van wyk journeys The hike from Signal Hill to the Jag Hotel
Joan and I decided to hike from Signal Hill back to our hotel, the JAG Hotel—a 4.2 km trek that took us about two hours. The photos below capture moments from our journey.
St John’s and Surroundings
St. John’s is the capital and largest city of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is located on the eastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula on the island of Newfoundland. The city spans 446.04 km2 (172.22 sq mi) and is the easternmost city in North America (excluding Greenland).[8][9][10][11] Its name has been attributed to the belief that John Cabot sailed into the harbour on the Nativity of John the Baptist in …
Cruising the Inside Passage
The Inside Passage (French: Passage Intérieur) is a coastal route for ships and boats along a network of passages which weave through the islands on the Pacific Northwest coast of the North American Fjordland. The route extends from southeastern Alaska in the United States, through western British Columbia in Canada, to northwestern Washington state in the United States. Ships using the route can avoid some of the bad weather in the …
Photos from the Koningsdam
The Koningsdam, known for its elegant design and modern aesthetic, offers a truly luxurious cruising experience. As you step on board, you’ll immediately be captivated by the ship’s sophisticated and stylish ambiance. The interior exudes a sense of grandeur, with its tasteful blend of contemporary and classic elements. The main atrium, with its impressive three-deck …
Ketchikan, Alaska – Ketchikan Photo Safari
Ketchikan Photo Safari tour photos by William van Wyk 2023© Photo credit William van Wyk 2023© Ketchikan is a charming and picturesque port city located in southeastern Alaska. As our ship docked at the harbor, we were immediately captivated by the beauty of our surroundings. Nestled between the Tongass National Forest and the crystal-clear waters of …
Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan (/ˈkɛtʃɪkæn/ KETCH-ih-kan;[4] Tlingit: Kichx̱áan) is a city in and the borough seat of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough of Alaska.[5][6] It is the state’s southeasternmost major settlement. Downtown Ketchikan is a National Historic Landmark District. With a population at the 2020 census of 8,192, up from 8,050 in 2010,[7][5] it is the sixth-most populous city in the state, and thirteenth-most populous community when census-designated places are included. The surrounding borough, encompassing suburbs both …
Glacier Bay, Alaska
Margerie Glacier is a 21 mi (34 km) long tidewater glacier in Glacier Bay, Alaska, United States within the boundaries of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The glacier begins on the southern slopes of Mount Root, elevation 12,860 feet (3,920 m), on the Alaska–Canada border flowing southeast down the valley, then turning to the northeast toward its terminus in Tarr Inlet. Margerie Glacier is one of the most active and …
Skagway, Alaska – To the Klondike Summit
The Municipality and Borough of Skagway is a first-class borough in Alaska on the Alaska Panhandle. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,240,[3] up from 968 in 2010.[4] The population doubles in the summer tourist season in order to deal with more than 1,000,000 visitors each year.[5] Incorporated as a borough on June 25, 2007, it was previously a city (urban Skagway located at 59°27′30″N 135°18′50″W) …
Juneau, Alaska – Mendenhall Glacier
Title Mendenhall Glacier (in Tlingit language “Sít”) is a glacier about 13.6 miles (21.9 km) long located in Mendenhall Valley, about 12 miles (19 km) from downtown Juneau in the southeast area of the U.S. state of Alaska. The glacier and surrounding landscape is protected as part of the 5,815 acres (2,353 ha) Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, a federally designated unit of the Tongass National Forest. The Juneau Icefield …
Newgrange, Trim Castle
Newgrange (Irish: Sí an Bhrú[1]) is a prehistoric monument in County Meath in Ireland, located on a rise overlooking the River Boyne, 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) west of Drogheda.[2] It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the Neolithic Period, around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. It is aligned on the winter solstice sunrise. Newgrange is the main monument in the Brú na Bóinne complex, a World Heritage Site that also includes …
Belfast, The Titanic and The Crown Saloon
Belfast (/ˈbɛlfæst/ BEL-fast, /-fɑːst/ -fahst;[a] from Irish: Béal Feirste [bʲeːlˠ ˈfʲɛɾˠ(ə)ʃtʲə], meaning ‘mouth of the sand-bank ford’[5]) is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, standing on the banks of the River Lagan on the east coast. It is the 10th-largest primary urban area in the United Kingdom[6] and the second-largest city in Ireland. Belfast City had a population of 293,298 in 2021.[4] The population of its metropolitan area was …
Dark Hedges, Carrick Fergus, Next up Belfast
The Dark Hedges (Irish: Na Fálta Dorcha) is an avenue of beech trees along Bregagh Road between Armoy and Stranocum in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The trees form an atmospheric tunnel that has been used as a location in HBO‘s popular television series Game of Thrones, which has resulted in the avenue becoming a popular tourist attraction. More from Wikipedia below. Text – replace the photo Credit Wikipedia® …
Portrush, The Giants Causeway, Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge
Portrush (from Irish: Port Rois, meaning ‘port of the promontory‘)[3] is a small seaside resort town on the north coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It neighbours the resort of Portstewart. The main part of the old town, including the railway station as well as most hotels, restaurants and bars, is built on a 1 mile (1.6 km)–long peninsula, Ramore Head. It had a population of 6,150 people at the 2021 …
Derry
Derry,[a] officially Londonderry,[b][8] is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland[9][10] and the fifth-largest city on the island of Ireland.[11] The old walled city lies on the west bank of the River Foyle, which is spanned by two road bridges and one footbridge. The city now covers both banks (Cityside on the west and Waterside on the east). The population of the city was 83,652 at the 2001 Census, while …
Westport
On the Road to Galway
Galway (/ˈɡɔːlweɪ/ GAWL-way; Irish: Gaillimh, pronounced [ˈɡal̠ʲɪvʲ]) is a city in the West of Ireland, in the province of Connacht, which is the county town of County Galway. It lies on the River Corrib between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay. It is the most populous settlement in the province of Connacht, the sixth most populous city on the island of Ireland and the fourth most populous in the Republic of Ireland, with a population at the 2022 census of 83,456.[3] …
Ring of Kerry Loop Drive, Cliffs of Mohr, Slea Head Loop, Dingle Pub for traditional Irish music.
Dingle (Irish: An Daingean or Daingean Uí Chúis, meaning “fort of Ó Cúis”)[9] is a town in County Kerry, Ireland. The only town on the Dingle Peninsula, it sits on the Atlantic coast, about 50 kilometres (30 mi) southwest of Tralee and 71 kilometres (40 mi) northwest of Killarney.[10] Principal industries in the town are tourism, fishing and agriculture: Dingle Mart (livestock market) serves the surrounding countryside. In 2016 Dingle …
Molls Gap, Ladies View, Torc Waterfall, Dingle
Molls Gap Moll’s Gap or Céim an Daimh (meaning, Gap of the Ox),[1] is a mountain pass on the N71 road from Kenmare to Killarney in Kerry, Ireland. Moll’s Gap is on the Ring of Kerry route,[2] and offers views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains, and is a popular tourist location.[3] The rocks at Moll’s gap are formed of Old Red Sandstone, which are small quartz grains laid down over 350 million years ago; …
Blarney Castle, Charles Fort, Bantry House, Kenmare
Blarney Castle (Irish: Caisleán na Blarnan) is a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork, Ireland. Though earlier fortifications were built on the same spot, the current keep was built by the MacCarthy of Muskerry dynasty, a cadet branch of the Kings of Desmond, and dates from 1446.[4] The Blarney Stone is among the machicolations of the castle. Credit Wikipedia® Photo credit William van Wyk 2022® Charles Fort Charles Fort (Irish: Dún Chathail) is …
Cobh & Crosshaven
Cobh The village, on the island, was known as “Ballyvoloon”, a transliteration of the Irish “Baile Ui-Mhaoileoin” (en: “O’Malone’s place”),[2] while the Royal Navy port, established in the 1750’s, became known as “The Cove of Cork” or “Cove”. The combined conurbation was renamed to “Queenstown”, in 1849, during a visit by Queen Victoria. The name was changed …
The Rock of Cashel
According to local legends, the Rock of Cashel originated in the Devil’s Bit, a mountain 20 miles (30 km) north of Cashel when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave, resulting in the Rock’s landing in Cashel.[1] Cashel is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century. The Rock of Cashel …
JerPoint Abbey, The Dunbrody Famine Ship & Waterford Crystal
Jerpoint Abbey (Irish: Mainistir Sheireapúin)[1] is a ruined Cistercian abbey, founded in the second half of the 12th century in County Kilkenny, Ireland. It is located 2.5 km south west of Thomastown on the R448 regional road. There is a visitor centre with an exhibition. It has been declared a national monument and has been in the care of the Office of Public Works since 1880. It was constructed in …
On the road – Sally Gap, Glendalough, Kilkenny & Thomastown
Kilkenny Castle (Irish: Caisleán Chill Chainnigh, IPA:[ˈkaʃlʲaːnˠˈçiːl̪ʲˈxan̪ʲiː]) is a castle in Kilkenny, Ireland built in 1195 to control a fording-point of the River Nore and the junction of several routeways. It was a symbol of Norman occupation and in its original thirteenth-century condition it would have formed an important element of the defences of the town with four large circular corner towers and a massive ditch, …
Welcome to Dublin
Dublin Castle (Irish: Caisleán Bhaile Átha Cliath) is a major Irish government complex, conference centre, and tourist attraction, of significant historical importance. It is located off Dame Street in central Dublin. Until 1922 it was the seat of the British government’s administration in Ireland. Most of the current construction dates from the 18th century, though a castle has stood on the site since …
Australia – Trip Summary
April 2020, use the summary, etc With all of the excitement going on in the world today I decided to look back on our trip to Australia while finally releasing all of the complete posts. One item that I thought worthwhile to add to this blog was the Log of the Cruise. This is was …
Melbourne – 2nd time around
October 29th, 2019 We are back in Melbourne for a quick 1/2 day plus to tour some of the parts of the city we might have skipped over 5 weeks prior. But, the weather was spectacular being above 30C and having brilliant blue skies. We decided that Victoria Market deserved another look, as the last …
Burnie
October 28th, 2019 We arrived in Burnie early once again in a working port as we were greeted by large piles of shaved bark across from the tour bus parking lot. We made our way off the ship in the usual organized format receiving our coloured stickers denoting that we were going to Wings Wildlife …
Adelaide
October 25th & 26th, 2019 – Adelaide October 26th – We had no tour planned today and again took the train into Adelaide CBD. We thought that we would look for a Dan Murphy again but realized after doing a Google search that there was only one within walking distance to the train. But the …
Days at sea
October 23rd & 24th – Days at sea The evening of departure at Albany, following the skilled and talented banjo player, an announcement was made indicating that the weather was going to be deteriorating and that rough sea could be expected along with some movement of the ship, yippee. An update from the Captain at …
Albany
October 22 – Albany Albany – we arrived at ~9 am and looked out to see we were once again in a working port. This seems to be the norm for the smaller cities/towns that we have stopped at. At some, we were able to walk off into the city such as Darwin, Freemantle/Perth, and …
Busselton – A Visit to Margaret River
October 21st, 2010 – Busselton and Margaret River The Margaret River region is home to limestone caves, peaceful hamlets, picturesque landscapes and sparkling beaches. Discover the area’s beauty for yourself on this leisurely sightseeing trip to the quaint township of Margaret River. Your first stop is Canal Rocks, a natural phenomenon 700 million years in …
Perth – Freemantle
October 20 – A day in Freemantle / Perth via train. Actually, to be fair both Perth and Freemantle present themselves as very different communities. Calling them communities sets them apart from calling them cities where they differ geographically, different definitions. And they are different. While both hold their old-world charms one moved on to …
Days at Sea
Oct 17, 18 & 19 – Days at sea, the medical condition, and the helicopter airlift The announcement October 17th Late in the evening on the 17th just as we were getting ready for bed when the Captain opened the PA system to make a general announcement. Seems one of the passengers was in serious …
Broome – blistering Broome
October 16th, 2019 – Broome, Plus 30C no wind Often called “the pearl of NorthWest Australia,” this coastal gem is a treasure box full of surprises. Once a leader in the pearling industry, Broome wears its history well in the lovely 19th-century building that dots the city. Learn the secrets of how beautiful cultured pearls …
Kimberly Coast
October 15, 2019 – Kimberly Coast, Temperature +27 This morning we are navigating through the Timor sea and heading into the Indian Ocean. It’s early in the morning and we have made our way along the northwest coast. The Capitan has navigated into the Sound that leads us to an area along the Kimberly coast, …
Darwin – the far north of Australia
October 13, 2019 – Darwin Arrival at 10:00 am – Blazing hot and humid +33C We are closer to Indonesia than any other Australian city, Darwin is the capital of the “Top End” – the remote, vast Northern Territory. Home to more than half of the territory’s population, the city reflects the rugged endurance and …
Days at sea – the views are spectacular
October 11th & 12th – More sea days Here the challenge is getting up before lunch, not really as we find ourselves getting up a bit earlier each sea day. With tomorrow’s arrival in Darwin at 10 am we are planning to be up at around 8 am and walk into the city rather than …
Cairns – into the jungle
October 10, 2019 – Cairns Cairns is one of Australia’s hottest vacation destinations, not temperature-wise but popular. Cairns boasts three of Australia’s great natural wonders. Just offshore, immense bastions of living coral form the Great Barrier Reef. Sixteen miles of superb beaches stretch to the north of the city – the famed Marlin Coast. And …
Day at sea- again
October 9, 2019 – Day at sea more of the same
Alotau
October 8, 2019 – Alotau, Papua, New Guinea – +30C no wind partly cloudy. First a little bit about Alotau. Note: this is an “Excerpt from the tour brochure” Welcome to an undiscovered paradise of white-sand beaches, crystal waterfalls, and volcanic mountains. And if you’ve come for the history, you’ll find that, too. This peaceful …
More days at sea – On to Alotua
October 6 & 7th – Both days are at sea Sleep in, eat well, laundry, read a book, go to dinner, watch the evening entertainment, go to bed late repeat on the second day. Oh, and also make the wake around deck seven.
Brisbane
October 5th – Brisbane, Mt Tamborine, the Glow Worm Caves, and the Gold Coast Today we are moored in Brisbane way out in an industrial port area that is complete with at least 2 refineries and a variety of other industrial businesses (ie: Grain, woodchips, cement, etc…). We are up early with our breakfast being …
A Day at Sea
October 4th – Day at sea Today is a day at sea which means more time to explore the ship. Off we go looking for the walking track. Thinking that it would be on the uppermost deck we find that this is not the case. So, we keep wandering ending at the lowermost cabin deck …
Sydney – A day ending with West Side Story
October 2nd, 2019 Darling Harbour was our destination today. Well within walking distance as viewed from the 42nd floor of our hotel was Darling Harbour. The harbour is a very popular tourist and resident spot to stop for lunch or catch a ferry to other locations. But before we actually got there we found another …
Bondi Beach – and walk along the ocean
October 1st – Sydney to Bondi Beach and Surrounding Area Today the destination on this journey is a clifftop coastal walk, the Bondi to Coogee walk which extends for six km in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The walk features stunning views, beaches, parks, cliffs, bays, and rock pools. The beaches and parks offer a place to …
Sydney – before the fires
September 29th, 2019 Today is a big day as we are flying to Sydney to start the last four days on the ground in Australia. Our flight was once again on Qantas and we received good service on the flight. The flight was event-free arriving at 4 p.m. in Sydney. We hopped in a taxi …
Kings Canyon – around the rim
September 27th, 2019 Kings Canyon was the next stop on our tour. We made our way from Kata Tjuta and spent about 2 1/2 hours on the road ending up at Kings Canyon Resort just as the sun was setting. After dropping our bags, we headed out to get something to eat but restaurant selection …
Uluru – from Sunset to Sunrise and more
September 26th & 27th An early start to the day had us up at ~5:30 a.m. to get ready for a lengthy bus trip out to Uluru starting at 7:00 a.m. Our bus driver was Peter and he was with us for most of three days. He starts off by telling us its only two …
Alice Springs
September 25, 2019 Alice Springs is our next stop on our journey. To get there we decided to fly, as making the trip any other way would have taken too many days. We flew Qantas, our first time and we were very impressed with their service. By comparison, neither of our major airlines came close …
Great Ocean Road
September 22 – 24 Three days and two nights on the Great Ocean Road Going for a drive in Australia is an interesting experience for people from countries that normally drive on the right side of the road as Australians drive on the left side of the road. While I thought that I was well …
Melbourne
Best Regards, Bill & Joan from vanwykjourneys.ca
Australia 2019
Australia has always been on our bucket list but is only now an actual journey. We first started with planning thinking that we would spend 3 months and drive the east coast from Melbourne while including a drive along the Great Ocean Road as well as a short journey to the outback. After several months …
You must be logged in to post a comment.