Friday Whales and Queen Mary

We had two plans for the day. Both had some minor issues. First, we had whale watching at noon. Second, we had drinks and jazz music on the Queen Mary at 7. But before this, we went to Creme De La Crepe for a late breakfast, brunch, if you like.

Creme De La Crepe is a French-style restaurant I found last time I was in Long Beach, but it is a long walk. We took the Air VW the Gray. I have a huge bag of coins for laundry and meters on this trip. I put quarters in the meter after parking in sight of the crepe place. Deborah and Jeanne had a table outside (it was hot inside) and comfortable outside. I had coffee with an egg Benedict and a side of cheese and sliced potatoes in a square. Deborah and Jeanne tried crepe items, and we shared a sweet crepe with chocolate, strawberries, and bananas. While not inexpensive, it was excellent food (though service can be slow).

After this, I dropped off Jeanne with Deborah to get the whale-watching tickets (they had already been purchased online, but they were physical tickets). I parked the car back at the hotel and walked there. While there and not seeing Deborah or Jeanne, I heard twice on the broadcast that boarding for whale watching was at 11:30. They had gone shopping, and it is a long walk there and back. Sadly, I was wrong, and they rushed back for no reason. I meant them halfway. At least we got good seats on the front (bow) of the boat.

One whale and lots of dolphins were our find in a lovely ride in the Pacific with gentle rolling seas. Before we had lots of whales and even orcas. Still, it was a great trip.

Next, Deborah had done some work, I finished my American Civil War book, and Jeanne rested. Deborah and I got some food from the hotel, and Jeanne reheated the leftovers from our last dinner. We ate that together in our room. We have an Executive Suite. It was a nice, quiet dinner together.

We next got back into the EV and parked at the Queen Mary. We headed to the Observation Bar, grabbed a table, and got some overpriced drinks while we listened to live music of 30-40-50 songs. I skipped up to the bridge, while it was still open, and took some photographs. Deborah joined Jeanne at the shop, but found nothing to take home.

With the first set over and our charcuterie board finished, we walked the decks from one end to the other, then went inside and walked the stateroom areas, which always feel haunted and out of time and space. Like a Steven King book or movie. With that done and having learned that the Engine Room space was closed for the night (I missed it again), we headed back, soon found the car, and let Evie take us home. We did have to pay $15 for parking, as our validation only covered part of it.

We returned to the hotel, and I parked the car. And then showered, put on my PJs, while Deborah read. I wrote the blog in the dark while Deborah slept.