Escape to the Wineries

 

Wine Tasting
Sheldrake Point Winery, Ovid, NY
August 15, 2023

We did it!

Yesterday, Chris, Nicole, and I managed to escape for a few hours and visit the three closest wineries. It was a grand afternoon.

One of the wineries, the closest, we had never visited and we had a very good time. It was fun to talk with the owner, founder, and winemaker all in the form of the same person. She has established a well designed small farm winery. The winery, Bet the Farm Winery, is a fun and enjoyable place to visit. The wines are solid offerings and the 2021 Lemburger stood out as a solid New York red wine. 

As it turned out, the other two wineries we visited are both for sale. They are also repeat favorites and we have been members of both at some point in the past. 

Sheldrake Point Winery and Americana Winery are both for sale, but their wines were tasting very well. I had the Riesling flight at Sheldrake Point and they were all very nice. The tasting was fun and enjoyable. It is always better to visit mid-week.

Americana was tasting well also. Their wines continue to run the gamut including a number of blueberry wines, but the redesigned tasting allows for sampling the wines paired with munchies and fudge. 

The wine tasting success of the day, however, goes to Bet the Farm. It was a traditional wine tasting at the bar and I thoroughly enjoyed talking to the owner/winemaker about the wines and her interpretation of the grapes. I had fun.

I still do not appreciate tasting wines in flights alone at a small table with no interaction with the staff.

OK, do not fret. I am not considering buying a winery. A wise person once noted, How do you make a small fortune? Start with a large one and open a winery.

-- Bob Doan, Ithaca, NY

Travel Day Again

Christmas Morning Travel
Elkridge, MD
December 25, 2022

 It is a travel day, again. 

Fortunately this morning we will not be on the highway to start the day, but rather end the day. 

We have a late morning flight followed by a five-hour drive should get us back to Ithaca. 

It is going to be a very tough week which will culminate in the 8th Annual Troy Whittemore Golf Tournament in Cortland, NY, before we begin our journey home.

We travel a lot, but it seems to be less and less on vacations. We do have an upcoming cruise--but this coming week stands squarely in front of the cruise. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Traveler Update I-95

 Travelers on I-95 in North Carolina are in for a treat this summer. Compliments of the infrastructure bill, there are miles upon miles of road construction to enjoy. 

Construction on I-95 in South Carolina
June 12, 2023

The exciting part is that there are barriers on both sides of the travel lanes which are anything but flat. The fun begins north of Exit 52. 

Chris and I just experienced the road construction and marveled at the massive rebuilding of America underway. The end result is going to be great. 

Today is a travel day as we return home. As a result, there will be no Monday Musings. 

— Bob Doan, I-95 near mm42 South Carolina

The Drive

Chris and Finnegan Driving
South Carolina
May 15, 2023

 Chris and I completed another successful trip from South Florida to Maryland yesterday. 

I decided not to try and publish Monday Musings because I had a car strapped to my bottom for roughly 16 hours. 

The trip began at 11:58 PM on Mother's Day and ended at about 3:40 PM yesterday when we made our first stop to drop off Riordin, our cat, who is bunking with Jeremy while we are here in Maryland. I will endeavor to visit him almost every day. It took him almost two weeks to get back to normal after he stayed alone with only daily visits from a friend while we were last in Maryland. 

Both Finnegan and Riordin were great travelers on the trip. Riordin only asked to be out of his carrier on one occasion, to relieve himself, and then was happy to curl up inside of his safe place for the remainder of the trip. 

We made only four stops during the trip. Two were for gas (my truck has great range), one was for lunch, and the other was at a rest area for a break. We stocked the car with snacks and beverages to assist in minimizing stops. I figure the four stops totaled about an hour and we lost another hour from Northern Virginia around D.C. and on I-95 to Elkridge. Even in the early afternoon, traffic was snarled.

Well, the trip is done and we can begin the business of being here in Maryland to visit family, friends, wineries, attend graduations, baseball and whatever else comes our way. We are here until mid-June when we will make the trip south. We are considering a two-day return trip and if so, I want to stop near Exit 102 in Georgia for the night to visit the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

A Day on the Water

Heading Out onto the Water
Manatee Pocket, Port Salerno, FL
May 9, 2023

Chris and I began and ended the day on the water.

The morning began boating the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). It was our second solo boating adventure since being trained and certified. The ICW is a waterway that runs from near Boston all the way to Brownsville, Texas. And that means it runs around through our area the tip of Florida. It is the major waterway in our area connecting the entire coast. 

Jupiter Lighthouse from the Water
Loxahatchee River, Jupiter, FL
May 9, 2023

The day was bright, the winds calm, and the water was almost smooth as our trusty boat headed out of the marina. We planned a morning of cruising as we departed Port Salerno and headed south to Jupiter and the Loxahatchee River. By car the trip takes about 20 minutes, by boat it took over an hour. We wanted to see the places we drive past from the water. That included the multi-million dollar mansions on Jupiter Island.

There Used to be bridge there
US-1 Drawbridge over the Loxahatchee and ICW
Jupiter, FL
May 9, 2023

We made it to the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter along which we spend a lot of time. I wanted a picture of the lighthouse from the river and I also wanted to get an image of the reconstruction of the recently demolished US-1 drawbridge over the Loxahatchee and the ICW. I was amazed to count 8 cranes in the image. In addition Chris and I were able to find sites for future visits and of course we can continue exploring the Loxahatchee. But, from Port Salerno we are going to begin exploring north to Fort Pierce and more of the area along the ICW that is unfamiliar to us.

Fish Crow
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
May 9, 2023

To close out the day, we joined friends at Carlin Park for Happy Hour. It was an enjoyable ending to the day that began on the water. We had a few fish crows visit us while on the beach. They were competing with sanderlings for our attention. They are very big crows and very intelligent.

Closing out a day with friends on the beach enjoying Happy Hour and conversation; what could be better?

And what a day it was. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Day of the Truck

Earth Day Sunrise this Morning from my Patio 
Tequesta, FL
April 22, 2023

Happy Earth Day! 

I had a fortunate event happen two weeks ago as Chris and I were returning from Universal Studios. It may not seem fortunate, but given future plans the timing it could not have been better. When I got out of my truck after arriving home I smelled radiator fluid. Being that it was after 10 PM and we had enjoyed a very long day, I made a mental note to check the truck in the morning. And I did. 

Upon inspecting the truck, I determined that the water pump had failed or was failing. Normally a failed water pump becomes a catastrophic event along side of a busy interstate highway, but in this case I believe the pump was in the process of failing and we made it home. The engine did not overheat and I had no indication from the instruments in the truck that a failure was underway. 

As we were leaving for Maryland to celebrate Easter a few days later, I made an appointment at the local repair shop after our return. My truck was returned to me yesterday. As it turned out, the entire cooling system was contaminated. The water pump failed, the radiator was failing, the thermostat needed replacing as did the housing. As the mechanic noted, he had expected, given the age and mileage on my truck, that the repair would be a fairly simple water pump replacement. It was not! The good news is that my truck is ready for the upcoming trip north and that is the really fortunate part of the story. I would hate to break down along I-95 in Georgia or South Carolina in the middle of the night. 

We discussed the contamination and have no idea about the source. I suggested that it might be windshield washer fluid accidentally placed in the wrong reservoir by an attendant at the oil change store we use, but the mechanic said that that is a windshield washer fluid is water based product and not likely to cause the contamination he saw. He suggested that someone may have put a stop leak product into the system, but I know that I did not do this. Had there been a leak, I would have taken the truck for repair. I was not surprised when he mentioned the contamination because when I was inspecting the fluid that was pooled on the ground I noted it was not a clear and consistent color. 

I will take the truck for a test drive of at least an hour to ensure everything is ready, but I am thankful that it all played out as it did.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Documenting the Springtime

The Forest in Spring
Odenton, MD
April 6, 2023

 I took an image of trees yesterday. It was of the same group of trees that I imaged upon arriving in Maryland on April 6th. 

Yesterday's image clearly shows the progression of Spring in 12 days. I was amazed when I compared the two images. The trees filled out during the interval between the images. Of course, I didn't remember which orientation I took the original image in and so one is vertical and the other is horizontal. 

As the Spring Progresses
Odenton, MD
April 18, 2023

I was there to experience Springtime 2023. Now I am back in Florida and enjoying summertime. 

While it is very good to be back in Florida, I missed riding my bike and sitting under the palms, I also miss the Spring as the season deepens. 

While Chris and I were in Maryland we enjoyed six junior varsity baseball games, dinners with our family, Happy Hour with friends, and just being around hanging out. 

We will return next month and we are planning a full schedule to include visits to Maryland and Virginia wineries and the good news is that we will have a vehicle to transport the wine back to our residence in Florida.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Following Along with Spring

Dogwood Bloom
Odenton, MD
April 17, 2023

 Although yesterday was much cooler than the previous days, it remained a spectacular Spring day. 

There were two dog walking events, one which was 2 miles in length, to enjoy the day. Along the way I noticed the dogwoods were in full bloom in the Maryland forest. I managed an image of one of the blooms hanging onto a low branch of one of the trees. 

Chris and I took the dogs along part of the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail. I love walking off the streets and more into the foliage. Activity was everywhere especially squirrels. We saw one busy chipmunk along the walk. I had forgotten how well their coloring blends into the dry leaves. 

Today is a travel day. We return to Tequesta and say good-bye to Spring. It will be good to be home for a few weeks before we return.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Welcome April

 I am looking forward to April, and it has arrived. No that is not an April Fools Joke--it is true. After hiding our in Florida for most of the Winter, we are ready to venture north to enjoy Spring, Easter, and most importantly family and friends. 

While our travel does not begin until next week, the fun begins today with the arrival of Jeremy and his family for a few days of fun and sun. Chris and I will be making our first visit to Universal Orlando as Florida residents on Monday. I am not a huge amusement park fan because I would rather spend the exorbitant amount of money that the parks drain from my wallet on other adventures, such as a cruises. Seriously, what I am paying for one day at Universal is more than the cost of our entire 7-night cruise last November. Of course that was before excursions, the drink package, and internet--but still, food isn't included at Universal!

Next week we fly off to Maryland for almost two weeks to celebrate Easter and visit family and friends. We are very much looking forward to the adventure as it is the precursor to a longer visit during May into June which will allow us time to visit wineries and enjoy Maryland during the late Springtime. 

As an aside, Chris and I managed a 12-mile bike ride in the wind yesterday. I found it enjoyable, but the final leg home was directly into a wind of about 15-20 mph. The good news is that my newly-tuned bike was perfectly set-up and the ride gave me exactly 302 miles for the month of March! It is the second month where I managed to cross the 300 mile threshold. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Memories and Images and US-1

Patrick Early in the Morning
Marathon, Florida
2004

 

In retrospect I was smart, a few years ago, when I started saving all of the images from my various cameras onto CDs. I still actually possess an external CD/DVD reader that is compatible with my new Mac. I used it yesterday to begin to cull through the thousands of images that I have stored on CDs. I also have many more stored on a backup drive. 

Some of the images are just funny--like this one which was taken early in the morning when I think Patrick and I were in Marathon, FL, and heading out on one of our first dives after being certified. 

Patrick and Chris US-1 Beginning
Key West, FL
2004

Patrick was always funny with cameras and video equipment. Chris and I were reviewing some of our old videos and found his commentary priceless; making boring subjects like Roman ruins seem exciting.

One thing I discovered, however, is that the date of the images from the older cameras  changes each time I move it across media. Very frustrating. I am glad that I included the year on most of the folders in which I stored the images.

I don't know if it is a good thing or not, but I have been on both ends of US-1. I much prefer the Florida terminus to that in Maine. This image documents one instance of being at the beginning of US-1. I think it humorous that both Key West, FL, and Fort Kent, ME, call themselves the beginning of US-1. I guess US-1 South begins in Fort Kent while US-1 North begins in Key West. I drive on some part of US-1 nearly every day. And I also drove on US-1 nearly every day when I lived in Maryland. It is a highway that connects us.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Spring Training Continues

Lecom Park
Bradenton, FL
March 17, 2023

 I drove across Florida to attend a Spring Training game at the Pittsburgh Pirates facility in Bradenton, Florida, yesterday. The drive across Florida for three hours on a two lane road is very interesting. My route, since I'm going to the Sarasota/Bradenton area, takes me just north of Lake Okeechobee and then straight across the state to Bradenton. The landscape is very flat. I passed cattle farms, palm tree nurseries, a turf farm, and lots of just open space. I note that the road is a two lane road. And the road in places is just straight and flat. 

I enjoyed the game. The Pirates defeated the Rays 6-2, but it was almost more about being in the sunlight, the warmth, and with my friends from Maryland.

View Across the 5th Fairway
Bobcat Course, The Plantation
Venice, FL
March 18, 2023

This morning I awoke in a condo on a golf course. I ams sitting here watching the sun come up and wondering when the first group will pass by. I can remember being one of the first groups on the course heading out into the dew covered grass watching the ball kick up a rooster tail when it rolled over the green. I am told this course hosts an LPGA qualifying event. 

I am looking forward to some fun this morning and then a drive home later tonight.

-- Bob Doan, Venice, FL

Flowers and Birds

Orchid
Flamingo Gardens, Davie, FL
February 27, 2023

 Yesterday we made another trip to Flamingo Gardens. 

It was just as much fun as our first trip. There is something exciting every time we visit. I just enjoy the combination of birds, animals, and botanic gardens. 

The orchids are coming into bloom around the gardens and they add a touch of color to the developing springtime. Photographing the orchids allows me to play with the settings on my iPhone camera to add a touch of artistry to the images. Orchids are good for that because unlike animals, they do not move. 

Anhinga
Flamingo Gardens, Davie, FL
February 27, 2023

Of course, walking through the aviary the are many birds that do not move a lot. For instance, this anhinga provided me with a show yesterday as it was spreading its wings and collecting sunlight and warmth. What was exciting, for me, was that the anhinga was within 3 feet of me and seemingly unconcerned about my presence. Some of the other birds, especially pelicans, are not so comfortable or rather they have a larger interpersonal zone.

Even though it the drive to the Gardens is a bit over an hour, I find the trip more than worth the investment. Getting out with the animals and the plants is exciting and there is still so much of the botanical gardens that we need to explore.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sea to Savanna

Osprey Diving for the Ocean
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
February 24, 2023

 I promised myself that I was not going to blog about a seashore activity today, but then I witnessed and caught on camera an event that I enjoy seeing. That event? An osprey diving into the ocean to get a meal.

I had been watching the bird hover and attempt to find the right spot and so I had my iPhone camera at the ready. And I got lucky.

Osprey into the Ocean
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
February 24, 2023

The GIF plays fast and I'm not astute enough to slow it to a better speed, but there is the osprey hitting the ocean.

Lion Country Safari

Loxahatchee, FL

February 24, 2023

That all happened during out morning beach walk. Later in the day, we headed out to Lion Country Safari to enjoy seeing the variety of wild animals which are kept in open areas. It was a fun afternoon and we saw many different animals. I was most impressed with the Scimitar Oryx, which I found out has been declared extinct in the wild. Wild Country Safari has a large breeding herd and is part of the species preservation project. 

Flamingo

Lion Country Safari

Loxahatchee, FL

February 24, 2023

Of course, we spent time driving slowly through the preserve and looking at the variety of land animals which included large groups of rhinoceros and giraffes along with a the largest herd of zebras in the United States. It was definitely worth the time. We stopped after the driving portion of the tour to walk through the area where some animals are kept in pens and cages, pausing to feed fish and of course take pictures of the flamingos. I love flamingos!

I discovered, during the drive through the animal park, that lions do not excite me much. They are regal, yes, but for the most part boring. The varieties of antelope were far more active and interesting. And the rhinos are just massive and impressive. 

And so it was quite a day moving from sea to savanna!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Celebration Week

 

United on the Ground
West Palm Beach, FL
February 11, 2022

It is Super Sunday. The culmination of the NFL season is today when the Kansas City Chiefs face the Philadelphia Eagles for the Lombardi Trophy and bragging rights as the best team in football for the next year.

Yesterday was a travel day. Chris and I enjoyed a pleasantly routine flight from Houston back to West Palm Beach and then home. The trip was made more enjoyable as it was a direct flight and once we took off we knew that we would be sleeping in our own bed at night. 

Today, however, will be consumed with preparations for the Super Bowl. We are not hosting a party, but will be attending one. I was amazed at the mixture of baked items in the store yesterday for Valentines Day AND the Super Bowl. It was quite a sight, but Key Lime Pie is always good and covers both celebrations.

Remember, Valentines Day is Tuesday. It is a busy week of celebrations. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Dirt to Ice Cream to Wine

 Yesterday was a day for touring. 

We departed the homestead about 9:30 for a tour through Central Texas. We were excited about the prospect for the day. 

First stop was near Brenham, Texas. We went to view a plot of dirt that may one day become a homesite. Because of the rain the day before, the area was very muddy and we could only view the plot from afar. It looks to be a very nice more than an acre lot that will someday be an enjoyable residence. 

From the future building site, we went to the Blue Bell Ice Cream factory. It happens to be in Brenham. We had an enjoyable time and especially liked the $1 per scoop ice cream. There is not real tour, but there is a small baseball museum devoted to local heroes and an ice cream parlor with a viewing area overlooking the factory floor. 

Entrance to Saddlehorn Winery
Burton, TX
February 9, 2023

From there, and because we did not spend much time at the future building site, we searched for wineries in the area and actually found one that was open. Being the winter season many of the smaller wineries are only open on the weekends. We made the 17 minute trip to Burton, Texas and Saddlehorn Winery. We enjoyed the winery, it is something that we do not get to enjoy in Florida. The wines were solid for house wines, but the price point was high by comparison. I did enjoy two uniquely Texas wines: Blanc du Bois, a white with a lot of minimality and good flavor; as well a Black Spanish, which was a semi-sweet wine with some interesting flavors, but not my type of wine. Since we do not plan on checking a bag for ur return flight to Palm Beach we did not purchase any of the wines.

We had a very enjoyable drive through the Texas countryside. 

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, Texas

Fly Day to Houston

Terminal C
Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
February 7, 2023

 It had been exactly a month since departing on our last trip, which was a voyage aboard the Wonder of the Seas. Yesterday, we climbed aboard a United Airlines direct flight from Palm Beach to Houston to visit family.

We had made the journey from Palm Beach to Houston previously, aboard a Southwest flight, but that was not a direct flight. I had some miles saved on United and was able to get a roundtrip for two. The difference in flight time was about three hours, each way. The direct flight was three hours versus the change planes with a ground stop in Jackson, MS, which was about six hours of travel with most of it trapped inside of an airplane. 

That written, it was great to have most of the day at home and journey out in the afternoon. I was amazed when I deplaned in Houston. Wow! I have not seen an airport so grand as Houston. The terminal was something right out of a space-age movie. Not at all like the terminals I have been frequenting on my other flights. I was very impressed and I am looking forward to exploring it further when we return home on Saturday.

For now, Chris and I are in Weston Lakes, Texas. It used to be considered Fulshear, but they decided they wanted to be their own city, and so they are. 

More fun to come, I am sure. I have already been invited to baseball practice with my seven year old grandnephew this afternoon!

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

Reflections of the Cruise

 Cruises are a significant event. 

It is hard to let them go even after they have been completed. The memories, the activity, the entertainment, and the fun linger.

I am going to highlight some of the images and a video that I took during the cruise. 

Me in the Flamingos on the Ship
Wonder of the Seas
January 7, 2023

One of the themes on the ship was flamingos. Flamingos were featured in sculpture, like this, and in many paintings and images. I enjoyed finding them in various places around the ship.

Our Traveling Group in the Pub on the Ship
Wonder of the Seas
January 7, 2023

A British-style pub became one of the group's hang-outs. We sent time enjoying each other's company and adult beverages while also playing games and relaxing. This image was taken just after the announcement of the impending nuptials. That Patrick and Jen were to be married on Coco Cay, day 3 of the cruise, was a total surprise! It made the cruise all that much more exciting and meaningful.

Chris and I next to the Mustang
Wonder of the Seas
January 9, 2023

One of the features of the ship was this classic Mustang right on the Promenade Deck. It was fun to look at the vehicle and imagine how it came to be on the ship. I believe it to be a 1966 Mustang Convertible, but I am no expert.

Moon over the North Atlantic
Wonder of the Seas
January 10, 2023

Sunsets, sunrises, and moon over the ocean. I love those subjects for images and cannot get enough of them. This moonrise was particularly interesting with the clouds. I took it from our balcony, or is it a verandah?

My Favorite Towel Animal
Wonder of the Seas
January 14, 2023

Who does not love the towel animals that the room stewards provide. I especially like it when they use items from the room to make them even more personal. This was the final towel animal of the trip. I saved this one for the last day and set it on the dresser in the room holding the tip envelope.

And finally, the video I took from the midnight party held on the very first night of the trip. The music was great and the party was fun.

The sad story of this party is that Chris and I did not attend together. I dozed off in the room about 9:30 PM and she went to the party with the rest of our group leaving me to sleep. That was a nice thought, but when I awoke about 11:15 PM, I went to the Promenade Deck in search of her, but did not find her. So I was alone for the opening big celebration of the cruise. In fact it turns out she was less than about 100 feet from me at a table in the pub. I had walked through the pub but did not see them. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Wonder of the Seas - Days 8 and 9, And So it Ends

 

Kitchen Nightmares
Wonder of the Seas
January 14, 2023

And it is over!

I am back home reviewing the trip and the past two days. It was 39 degrees at the port when we disembarked this morning! I thought this was supposed to be Florida!

Yesterday was a sea day as we cruised back to Port Canaveral from Haiti. The Captain warned us ahead of time that the upper deck would be closed due to high winds. And the winds across the deck averaged 50 mph or more for most of the day. I estimated the sea swells to be between 10-15 feet. Fortunately, the Wonder of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship afloat and we hardly noticed the wind and waves until the nighttime when I believe they became worse. 

What to do on a ship where the outside activities are not happening? Go to shows and shop. We did both. 

We went to a show called Kitchen Nightmares, loosely done like a TV cooking show with a lot of twists. The two teams, selected from the audience, were tasked with cooking a three course meal in 25 minutes with help from two the ship's chefs. The meals were evaluated, but the host of the event kept throwing obstacles into the paths of the cooks, like at one point making them swap cooking tables and at others giving them a one minute time out. It was a lot of fun.

365 Seasons on Ice
Wonder of the Seas
January 14, 2023

Later in the evening we attended 365 Seasons on Ice--an ice dancing show which was superbly executed. It was very enjoyable and the technology to make the show happen was amazing. It even snowed during the performance!

In between and after the shows there was time for food and enjoying some time with Patrick, Jen, Alex, and Becka. 

Snow during the Performance
Wonder of the Seas
January 14, 2023

This morning's the exit from the ship was smooth. We moved our own luggage and were off the ship by 7:30, at our car by 8 AM and home by 10 AM after a slightly less than 2-hour drive. Wow!

I will do a full review of the cruise and the ship in the future, but all-in-all, it was a great cruise. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Wonder of the Seas - Day 7, Labadee, Haiti

Beach 
Labadee, Haiti
January 13, 2023

We made our return to Labadee yesterday. Chris and I had been on another Royal Caribbean cruise which visited Labadee in the days before Coco Cay was completed. Labadee has a very different vibe from Coco Cay. I find it more relaxed with the primary focus being on the ocean and beach time. The water park portion of the site is not nearly as diverse as is Coco Cay.

That written, we had a very enjoyable day lounging in the shade of a large tree just off the beach. We found a strategically located spot near a drink station and a rest room. The day started with beautiful blue skies and calm water. Idyllic. The Royal Caribbean area seems very separated from the rest of Haiti. The area does sport a Straw Market with locals selling their wares, they are very aggressive, but Royal Caribbean security keeps them in check. 

Drones in the Effectors 2 Show
Wonder of the Sea
January 13, 2023

For the late afternoon and evening we retired to the ship. One of the highlights of the trip was the evening show in the Royal Theater, The Effectors 2: Crash and Burn. Like the aqua show we attended earlier in the trip it was top quality, exciting, and supremely interesting. In this show I was amazed at the use of multiple drones and lasers. I wonder if they have ever had a drone fail during the performance?

I didn't realize that it was Friday the 13th until the day was mostly over.

Angry North Atlantic
Wonder of the Seas
January 14, 2023

And finally, the trip back to Port Canaveral is a rough and windy one. The ship is very large and we hardly feel the rough North Atlantic. 

We expect to have a good day on the ocean, but the Captain advised us yesterday that the open upper deck would be closed or access would be severely restricted due to the high winds. I looked at the weather map and it seems we may be sailing into a 30 mph headwind at about 25 mph. Does that equal 55 mph over the deck? I don't know.  

Should be a fun day.

-- Bob Doan, Wonder of the Seas, North Atlantic

Wonder of the Seas - Day 6, Puerto Plata

Sailing into Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Wonder of the Seas
January 12, 2023

 The day began rainy and overcast. It was the first rain we had experienced on the trip. We did not tie-up until 11 AM and could not get off the ship until about 11:30 AM. Chris and I did leave the ship to visit a place we had not before visited. 

There is not much in Puerto Plata, yet. We explored the cruise terminal area and there are a number of shops and it is clear that the locals are trying to turn the cruise port into a shopping Mecca. There is a lot of construction in the terminal area and based upon the portion that has been completed, the end result is going to be very nice. 

Now for conditions outside the terminal area. We were confronted with a Cozumel-like commotion. Lots of taxis trying to drag Chris and me off to unknown locations. We walked along the street to the edge of the town, there was not much to see and we decided to return to the ship, running the gauntlet in the opposite direction. 

Back on the Wonder of the Seas we were treated to a relaxing afternoon in the Solarium hot tubs enjoying multiple conversations with other travelers. The ship provided an afternoon parade which was more of a show. It was one of the finest parades I have experienced and it surpassed Disney in creativity. 

Dinner was at a specialty restaurant called the Mason Jar. It is a southern style restaurant and the country band was playing live music to accompany our meal in the adjoining bar. It was a great meal and a fun time.

Exhausted, we collapsed into our bed at the end of another full day. 

Today we are in Labadee, Haiti! And the cruise is rapidly coming to a conclusion.

-- Bob Doan, Wonder of the Seas, Labadee, Haiti