Best Mornings of the Year

Breakfast on the Veranda
Utopia of the Seas near CocoCay, Bahamas
January 7, 2026

  What I treasure most about cruising is the opportunity to savor breakfast on the veranda. Chris and I order coffee, fruit, and pastries delivered to our stateroom and,  weather permitting, we relish breakfast while watching the sunrise, the ocean, or other captivating scene that graces our view.  

It is a perfect way to start the day. 

We sit and chat about the plan for the day and discuss some of the overnight news and happenings. But mostly, we just look out at a scene we only occasionally are fortunate enough to enjoy. 

Back home, our condo has a very limited view from the veranda. Mostly we enjoy a few plants, and ferns and a large green hedge. The occasional squirrel, bird, or lizard often become topics of conversation. 

Shipboard, it is a whole different environment. And we make sure to enjoy it. I fear too many cruisers pay for the veranda but never venture outside of their cabin. I get the veranda because I want to use it! And we do!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Cold Returns

 It was 39 really cold degrees when I woke this morning. 

Yes, the iguana alerts were out. Beware falling iguanas and don't bother them as they can still defend themselves. (Newsweek)

Chris and I are fortunate in that we do not live in an area where we see many iguanas, but they are around nearby. Given the cold, it is unlikely that I will attempt a bike ride today unless it is later in the day after the temperature had risen and the iguanas have awakened. 

Iguana on Welcome Sand Art
CocoCay, Bahamas
January 7, 2026

We were surprised last week when we were visiting CocoCay to see an iguana on the sand art welcoming people to the island. It was a bit humorous. What was even more amazing was the number of people who barely even noticed the lizard sitting in the sun on the sand art. Totally oblivious. I think it added something to the experience. I enjoyed seeing the iguana hanging out there just looking at all the people.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Reflections on the Cruise

Promenade Deck
Utopia of the Seas
January 8, 2026

 The cruise was great, short, but great. We always seemed to be busy doing something. I took a book to read and never opened the cover. 

Beck in the Baby Pool
Utopia of the Seas
January 8, 2026

Chris and I had plans to spend time in a hot tub in the Solarium, the adult pools--never happened. We were too busy enjoying the precious time we were able to spend with Patrick, Jen, and Beck. And we departed yesterday at the cruise port wanting more time with them. We didn't wear it out. Yes, there were good-bye tears amidst the hustle, bustle, and crushing traffic.

Utopia of the Seas is a great ship! The only negative I have is that it is too bad it is sailing the twice weekly "weekend" cruises. I would love to enjoy an 8-night or longer cruise on the ship. We only just began to find our favorite spaces and the cruise was over. There is so much to do, and yes, there are quiet places even with about 8,000 passengers and crew all together.

Together on Shore
CocoCay, Bahamas
January 7, 2026

The specialty restaurants have become a bit expensive, perhaps that is why they were mostly empty the two times we enjoyed their service. But, the service and the food was fantastic! The crew was, likewise, fantastic. They seemed happy and were dedicated to providing the best experience possible. 

Finn after the Welcome Dance
Tequesta, FL
January 9, 2026

I highly recommend sailing on Utopia of the Seas.

We had a great time; too bad that it is over. 

BTW, Finn was VERY happy to see us. So happy that he went to sleep in a chair shortly after we arrived and he had danced at our return for about 10 minutes!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Back into Reality

 The cruise is over, but the memories remain. 

Patrick and Beck at the Baby Pool
Utopia of the Seas
January 8, 2026

We were off the ship by 7:15 AM this morning and ready to head south to home. After dropping off the carseat and cover to Patrick and Jen, who had separate transportation to the Orlando airport, we headed south on I-95 for about two hours. 

Peek-a-boo at Dinner with Beck
Utopia of the Seas
January 8, 2026

We drove the Mustang Mach-e and charged it at the hotel--for free! Yes, I was excited. And it worked. It was very nice to get into the car this morning and know that we had enough charge to get home. We charged it overnight the night we stayed at the hotel. 

It is always sad when a cruise comes to an end. And that was the same this morning. 

But, it was fun. Last evening we enjoyed a rousing game of peek-a-boo in the main dining room during dinner. Beck was in great form and makes the game very enjoyable. He loves food. All kinds of food, but once he is full, well he needs something to do while the adults complete their meals. Peek-a-boo was a diversion. 

We spent time in the baby pool yesterday as well. As it was a sea day, the pools were all very full. Beck loves the water and was all over the pool. 

Last evening, I was sitting on the veranda after dark and notices a large vessel traveling north as we were. I checked my maritime app and determined it was another cruise chip headed to Port Canaveral, as we were. Looking further at the app, I was stunned by the number of cruise ships on the screen. I checked each one, and except for one duplicate, all of the blue triangles are cruise ships! We were effectively in a group of five cruise ships headed to Port Canaveral. I guess, given that there are three major cruise ports on the Florida east coast, it is to be expected that there are so many cruise ships plying the waters of the Western North Atlantic.  

Port Canaveral, FL
January 9, 2026

We made port this morning just before 6 AM. It was dark. I enjoy taking pictures at night when the water reflects the lights.

We made it home safely and now are thinking about planning our next adventure. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Return to CocoCay

Chris and Beck
CocoCay, Bahamas
January 7, 2026

 Chris and I enjoyed a great gift last evening. Patrick and Jen allowed us to spend an evening alone with our youngest grandson, Beck. Yes, we spent the evening in a stateroom babysitting whilst they celebrated their anniversary with an "alone" dinner. Those of us who have been blessed to have children understand how precious "alone" time can be. Babies are demanding. Chris and I both had fun playing with Beck, he enjoyed it a bit too much and didn't want to go to. bed, but that also is how it is sometimes. 

Beck in the Sand
CocoCay, Bahamas
January 7, 2026

Earlier we had fun at Perfect Day at CocoCay. We all enjoyed returning to the scene of the wedding, three years later almost to the day. And then it was off to the beach to introduce Beck to the wide open ocean. OK, it a was smallish lagoon. The waves were very tame. He loved the water, but was not too amused by the soft sand.

I guess, in retrospect, it was Beck day at CocoCay! We had a lot of fun interacting with him, and his parents, from morning until bedtime. 

Chris reminded me that during our evening time with Beck we reconnected with The Wiggles! It has been about 15 years since we viewed an episode of The Wiggles!. If you have been around babies and small children, you probably have been exposed to The Wiggles, and I don't just mean the worm-like body movements they do when protesting getting into clothes or diapers. 

Utopia and Liberty of the Seas
CocoCay, Bahamas
January 7, 2026

CocoCay was busy! Two big ships were there, not three as I thought yesterday. I should have known better as the quay will only support two ships. But that still meant a lot of people on the island. Even so, we found beach chairs available at both of the places we settled. I am still not all that impressed with CocoCay, this being my third visit there, but it is a lot better than Labadee, Haiti, that is for sure.

Today is a sea day as we begin to return to Port Canaveral, although at this moment we are heading south just churning circles in the water. Tomorrow we return to life and will miss the fun of a cruise. 

I have been keeping tabs on the news and decided not to ruin my cruise by dwelling on the first six days of 2026 and the events which have so far transpired. 

Both Chris and I are thankful for the images we have been receiving from our friends caring for Finn! 

-- Bob Doan, North Atlantic near 2559N 07936W

Off to Nassau

Lighthouse and the Entrance to the Channel
Nassau, Bahamas
January 6, 2026

 The first port of call for our cruise was Nassau in the Bahamas. I have read that this port is in the bottom ten of cruising destinations by those of us who cruise. And it is rightfully there. 

Royal Caribbean is trying to upgrade that position with their new island experience, but it is so expensive that Chris and I took a pass. We did, however, wander around the recently upgraded Nassau port facility. It is a huge upgrade from the previous port area and was fun to wander around. There is almost no reason to leave the port complex anymore. But, we did. 

The Pirate Bar Banner
Nassau, Bahamas
January 6, 2026

We walked down to the Margaritaville Resort where Patrick found some space to fly his drone, Popcorn III. He got some great video of the new Royal Caribbean Island and of the six, yes, six ships in port. There were three Royal Caribbean, one Celebrity, one Carnival, and a Celebrity ship. The sheer numbers of cruise ships in port is another reason to avoid Nassau town and stay on the ship. After flying Popcorn III, we walked to our favorite in town hangout, The Pirate Bar, for some overpriced adult beverages.

Beck in the Baby Pool
Utopia of the Seas
January 6, 2026

Once back on the ship, we rested for a while and then exposed Beck to his first water experience. He has been in swim classes and is not afraid of the water, but he had a new experience on the ship. Under the watchful of his parents and the two grandparents present, he explored the water area and made a new friend. Even though he was very tired, he was a lot of fin to watch. When we first arrived at the pool, Beck was the only occupant, but as more people decided that the day was perfect, the baby area filled up. The life guards were very good at keeping the older kids out of the baby pool.

Aqua Show
Utopia of the Seas
January 6, 2026

For our evening we enjoyed dinner at Chops Steakhouse and then took in the Aqua Show. The 80's-themed show was fabulous with lots of water and music activity. I got some video of the action and will publish a short video later. I have seen Aqua Shows on four other Oasis-class ships and I believe this was the best. We were lucky to get reservations when we first boarded. That is one downside to Oasis-class ships--the shows require reservations, unlike smaller ships. 

Beck was beyond tired as the show ended, but still in a great mood. While he and his parents headed off to bed, Chris and I spent another hour at the Schooner's Bar singing songs with a pianist. It was a lot of fun and provided a great way to end the day. 

Today we are at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Been here, done that. There is one other large ship here with us. Ugh! But it will be nice beach time off the ship with the added advantage of the drink package!

-- Bob Doan, CocoCay, Bahamas

Boarding the Big Ship

 

Utopia of the Seas
Port Canaveral, FL
January 5, 2026

We completed our first night aboard Utopia of the Seas. Boarding yesterday was smooth, a bit long because they were boarding about 7,000 of my new best friends, but Chris and I sailed through. A funny thing happened with Beck's boarding credentials, however. Somehow his age got changed from 1 to 100--which caused a bit of a delay. Fortunately it was a Royal Caribbean fat-finger mistake which was rapidly connected.

Birthday Celebration for Beck
Utopia of the Seas
January 5, 2026

The ship is big. It is the third largest cruise ship in the world.

We spent the day exploring the ship and it was relaxing. There was a problem with the reservation system for the speciality restaurants and they offered us a 40 percent discount for Hooked, the seafood restaurant, and we all decided to do it. The restaurant had only a few patrons as we dined and after dinner they threw a small birthday celebration for Beck. He turns one the day after the cruise, we told them that, but they were looking for things to do and partied him anyway. 

Stunning Sunset
Utopia of the Seas in the North Atlantic
December 5, 2025

After the busy day, we were very tired and turned in a bit early. 

Today is a busy day and evening. We will dine at Chops and enjoy the Aqua Show after dinner. It is hard to enjoy everything done on a short cruise. But we will do our best. 

We have received some great images of Finn, who was left behind in Tequesta with friends. He seems to be enjoying his vacay away from us. 

-- Bob Doan, Bahamas near Nassau 

Holiday Flight Delays

Happy New Year's Eve

 And the errors piled up at nearly each stage of the flight home from Baltimore last night. 

Loading Baggage after
the Passengers are on-board
Baltimore, MD
December 30, 2025

Southwest definitely did not shine in the darkness. 

As the day got later, so did our flight. When we left for the airport our flight home was 8 minutes late. The incoming flight from Detroit was delayed. I could see that on Flight Tracker, but 8 minutes is almost nothing. 

Then the delay kept getting longer as Chris and I were enjoying a glass, or two, of wine at the bar near the gate. We went from an 8:20 PM door close to an 8:51 PM door close, to a 9:03 PM door close and then later. So we went for a long walk to keep ourselves moving. We did finally get aboard the jet and settled into our seats and then, because we were on the right side of the plane I could tell the problems began. People were still boarding as 9:20 PM passed, an hour after the original scheduled departure, but then baggage carts rolled up to load baggage. I knew we were going to be a lot later. 

The pilot and crew tried to keep us apprised of what was going on, but Chris and I had a birds-eye view of the baggage being loaded long after the announced push-back time. 

Well, once the baggage was loaded and the cargo bay secured I thought that we were good to go. So did the crew as the main cabin door was finally closed. 

Nothing happened. No engine start, no motion. 

We sat. The captain finally advised us that the tug to push the jet back from the gate wouldn't start because of the cold. 

After sitting for the better part of another hour, the jet finally moved and the engines fired up. 

In the flight tracker, it says take-off was 10:18 PM, but that was really gate push back. We taxied forever, like we were in Denver or Houston and not Baltimore. Take-off was not until about 10:37 PM. 

Once airborne the flight was smooth and the night was beautiful for sightseeing. We saw the coast of the Carolinas again out the window. At night it was highlighted by the lights. Landing at PBI was a bit different as we came in from the ocean and flew over the city. We enjoyed looking at there Christmas lights, but were anxious to get off the plane and into the car headed home. 

We arrived home a few minutes after 1 AM. Ugh. A very long day. We had welcomed the arrival of New Year's Eve. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Crashing the Party

 

Blue Sky and Sun
Odenton, MD
December 29, 2025

The biggest party night of the year is tomorrow night. Sometimes I can't tell if we are partying to cast off the year behind us or for the hope of a better year ahead. No matter, there are likely more of us out there just for the chance to party. 

Chris and I expect to be awake for the New York City ball drop tomorrow night, but we will be arriving back at our home on New Year's Eve after the flight out of Baltimore later today. So tomorrow will be a long day as we celebrate both the day's arrival and the year's end. In retrospect, I'm not sure why I booked an evening flight, but I did and I guess I have to own it. Our trusty car is waiting for us in long-term parking and if we don't check bags we should be home about 40 minutes after we land at PBI. 

I took the rather uninspiring image at the top of the item because yesterday was the first time that I needed to wear my sunglasses outside in almost a week. The overcast skies had set in and I was concerned that I might not see the sun again until New Year's Eve in South Florida. Thankfully, that will not be the case as it is supposed to be a bright, partly sunny, and cold day. At least it will be sunny, but the projected high of 33 degrees is a bit too cold for me. 

It is going to be cold in Tequesta when we arrive. The projected high for the day is only 65 degrees and it will be about 50 degrees when we arrive tonight. What happened to the 80s? I guess I will need to wear a sweater on the plane.

Travel days can be a real pain! But, party on!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

A Great Day for Flying

Route 301 Bridge over the Potomac
Dahlgren, VA
December 22, 2025

 The trip north on a Southwest flight was, believe it or not, enjoyable. Yes, the airports were jammed with holiday travelers. There was even a line for baggage checkin at the Palm Beach International Southwest counters. I've never been in a line there before. TSA moved passengers through security screening in an expeditious manner and we enjoyed some time in the lounge before arriving at the gate about five minutes before boarding began. Actually, the pre-boarders were already being assisted down the jetway as we took our place in line. 

Our Flight Route
Southwest 2489 PBI-BWI
December 22, 2025

Our flight route took us out over the Atlantic and we went feet-dry over the Carolinas with Cape Fear in sight. It was one of the clearest flying days that I can remember and the sight of the coast from Cape Fear running to the north was stunning. The strip of sandy beach sandwiched between the spit of land and the ocean was very evident all the way to the horizon. I failed to take a picture of it for posterity, but I later took an image as we passed by Dahlgren, VA, and the Route 301 bridge crossing the Potomac River that I have had the pleasure of traversing on multiple occasions.

The jet was completely full, but the 2h 25m flight was still enjoyable. The only disturbing part was that we arrived in Baltimore 15 minutes early, but had to wait on the tarmac for the gate to open for 20 minutes. That meant we actually arrived at the gate 5 minutes late. I do not enjoy when that happens--and then, there was about another 10 minute wait until the cabin door was opened and we could begin the deplaning process. I am glad I did not have a connecting flight. 

Did I mention that there was no internet service? That was an annoyance, but fortunately, I did not have anything worthwhile to work on and so I sat back and enjoyed the flight crammed into a middle seat so that Chris could enjoy the window seat. We try to take an aisle and a window seat leaving the middle empty and hoping no one is anxious to sit between us, but with the jet being full I resigned myself to the middle seat even though I had an "A" boarding pass. I guess all of that goes away next month when Southwest begins assigning seats. 

I really cannot expect much more when traveling during the busy holiday season. I guess I am now an official traveler holiday statistic.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Mercer Museum, pt 2

View of the Main Hall
Mercer Museum, Doylestown PA
December 4, 2025

 I wrote about the Doan Gang exhibit at the Mercer Museum which is located in Doylestown, PA, last week. However, focusing on only the Doan Gang exhibit does a disservice to the larger museum. 

Firetruck
Mercer Museum, Doylestown PA
December 4, 2025

The museum is located in a purpose built facility, called the castle, and houses perhaps the most unique collection of authentic, used, and unrestored items from American life in the pre-industrial age. The museum website characterizes it as follows:

The museum complex features local and national traveling exhibits, as well as a core museum collection of over 17,000 pre-Industrial tools. This permanent collection offers visitors a unique window into pre-Industrial America through sixty different crafts and trades, and is one of the world’s most comprehensive portraits of pre-Industrial American material culture. The museum also features a research library that is a center for local history related to Bucks County and the surrounding region, with its roots dating back to the founding of the Bucks County Historical Society in 1880. (Mercer Museum Website)

The museum (castle) is seven stories tall and chock full of more items that can be fully appreciated in a day. In addition to large vehicles, like a horse-drawn firetruck, and whaling boat, each level has rooms dedicated to one aspect of life. These include, for instance, coopering, shoemaking, pottery, fishing, and almost anything that can be imagined. Each of the rooms contains most all of the unique tools necessary to complete the craft. 

We were given a great tip about viewing the collections; start at the top and work down. That worked very well for us. 

Horse-Drawn Log Sled
Mercer Museum, Doylestown PA
December 4, 2025

Which items impressed me most? The Conestoga Wagon, firetruck, whaling boat, gallows, and the incredible diversity and completeness of the collections. Be aware, the displays are in their natural state and have not been restored, but are maintained in the original condition. I was able to actually see the wear on the Conestoga wagon. I did not know that whaling boats were so large, although in retrospect they would have to be given they were harvesting whales. 

This museum is definitely worth the effort to visit and, as I previously wrote, Chris and I are planning a return trip next year. 

Note: Dress for conditions. The exhibit floors are not climate controlled and were cold during our December visit. Individual accessible display rooms may be climate controlled.  

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Road Home

Go DAWGS!
Brunswick, GA
December 8, 2025

 Chris, Finn, and I rolled out of Odenton, MD, at about 4:30 AM this morning and we arrived in Brunswick, GA, about 2:40 PM. It was, all-in-all, a great day of driving. We were not burdened by any accidents or traffic tie-ups. Yay. 

We arrived at our hotel and even though check-in was not until 3 PM, they graciously had a room available for us! Which was good because I was dog tired! 

And, speaking of dogs, we were greeted in the lobby by the Georgia Bulldog! Go DAWGS! Although we are not in Athens, we are in Georgia! I had to smile, especially since the Ravens were baked into a pie by the Steelers yesterday.

The view out or hotel window hotel window is so poor that I decided not to take a picture of it. The view consists of the roof of the hotel complex. Yuck!

-- Bob Doan, Brunswick, GA 

The Doan Gang

 

It is a thing, The Doan Gang. 

I have written about the Gang previously as I learned more about the outlaws that roamed Bucks County who were members of my extended family. Our genealogy goes back to a common ancestor who was second generation of Doans in America. 

But all of that is not so important, I guess. 

Chris and I made a trip to Doylestown, PA, yesterday, to visit the Mercer Museum and experience the exhibit dedicated to the outlaw portion of our family, The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution. The drive was three hours, each way, to Doylestown and I definitely underestimated the time I would spend in the museum, not only for the Doan Gang exhibit, but also roaming through the permanent collection, which is extensive. Chris and I would like to return, but it will have to be an overnight to more thoroughly explore the museum and visit other sites around Bucks County related to the Doans and the Revolution.

I was impressed with the balanced history of the Doan Gang exhibit. They were outlaws and committed some heinous crimes and so it is hard to elevate them to hero status, which the exhibit definitely did not do, but again they were also loyalists to the crown and the policies and laws of the developing nation were most definitely slanted against them. They were literally persecuted but the revolutionaries and lost their land and status. That does not excuse their actions, but as the foreword of the book published by the Mercer Museum explains:

The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution
Bucks County Historical Society, 2024

The foreword goes on to write: "Today many people lament that 'our country has never been so divided." This project challenges that notion by exploring the surprising tale of the Doan Gang, set against the backdrop of 1770s and 1780s America." 

Flintlock Musket (MM#19433)
used by members of the Doan Gang
Mercer Museum, Doylestown, PA
December 4, 2025

The exhibit is extensive; providing a detailed look into the Revolution as it unfolded in and around Bucks County, PA, during and shortly after the war. The Gang was not composed only of Doans, but a large number of others who remained loyal to the King. Members of the gang paid for their actions with their lives, John Tomlinson; Moses, Levy, and Abraham Doan. The latter two were cousins and were hanged during 1788.  They were the only two individuals ever executed for outlawry in the United States. 

As they were outlaws, there are very few items which can be confirmed as owned by the Doans, but the rifle is one such item. The rifle is presented behind a screen to reduce light exposure and getting a good image of it was difficult. Throughout the exhibit there are many period pieces in the collection with their ownership documented as it related to the Doan Gang. 

As our country approaches its 250th Anniversary, the value of this exhibit is magnified in that we are reminded of the difficult times from which our country was born and that not everyone embraced the Revolution. 

I heartily recommend this exhibit, not only because it documents one part of my heritage, but because it reminds me about the lives of real people and how they were affected by the societal upheaval that occurred during the Revolution. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Travel Day - Dunn, NC

Snakes! Why did it have to be snakes?
St Johns, FL
November 23, 2025

 Chris, Finn, and I headed out this morning under the cover of darkness to begin our journey to Maryland for Thanksgiving with an overnight in Dunn, NC, where we have been stopping for the past almost two years. It is a long day, but it sets up a much shorter second day to reach our destination. 

Along the way we have to make stops to get out of the truck and move around and handle bio issues, both human and canine. 

At one of the rest stops Finn and I were confronted with the sign in the image. I have never been confronted with a venomous snake sign! It was a bit creepy and I began scanning the grass looking for, of course, the most venomous snake I could think of--the coral snake. Suffice it that Finn and I did not remain in the vicinity very long. 

I would write of that being the highlight of the day, but no. 

The highlight of the day was the traffic, or rather the lack of significant delays--even in South Carolina. I did enjoy the sunrise in Florida over the low lying mist in the fields. I wish I could have taken an image, but I was driving. The red sky silhouetting the low lying trees clothed in the mist was inspiring.

But, we arrived in Dunn, NC, without incident setting up our short second day five-hour drive. 

More road tomorrow and a return to the cold weather. 

-- Bob Doan, Dunn, NC

To the Top!

Jupiter Lighthouse
Jupiter, FL
November 14, 2025

 The defining feature of the Jupiter, Florida, skyline is the big, red Jupiter Lighthouse. When we fly into West Palm Beach, very often the flight route takes us past or just south of Jupiter as we begin to head inland to land at PBI. If I am sitting on the correct side of the jet, I look for the lighthouse and know that I am almost home. 

Feeding Time at the Pier
Jupiter, FL
November 14, 2025

It had been years, dare I say decades, since Chris and I last climbed the 105 step circular stairway to the top of Jupiter Lighthouse. Yesterday, we decided to visit the Lighthouse Museum and climb the stairs.

We were successful. 

Along the way, we learned and relearned local history from prehistoric times to the present. The history was fascinating and provided an insight into how hard it was to actually survive in this area before modern conveniences. Fortunately, the Jupiter Inlet and Indian River provided a bounty of food. 

I was reminded that then Lt George G. Meade designed and began construction of the lighthouse. I spent many years working on a military installation that bears his name. 

Toward the Inlet and Out to the Atlantic Ocean
Jupiter, FL
November 14, 2025

The day's weather was perfect. Visibility was almost unlimited and the temperature was moderate. The scene from the top of the lighthouse was spectacular and I spent some time sightseeing the area. Looking down on the Loxahatchee River I could see where the fishing boats were cleaning their catch and many pelicans had gathered to feed on the discards.

I really didn't want to descend the 105 stairs to the base of the lighthouse because I was having such a great time looking out on the area in which we live, but of course we could not stay there forever. Note to self, going down is harder than going up!

But we made it. 

We were awarded our certificates for ascending the lighthouse and then we were off on the short drive home for a delayed lunch.

I highly recommend visiting the lighthouse and museum to not only enjoy the stunning view, but to learn about the history of the area and region. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#jupiterlighthouse #jupiterflorida 

Returning to Florida

Our Last Dog Walk of the Trip
Odenton, MD
November 3, 2025

 Our trip to Maryland for Halloween is over. Chris, Finn, and I are currently on a Southwest 737 headed south. I like what Southwest has done with the internet. It is free for Rapid Rewards members. I like free.

We have departed autumnal Maryland with memories of brightly adorned trees still in our heads. We definitely got a taste of autumn, and of course the cold temperatures. I am happy to be returning to warm South Florida. 

Of course, the unqualified highlight of the trip was the time we spent with family, and especially Beck. It was so good that we were able to connect with our entire family this time. While we did not have time to get out with our friends, it was a short trip and we will be back for Thanksgiving. 

I want to recognize the air traffic controllers and the TSA agents and staff for the exceptional service we received during this tough government shutdown. I, being retired Air Force and retired federal worker, understand the calling that makes us want to be in service to America. But, we need to be able to thrive while serving and I only hope that the budget impasse is soon resolved. 

-- Bob Doan, Southwest Flight 1800, over the Atlantic off the coast of South Carolina

Back to Autumn

Happy Halloween!

Be Safe 

Autumn Path
Odenton, MD
October 30, 2025

There is no season as colorful as autumn, especially in the Northeast.

Chris and I managed a walk in the leaves and trees yesterday. It was a beautiful day with the temperature about 68 degrees. It was comfortable even for us Florida residents. 

I have been having trouble deciding if the leaves are at peak color, past-peak, or still coming to peak. It is the amount of still-green trees that make me think that peak is still to come. But there are areas where it is definitely past peak. We saw some areas definitely past peak as we traveled to Annapolis yesterday.  

Deer in the Distance
Odenton, MD
October 30, 2025

I am having a lot of fun trying out my new iPhone with the drastically improved camera.

Chris called to me when she spied some deer in the distance. I told her it would not make a good image, but decided to try out my improved camera. I was wrong. Instead of the deer becoming lost in the underbrush and being too fuzzy to even realize they were deer, the camera came through with a very nice image. It became a nice autumn scene. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Finn-dog the Traveler

Finnegan on my Backpack
PBI 
October 29, 2025

Finnegan, Chris's faithful service dog, accompanied us on our flight to the Baltimore region yesterday. While we were relaxing in a Palm Beach International Airport lounge, he found a safe spot to rest on my backpack, keeping a watchful eye on Chris.

He was adorable sitting there as we waited about 30 minutes after clearing security to board our flight. However, he became intensely focused on Chris when she decided to use the restroom. He refused to move until she returned keeping a watchful eye on the doorway into which she disappeared.

We embarked on a trip to Baltimore to celebrate Beck’s, our youngest grandson’s inaugural Halloween. Surprisingly, the journey was remarkably smooth and devoid of any disruptions. The TSA officers, who had not been compensated during the partial government shutdown, demonstrated exceptional efficiency, friendliness, and unwavering dedication. I recall a similar situation during the government shutdowns when I was employed as a Federal Civilian employee. Both Chris and I expressed our sincere gratitude for their unwavering commitment and service as we successfully cleared security screening for our flight.

Hopefully, the flight home next week will be as smooth.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

September's End

Reunited: Chris and Finn
Tequesta, FL
September 29, 2025

 Well, apparently, tomorrow when we wake, we will have an even less efficient government than we have had since January as a partial government shutdown ensues. 

Happy Fiscal New Year--the wheels are actually falling off. 

I am glad that I am not traveling until later during October. 

Finnegan was extremely happy, perhaps overjoyed, to see Chris and me. He stayed very close all day as he relaxed and reacquainted himself with our house and routine. He definitely took his place in bed last night and seemed fully reintegrated into the operation of the family. We really appreciate the care that our friends gave him in our absence. 

From the 15th Deck of Celebrity Reflection
Basseterre, St Kitts
September 23, 2025

I am reviewing images from our cruise and will select one over the next few days to highlight some of the things that I missed in my daily blogs.

Today is Basseterre, St Kitts, as seen from the running track on the 15th Deck of Celebrity Reflection. Chris and I attempted to do a daily walk, that lasted for about three days, but it was a good idea. We had ported in Basseterre, St Kitts, on Day 4 of the cruise. Days 2 and 3 were Sea Days devoted to travel. The sun was hot, when not behind clouds. We disembarked and spent some time walking around the port area doing some shopping and enjoying an adult beverage. The image shows the helicopter landing pad on Celebrity Reflections. During our last port call in Dominican Republic, we enjoyed a short arrival party on that very helicopter landing pad!

I think we would like to return to St Kitts at some point in the future to spend time exploring the island. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sea Day and Home - Days 9 and 10

 We have arrived safely home. 

The cruise is over, sadly. We had to depart the boat earlier today and drive home. 

Créme Brûlée Night 9
Celebrity Reflection
North Atlantic
September 28, 2025

I am combining the final two days of the cruise because Day 10 - debarkation is only a few hours in length.

Day 9 I set a personal record for all of my cruises: I had Créme Brûlée for dessert on all 9 nights! I may have in addition, snuck a piece of Key Lime Pie on the last night as well. I call this a true culinary achievement. I think I am going to learn how to make Créme Brûlée. 

Dawn on Day 9
 Celebrity Reflection, Off the Coast of Cuba
September 28, 2025

For the Sea Day (Day 9) the captain was skirting the newly developed hurricane. And he did a masterful job. I was looking at the weather app and I almost always saw that our position was in the middle of the only open area surrounded by storm. I know, however, that during the night as we drew closer to Fort Lauderdale, we had to traverse a rough part of the storm--not hurricane force, but strong enough to wake us as the ship was buffeted by wind and waves. Fortunately, our arrival in Fort Lauderdale was under mostly clear skies as we sailed out of the edges of the storm.

Lights of Fort Lauderdale
Celebrity Reflection
September 29, 2025

Confined to the ship for the Sea Day, we found some things to do, such as attend a lecture on the possibility of life in the universe and watch the Ravens lose.

Our last dinner concluded with sad good-byes to the servers who treated us so well during our voyage. They were all great. 

I took a video of the tugboats escorting us into Port Everglades this morning.

And it is over, but the memories remain. 

Maybe another birthday cruise will be planned for next year! 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL