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 Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251465
02/25/19 10:22 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,925
Ngaire
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Probably right - trying to save money!!!
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251466
02/26/19 02:00 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084
petlover
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Rachel, Hopefully, you and George will take the "panoramic scenic train ride" on June 1st with us when we're in Hull. We know next to nothing about the ports so choosing excursions was like throwing darts blindfolded.  It will all be a new adventure.
Marcie 
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251469
02/26/19 05:47 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,217
RachelG
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hi, Marcie,
George hates anything with "panoramic" in the title, so we are going to go hiking that day. He translates "panoramic" as "old people with walkers" tour. We have been all over northern England and Scotland on land tours, so have been to a lot of the places before.
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251536
03/31/19 03:41 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084
petlover
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I just got around to reading the Silver Sea book with packing recommendations...it sounds like the same type of clothing as Antarctica ??
Marcie
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251540
04/01/19 03:05 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,925
Ngaire
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I think a lot of that information relates to ALL expedition cruises. Layer, layer and bring a warm coat, hat and gloves. It could be cold but it could be mild with a light coat. Still need waterproof pants in case of a wet landing. Check internet for average temperatures at this time of the year for the main cities on the cruise.
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251555
04/10/19 12:02 AM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 256
S&K
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Does anyone have a recommendation for a transfer service from Schipol to hotel in Amsterdam?
Thanks.
Sheila and Ken
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251556
04/10/19 01:41 AM
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,212
jbittle
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Taxis work well, about 50 - 60 Euro. They're convenient and you pick the one you want, not just the first in line. 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: jbittle]
#251557
04/10/19 02:50 AM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 256
S&K
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Thanks Jim for info. Been a long time since we were last in Amsterdam.
Sheila and Ken
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251561
04/11/19 04:53 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,512
Ms Understood
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Unless I know there is Uber, we always just hire a car and driver from Carey Limo. They are very reliable and fare is prepaid before I get there so no worries for local currency. When do you arrive, Sheila? We get in on Saturday May 11 at 3 pm. Happy to get a mini van if that is consistent with your arrival and you want to share a ride?
------------------
Helen
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251562
04/11/19 08:27 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 256
S&K
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Thanks Helen for offer but we will be arriving on 9th. We plan on a some relaxing time before catching up with our Dutch friends. So will check out Carey Limo.
Sheila and Ken
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251563
04/11/19 11:15 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,033
lonestarlady
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We used Tourist Shuttle Amsterdam when we were there in late 2014. They were very dependable - waiting for us even though our flight was delayed over 2 hours!
Cindy TravelingTexasDuo.com"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." - Abraham Lincoln
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: lonestarlady]
#251564
04/12/19 03:27 AM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 256
S&K
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Thanks Cindy. I will check them out.
Sheila and Ken
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: S&K]
#251574
04/14/19 03:11 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,762
seadog
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Thanks Helen for offer but we will be arriving on 9th. We plan on a some relaxing time before catching up with our Dutch friends. So will check out Carey Limo.
Hey Sheila - Alice and I arrive on Thursday the 9th at 2:55 PM. How close is that to your arrival?
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251575
04/14/19 09:05 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 256
S&K
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Hi Kim - we arrive at 6:30 AM.
Sheila and Ken
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: S&K]
#251576
04/14/19 09:51 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,762
seadog
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Hi Kim - we arrive at 6:30 AM. Nevermind.  Really looking forward to seeing you and Ken!
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251577
04/14/19 10:27 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 256
S&K
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Yes it will be lovely to see you both again, it’s been a while hasn’t it? We’re really looking forward to this cruise.
Sheila and Ken
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251578
04/14/19 11:38 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,762
seadog
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I'm looking for the dress code at the dining venues. I suspect it's not as casual as the other Silversea expedition ships we have been on like the Explorer and Galapagos. But, on the Silversea website Click here, only info for dress code is for The Grill . When you click on the other three venues, there isn't any dress code info. Sheila - It's probably been 5 years ago on PAGODA!
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251580
04/15/19 09:03 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,925
Ngaire
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Just about the same as the other expedition ships in my opinion. . The ship is nicer but it is still an expedition ship. Slacks and tops for dinner will be fine. I will not be taking a jacket for Ken and I will be bringing nothing fancy we go straight down on safari so going to light tops that weigh very little.
Really looking forward to this trip also.
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251582
04/16/19 12:31 AM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,762
seadog
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251583
04/17/19 01:28 PM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,078
Leslie B
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Starting to look at details for Amsterdam. The Banks Mansion website mentions this shuttle company: https://www.schipholhotelshuttle.nlRate for two is 37 euros from airport to hotel. You can book online. Not a private transfer, it will stop at other hotels. Cheaper though than the tourist shuttle which is 60 euros. Just put in Uber for an estimate - UberX 26 - 36 euros, Uber Black 45-59 euros.
Leslie
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251584
04/17/19 06:58 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,512
Ms Understood
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Does anybody think we need to bring our boots for this trip? Waterproof pants are no problem re space/weight but my boots are kind of heavy. I can't seem to get a sense of how wet the landings might be, ankle deep or knee deep.
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Helen
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251585
04/17/19 07:31 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,925
Ngaire
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There will be wet landings and it could be very cold water. I am planning on using the ships boots. I think we will need boots.
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251586
04/17/19 08:15 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 256
S&K
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After lots of research I ended up booking a limo for 57 Euros with Airport Limo Service. Very professional to deal with and well priced for the service they give.
Sheila and Ken
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251587
04/17/19 10:01 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,762
seadog
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We are using the ships boots this time instead of taking ours. The ones I bought for the Arctic were too big anyway.
Thanks for doing the research on the airport transfer, Sheila!!
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251589
04/18/19 02:44 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084
petlover
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We don't own boots so definitely will need to use Silver Seas again (hopefully lots on board like the Silver Explorer had). We'll be touring Ireland for a week before we board in Dublin. Looking forward to seeing ya'll still on.
Marcie
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251593
04/22/19 04:56 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084
petlover
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Maybe this is a silly question but curious about footwear on the PUFFIN wet landings? Unlike Antarctica, In Scotland and Ireland it wouldn't seem necessary to wear the rubber boots once you're out of water and on land ?
Marcie
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: petlover]
#251594
04/22/19 05:01 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,512
Ms Understood
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Marcie, Not done this particular trip before but on other trips (Japanese islands, Galapagos...) once ashore, you could take off your boots and put on shoes or sneakers from your backpack and leave the boots on the shore near the zodiacs to put back on when you come back.
———————
Helen
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251595
04/22/19 06:33 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,925
Ngaire
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Just had an email about what to pack. SEE BELOW SOME INCORRECT INFORMATION.
The Silversea booklet really only addresses Polar Region cruises and no clarity on what to expect for the UK. One person called Silversea and was told there were NO wet landings at all. BUT when talking to the expedition team on my last Silversea expedition cruise who have been on these UK cruises told me there would indeed be some wet landings. In fact I was told 50/50 by one person. So lots of misleading information.
If there are wet landings you will need boots and waterproof pants for sure. Just use the boots on the ship unless you have boots you own and want to bring. Sometimes you may be able to change into walking shoes and other times you may wish to stay in the boots. If there has been rain (which happens a lot around the UK) it could be muddy. I think the waterproof pants will be a necessity even if we land on a dock you can get splashed on the zodiac. Definitely too cold for water shoes for the landings.
Temperatures at this time of the year should be between 40 to 60 degrees. So with wind it could be quite cool. Layer - layer and bring a warm coat, hat and gloves and if your warm coat is not waterproof a rain coat.
Personally I see no need for a polar parka but a warm coat for sure. I will email one of the expedition team and see if I can get clarity on the wet landings issue. I will also also send out an email to everyone for clarification once I get more information.
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: S&K]
#251602
04/23/19 05:30 AM
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2
Edszhi
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Michelle and I used Uber last year in Amsterdam very successfully. Yet it looks like there is a fee for Uber from the Airport if the ride is to city center so it might be the same as Taxis. I went to the Uber Amsterdam website today and to our hotel halfway to the city center is 19-25 euros. https://www.uber.com/cities/amsterdam/
![[Linked Image]](https://sandiegotroops.com/images/ed_and_michelless.jpg) Ed and Michelle
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251603
04/23/19 01:15 PM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,078
Leslie B
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Since they don't have an order form for it, I assume we aren't getting those multi layer jackets on this one.
Leslie
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251607
04/23/19 03:31 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,925
Ngaire
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So I heard from the expedition team coordinator at Silversea who contacted the expedition team.
NO BOOTS REQUIRED. I am sure if the situation arose they would let us use the boots on board anyway. Here is what the email said.
"The information from the Expedition team, suggests no wet landings on this voyage, only dry landings. No boots or parka will be provided. Waterproof gear is highly recommended, as Ngaire points out, it could be raining a fair bit of the time, and the Zodiac trips can be wet at times.
I’ve just called a tour operator in Scotland with respect to tours of Lunga, one of the puffin islands, and rubber boots (wellies) are not required. The landing at the island is over rocks and seaweed (depending on the tide), and the woman I spoke with said that good hiking boots/shoes will serve just as well as wellies, better if you consider the walking up to the cliffs"
SO DO NOT BRING YOUR BOOTS
HAVE A LOT OF WET GEAR CLOTHING
BRING A WARM COAT NO PARKA PROVIDED
In a way I am relieved those boots are such a pain to get on and off but our shoes could get pretty messy at times.
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ngaire]
#251609
04/23/19 05:24 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,512
Ms Understood
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Thanks, Ngaire! Guess we will put those pesky boots back in the garage for another day
————————-
Helen
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251610
04/23/19 05:41 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,033
lonestarlady
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Joined: Dec 2008
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I'm not on this cruise, but thought I would offer a tip. For our Alaska land trip last summer, I got these shoe covers for us that kept our tennis shoes and hiking shoes dry when we were walking in wet and muddy conditions. They don't come in real huge guys sizes, but my husband was able to get the largest size over his boots. Amazon Shoe Covers
Cindy TravelingTexasDuo.com"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." - Abraham Lincoln
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251611
04/23/19 09:27 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,925
Ngaire
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,925 |
What a great idea Cindy - I am going to get some of those. These are a LIFE SAVER for me I should send you flowers. I have Achilles Tendons and when I wear shoes with backs it make the pain come back. So live in backless shoes. Cannot wear backless shoes walking around islands on rocks and seaweed my socks at the back will get really nasty. It is a challenge on safaris at times. This absolutely solves my problem - put them over my backless sneakers and my feet are protected. BEST SUGGESTION EVER!!
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251612
04/23/19 09:37 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,512
Ms Understood
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Thanks for the tip, Cindy. I just bought them they look really handy!
———————-
Helen
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251614
04/24/19 02:48 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,925
Ngaire
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Posts: 8,925 |
Cindy I think you will be creating a run of this product from Amazon. I had requests to buy these for the Ken and Sheila and Ralph and June (they are in NZ right now) It is such a good idea I wish I had advised this on the email I sent out to everyone, but I had no idea this product existed.
In fact I will wait until I get mine so I can see exactly what they are and then send out a short email with the suggestion for everyone on the trip. This is what is great about LCT and all social media actually, sharing of good information.
THANK YOU CINDY!!!
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251615
04/24/19 08:48 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,033
lonestarlady
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You are so welcome! I hope they work for you guys. We found they held up pretty good for us (but we are not heavy duty hikers, just easy hikers!). It looks like they offer a couple of different styles now. The ones we got were the first link I sent, but THESE look like they might even be more sturdy. On the ones we got, the top part is kind of like rain gear cloth, with a semi-rigid rubber sole, so we were able to "peel" them onto our larger shoes. Wish we were on this trip! But I am looking forward to my complimentary PUFFIN pin!!
Cindy TravelingTexasDuo.com"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." - Abraham Lincoln
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251618
04/25/19 08:26 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,925
Ngaire
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,925 |
Got mine in the mail today from Amazon. I like this style with the zipper so easy to put on and off. I am a VERY HAPPY camper. I think they are going to work really well.
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Re: PUFFIN Roll Call May 13, 2019
[Re: Ms Understood]
#251621
04/26/19 04:20 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084
petlover
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Looking at Amazon now. It looks like most are made for tiny Chinese feet. 😳 What kind did you get for Ken ?
Marcie
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