Hard Graft

We did a combined ship's trip with Mendenhall in the morning then back on bus and off to whale watching in the afternoon. Orcas approached the boat and one was spyhopping and we followed them for about 20 minutes. Absolutely great to see. We were then told that there was a humpback nearby and went and found that. I have a great video of the fluke as it went down deep. We found a lot more humpbacks and nearly hit one when it surfaced in front of the boat. A really great day out worth every penny. Wife and I were standing on our cabin's balcony when we looked to the rear of the ship and a whale breached, no time to get the camera but what a sight. Also when you are near the glaciers watch for them calving. You will have a great time.

Depending on your kid you could go to Pompeii which is really interesting. I presume you will be taking a buggy for him when he gets tired? The train to Rome is straight forward but you have to get your ticket stamped in a machine before you get on the train. I think it was about 90 minutes from the port to the Vatican which is quite a good starting point for the city. On the way back try and get the train from the main station as it can be very busy. Friend has done the train to Florence and said it was straightforward enough. Worth checking the price of fares and comparing them to official tours and those offered by Viator etc. Local information sites will offer lots of ideas.

Alaska is great as the ships berth in the actual towns themselves. Ketchican is very walkable and has Creek Street but we have also done a float plane trip to an island and went bear watching. This was really good and we spent ages watching a black bear about 10 yards from us whipping salmon out the water. It was not the cheapest of trips but well worth it. Juneau is also very walkable but it is well worth looking at a trip to Mendenhall Glacier (see picture) which is outstanding and you also have the chance to go whale watching there as well. Seeing Orcas and humpbacks in their natural habitat is worthwhile. Skagway is a small town but has the White Pass railway which takes you to the Yukon. Incredible scenery from old carriages which are heated by wood stoves. It is well worth looking at Cruisecritic.co.uk and looking at reviews and also the Ports of Call section which will give you plenty of idea. Check out the ships tours and also Google tours in each of the ports and you will get plenty of options. Viator and Tours by Locals give good ideas as well. When you are at sea watch for birds gathering near to the surface as this is generally an indications that there are whales in the vicinity

Did one in September and one in November with another 3 lined up for this year. September was out of Southampton and involved a test at the terminal and then when all clear allowed on board. Masks worn at all times except when eating or drinking. No real issues. PCR test for arriving back home. November was Caribbean and has a PCR test 48 hours before departure and then lateral flow test at airport. Paperwork was slightly more intense for entering Barbados. Again masks worn at all times except eating and drinking. Sit sipping a drink and no need to wear one. Some islands would not let you out of the port area unless you were on an official tour. PCR test for arriving back home. Things will be a lot quieter now and even more so when you go. You should not need paperwork for each port. MSC will keep you right and check out forums on CruiseCritic to help. You will enjoy.

I though he had started his run a lot earlier that he had. Showed great turn of pace and foresight to get there.

Excellent performance today. We did well with the ball passing it about and putting Forfar under pressure for most of the game. Forfar, despite being a big physical team, did not really cause any real problems. The plus point for them must be Munro's ball distribution - he must be the best in the league at finding players with his long ball!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Only problem is 9 times out of ten he finds the opposition. Some nice touches from Thomson, who has great feet and the back four, despite the customary mistakes from Crichton, look like a solid unit. Wederburn also showed his class today but was probably wisely substituted. Special credit to Corbett, another solid performance and his vision in making the run for the second goal was sublime. He may have been lucky with the finish but was deserving of it. All in all a good game to sit and watch and a wee bit of needle into the bargain. A result against City will make things really interesting.

Now looking forward to the games with a degree of anticipation rather than trepidation. Orr to continue his goal scoring run.

Will be interesting to see from what budget she takes the money to pay for this. Given the state of the Health budget and the number of people awaiting treatment it had better not be from that. Thought: What are Sturgeon and company going to blame when the Covid crisis is over and they have to take responsibility for all their failings in Health, Education etc?

Had to laugh when Sturgeon mentioned that people involved in "Track and Trace" would be losing their jobs. Pity she did not show the same compassion to those in the hospitality industry when she repeatedly shafted them.

The Mammy knows best

" I make no apologies for keeping people safe." " We cannot be too careful" "We are listening to the science"

Good result, could have been more goals for both teams. From the highlights at Stranraer's goal and just after there is no one on the back post. Thomson's run and Orr's finish just sublime, Orr now the player we were hoping for, do not know what was wrong at the start of the season but now showing his worth. Going to be an interesting finish to the season.

Just watched the bit about Arbroath on Football Focus and it puts a big smile on your face. As a supporter of a "diddy" team I hope your success continues.

Hope it is on - last place you want to go midweek.

According to the Financial Times in late January Scotland's death rate from the virus was 45 per 100000 compared to England which was 30 per 100000. Information was taken from Death certificates. Guess who makes no apology for imposing restrictions and keeping us safe. The bald, speccy twat stated that he didn't think Scotland had more curbs than other countries but warned the bug is still a risk.

Generally after a few weeks you have a rough idea who will make the final five. This year it is a joke, there is no one who stands out. I feel because Kathryn won the first task she thinks she is unassailable and will hit the ground with a bang.

Whatever happened to the state owned non profit making energy company she promised us a couple of years ago? Surely that will help everyone out and be a vote winner. Nicola wouldn't lie would she?

Does she know you are wasting time posting on here when you could be out surveying the damage!

Will be interesting to see if Thomson starts, better to play him from the off and when he runs out of steam bring on Orr. Good news about the keeper, can't help feeling that after all this time out if Buzz will ever make a full recovery and unfortunately for him time is not on his side. As FF says would like to see him have a farewell game. Hopefully the wind will not ruin the game today. Reportedly it is to die down by 3pm but if not ball to O'Reilly and let him go at their defenders. The other question is who he is going to pair with Jamieson in defence. I know who we all would like to see but he will probably go with Crighton. As long as the performance is better today than it was against Cowdenbeath.

Was he here on a loan? Swift in the Herald said he hoped to sign some of the loan players on a permanent deal but did not realise he meant him. Great bit of business.

If Swift had any sense and was seeing what we have seen it is imperative that both Crichton and Topping are dropped. The two of them are liabilities and are costing us goals. Chances of that happening however are very, very slim and no doubt Crichton will start. Had hoped we would have had a new keeper in by now but probably Swift does not see that as a necessity either. Another home performance like we had against Cowdenbeath and he should walk out the door. P W D L GF GA DIF PT 9 S/muir 11 2 3 6 13 20 -7 9 Above is our home record so far this season, beating only Albion Rovers and Annan and scoring 5 of our 13 goals.

The silence is deafening

Thought this was going to be quite good but gets worse by the week. Really poor script.

Normally you can generally see who will be there or thereabouts at the final but this crowd are the worst I have ever seen.

Sorry for your loss. Not an easy thing to do - will you be able to hold yourself together? Take advice from what has been said above and most importantly say it from the heart. Good Luck.