Ft. Walton Beach, FL

Fort Walton Beach, FL.        

                             

   our road trip following our Panama cruise took us west to Fort Walton Beach, FL where we spent the night. We had ideas in our heads of playing in the white sands of Fort Walton. To our amazement the thirty-some-odd chilly temperatures sucked all the hot air out of our balloons! The wind chill factor dropped the temperatures down into the 20’s and shut the gate on our beach fun!

     

   After a few quick photos we ran back to the warmth of our vehicle and reconsidered our trip to New Orleans! The radio chatter of ice coming in to the Branson area sped up our timetable a couple of days.

   Still needing to do our laundry anyway, we drove on in to Springdale , Arkansas and stayed at Ron and Nancy’s a couple of nights to get that don.  

  On Sunday we went to church with Nancy’s Mom and stayed for their Sunday potluck, a wise move on our part!              

  On our way to Branson we were joined by Steve and Rhonda and their daughter. As they all had free tickets and guest passes to Silver Dollar City, we all went to see the 6.5 million Christmas lights on display. The festivities were awesome and we all had a great time. The best part was my southern fried Succotash! Yum yum"

  After that, they dropped us off at Debby’s Mom’s home where she lives with her daughter, Sandi, and Marvin. This is where we will be for Thanksgiving, sharing the house with nearly as many cats and dogs as people. Ha ha!

   Missing my home!

A FIRST FOR ME

A FIRST FOR ME.                 

   A few days ago, Ron, Nancy, Debby and I went to the Cracker Barrel for breakfast. As we milled around in the gift shop waiting on our name to be called for seating, a younger man walked by and said hello. I was wearing my Vietnam Veteran’s cap, as I often do. The young man looked at my cap and said, "Thank you for your service." I thanked him for his acknowledgment and he went on his way.

   Several names were called as we patiently waited for ours to be called, as the restaurant was very busy this morning. Soon it was our turn and we made our way to our table.  

   The waiter cane over, brought our coffee and drinks. We ordered our meals and thoroughly enjoyed Cravker Barrel’s southern cooking.

   When it was time to go we asked our waiter for the check. He told us that our meals have already been paid for. Not really sure we heard him correctly, we said, "What?" He told us that someone in the next room paid for our meals. We finally got it out of him who it was, although he was reluctant.  

   Ron and I went over to the man’s table. He told me he wanted to buy our breakfast because he appreciated my service. He said he never served but he appreciated those who did. I thanked him and said it wasn’t necessary but that I appreciated it.  

   We talked for a bit and I told him that no one has ever done that for me for this reason. I said I have done that for other soldiers but this was a first for me. He seemed to like that. We took a photo together before we parted. His name was Steve Cook.

   I really appreciated this random act of kindness, not because I needed the meal, but because of his desire to give something back. Although this young man did not serve IN the military, he is still serving. It is a great thing he is doing.

   Because I wear the Veterans cap many people acknowledge my service and thank me for serving. Many old veterans strike up a conversation to ask where I was based. Most of them usually say, "Welcome home." They say that because many returning veterans never felt like they were welcomed.

   Most of the veterans I’ve met have all been grateful to be a vet and are respectful to others. However, recently in North Carolina, one big old burly vet cane up to me and asked where I was stationed in ‘Nam. I told him, "Phu Cat". He said, "Wasn’t that an air base?" I said it was. He said, "What outfit?" I said, "Air Force". "That was almost military", he replied with the straight face of a seasoned, indoctrinated jarhead. 

Costa Rica

Costa Rica ZIP Line fun!
                                               

   We arrived in Limon, Costa Rico about 0700 Sunday morning. Our excursions began shortly after arriving. Several of us had signed up for the Jungle Canopy Zip Line excursion. Our group size was quite large and it took a lot of time to get everyone on this ride.    

   We traveled by bus to the staging area. At this point we were standing on the side of the mountain terrain. From this vantage point we can see zip line cables disappearing into the high jungle canopy. Platforms have been built around trees. There were 11 zip lines running between platforms. Whenever one zip line ended, another zip line began.

   After the instructors dressed us in climbing harnesses and hardhats, we were taken to the first platform. Unfortunately our group numbered almost 40 people. I was in the back of the line end it took more than an hour and a half for me to get to the first platform. There was no place to sit down, standing room only. No one dared sit on the ground because of the fierce Bullet ants that claimed this territory. Bullet ants or an inch long and have a very powerful sting. Our guide said he had been stung by one of these insects and it took more than 10 hours for the pain to subside. It was unfortunate that our excursion guides had not planned this as well as it could have been planned. The groups were much too large, resulting in the long wait lines and disgruntled zippers. But we endured and made the best of it.   The zip lines were a big hit. With some of our platforms being 60 to 80 feet above the forest floor we had a great view of the jungle. We spied beautiful flora, flowers And even a Sloth.   Following the zip line excursion we headed back to port to board our waiting ship.       

   No excursion is complete without a hike through a myriad of souvenir shops and barkers peddling their wares.  

  This will be our final port before we dock back in Ft Lauderdale more than two days away.

Panama Canal

                                

   Got up about 0530 this morning to have an early breakfast and coffee. In about an hour we will be in line to enter the Panama Cnal. Debby and I had a sweet roll and coffee before making our way to the front deck on level 4. As we approached the entrance door, we saw several people standing in the hallway. We were told that the line began down "that way" to the end of the hall. We cut through the crowd and soon come to the end of the line. We waited. Others came along and stood with us.We were soon joined by a family, or group, of people who seemed to make it their mission to make sure no one cut into the line. Noticing that people were NOT coming to the rear of the line, but instead making a new line from a new hallway closer to the entrance to Deck 4, seemed to irritate the two large women in this family group.

   At first one had to go see for herself if this was happening. She came back and reported what she saw. Then, as if in charge of all this, both of these rather large women decided they would go and police the second line. In a few minutes the door to the Deck 4 viewing area was opened and our line began to move. Our line was moving pretty well. As we approached the door, we noticed these two large ladies were physically restraining the people from the second hallway line and telling them in no uncertain it terms that some heads were going to get hurt of they tried to force their way ahead of those who had been waiting much longer! We could  hear voices of irritation from those not being allowed to proceed. It was a very funny sight!  

   We found a nice spot on the rail where we could get a good view of the local in action.  

   WEe were soon given permission to enter the locks and to proceed to the first of three stages . These locks were dedicated in 1914 and most all of the original parts are still in good working order.

  Our guide said that cruise ships have priority to enter the locks because they pay dearly for that privilege. Since the building of the original canal, another has been added that allows passage for the really large ships; those carrying thousands of cargo containers. Some of these ships also pay dearly to use this canal. The largest sum eve charged was right at one million six hundred thousand U.S. dollars.                      

After our ship entered the canal and proceeded to clear the 3 designated lock, we proceeded into the man made lake that was retention water for the operation of this lock. The ship dropped anchor as many of us got off into the smaller boats to go out on our tours. Our tour was interesting and enlightening.  

   We also got to go out on smaller boats that gave us a tour of the lake itself. The jungle was thick with vegetation that grew in abundance along the banks of the lake. Wild monkeys, birds and Sloths roamed this jungle. W were able to spot many of them as we rode along near the banks.  

   One of our straying areas was inside the Panama Resort, a beautiful resort where one could come for a week or more and spend time here exploring the area and learning about the locks.

   Soon we were headed back to our ship for dinner.

Curacao

                      

   Willemstad is the capitol of this unusually bright and cheery island. The downtown buildings were painted in beautiful pastel colors. The landscaping was well kept with greenery and towering palms. We didn’t need to walk very far as we left our ship to find a willing company desiring to show us their fair city for a mere $20 each. As we had not officially signed up for a sightseeing tour, Ron and I decided to try the $20 tour. After getting our tickets, we still had time to walk around to see the colorful buildings.            

   When the time came, we walked back to the tour gathering place and waited for the bus to come that would take us out there for a two hour tour.

   The bus was comfortable with air conditioning and free WiFi to boot! The driver took us out of town and upon some vistas that offered amazing views of the city. Once in a while the driver would stop and let us out to take advantage of photo opportunities.

   We went through areas where poor people lived and upper areas where the rich lived. In another area we drove through an area where the slaves used to live.

               

   Apparently much of the town used to be painted white. The story goes that the Mayor used to have a lot of nagging headaches. So one visit to his doctor resulted in discovering the cause of his headaches was the sunlight glaring off the white buildings. The mayor ordered that all of their white be covered with colors of pastel; that no white was to be left showing on any buildings. And so it was. The whole town, houses, buildings and all were painted in colors of orange, yellow, pink and other colors to dim the glare of the sunlight. The story has it that one of the Mayor’s relatives, another city official, had interest in a paint store that sold all of the paint to those painting all the buildings. No one is sure that changing the building colors actually had a bearing on the Mayor’s headaches!

                             

   Another stop on this high dollar tour was to the city’s whiskey manufacturing facility. Everyone got off the bus and toured the plant and was ushered through the tasting room where one could purchase a bottle of his favorite brew. I slipped back out the entrance and avoided all that. I figured, "What can they say to a blind guy wandering the grounds?" Other tour groups also drove up and parked so their groups could tour the plant. I got to wondering if this piece of the action was staged in favor of giving a financial edge to some city official who might also have an interest in a tour bus AND a brewery!

                             

   Once the tour was over, many of those on the bus were given the opportunity to get off the bus and walk the few blocks back to the ship via a huge shopping mall. Ron and I stayed on the bus and went back to the ship.

   The tour was well worth the twenty dollars and we were glad we did it.  

                 

Aruba

ARUBA

                      

  After sailing the Caribbean for one day and two nights, we made Port at Aruba at noon today. We ate lunch on the Lid deck and then headed for the big room to get with our excursion group 

                      

   Ron and I chose to go out on an off road adventureWe wanted to see some back country, as well as the populated areas. Our first stop on this yellow, 4 wheel drive , open vehicle was to an overlook point that offered amazing views of the surrounding countryside and the city. This stop was hiking the large rock where steps had been cut out . It was, indeed, a great viewQ

                                 

   Back into out 4WD monster, we stopped at various viewpoints for a photo op.  

   Some other stops were at the Lighthouse, a Blow Hole in the volcanic rock , a church on a hill once occupied by a missionary, viewpoints along the beach, the Natural Bridge and an hour long stop at the beach where we could get cold drinks and swim in the warm ocean. Ron and I chose to not swim, but did enjoy a nice cold soft drink.

                     

    All in all, it was a great ride. The roads were a bit rough but no problem with the ATV. I came home with a bruise on the back of my forearm...and I’m not easily bruised! Before the ride my lower back was hurting enough to make me want to just stay seated. Aftertastes the 4 hour bouncing ride, I actually felt pretty good! Maybe I don’t need that Chiropractor after all!!

                    

First full day at sea

First full day at sea

                                     

It was about mid afternoon when everyone arrived and checked back in to the Zuiderdam. We sailed throughout the night. The seas have been calm since we begin this journey. At one point during the we hours of this morning we passed within 6 miles of Cuba.      

                                     

    Debby and I headed to the Lido deck for a bit of breakfast and coffee...especially the coffee! We had just finished when Reggie and Sandra joined us.    

   The massage was great, lasting 75 minutes. I felt like a new man after that. My massage therapist was from Thailand. I told her I had been there while stationed in the military, spending 30 days in Nakhon Phanom. She asked me, "what year?" I told her 1970 and she laughed out loud saying, "I wasn’t even born yet!"

   After my ordeal I felt like a million bucks! I may go back Friday for another round! It was expensive but well worth the price!

   Debby and Nancy had things going on today . Ron and I headed up to the Lido for lunch. I had Swiss steak and roasted potatoes. It was very good! After ice cream we strolled along the deck from aft to stern just seeing whatever we could see. There was blue water as far as the eye could see...for a normal sighted person, that is!

   We returned to our cabins for a little nap and down time. The good thing about a cruise with no internet or cell service there can be a lot of down time!

   This peace and quiet gave me enough time to continue writing in my "Where in the World are Mike and Debby?" Blog. Just a few more things and I will be caught up.

   Tonight is formal dining. Tomorrow we dock in Aruba.

   Life is good!

Half Moon Cay

I Half Moon Cay

          

After traveling all night, we reached the island owned by Holland America known as the Cay. Debby and I, as well as the Pinkerton’s, had breakfast delivered to our rooms so we could leave as soon as possible to go ashore.  

                

About 9AM, we headed down to the disembarkment point to board a small shuttle boat that would take us to the island. Holland had several of these boats on duty to take us all to the island.. We spent the day on this small island, 2.5 miles wide and about 5 miles long.  

                 

The four of us had signed up for a hiking excursion. It was a short but enlightening hike. Our guide pointed out several medicinal plants as well as useful plants for making cooking fires and thatching roofs.

We ventured down too the gorgeous beachfront and played in the warm turquoise’ water for a while. The temperature is in the 80’s and occasionally misting some rain. Some of the group members swam with the stingrays. I think Phyllis and Glenn Cash did that. There was a big lunch spread set up for us; lots of bbq with all the side dishes you could imagine. It was great.

After lunch, the for of us decided to return to the ship. Soon we were back relaxing in our rooms.Currently, we are underway for another island rendezvous about noon tomorrow!  It’s getting close to dinner time. I think I might try the Salmon tonight!

The Everglades

   We left Daytona about 0830, heading south towards Ft Lauderdale. Our first stop was at the Cracker Barrel next to the Daytona Speedway for a good breakfast. After a couple more photos we headed out. There were no real issues with our traveling. No, we didn’t get lost, misplaced or bewildered...nothing like that. The drive was uneventful and all went well. We arrived at Wyndham Crystal Sea sometime about 2 p.m. As soon as we got into our room, after a short delay, Debbie and Bill Wilkins from Houston, showed up. They would be traveling with us on the cruise and staying with us in this condo. It was good to see them after so long.

   We toured around town doing some sight seeing. We had hopes of going to Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Company to have lunch the first day, but that didn’t work out as planned. First, we would get a Water Taxi ticket for an all day hop on/hop off adventure. We found out that they were closed until Monday because a big international boat show was in town, so the waterways were restricted.

   We thought we could go ahead and drive close to Bubba Gump’s and have lunch. That didn’t work out too well either. The parking lot we found, barely 2 blocks away from Gump’s cost $40 for 4 hours! As we didn’t relish paying that much to park our cars, we opted to follow Ron’s GPS unit instead. His Garmin showed a Bubba Gump’s back closer to our Condo, even though none of us could get it to come up on our GPS units. We drove the 8 miles and began looking. The GPS unit announced "You have arrived at your destination". We looked and saw nothing but an empty lot with a small White House next door.  

   I googled for any seafood restaurants in the area and one popped up that was not Bubba Gump’s, but we decided to try it anyway. It turned out to be very good and we walked away totally satisfied.

   We spent the evening at home and made our own meal. Debby, Nancy and Debbie did a great job with that! Also, a trip to the beach with chairs was on the menu as well. I was surprised how messy the beaches were. There was a lot of sea grass or sea weeds washing up on shore...all of it brown. The sand was soft and hard for me to walk on. So I went back to the house to rest.

   The next day we went to the Everglades National Park to check out the big water and perhaps some gators. We had connected with several others who were in our cruise group, to go out and ride the big air boats into the glades. The directions were wrong and all 3 of us cars ended up on 8th street in downtown Miami. Not exactly what we envisioned the boat dock to look like! So I googled the Everglades Park and got new directions. We were a half hour’s drive away. Eventually we made our way to the correct location, which, by the ways, was another 8th street!

   Bill, Ron, Mike Chandler and myself were in the lead car and arrived a good half hour before the others. We needed to use the "facilities. So Bill and I headed out to the men’s room and returned to the truck afterwards. Ron saddled up next to us and said, "There’s no Women’s sign on the toilet. He said even more scary was that one of the stalls had the seat up!" Bill and I chuckled at the thought of Ron going into the women’s toilet.

   After recovering from this hilarious thing, we went into the snack bar to have ourselves a snack. I ordered the "Gator bites", small pieces of Alligator meat, deep fried in oil. I just needed to try some! I had never had Gator bites before. Ron lived dangerously and had a chili dog, while Mike and Bill had Key Lime pie, that was probably imported from Minnesota.

  Soon the rest of our 17 member group showed up and we got in line for tickets.  

   The airboat ride was fun as it skimmed along the water. We did manage to spot a couple of Alligators there in the wild. We knew there would be more to see after we docked back at the port.

   It was fun and the gator show at the end was informative. These captives were not aggressive. Our guide had trained these to actually sit up and eat and not be aggressive. Amazing!

   Returning to our meeting spot back in town, we opted to go out for a nice dinner and chose a nice Italian Restaurant for this purpose. It was most delicious! We finished and headed back to our resort, exhausted and worn out from today’s workout!

The next day we men sat around the resort eating and watching football while the women went shopping. We started getting our cruise suitcases in order, preparing for tomorrow’s cruise . We could board about noon. Tomorrow is also Sunday. As our condo is a long way out, we have opted to have our own six person worship service.