As the Cruise Ends

Chasing Down a Freighter
July 8, 2017
Atlantic Ocean off the Coast of Florida

We experienced a sea day yesterday on our way back to Port Canaveral. I enjoy sea days because it forces me to explore the ship and try things that I might not otherwise experience. Sometimes, I get excited about watching the ship track down and overtake a freighter. Life can be that relaxing during a sea day.

Cats
Oasis of the Seas
July 8, 2017

Yesterday, for example, I attended the ship's performance of Cats. Yes, the former Broadway musical written during the early 1980's that I have failed to appreciate. The performance did eat up two-and-a-half hours and was actually very good. Perhaps it was because I understood the story this time. Even so, it got a bit long and it seems to end abruptly. Chris and I did get our picture taken with Old Deuteronomy during the intermission.

Cats on Oasis of the Seas

We also attended the comedy show during the night which provided a good send off with some humor specifically directed at life aboard a cruise ship.

Alas, our time aboard the Oasis of the Seas is nearly over. I am sitting in port waiting for breakfast and debarkation. I watched the ship arrive at the quay under the cover of darkness and have been watching the sun rise. It has bee beautiful to experience, but I admit, I much prefer the sunrise and the sunset at sea.

Chris trying a new drink of the day

Chris and I with Our Waitstaff
Iwayan from Bali
Vicky from India

But as the day dawns the activity begins to ramp up it is time to begin the process of departing. The good-byes have already begun as we enjoyed a meal with our wait staff for the last time. they were fun and it is always amazing how we develop a bond with the team and that makes the good-byes sad. 

The memories are great and the images that I have captured help us to remember the fun and good times of escaping life for a week to sail away!

-- Bob Doan, writing from Oasis of the Seas tied up in Port Canaveral, Florida

A Day in Haiti

Beach Cabanas on Labadee, Haiti
July 7, 2017

The title is a bit misleading. We did spend a day in Haiti, but it was not the real Haiti, it was the specially constructed playground for Royal Caribbean ships on a small isolated peninsula named Labadee. 

Beach Chairs and Activities
Labadee, Haiti
Oasis of the Seas in the Background
July 7, 2017

Our ship arrived at about 9:30AM for a day of fun in the sun. The weather was perfect. The beaches were manicured. The activities were planned and executed to direct money into the cruise line's coffers.  

It was, for all practical purposes, a sea day on land.

Palm Tree
Labadee, Haiti
Zip Line in Background

I admit, I thoroughly enjoyed being ashore and having about seven beaches to choose from. I enjoyed having lunch catered and drinks provided, but if I had any expectation of visiting Haiti, which is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and one of the poorest countries in the world, I was sadly mistaken.

Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed the day. The water was magnificent, the activities stimulating, and the shade under the trees was cool.

Chris on the Beach

I found the prices for some of the attractions to be a bit inflated, for instance although  advertised as the longest overwater zip-line in the world it was $119 for about a 45 second event. The beach cabanas were almost $500, and the beach beds, seen in the background of the palm trees photo, were almost $200. Fortunately, the chairs that we spent the day in were included.

Sadly, however, the day ended and we are now headed back to port to end our cruise. It is hard to believe that almost a week ago we boarded the ship and headed out into the Atlantic to visit places that we had only dreamed about.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Oasis of the Seas in the Atlantic Ocean

San Juan in Five Hours

Castillo San Felipe del Morro
San Juan, PR
July 6, 2017

One of the hardest aspects of visiting new places via cruise ship is the often incredibly short amount of time allotted to a shore day. 

The Capitol of Puerto Rico

Yesterday was a prime example. We arrived in San Juan about 7AM and had to be back on the ship by 1:30PM. By the time we got off the ship it was almost 8AM and we were in the line to board by 1PM. Five hours to explore San Juan is not nearly enough. We met more than one person who told us that a minimum of one week is requires to visit San Juan and Puerto Rico just to get oriented.  I believe them.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro
From Oasis of the Seas upon departure
July 6, 2017

The ship docked near Old Town San Juan and since the shops and sights don't open until closed to 10AM we took a two-hour bus tour to get a general overview of the city. 

Me by Cannon Balls
Castillo San Cristóbal 

We saw same of the great sights and at the end of two hours were deposited in front of one of the forts that makes up the defense of the Old City. I love forts. We walked from Castillo San Felipe del Morro, which guards the harbors by being strategically places on the hill above the entrance, into the Old City for a shopping break and wound up at the other fort, Castillo San Cristobal, to end our visit to San Juan and Puerto Rico.

Chris about to Lose her Hat
Castillo San Cristóbal
Oasis of the Seas lurking in the background

It was much too fast!

But it was a great morning. We also purchased some trinkets and made good on a hot sauce promise for family. 

There is so much more to see, but I really enjoyed the forts and was amazed to learn that during the high period of the fortifications about 2,000 troops would have been garrisoned. The first were each constructed for about 800 troops and the remainder would have been housed in town. There were some ferocious battles fought over San Juan between the Spanish and the British and the Dutch. 

It was a great and fast day. Being back on the ship by 1:30PM meant we had a long afternoon to enjoy the memories made during the morning.

Today, we are onto Labadee, Haiti for some relaxing, I hope, beach time.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Oasis of the Seas headed for Haiti

Monday Musings - July 3, 2017

People on the Canaveral Beach
July 2, 2017

1. Happy Independence Day! Enjoy the Fourth. 

Carnaval Cruise Ships Departing Port Canaveral
July 2, 2017

2. Sitting on the balcony of a cruise ship looking at the placid waters of the Caribbean without any land in sight; the ultimate way to spend a vacation.

3. I was amazed at how many people were at the beach yesterday as the ship departed Port Canaveral.

4. I was ready for a front row seat for the Space-X Falcon 9 launch, but it was scrubbed with 9 seconds to go. The ultimate downer.

Waiting in Our Cabin
July 2, 2017

5. There was something nice about being greeted in our cruise ship cabin with a filled bottle of sparkling wine and a bottle of red wine. It made sitting on the balcony yesterday as we pulled out of port that much better.

6. Getting ready for the holiday, The New York Times taste tested hot dogs to find the best. Find the results here.

Headlines

7. Independent Press Is Under Siege as Freedom Rings - The New York Times

Excerpt:

You’re old enough to know that you can’t always have a feel-good birthday. And let’s face it: This Fourth of July just isn’t going to be one of them.

How could it be when one of the pillars of our 241-year-old republic — the First Amendment — is under near-daily assault from the highest levels of the government?

8. Therapy animals are everywhere. Proof that they help is not. - The Washington Post

Quote for the Week

"Our country's greatest asset is not our vast expanse of land and not our abundant resources or our temperate climate. Instead, what will serve America most in the years ahead, our most precious possession, is the genius of our people."

Ronald Reagan

Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the National Medals of Science and Technology, June 25, 1987

-- Bob Doan, writing from aboard The Oasis of the Seas somewhere in the Caribbean Sea

Enjoying the Heat and the Beach

Chris in Cocoa Beach
July 1, 2017

Rediscovering Summer was a great experience yesterday. 

Chris Striding to Her Ball

The temperatures were hot, the sun was shining and there was even an afternoon thunderstorm to raise the humidity and make the summertime stickiness return.

Yes, I am a bit crazy about the heat and sun. But I truly love it. I enjoy the heat so much that Chris and I played a round of golf during the heat of the afternoon. It was fantastic because there were no other crazy people on the course.

The morning was filled with time on the beach getting reacquainted with the Atlantic Ocean and the wildlife. 

At the Beach

It was a busy interlude vacation day where we began the process of decompressing from the frenetic pace of life and began to get our "Island Time" approach to life.

Along the Indian River
July 1, 2017

Hopefully it will be a good day. 

To end the day yesterday, we celebrated sunset along the banks of the Indian River with a great meal and a beautiful scene.

Vacations can be great. We just need to open our eyes and absorb the scenery.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Melbourne, Florida

Out the Hotel Window - Melbourne, Florida

Out my Hotel Window
Near Melbourne, Florida
June 30, 2017

Vacation night one was in a hotel near Melbourne, Florida.

At the end of a marathon 13-and-a-half hour drive its was a great relief to find our hotel to be easily accessed and clean.

As Evening Falls
Out my Hotel Window
June 30, 2017

As usual, I peered out the hotel window with my camera in hand to image what I could see. It was an empty, well almost empty parking lot. And trash bins! How exciting is that? I don't even see any palm trees in the image. 

But I am in Florida, again! It is warm and humid.

And there are palm trees, I have seen them and toughed them.

Later in the evening, the sky was lit like fire coming through the clouds and I was able to obtain a better image from my hotel window.

The image is not one of my better, but the fiery scene was spectacular.

Who knows what today will hold?

-- Bob Doan, writing from near Melbourne, Florida

Road Trip Blues

It seems that I am destined to never have a truck with an unblemished windshield.

I had replaced the windshield in the Sonoma a few years ago and almost immediately caught a rock that grew into a huge crack that remained until the truck was towed away two weeks ago.

This morning, during the second hour of the current road trip my Ram caught a rock on the windshield. I took a picture of it. Ugh.

I'm reminded of the statement, "and that's why we can have nice things."

I think I can get the divot filled if it will hold until we get back.

Well it's a jungle on the highway.

-- Bob Doan, writing from somewhere in North Carolina near mile marker 152

The Vacation Isn't Over Yet

Bloody Mary on the Beach

The trip from Florida back to Maryland went without incident. That was significantly different from the canceled flight we experienced during our travel to Florida. 

Mike after Teeing Off at Glenn Dale
April 15, 2017

That normally means that vacation is over and it is back to real life. And I am. There are groceries to buy, an Easter dinner to plan, and mail to rummage through to see if anything of value arrived during our absence.

I enjoyed sitting on the beach; eating lunch and sipping adult drinks. It was fun not to worry about what time I had to wake up, even though I woke up early.

I was able to sneak out this morning and play a round of golf. I did pretty well considering that I had not touched a golf club in two weeks. My vacation is not over yet.

I miss Florida.

I miss walking on the beach every morning.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

As the Vacation Winds Down

Carlin Park, Jupiter Florida
April 13, 2017

The last full day of vacation always a sad time. Yesterday was that day. Today is a travel day and that always brings its own set of stresses. 

Chris and I Looking into the Distance

I remembered to log on and get my seat on the airplane for the return trip home. I sincerely hope that it is less exciting than was the trip to Florida. 

I have been watching the news and I know that the world is a busy place, but being on vacation has allowed me to keep my head in the sand and let the international and domestic issues pass, kind of like having my head in the sand.

Home Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach

And writing of sand, even though the water was again too rough to actually venture too far from shore, the sand on the windblown beach was warm and inviting. We have become big fans of the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach. It was a busy day yesterday, being a nice day and high season, and there were about 12 other people on the 5 miles of beach. That is a good ratio.

Too soon, I will be back into my all too busy life and the relaxing morning walks along the beach and afternoon naps in the sun will be nothing more than a memory.

But today, I will definitely enjoy all of these for at least one last time.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Palm Trees in the Wind

Palm Tree in the Wind

I was going to title this "A Study of Palm Trees" but I decided that images of two palm trees blowing in the wind did not constitute a study. 

Afternoon on the Intracoastal
Jupiter Island, Florida
April 12, 2017

The Atlantic Ocean has been rough during my entire vacation thus far. Three foot waves crashing onto the beaches and a steady wind that makes the nearly 80 degree temperatures seem cool.

The beauty of one of the beaches that we frequent is that the ocean is on one side and there are calmer beaches on the intracoastal waterway side. We found respite from the wind and waves yesterday on the intracoastal side and had an thoroughly enjoyable afternoon on the beach. It was as if we had out own private beach from which to watch the yachts sail the channel to the sea.

Palm Tree in the Storm

But it was the palm trees in the wind, illuminated by the sun with the dark storm clouds behind them that caught my eye. Standing alone, as palm trees often do, against the worst storms that the weather can throw against them. 

Palm Tree on the Dune

I enjoy palm trees.

What more can I say. I know that I am far enough south when palms begin to appear with increasing regularity and frequency. I know that they potentially can survive northern winters, but they do not grow naturally in the wilds of Maryland. I even found a website that details the correct types of palms to purchase for the varied Maryland climate zones. 

Maybe I will start landscaping with palm trees and sand.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Playing on the Beach

Chris Searching for Shells
 at Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
April 11, 2017

Chris at Carlin Park
April 11, 2017

The waves have been high along the beaches which have hindered our ability to play in the water. 

We have not been able to snorkel, but we have been enjoying the ocean and beaches in other ways. 

Our morning beach walk has been occurring on differing beaches. The waves have been magnificent. The scenery awesome. 

Chris has been having a blast playing with the waves and searching for shells. I ended the video below just before a wave caught up with Chris. It was very funny.

Yesterday we visited three beaches. I have to admit, it looks as if the entire Sargasso Sea is coming ashore. The beaches are still a lot of fun and the sun is still warm.

And, of course, I am not at work!

There are still, countless tomorrow's.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Critters Along the Beach

Jupiter Island
April 10, 2017
Photo by Chris

Walking along the beach in the morning can be an educational experience.

Pelicans on Patrol

Yesterday the waves were crashing on the beach and red flags were flying. 

We found the beach to full of life. The sea birds were everywhere and there was even a small portuguese man o' war washed up among the sea grasses. 


The waves obviated any idea we had of getting into the water, but the walk along the beach was exciting.

Portuguese Man O' War on the Beach
Photo by Chris

It is too early in the season for turtles, but we did look to see if any had happened onto the beach during the night. There didn't seem to be any.

Of course, the day before we had happened across a small crab along the beach as well. 

The sky above is full of life as well. The pelicans cruise the beach looking for a meal and a family of ospreys aggressively hunt above the shore as well.

I love the beach!

Remember, a bad day at the beach is better than a good day at the office!

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Day 3 is Day 1

Palm Trees
I'm in Florida

Today is essentially the first day of my Spring vacation. It is, however, the third day of my vacation. 

Chris on the Beach

We arrived in Florida last evening, uneventfully. The ride from Orlando seemed longer than normal, but at least we finally overcame the scheduling impact from the storms of Thursday. We heard that some people whose travel plans were disrupted by the weather were not getting out until Sunday. We felt lucky when the plane roared into the sky and Baltimore was in our proverbial "rear-view mirror."


Today was almost idyllic. We have been to the beach twice to enjoy the sun, wind, and waves. We even switched beaches from the ocean side to the intercostal side to be warmer and to be able to get into the water. The ocean surf was rough and yellow flags were flying along the guarded beaches this morning.

The Ocean Between My Knees

It was a great start to my first day in Florida. Alas, however, there was a trip to the local grocery store sandwiched in there. But, I guess we need some food to eat.

I am just enjoying the day, the sun and the warmth!

I am happy that we finally arrived!

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

My First Day of Spring Break

Every year, Chris and I plan a get away during Spring Break. For Chris, who works in a school, the week provides a much needed escape from the daily grind.

We we're supposed to be in Florida soaking up sun and walking the sandy beaches. 

Due to many flight cancellations on Thursday evening, we are hoping to get out on a flight today and start our early-Spring vacation a couple days late.

A Warm Beach that I Am Not On
Bahamas from 2016

So what did I do on my first day of Spring Break?

First off, I sojourned to Lowe's to get the supplies to replaced the innards of a noisy toilet.

Then, I finally got my tractor started amid a humorous and frustrating series of mishaps to get it out of the shed and into the garage for the necessary work. In the end, I couldn't push it up the yard and had to work on it in the cold 45 degree temperatures of the day. Who knew that tractors with soft tires could be so hard to push. I almost hooked a tow cable to it and towed it with my truck, but that seemed to be a bit excessive.

But, with a little work and tinkering the tractor started and I mowed, yes, mowed, the lawn. I was freezing mowing the lawn in 45 degree temperatures--but the thoughts of soon being on a warm beach kept me warm (in my mind).

I definitely was not relaxing on a beach for my first day of vacation.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

I'm Not In Florida

I was supposed to wake up this morning in Florida surrounded by palm trees and 80 degree temperatures.

Due to the rough weather along the East Coast yesterday, I am at home superfine through 40 degree temperatures and will not be leaving for Florida until tomorrow!  Ugh!

Travel was catastrophe yesterday. 

First the flight was delayed three hours. OK--no big deal. But then, it was canceled! And we HAD to go to the airport to try to get rescheduled--for Saturday!

Well, it is Spring Break and everyone who can is trying to escape to Florida, it seems.

We met some nice people, especially the couple trying to return home to the West Palm Beach area after living in Australia for the past three years. They were really in a mess because their dog was being delivered to their house today! They needed to be home. I hope they made it.

I hope we make it tomorrow!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Late for Summer

Here I am, in the deep mid-winter, just past Ground Hog Day, and I found out that I am already behind in planning my summer vacation! Ugh!

Some people I know are already planning 2018! I guess they are true planners. Ready for almost anything. I don't even have a date set to open my pool this year and they are planning a vacation for next year.

I have trouble getting excited about vacation planning in the middle of the winter. I have planned a Spring-break get away, but the thought of trying to find a warm sandy beach with palm trees somewhere in the Caribbean was almost paralyzing. 

Some Beach, Somewhere

As I got into the process I was appalled by the costs! The price of escapism is truly rising at an astronomic rate.

Ideally, I would find a quiet Caribbean island somewhere and stay there for three weeks. Not gonna happen. So then a land/sea vacation was considered. Probably, that is the final solution. Some time on the water sitting on the balcony outside my stateroom on some cruise ship and then a week or more on a sunny (Florida) beach. 

So much for a Caribbean get away. But a get away is still a distinct possibility.

Here's hoping for a frozen drink in my hand under a palm tree on a sunny and warm beach somewhere. Soon!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Unplanned Vacation Costs

Things break when I go on vacation. It just seems to be the way it is. 

Broken Garage Door Opener

Last year the garage door opener was broken when I returned from vacation. I was able to buy new parts and rebuild the opener within about a week.

This year when Chris and I returned from vacation we had three broken items: the washing machine, the pool, and my truck. Ugh!

The pool was a mess because the skimmers got clogged and there was too little water circulation meaning the chlorine levels fell and the water became cloudy and tinged green. After four tough days, I am winning the war of the pool!

My Broken Truck

My truck developed a transmission cooling line leak.  It has been towed to the garage for repair.

The most frustrating has been the washer. I had though an $18 part would fix it, but the results so far have been mixed. Last night I ordered the next part in there troubleshooting checklist-$110. But, then, magically, with a little cleaning and readjustment the washer started working so now I don't know if I need the $110 part--too late, it is not cancelable or returnable!

Broken appliances and a messed-up pool are the hidden price I seem pay for a fun week away.

I just wish I could come home and have everything working.

But, that would be different.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Bay and the Lighthouse

Cruising reminds me of my connection to the sea and how much I appreciate a good sunrise or sunset over the open water. I also appreciate the beauty of the day when viewing the shoreline.

Lighthouse at Nassau, Bahamas Harbor

Guarding Nassau harbor there is a small white lighthouse. It provided a great subject to photograph and a great memory. 

It was a stunning scene--right outside my stateroom window. Shimmering in the bright afternoon sunlight, protecting the mariners from the dangerous reefs.

Beach in Mexico

Equally as beautiful was the beach we visited after the  Tulum Mayan Ruins in Mexico. The beach had beautiful sand and a protected harbor. The day was hot, but the water was a refreshing as I ever could imagine.  I wish I had remembered to write down the name of the beach. But, it was enticing and a great place to close out a day of sightseeing. 

I still can imagine the beach chairs and sipping a cold drink against the oppressive heat of the day.

I love going over the memories of a great vacation.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD