 Jim & Ann Blanchard - UNDERWAY | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 28th January 2009 Martin | Thanks for the tip about SKOOSH - From: In Bangkok Hi Jim and Ann, I stumbled across your blog entry when looking for information about the Grand Ayudhaya and checked the price on Skoosh which was far cheaper than the one I was about to book. It's is a great site I'll be sure to check Skoosh more often. http://www.skoosh.com/bangkok_hotels/grand_ayudhaya_hotel_bangkok2.html |
| 14th July 2008 UNDERWAY | Hey you two! - From: Lamai, Lamai I knew when I hit the "SEND" key that I had read the date on the blog and that it was out of date. However, it was to late to extract at that point. Still, however, The enjoyment that we both experenced in Laos seem's genuine and I for one am looking forward to going back one day. Just read your "Gibbon" blog and wish we had done that ZIP LINE part. Sounds like great fun, less the leeches. Was that green snake anything to fear? Are you still in KL? All for now, Jim & Annie |
| 14th July 2008 chrisandbecky | Thanks Again! - From: Lamai, Lamai Thanks for the tips. Unfortunately you've been tricked by our slow blog posting...we were actually in northern Laos in June...we are just that far behind in our blog. Bex and I are now in Kuala Lumpur. We fly out for Borneo tomorrow for our last adventure. On August 11 we fly back home to Victoria. I see that you are home now. It sounds like you had a great trip. You'll be ready to go again before you know it. After all these months living out of our backpacks, we are also starting to look forward to the comforts of home. Thanks again for looking at our blog. Cheers, Chris |
| 14th June 2008 glenn hanson | return - From: Lamai, Lamai well , home again home again, jiggity jig! welcome back. can't describe how much i missed you. rest up, and we'll catch you in a few weeks. hope you are going to create good weather for us, as we have been unable to please the weather gods. luv su & gln. |
| 9th June 2008 kimbo | Looking fwd to seeing you soon - From: Lamai, Lamai Jim and Anne, It's been great following you're adventures through this blog! Travel can be axhausting and I'm sure the cabin is sounding like the best place to spend the summer. Maybe you'll become "snow birds" and travel the winters. I look fwd to seeing you both. I'm leaving for Alaska on the 14th of June. I'll plan on coming over for a visit after you recoup. It's been extremely wet and I'm REALLY looking fwd to summer. Call when you're on the west side...I'll meet you at Alagator Soul, I know Ter and Dan would come too. Maybe by Sept. you'll be ready to go again... Amy & Zach's wedding will be on the big Island. The volcano is active, so two good reasons to go . Safe travels home, Love you, Kim |
| 31st May 2008 UNDERWAY | Now on Koh Samui - From: Luang Prabang - Chiang Rai - Mae Sai - Chiang Mai Hi you guys - We flew down to Koh Samui today and have spent the day by the pool. Trying to work on our tan. The weather today has been good. Hopefully it will stay that way but this is the rainy season. Sounds like you are doing a great job down sizing. Keep it up. I will email Dana. Love you, Jim and Ann |
| 30th May 2008 glenn hanson | dana - From: Hanoi-Vientiane-Luang Prabang Photos hi again i just remebered dana has booted herself off your blogsite she thinks and wants you to email her at dana robb@yahoo.com |
| 30th May 2008 glenn hanson | house not selling - From: Luang Prabang - Chiang Rai - Mae Sai - Chiang Mai hi you two, nice to hear from you. sorry you have not heard from us. i showed glenn how to do this a few weeks ago, and thought he was sending replys when he gets the e mails ..but found out yesterday he was not. he forgot how. anyway no sales here yet so am still closet diving. found lots of 'stuff' some old favorites. lots to get rid of, so i got permisson from michelle to hold a clothing sale at work to benefit our holiday fund, and have the unsold items to go to employment sec for workfirst persons. its only in the 50 & 60's here most of the week, so not able to wear summer clothing much, and now in the 80's in the east. todd sent us a neaner neaner from lake chelan where it's 85. the dog. bye 4 now. luv. |
| 30th May 2008 UNDERWAY | Thanks Reida - From: Chiang Mai Hey, Whatta bout me??? I thought I looked pretty good too - Jim. Thanks for the good words. We are back in Bangkok and frankly we are getting tired of living out of a suitcase and moving around so much. We are heading south to the islands tomorrow and will decompress there for a bit. Weather is getting wet but still warm, creating a real humid environment. Did a north to south train ride yesterday of about 700 miles. Amazing how beautiful northern and central Thailand are. It looked like one big rice paddy once we got out of the mountains. Say hello to everyone at home. We miss you all. love, Jim and Ann i |
| 29th May 2008 chrisandbecky | Cooking - From: Chiang Mai We took a cooking class in Chiang Mai as well at Baan Thai. It was good fun. |
| 28th May 2008 Reida & Terry | - From: Chiang Mai Annie, you look so refreshed!! We are so much enjoying all the pictures and stories as you travel. That Panda looks like he is really go it made. Weather here is in the 70's, partly sunny and evening showers. Memorial Day was a busy time in the Pondo! Pool is open and lot's of people. We miss you two and wish you well the rest of the trip. Love Reida. Molly say's Hi! |
| 27th May 2008 UNDERWAY | Chiang Mai - From: Chiang Mai Hi Larry and Caroline - it's great to hear from you guys. I love the idea of jigsaw puzzles. We may have to do that when we get back. We are having a lot of fun traveling around southeast Asia. We have been lucky to not have experienced any of the cyclones and earthquakes other parts of Asia has experienced. It is getting into the wet season so each day is sunny, cloudy and rainy as well as hot and HUMID. Our next stop is Bangkok and then on to Samui (again). Still not sure about going to Australia. We will have to decide shortly. Good to hear from you, Love, Jim and Ann |
| 27th May 2008 Caroline Powell | Colors - From: Chiang Mai Some of your photos, particularily "Colors", "Umbrella" or "Noodles and Tomatoes" would make good jig-saw puzzles. We are enjoying your trip. Thanks, Caroline & Larry |
| 21st May 2008 UNDERWAY | Flower power - From: Hanoi-Vientiane-Luang Prabang Photos hi Jim - We took quite a few flower pictures and will have to enlarge our favorite pictures when we get home for mom. Jim wanted to bring a boat home as well. I am going to have him build us a tuk-tuk for the Ponderosa. I grew very fond of the tuk-tuks in Luang Prabang. They are different than the ones in Thailand. We just got into Chang Rai last night so will do a blog in a couple of days. J & A |
| 20th May 2008 Jim Powell | Beauty - From: Hanoi-Vientiane-Luang Prabang Photos I like the sunset and the flowers wow. Bring me home a river boat for my collection. I can run it up and down the Columbia river. Mom is doing fine. She is excited abount each new blog. I wish she could see better to enjoy all the wonderful pictures. Love Jim and Karen |
| 19th May 2008 UNDERWAY | Luang Prabang - From: Hanoi-Vientiane-Luang Prabang Photos Hi you two - It only took three days to get the blog published. Next time we travel we are taking a lap top. Enjoy China. We did get a nastygram even speaking about Myanmar and the possibility of visiting. Leaving tomorrow for Chang Mai and then Chang Rai. Will post again from there. Good travels, Jim and Ann |
| 19th May 2008 the soul cultivator | - From: Hanoi-Vientiane-Luang Prabang Photos Who are those two good looking youngsters? Great to hook up with you both, I love the Loas school student photo. Safe travels. X |
| 16th May 2008 UNDERWAY | Vientiane - From: Vientiane, Laos via Hanoi Hi Doug and Bonnie - as you probably know from our post we are in Laos. We fly out today for Luang Prabang and will be there for 4 days. From there we go on a two day river boat trip - weather permitting - to a place near Chang Rai, Thailand. Will update you further once we are at Chang Rai. Doubtful if internet availability will be present for the next few days but if it is we will do another blog. Have fun on you trip. Keep us informed as best you can on your trip. Are you taking a lap top? Love to all - Jim and Ann |
| 15th May 2008 Bonnie Cox | Imagine - From: Vientiane, Laos via Hanoi I just can't imagine being where you are and doing everything you are doing. This is truly amazing.Thank you for sharing with all of us. |
| 12th May 2008 UNDERWAY | Hanoi - From: Ha Long Bay tour Hi Chaire - the message was taken incorrectly at our hotel. We tried to get a hold of you and the hotel did not have room 203 or know your name. Please contact us again 84 4 845 2270 and leave a new message for room 1419. Jim and Ann Blanchard |
| 12th May 2008 the soul cultivator | - From: Ha Long Bay tour I didnt know the crew were illegal (in our eyes) and had no safety training! A perfect example of a same same but different trip to mine, what a great place! Ill be seeing you guys later Claire x |
| 12th May 2008 Jim Powell | Nha Trang - From: Pictures of Nha Trang Glad you are still having a good time. Mom enjoys the news and keeping track of where you are. Pictures are to small for her to see, so have to describe theto her. Jim and Karen |
| 11th May 2008 Bonnie Cox | You look wonderful ! - From: Pictures of Nha Trang Everything must be agreeing with you !! You look great, relaxed and happy. I slammed my hand in the car door yesterday Ouch !! Looks pretty bad but I do not think it is broke. One finger is gross but Oh well !! We leave in one week for a 5 weeks trip so we will try to keep in contact . |
| 10th May 2008 UNDERWAY | Halong Bay tour - From: Ha Long Bay tour Peter - we booked our tour through the hotel - Halong Plaza Hotel - We did the deluxe boat seven hour trip. Not sure if other hotels have the exact itinerary or not but there are probably many possibilities. The cost was $280 for us to have the whole boat to ourselves. There are overnight cruises available for 2-3 days or more. I would not book until you get here because if you want an overnight cruise, you do not want to have booked a hotel room for the same period of time. Write if you need more information. There are probably over 500 boats available so no issue of everything being booked. You should look up Halong Bay tours on the internet to get some idea of availability. We did see some high end boat cruises advertized in magazines throughout Vietnam as well as on Vietnam Airways. |
| 10th May 2008 Peter | Ha Long Bay Tour - From: Ha Long Bay tour Did you book the cruise before getting to Ha long or did you pick up the cruise when you were there. We are coming over in 3 months. What cost was the cruise ? Peter |
| 10th May 2008 UNDERWAY | Way too much fun - From: Ha Long Bay tour Hi Reida and Gloria - yes you are right we are having a great experience and actually learning some things we were not aware of. We are difinately getting an education. A lot of the pictures we are sending are just hours old in some cases as in yesterday's post from Halong Bay. The tap water here is not recommended for drinking but bottle water is provided by the hotels and is available everywhere. This is prodominately true troughout all asian countries. As to the saltwater or rivers, they tend to look murky close to the coast and upstream. The islands however, being off shore, have very clean saltwater unless it has been stirred up by the weather. Wishing you and Gloria a happy birthday and understand your need to get warmed up. Wish we could send you some of our heat, less the humidity. Have a drink on us, Jim and Ann |
| 9th May 2008 Cuz | Way to Much Fun - From: Ha Long Bay tour You guy's sound like you are having a wonderful experience. I am loving the pictures and all the great information you send. It's a great education for all of us at your expense! And Knowing that the pictures are within days old. Is the water dirty or is it clean? I am in Arizon today and off to Reno tomorrow. Helping Gloria close up and move back for the summer. And celebrating our Birthday's Again. Really needed to get warmed up as it has not really been warm enough for me in the Pondo.Have a wonderful day. Reida |
| 9th May 2008 UNDERWAY | Pictures - From: Pictures of Nha Trang Hi - glad to hear you are getting bites on the house. We are sure it will sell fast. The weather is rainy tonight but it was hot all day. Went out on a tour of Ha Long Bay today and had a good time. We had the boat to ourselves as there were about 300 other boats carrying 1 to 50 couples. See the pictures we are adding to a blog. Stay in touch. Love you, Jim and Ann |
| 8th May 2008 glenn &sue | pretty pictures - From: Pictures of Nha Trang hi you two. enjoyed the pictures. we have had a couple of people come look at the property..so our line is baited and in the water. maybe we will catch a big fish. it s so cold here today it is positively criminal..46 degrees..and about 75 plus on the otherside. we are cat sitting for shelly. she went to texas. craig came back from italy. hope you have good weather and small waves. i just read about the huge wave created by the storm in burma. be safe. love ya! |
| 8th May 2008 UNDERWAY | Nha Trang - From: Pictures of Nha Trang Hey Ned, Good to hear from you. We are now in Ha Long Bay by Hanoi. I failed in finding Forester but in digging deeper into the web, found someone to contact in V.N. who was aboard herin the 90's as an officer. Will follow up on that when I get back State Side. Your comments Re: Nam are rite on. The place is a lot nicer than in the War. Prices are decent and food great. Will keep in touch. Oh, Ann has been my XO for almost 30 years now; yep, she's a keeper...... Jim |
| 8th May 2008 Ned | Nah Trang - From: Pictures of Nha Trang Hey Jim, Nam sure looks alot different and peaceful from what I remember. Hope you are being treated well. No effects from the typhoon that hit Burma? Worrried about you guys when I saw the news. I know how wide spread the storm can be. Remember Hong Kong? Keep enjoying the trip and keep us updated. By the way sailor, that is quite a looker you landed there matey. |
| 8th May 2008 UNDERWAY | Falgout DER 324 - From: Vietnam's Disneyland Tom, I was in West=Pac with you aboard Falgout. I also retired out of IBEW but as an equiptment mechanic. Worked for Snohomish PUD local 77. While here in Viet Nam, I was looking for Forester DER --- but no luck. We post on the site often as we travel S.E. Asia and am happy your aboard. .... Jim ( a Falgout Snipe) |
| 8th May 2008 Tom Oliver QM3 | falgout shipmate 65 - 67 - From: Strom over Samui Jim, I have enjoyed reading the Blogs. Was reading this evening 5/7/08. I was struck with wonderment were you a Lineman or Electrician. I myself am a Lineman out of IBEW Local 53 in Kansas City, Mo. Spent 32 1/2 years a Kansas City Power & Light Co. Retired in 2000. Lasted 2 weeks, started tramping in KC area for about 3 years. Worked out of 53, and 304 in Topeka, Ks. and just retired for good in Oct. of 07. A shoulder replacement surgury has sidelined for good. Glad I stumbled on to the Blog. Continue to enjoy the visit to the old stomping grounds I also remember a trip to Bangkok and a mishap with some bum boats and something about the torpedo workshop on the O 1 level. Look for a reply and Blog update Tom Oliver |
| 6th May 2008 jude | Fries - From: Vietnam's Disneyland Hey - how about sending everyone some of those fab french fries and tartar sauce. Jude |
| 4th May 2008 Glenn and Sue | - From: Unification Day in Saigon Hi there, nice to hear from you. Enjoy reading about your adventures. We are busy packing, and downsizing. getting ready for our life s next adventure. Winter is still hanging on here and we are fed up with the coldness..Its aproximatly75 in wenatchee. not fair. be well. love ya. G@S. |
| 3rd May 2008 Lynne | - From: Unification Day in Saigon Good Morning, Enjoy reading about your adventures as I sit here at my computer. Must have been very frustrating trying to get your card taken care of. Glad to hear all is well again. |
| 1st May 2008 Nick Napzok | You lucky guys! - From: Snow at home Howdy Jim and Ann, Our good shipmate, "Surfer" Ned just gave me the link to your blog. All I can say is you're having too much fun. Stop it because I'm jealous, ha ha. Since I got out of the Navy, the furthest west I've been is Hawaii. Man, I wish that I could take one last WestPac cruise. Those were the good old days, right Jim? Enjoy the rest of the cruise, you two. Be sure to take lots of photos. I'll be more than happy to post them on my Navy website after you get back. |
| 1st May 2008 UNDERWAY | Forester - From: Letters from Nam Hi Ned - found out that the Vietnamese Navy is called the People's Defense Force and has what we would call a small Navy contingent here in Saigon. On their web site yesterday no mention of any of the names you sent me in regards to Forester. The ship would be almost 70 years old and am not sure that any Navy other than the US navy would retain a ship that long. Will keep looking for any information I can find on her. Computer time here is expensive but cheaper that taxi time running all over the country. If you could find any new info ie Forester websites, or whatever, please send it to me. Will be in touch, Jim |
| 1st May 2008 UNDERWAY | Saigon - From: Letters from Nam Hi - glad to hear from you. We hope Karen does well in her recovery. Are you serious about the Kettle Falls area? It's a long ways away. But it is beautiful there. We spent some vacation time there with the jet skis a few times. The next few months will go so fast for you. It is very exciting to see you retire. Say hello to mom. Love you, J & A |
| 1st May 2008 Jim Powell | Having fun - From: Letters from Nam Only 3 months and 30 day left to work. Glad you are having so much fun. Karen and I went over to Kettle Falls and spent 4days with hers friends from that area. Aunt Jean came down and stayed with Mom. We looked at about 15 different places around the area with a few possiblities. Karen had foot surgery done today. She will be layed up for 4-6 weeks. I have the next weeek and a half off to take care of her. Love Big Brother |
| 30th April 2008 Ned \"Surfer\" | Nam - From: Letters from Nam Well Jim, been alot of years since we were there. And it was not a friendly place. Glad you are able to walk the streets in peace. It was 33 yrs. today we lost the Forester. Hope you can spot her and take a photo. Haven't heard from Nick but as always, I am checking out the web site. I will send him a note today and let him know you guys are well and having fun. Ned |
| 29th April 2008 UNDERWAY | Saigon - From: Letters from Nam Hi Rese - good to hear from you and glad that the weather is getting better. I am sure that if Jim were here he would be experiencing some of the same feelings I have been having about the war we fought in so many years ago. Wish he could have survived to be with us today. Must be nice to be working in the flower beds. We will be home too late to do any of that this year. Have a good time in Arizona for your birthdays. Say hi to Gloria. We will see you when we get home. Love, Ann and the Archbishop |
| 29th April 2008 UNDERWAY | Saigon - From: Letters from Nam Hi you guys. It is good to hear from you. Wish you were here to enjoy the trip with us. We are now in Viet Nam and Jim is trying to find a ship - please save me!! He is on his own for this one. We are trying to decide what to do next. We are considering Nha Trang for a couple of days to enjoy the beach. Typhoon emerging off of India heading east so weather here may change in the next few days. Went to a Pho house last night called Pho24. Had some interesting chicken noodle soup. Also had pork spring rolls that were good. Also some chicken wrapped shrimp that was deep fried. Trying not to drink the water, All for now, Jim and Ann |
| 29th April 2008 UNDERWAY | Forster - From: Letters from Nam Hi Ned - great to hear from you. Thanks for the response. Will use this info to try and find if the vessel is still around. Sure had a lot of memories and feelings as were getting ready to land here. It seems like it was so long ago. Have you been in contact with Nick lately? Love you buddy. Jim |
| 28th April 2008 Bonnie Cox | Great Adventures - From: Letters from Nam Good to keep us posted, it is like we are with you.Thanks |
| 28th April 2008 Ned | - From: Letters from Nam This is what I found about the Forester. Do not know where she is moored. Transferred on 25 September 1971 to South Vietnam, FORSTER was renamed frigate TRAN KHANH DU (HQ-04). In a shipyard, in overhaul, when Saigon fell on 29 April 1975, she was captured by North Vietnamese forces and written off by the U.S. Navy as "Transferred to Vietnam, 30 April 1975." Renamed DAI KY (HQ-03), she was still seaworthy as of 1997 and used as a training ship. Glad you are enjoying you trip. "Surfer" |
| 28th April 2008 Reida | Vietnam - From: Letters from Nam Jimmy, I wish I could see parts of Viet Nam. I guess I will have to see them through your eys and pictures. I hope it is a peaceful and justifying part of your journey. I am sure that if Jimmy could see you he would be waliking by your side. Only you Vietnam boy's know the real inactment and have that bond with each other, that no body else could ever begin to understand. Have a wonderful day and hope to hear from you later this week. Oh, by the way, we had 72 and sunshine Saturday and Sunday. Worked outside in the flower beds. Maybe we can get some plants in this week.Ya-Hoooooo! Leaving for Arizon on the &th of May for our usual Birthdays. Closing up the Az home, visiting Vegas and than to Reno and back here on May 16th. love you guys...Reida |
| 27th April 2008 jude | - From: Surf's up at Samui RAIN? Yuck - you know how I hate it! Yes we had snow last week at the cabin & in Snohomish too. Came home from Mexico in sandals to snow on the ground. Oh well - keep up the good job with your blogs. Love you J & J |
| 25th April 2008 UNDERWAY | Moonlight - From: Moonlight over Samui Hi - good to hear from you. Glad you had a good time on the trip. We read you had snow and we were really glad we were here. The weather is still very stormy today for the third day in a row. We leave tomorrow via a boat to the mainland so we hope the weather improves. We then take an overnight train to Bangkok. Will depart Bangkok two days later for Viet Nam. Did you get email I sent you regarding Dan's new boat? Ann and the Archbishop |
| 24th April 2008 Reida | - From: Moonlight over Samui Jim & Annie, I returned from our crusie to the wonderful cold,rain,snow again! We had a wonderful cruise. I love the blogs and copy them to paper for Terry as he hates computers. He and I both enjoy them together at dinner. Please take care and we love you. Reida |
