We are off today for an Allthego bucket list occasion in Melbourne. The 2022 Lexus Melbourne Cup next Tuesday. Now, Allthego is not a great fan of horses, finds them a bit uncomfortable to ride and could number on one hand the number of times he has been on a horse. Homealone doesn’t mind a horse and we have two grandchildren who like riding them. Allthego is not a great fan of horse racing either, not really interested in it. He doesn’t know how to put a bet on at the TAB either. There has always been a hankering though to see the Cup live at Flemington tio see what all the fuss is about.

So, we are heading off on a cruise from Brisbane aboard the Pacific Encounter, a P & O vessel, on their Melbourne Cup special cruise. This could be a bit of a party boat, perhaps the passengers will be happier on the two days sailing down to Melbourne compared to the two days coming back after the race! We will see. Halloween occurs onboard this coming Sunday, this could be a bit of mayhem fancy dress wise. Homealone and Allthego have secured some appropriate head ware for the occasion, just to be part of the action.

The ship leaves from the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal. This was opened just before Covid struck and has been in mothballs, only recently opening. It is further down the Brisbane River than the old terminal at Hamilton. We no longer sail under the Gateway Bridge, which was always a bit of a highlight leaving Brisbane on a cruise. It is a fine sunny day, a little hot and humid and it looks like fine sailing weather out into Moreton Bay and on the way down the coast to Melbourne.
We are all set to go! Now for the Sail Away Party!