a chore to attain that speed heading into these winds.  Anyway, after a busy day in Oslo and turning our clocks BACK one hour last night all our schedules are a bit jumbled.  We are only 5 hours ahead of Eastern time now.

 

 

Thank you Rich @richwmn for the Fleet Report and Daily as well as the location maps.  It’s a bit windy to go outdoors here, the sunny skies are making life beautiful though and our cabin on the Zuiderdam feels a little like a crowded nest!  LOL!  The quote is interesting.  The muffins and classic margarita sound good but as usual I need Ann to decipher what the wine is for me.  Wow, really big days in history with the Continental Congress drafting the Declaration of Independence, and Margaret Thatcher’s third consecutive term as Prime Minister.  Thanks again to Debbie @dfish, Dixie @summer slope and Ann @cat shepard for their fine work reporting on the F&B.

 

Prayers for all here on the Daily in need of them.  There are many with serious issues and I pray for relief for all of you.  Prayers also for DB and Alex’s twins, the people of Israel and Ukraine, the hostages still held, and our military men and women in the region.  For those with happy events and cruises to enjoy,  I send my warm wishes.  Thank you Vanessa @JazzyV for listing everyone’s problems and events for us.  You deserve a medal!

 

The port this morning is Kodiak, Alaska which is a great stop in that state but unfortunately not on the usual 7 day Alaska cruises.  We’ve had this port of call here three times, Dec. 5, 2021, July 18, 2022 and Jan. 31, 2023.  We have been only once but I can post some photos for you anyway.  Here are the links for your convenience.

 

 

 

Hope all of you have a great day!  Stay safe and keep well!

[LambKnuckles]

Happy Today to you!!!  And, Thank you for the Reports!!

 

I'm not much of a blueberry or tequila person...  so, I think I'll pass on the meal and beverage!!!  But...  I do NEED to less-crowd the nest of STUFF -- not people!!!  And I LOVE Alaska!!!

 

Have a brilliant and wonderful day!!!

[MISTER 67]

Greetings from beautiful but rainy Port Charlotte.

79 this AM with a high of only 80 as we are having a system coming up from Cuba with a lot of rain and some winds, we’ve lost power twice already this morning. 6 to 12 inches of rain expected the next couple of days.

Good selection of days.

I guess the quote makes sense.

Though not really a meal, I like blueberry muffins. 
We’ve been to Alaska but not to Kodiak.

I’m in a slump on the golf course right now with tempo issues, I go through this a couple times a year but it’s very frustrating.

Have a great day and stay well.

Edited June 11 by MISTER 67

[puppycanducruise]

Good morning.  Thanks for the Report.

Cool and clear this morning, only 6°C (43°F).  Brrr  Definitely jacket weather.

Three good days to celebrate.

Love the quote.

I enjoy blueberry muffins and I look forward to new recipes.  I'd love to sip a Margarita on a BHB.  I'm sure I'll like the wine too.🙂

Prayers for everyone who needs one.  I hope there are lots of reasons to celebrate.

Have a terrific day.

[grapau27]

Good afternoon.

Thank you for today's FR&D.

It is 50°F and partly sunny here.

3 good days and quote

Good history days too.

Prayers 🙏 for everyone who believes they will help them.

I hope everyone is well and y'all have a fantastic day.

[StLouisCruisers]

Kodiak, Alaska

 

In 2019 we did the 14 day Seattle round trip Alaska cruise to celebrate our 50^th wedding anniversary.  On Sept. 4 we arrived in Kodiak.  Upon arrival, we noted stacks of crab pots on the dock next to the ship.  One stack had what looked like Time Bandit buoys inside.  We caught the shuttle, a school bus, for a ride into town.

 

 

 

 

What a fantastic little town Kodiak was.  They had a wonderful library, which required an uphill trek, but it was worth it.  Look at the view from up there.

 

 

 

 

The library interior was rustic and beautiful.  Lucky Kodiak residents!   We spotted a roadside cemetery and a "chill" otter on our walk back to the ship.

 

 

 

 

 

Good times!

[grapau27]

[JazzyV]

Today’s Care List:

Vict0riann’s surgical appointment

Kazu with foot infection and having foot pain

Cruzin Terri’s DH Jim with falls; leg wound and arm scraped

Lazey1 recovering from Covid

 

Flooding and storms across the US, with loss of life

Citizens of Ukraine, Israel and Gaza, hostages still held

All Dailyites going through worries and stress, whether mentioned or not

 

From the Rotation:

Tana with chronic pulmonary issues, weakness

Ger_77’s DH Maurice post valve replacement, doing well

RMLincoln’s DH with glaucoma issues, medication allergy, surgery

 

Celebrations and Shoutouts:

Welcome to the Daily shippmates!

Cruzin Terri and DH in Barbados

 

The Daily Gardening Club posting wonderful flower pictures

All the contributors to the Fleet Report/Daily

 

Upcoming Cruises or At Sea:

 

3 days for Lady Hudson (Symphony of the Seas June 14 to June 21) 7 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise, with twin sister Karen

4 days for Himself (Eurodam June 15 to June 22) 7 Day Alaska Explorer

 

Mtn2Sea (Cunard QM2 to June 15) 6d WB TA Crossing, swin26 (Rotterdam to June 22) 14d North Cape & The Midnight Sun, Suslor (Rotterdam to June 29) 21d Midnight Sun & Norse Legends, Cruzn single (Westerdam to July 7) 28d Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice and  StLouisCruisers (Zuiderdam to July 20) 42d Ultimate Viking Explorer & Passage

[ottahand7]

Good morning everyone and thank you for the Daily and Maps today Rich.  We have had several very crowded nests here around the cabin.  The 5 Robins have flown the coop but the 2 pairs of Phoebes have been working tirelessly for two weeks.    A very true quote from Asimov.   Two notable days in history for both US and GB history.   Thanks for the photos of Kodiak Sandi and I look forward to more.  I would like one of those muffins but they are high carb, I usually eat one of the wonderful HA bran muffins per long cruise as a real treat.  The Trocken meaning dry Riesling will be wonderful.   I absolutely love a good Margarita with Anejo tequila.  Thanks ladies for researching these for us each day.

 

Thanks for the cares and celebrations reports Vanessa.  @Cruzin Terri I hope that your Barbados vacation is going well and you are both able to get some relaxation.   Prayers for Tana, Chuck and everyone who is ailing or grieving.  Prayers for the 4 Americans stabbed in China.   Continuing prayers for all in war zones through no fault of their own, Ukraine, the remaining hostages and the innocents in Gaza.

 

We are off to town today, Post Office, Urgent Care, two grocery stores and a couple of meals in the mix, maybe Mexican in Iron Mountain and pizza at our local tavern 13 rough miles away.  Have a lovely Tuesday!!   Nancy 

[rafinmd]

Thank you Rich, Vanessa, Debbie, Ann, and  Dixie.   Three interesting days to celebrate, especially Get Outdoors Day...

I like the Asimov quote..

I’ve been to Kodiak several times, mostly on Crystal, sometimes on the ferry, but never on a BHB. ..

Two great days in US and UK history.

I very much enjoy blueberry muffins.  My alternative is Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho and Lamb Loin with Mint Chinchurri as served on MS Prinsendam on June 11, 2015.
                    

Most of my time away from home this morning will be a routine visit to my podiatrist and then a grocery store in the same direction that I visit once a week..

Special hugs to Jacqui. ..

 

Roy

[cat shepard]

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Yesterday was lovely with a couple of sprinkles in the evening. Today, the air is filled with moisture. It is partly sunny, but the rain clouds are heading my way🤞🏻. Hope the rains start soon to get rid of it, or the winds help make it bearable. 
 

Vanessa, thank you for capturing & sharing our happenings!

 

Gym, Bindi walks, chores - I need to apply the Grub-ex to my lawn to get rid of the voles that just started showing up. Maybe some pool time - weather permitting. 
 

 

 

 

Prayers for all who need our support. Terry, hope you and Tana have an uneventful day. 
 

Cheers to all who are celebrating!

 

May we each find a reason to smile today. 

 

**************

2021 Riesling, Bronzelack Trocken, Schloss Johannisberg, Rheingau

This German Riesling sounds lovely. It is easy to find, but unfortunately online merchants that ship to me only sell it by a case of 6 bottles. Online prices start at $256.00 for a case of 6 bottles - app. $43/bottle. 
Distributor’s notes

The legendary Schloss Johannisberg is steeped in history. The vineyards were planted on the orders of the Roman Emperor Charlemagne. Planted solely with Riesling grapes in 1720, Schloss Johannisberg was the world's first Riesling Estate and plays a significant part in wine history. The grapes for the Bronzelach (Bronze Label) come from the single vineyard of Schloss Johannisberg. The south facing vineyard is steep, with a 45° gradient and is situated at between 114 metres to 181 metres above sea level. Grapes for this wine were gently pressed and the juice was vinified at controlled temperatures. 50% of the must was fermented in 1,200 litre wooden casks. The oak comes from their own “Schloss Johannisberg” oak trees. Once fermentation was complete, the wine was aged on the fine lees for a period of six months. Classic Rheingau expression, with delicate aromas of lemon zest, green apple and pineapple. Dry and beautifully balanced, with the fruity notes echoed on the palate through to a complex finish.

[1ANGELCAT]

Good sunny and cool morning, it’s going to be another beautiful day with a high in the middle 70’s. 
@Vict0riann, special thoughts for you today 🙏❤️. 
Blessings and prayers to all on our journey.

[Mr. Boston]

Good morning everyone.  Thanks for the daily update, recipes and lists.  Looks to be a nice day to get outdoors.  This daily thread helps to make life beautiful for us.  No one living here to crowd us but I did see a fledgling sparrow yesterday hopping around on the ground so those nests must feel a bit crowded now.

 

I like today’s quote, it takes awhile for societies to adapt to changing circumstances and knowledge.

 

I like the meal, which could be breakfast.  I also like the drink, very refreshing in the summertime.

I have not been to today’s port.

 

Since the buyer of our condo passed the financing contingency date yesterday it appears that all systems are go.  Today will be spent scheduling the utility shutdowns here and startups there.  Lots to do that will keep me out of trouble!

 

Prayers for those on our prayer list today.  Cheers to those who are celebrating happy events!

 

[Sir PMP]

Kodiak:

[dfish]

Good morning, everyone!

 

It is supposed to be a nice, sunny day here in mid-Michigan.  It is a chilly start to the day at 48F, but temps are supposed to reach the mid 70s.  Perfect in my estimation.  I have yoga this morning and then the rest of the day is free.  Yesterday was spent running errands.  Sue got some art supplies as she was inspired by the Art Fair downtown on the first of the month.  I'm hoping she'll come to the Ann Arbor Art Fair in July and get further inspiration.  

 

@Vict0riann I'll be thinking of you today and hope that the surgeon has a plan mapped out and ready to go.

 

Today's meal would be a treat.  I generally wouldn't eat a muffin due to the carbs and high sugars, but once in a while for a special occasion might be ok.  The calorie count on this one isn't too bad, but the carbs reach my limit for a meal.  I guess if I filled up on bacon it would be ok.  Insanely Good Blueberry Muffins

 

 

Here is a recipe with more usual on hand ingredients.  Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

 

 

One last recipe with some good tips on muffin making.  Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins Take Three

 

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day!

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for the info .

[Haljo1935]

3 good days today, but the local Ozone Action Day cancels out Nat'l Get Outdoors Day.

Pass on the drink, would love a muffin, try the wine, not been to the port (it was on the April May cruise we had to cancel) - look forward to the pictures. 

 

Hugs @Vict0riann🤗

 

Happy Birthday to my sister.🍰

 

Seeing PCP this morning for  kidney stone f/u; hopefully she'll sign the papers for the the ER time off - work does not accept the Dr note - they want FMLA papers, so here we go again.🙄 Afterwards 🤞 have eye procedure.

 

Currently 73° w/84% humidity headed to 84°, 🌧 starting around 1. Ozone Action Day - stay indoors. 

 

Prayers 🙏 and positive thoughts for all. 

Edited June 11 by Haljo1935
Additional comment

[aliaschief]

It seems strange posting at these early hours versus early afternoon. We got a good start yesterday getting back to a normal routine. Three bags left to unpack and there are two bags on their way from luggage forward. The cruise booking offer included $500.00 luggage credit per person so we definitely took advantage of that. 
Yesterday I made many appointments and was surprised that I was able to take advantage of a cancellation and get a dental cleaning today at noon. Several will follow.
We have started a diet as we both have gained weight but we are not sure how much  as our scale gave up life during our absence. Maybe committed suicide versus bearing our weight gain!

Headed out for a walk and then back to tackle another suitcase.

There is no place like home but sure miss the one at sea.🛳

Have a great day, thanks for the reports and post. Bruce

 

[LambKnuckles]

@Vict0riann My thoughts and prayers are with you today!  And for your doctor, too!  Hugs!!!

 

And @StLouisCruisers  I just love that last photo!!  Relaxing and floating!!  I think it must be an otter???  This one looks so comfortable and at peace!!!

 

Also prayers for everyone on the list and even for everyone to enjoy their day!!!

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from a very overcast central Texas.  We got a bit of rain last night, and the prediction is for more rain this afternoon.  It is 73F with 100% humidity since the dew point is also 73F.  Our predicted high today is 84F.  It looks like another day to stay inside after I get the grocery shopping out of the way.

 

I guess my getting outdoors will be this morning, and hopefully, it will be nice enough for our evening golf cart ride.  Making life beautiful is a great goal.  We definitely do not have a crowded nest.

 

I like the Isaac Asimov quote, which is true.

 

I like blueberry muffins, but without the oatmeal, please.  A margarita would be nice, but I'll stick with my much less expensive Riesling.

 

We have visited Kodiak many times by ferry, one Princess cruise and the rest on BHBs.

 

Two interesting days in history for the US and Britain.

 

@Vict0riann  Ann, I hope your appointment goes well today, and you leave with a plan of action.

@MISTER 67  I hope you don't lose power any more with the weather coming your way.  I also hope your golf game gets back on track.

@grapau27  Graham, thanks for the explanation of crowded nest day.

@ottahand7  Nancy, I hope you will get the injection to help with the pain today.

@Mr. Boston  It's always a relief when buyers pass the financial tests.  I hope everything about the move goes smoothly.

@Haljo1935  Elizabeth, I hope your PCP signs the required paperwork.  Good luck with the eye procedure today.  Please wish your sister a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY for us.

@aliaschief  Bruce, that was good luck getting the dental appointment today.  

@LambKnuckles  Lambie, I also like seeing the sea otters.  They remind me of little old men.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

[puppycanducruise]

@Haljo1935 Happy Birthday to your sister!🎂

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

We have been to Kodiak 14 times, and all but two of those were on BHBS.  Our first time was in 1992, pre-digital, when we put our motorhome on the Tustemena, one of the fleet of the Alaska Marine Highway, for an overnight trip to Kodiak.  The motorhome fare cost way more than the fares for both of us and our DDs, and a room for four with a bath.  Since our first dachshund, Brandy, was with us, we had to take the motorhome for her to stay in.  Also, on the return trip, we left the Trusty Tusty in Seward.  We were only in Kodiak one night due to the ferry schedule, but we packed a lot of sightseeing into that day.

 

We did the 14-day out of Seattle 12 times by doing b2b2bs in 2010 and 2012 on Amsterdam, 2015 on Statendam and 2018 on Zaandam.  Also in 2018, we stopped in Kodiak on Coral Princess on the Circle the Northern Pacific cruise.  We have had great weather on several of the stops, cloudy, misty weather on other stops, and pouring rain on a few stops.  When it was pouring rain, we just stayed on the ship and watch the people trying to stay dry waiting for their tours.

 

On December 5, 2012, while we were on Koningsdam, this is what I posted about Kodiak.

 

I found a few different pictures of Kodiak on DH's tablet.  They are from our various trips except the one in 1992 in the pre-digital age.

 

@rafinmd, Roy, this first picture is for you.  I didn't find a good picture of the Tustemena in Kodiak, but this was her sailing out of Homer, bound for Kodiak.  I guess that counts.  For those who have never sailed on her or seen her, the tall structure near the stern is how vehicles are loaded on the ferry.  You drive onto the platform between the uprights, and are then lowered to the parking deck.  Once on that deck, a turntable rotates the vehicle so it can be driven to its parking spot.

 

A Kodiak bear looking for salmon in a stream.

 

Eagles near town looking for fish 

 

A WWII bunker and remnants of guns in Fort Abercrombie State Park.  This bunker is a museum that is worth a visit.

 

Another bunker 

 

The plaque marking the high water level reached by the tidal wave after the March 27, 1964, earthquake.  The plaque is near the fire station near McDonalds, quite a way above sea level.

 

Finally, the small boat harbor downtown 

 

Lenda