Vacation Thread

Capt MJ said:
I’ve seen those in articles but could never remember the name. Adding to list.

On a layover, I made it to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. I was piecing together military hops going through NAS Keflavik.
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I'd like to visit Iceland some day. I just looked and see the US has reactivated the base.
 
Day 3 Reminder: We did this trip four weeks ago. This day is when the vacation to Scotland became real. We were going to walk the mile to the National car rental place and were five steps from the hotel and my wife asked if I wanted to take a cab. I didn’t even answer. I asked the cabbie if he was waiting for someone and he said, get in. National, Budget, et al. are the same and in the parking garage of Waverly Station. A young Scot and a nice guy from Dumfries took care of us. He went over the car and reeeaaallly emphasized the tires. He talked a lot about scratches, gouges, and damaged rims. I didn’t think much of it until I hit my first curb. We weren’t a mile from the rental agency when I hit it. Driving on the left side isn’t a big deal as long as you keep saying, stay left, stay left. The problem is the curbs that out of nowhere, jump out and hit the left front tire. We made it out of Edinburgh and hit the motorway headed for the Isle of Skye. Piece of cake. I only hit one more curb getting out and was in for clear sailing until entering the Highlands. Or so I thought. I missed the turn and ended up in Perth. Perth is a nice town with narrow roads and lots of road signs. I needed to clear my head and fill up with petrol. The rental had only half a tank when we left. Stopped at a Shell station and couldn’t figure out why the gas wouldn’t go in. I went in to the man on duty, another nice guy, and without laughing told me to push the nozzle in all the way. No button to push or lever to flip. Just take the nozzle off and put it in. Petrol is sold by the liter so don’t rejoice when you see the low price. It actually was cheaper than I thought it would be. Californians would be jealous. We had to use the facilities which there were none. He let us use the employee toilet but said not to expect any standards meaning, it won’t be clean. It was actually cleaner than most fast food restaurant restrooms in the US. We chatted for a bit, bought coffee and snacks, and then hit the road without hitting a curb.

We found our way to the two lane road to and through the Highlands. It was another magnificent day weather wise. Clear and cool and just down right nice. The two lane roads were generally wide enough except for the bridges. The scenery was like nothing else. Mountains you can almost touch ending at a loch that looks pristine from the road. Since we topped off on fuel, when we stopped at two petrol stations, we just used the facilities and at one of them had the best meat pie on the planet. Wish we had bought all he had.

We headed for Loch Ness to look for the monster. One research find was to not plan your Scotland vacation around Loch Ness and I saw why. It’s a nice lake but not the nicest. There were several tourists, cars and vans, and plenty of souvenir shops, hotels, and restaurants. We got some pics and can now say we were there. We didn’t see Nessie so we got back on the road to the Isle of Skye.
 
USMCGrunt said:
Budapest is my favorite international spot for vacationing and hot baths. To me, the outdoor baths at Széchenyi cannot be topped. There are many hot baths to consider here - depends upon the experience you are looking for but it is a "must do" while in Budapest. There is so much more to do in Budapest from tours, to outdoor cafe's, restaurants, church tours, walks in parks, etc. Tourist friendly locals. Great spot.
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You should have gone there in 1979, with communism in full bloom. Not saying we didn't enjoy it, mind you. Compared to Poland, where I had been for7 mos, it was like going to Paris. Mrs cb7893 claims that was where we "officially" fell in love.

The "spa" was supposedly established by the Turks (as in Turkish baths). Most of the patrons were elderly folks with prescriptions for medicinal bath treatments. We were "issued" very ill-fitting bathing suits and threadbare towels. The price was right, however.
 
Devil Doc said:
I'd like to visit Iceland some day. I just looked and see the US has reactivated the base.
Click to expand...
Once upon a time, OldRetSWO and members of the fleet staff reserve unit flew commercial to Iceland and were to be
helo'd out to the command ship for a major NATO exercise. Severe fog kept us on the ground for almost 4 days.
Tours of the city and some nearby areas were accomplished and more than a few drams were consumed since we had
no duty and no autos to concern us.
NOTE: OldRetSWO carried his CO back to his rack one night but when said CO put on one and then two stars, this was
never spoken about again.
 
OldRetSWO said:
Once upon a time, OldRetSWO and members of the fleet staff reserve unit flew commercial to Iceland and were to be
helo'd out to the command ship for a major NATO exercise. Severe fog kept us on the ground for almost 4 days.
Tours of the city and some nearby areas were accomplished and more than a few drams were consumed since we had
no duty and no autos to concern us.
NOTE: OldRetSWO carried his CO back to his rack one night but when said CO put on one and then two stars, this was
never spoken about again.
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What happens in Iceland…
 
cb7893 said:
You should have gone there in 1979, with communism in full bloom. Not saying we didn't enjoy it, mind you. Compared to Poland, where I had been for7 mos, it was like going to Paris. Mrs cb7893 claims that was where we "officially" fell in love.
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Back in '97, DW and I did a Central European tour: Munich, Vienna, Budapest, Prague. Budapest was the highlight, so much so that we extended that portion two days, at the expense of Prague. A huge part of it was that we stayed at a family-owned pension, where the proprietors were so gracious and kind. They were grateful to be rid of communism and fawned over their Western guests.

We mentioned to them our desire to visit the Gellert Baths, probably the best-known, most-visited thermal baths in Hungary. The 30-something daughter of our hosts said, "Oh, I never go to the public baths. They're beautiful. But have you seen the pictures of the old men who lounge there, playing chess along the poolside? It looks very relaxing and nice. But those old men are in there all day. They never once get out. Do you know what I mean?"

It took a minute. But yes, we got her point. We all had a good laugh. She then directed us to a smaller, lesser-known bath. We went, enjoyed a good soak and a vigorous massage. There were no old men playing chess in the pool. Very memorable.
 
As usual I got too verbose in previous posts so I’ll skip the narrative and wrap it up with bullet points. We crossed the bridge onto the Isle of Skye and shortly turned south and found the shepherd’s hut my wife reserved for two days.
  • It was small and cramped but she called it cute
  • Drove to the fairy pools where it was snowing and wind chill in the 20s
  • Left there and went to the harbor town of Portree
  • It was cold and rainy, ate fish and chips, and shopped in a book store
  • Drove back to the hut close to the beach and it was warm and sunny
  • Left Skye headed for Glencoe and Skyfall Valley, actually called Glen Etive
  • Was going to hike and explore in Glencoe but it was cold and wet so we drove through Etive and headed for Edinburgh
  • Decided to turn the car in early and skip the trip to Dumfries where I wanted to see John Paul Jones’ birthplace and museum
  • Got to National before they closed and walked back with a stop at The City Cafe
  • Got back to Grassmarket and strolled around a little then called it a day
  • Without a car, we spent Thurs-Sat exploring Edinburgh
  • Lots of walking, picture taking, and eating
  • We had pasta at O’Oliverio and pizza at A Taste of Italy
  • Toured Holyrood Palace which is the official residence of the British Monarch in Scotland
  • Holyrood is at the bottom of the Royal Mile and a must see place
  • We were picked up Sunday on time by Andrew who had been sick all week and we were his only job for the day. He got us to the airport and said he hopes to see us again. I gave him the last of my sterling, 20 quid.
  • We had a nice flight which was a straight shot home
 
For those of you who can get lost in travel sites, and are known to randomly launch searches like, “top luxury resorts with private plunge pools in the Caribbean,” or “Italian cooking schools in villas,” [you know who you are] - go explore this site. The Barge Lady!

Barges Archive - Barge Lady

www.bargeladycruises.com www.bargeladycruises.com

What made me think of this is @Devil Doc ‘s clear love of Scotland visits. On my bucket list is to do a Barge Lady cruise on the Caledonian Canal. We have done some of the French and other European itineraries. Absolutely at the top of my Best Ever list. The pace is glacial. Moving slowing along canals and small waterways. Very few people onboard. Watch the world go by. Get off with a bike and cycle the path beside the barge. Go exploring on scheduled trips to wineries, historic sites, etc., and return to the barge. Walk into town in the evening when the barge is tied up for the night. Go with the chef early in the morning as he or she goes into town to pick up fresh bread, see what looks good in the market, buy a warm pastry. Sit on the deck with a glass of local whatever and just enjoy the peace. We enjoy our cruise ship vacations with some very fine lines, we enjoy our hot springs/thermal baths adventures, we enjoy our other varieties of trips - but these cargo barges retrofitted to comfortable, luxurious passenger barges are a delight. Not for everyone, I am sure. You can charter the entire barge - we did that to celebrate a major family milestone, just 8 of us on La Nouvelle Etoile. We have also gone as individuals and met delightful people we still count as friends. Worth consideration as a special occasion trip or a benign vice.
 
Devil Doc said:
I'd like to visit Iceland some day. I just looked and see the US has reactivated the base.
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Capt MJ said:
What happens in Iceland…
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Deployed to Iceland for 6 months, November to May, I think 90-91. Some of the roughest weather I've ever seen. I remember looking down over the North Sea and thinking that there was no way I'd get in the poopy suit (immersion suit) if we had to go down, it would only prolong the agony. Professionally, probably the most rewarding things I have ever done ... Crew Holding TACCO on an all junior officer crew, flying on Soviet subs on a pretty regular basis.

We also had lots of fun...somebody once described a VP deployment as a fraternity , with money (we got per diem). The VP Officers had a fully loaded and well equipped bar, the BRASS NUT, located in our BOQ. It operated on an hour system, each drink was $.25 whether it was cheap beer or top shelf scotch (unfortunately, not much of scotch drinker back then), you put a tick mark on the sheet and Bull Ensign added it up and collected at the end of the month. Alert crew was responsible for daily restock and cleaning (cleaning on Friday and Saturday mornings, and after completion of a flap (period of round the clock ops on a Soviet sub was often quite a chore !). Bar was open 24x7, and frequently used after a flight no matter what time we landed. (I have drank from sunrise to sunset --not a long time in the middle of the winter). Visiting squadrons drank free, and Canadian's were always fun .

I would love to go back .... we never really got off base much, and certainly not to see the interior of the country. I hear there is some great fly fishing.
 
Getting some good ideas on this thread. I've never been to Scotland, Hungary or Iceland. I've heard good things about Budapest from DD. Closest I got to Scotland was when our ship transited the Irish Sea then up to the Orkney Islands before heading to the eastern coast of Denmark. One more country and I'm in my own 50-50 club. All 50 United States and 50 countries visited. Thanks for planting the travel seeds.
 
I did a six week North Atlantic with the America battle group on a replenishment oiler. We had to pull in to Portsmouth England for fuel and the other ships tied up in Germany, Denmark, and Norway. The ship got a bus to take those who signed up to London. It was February and cold and rainy but I still saw some sites and played darts in a pub. Didn’t go aboard but checked out the HMS Victory from stem to stern. Had fish and chips. Back at sea and doing our thing and in and out of a fjord or two. Got my blue nose. Slipped out to the fantail one night to feel the cold and saw the northern lights.
 
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Another bucket list item: stay in the Northern Lights Village in Finland in one of those glass roofed lodges and see the northern lights in winter. I am not fond of serious cold, but I would do that. DH has seen them from sea during a winter northern latitudes Navy thing. I think it would put my tiny human life in perspective. I think there are places in the Yukon in Canada too.

You’ll note the photo below indicates I don’t need to be outside to check this item off.

IMG_6126.jpeg
 
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Devil Doc said:
As usual I got too verbose in previous posts so I’ll skip the narrative and wrap it up with bullet points. We crossed the bridge onto the Isle of Skye and shortly turned south and found the shepherd’s hut my wife reserved for two days.
  • It was small and cramped but she called it cute
  • Drove to the fairy pools where it was snowing and wind chill in the 20s
  • Left there and went to the harbor town of Portree
  • It was cold and rainy, ate fish and chips, and shopped in a book store
  • Drove back to the hut close to the beach and it was warm and sunny
  • Left Skye headed for Glencoe and Skyfall Valley, actually called Glen Etive
  • Was going to hike and explore in Glencoe but it was cold and wet so we drove through Etive and headed for Edinburgh
  • Decided to turn the car in early and skip the trip to Dumfries where I wanted to see John Paul Jones’ birthplace and museum
  • Got to National before they closed and walked back with a stop at The City Cafe
  • Got back to Grassmarket and strolled around a little then called it a day
  • Without a car, we spent Thurs-Sat exploring Edinburgh
  • Lots of walking, picture taking, and eating
  • We had pasta at O’Oliverio and pizza at A Taste of Italy
  • Toured Holyrood Palace which is the official residence of the British Monarch in Scotland
  • Holyrood is at the bottom of the Royal Mile and a must see place
  • We were picked up Sunday on time by Andrew who had been sick all week and we were his only job for the day. He got us to the airport and said he hopes to see us again. I gave him the last of my sterling, 20 quid.
  • We had a nice flight which was a straight shot home
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But where/when was the visit to the Whisky Heritage Center? It's UP the mile from Holyrood.
 
I love traveling. I love visiting countries and cultures all over the world. But vacation??

No contest... My best vacation is heading down the Jersey shore. I've been doing since I was born, and nothing is more relaxing. Even Bruce agrees... Down the shore everything's all right...

Sure there are prettier beaches in the world. And MUCH nicer people. But I can get to my fave Jersey beach in 75 mins and have a cold beer in my hand and a crab trap in the water no longer than 30 mins later. No flight required...
 
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brewmeist said:
I love traveling. I love visiting countries and cultures all over the world. But vacation??

No contest... My best vacation is heading down the Jersey shore. I've been doing since I was born, and nothing is more relaxing. Even Bruce agrees... Down the shore everything's all right...

Sure there are prettier beaches in the world. And MUCH nicer people. But I can get to my fave Jersey beach in 75 mins and have a cold beer in my hand and a crab trap in the water no longer than 30 mins later. No flight required...
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I agree. I love the beach but don't get there often enough. My best vaca is a three day weekend at my son's house two miles from the beach.
 
Old Navy BGO said:
The VP Officers had a fully loaded and well equipped bar, the BRASS NUT, located in our BOQ. It operated on an hour system, each drink was $.25 whether it was cheap beer or top shelf scotch (unfortunately, not much of scotch drinker back then), you put a tick mark on the sheet and Bull Ensign added it up and collected at the end of the month.
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And visiting staff officers on their way to a NATO exercise were invited in while on base. And then some intrepid birdman was skilled enough to get qualified as Patrol Plane Commander (?) and thus bought the bar for the night so each drink was $0.00. Very rough night and if I recall correctly there was something similar two nights later. Finally getting aboard ship was probably a good thing for us or at least for our collective livers.
 
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