Reflections of the Cruise

Symphony of the Seas and Celebrity Reflection
CocoCay, Bahamas
September 25, 2024

 Being a short 4-night cruise, there is not too much to reflect upon, but I can state that we had a great time. This is now our second Celebrity cruise 

Boarding was efficient and pleasant. It was much better than our experience in Italy during May. We arrived and were quickly processed and just had to wait comfortably for less than 5 minutes to get onboard. We made it onboard in time to enjoy the welcome lunch to which we were invited. During our Italy trip, processing through the Italian security was so slow that even though we were in line in time, we missed the lunch.

Watching the Mooring
CocoCay, Bahamas
September 25, 2024

The Celebrity Reflection is a nice sized ship with activities for most everyone. One night we danced to Abba music and had a really great time.

Dinners were nice. The food was good, but did not exceed the threshold to be considered excellent. We were disappointed that there was no lobster night, which as most cruisers know is usually the last night of the cruise. I enjoyed a chilled soup starter every dinner and I very much enjoyed the variety of soups presented.

The bars on the ship were diverse and each seemed to present its own vibe. We spent the most time in Cellar Masters, which catered to the wine lovers in us through its decor. It also caters to the bourbon crowd. 

My Birthday Cake
Celebrity Reflection
September 25, 2024

The Celebrity team/crew was great. They provided everything we needed and our room service was great. The only issue was the room service breakfast. We ordered coffee, yogurt, and bagels. The bagels were cold and rick hard making them inedible. That happened two mornings in a row and so we stopped ordering the bagels preferring instead to go to the buffet for a light breakfast.

I enjoyed a birthday cake a day early as we celebrated dual birthdays on the cruise. It was a great time with friends.

Perhaps the most impressive activity during the cruise was the real-world emergency in which someone needed to be transferred off the ship for medical care. This occurred after our departure from Key West. The ship diverted into Miami during the night for the transfer. Originally a helicopter was going to land to make the transfer.  Later, I heard that a Coast Guard cutter was going to rendezvous with the ship off the coast, but the weather was too rough for either the helicopter or the at-sea transfer and so the ship went into the Port of Miami, but not mooring, to make the transfer. It all worked and I slept peacefully through it all. Out arrival into CocoCay was delayed by about two hours, but I was impressed with how the transfer happened without most of the passengers even realizing what was happening. I wished I had been awake to take some pictures. 

And now, I have to plan our next cruise adventure. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Home Again

Port Everglades Pier 25
Ft Lauderdale, FL
September 27, 2024

 Our cruise ended this morning after a fairly rocky night on the ocean. I was awake as the ship entered the Port Everglades. I actually woke because the rocking from the wind and waves suddenly stopped. Pretty funny! It was just after 6 AM and that is also my normal wake-up time. 

It was quite a sight from the veranda as we sailed into the port with all of the lights in the pre-dawn hours. The pier where the ship docked is on the very left. The ship actually backed up to the pier, which is exactly opposite of how the ship was positioned when we boarded on Monday. 

Reflection in my Wine Glass
Celebrity Reflection 
September 26, 2024

Chris and I enjoyed a relaxing, yet pleasantly busy last day on the ship. We began with a visit to a hot tub which was very enjoyable. Following that we were invited to a reception to meet the Captain and enjoyed some early drinks and munchies. After a light lunch we pressed on to a wine tasting. The wine tasting included eight wines and while enjoyable because we were tasting with friends, it was a very basic tasting with minimal information. I think the sommelier was relatively new in his position. Evening was highlighted by a great last evening on-board and birthday dinner with our friends followed by Thursday Night NFL Football!

And now we are home, having driven home from the port this morning. It was a bit busy this morning getting off the ship since we did not pack the night before. But, we were off before 8 AM and on our way home about 8:30 from the parking area. 

And now it is back to the routine. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Was it a Perfect Day?

Hen Guarding Sandals
CocoCay, Bahamas
September 25, 2024

 Royal Caribbean and Celebrity advertise the stop at their private island as the Perfect Day at CocoCay. I enjoyed the day, but calling it a perfect day might be a stretch. For those remaining on the ship, I hear it was a great day having the near empty ship to themselves. 

Chris and I had fun watching the chickens fight with the seagulls for morsels of food. One enterprising hen decided to guard our sandals hoping for a handout that never came. We make it a point not to feed the wild birds, although she later did some counter surfing at our table. 

We enjoyed our day, but both Chris and I felt that since we live near a beach and have ample opportunities for beach time, perhaps we could have done something else with our day. We went to the South Beach, on CocoCay, to be somewhat removed from the crowds and while that seemed like a good idea, we realized that our entertainment comes from watching others enjoy the water and the weather. 

Sunrise over the Ocean
North Atlantic
September 26, 2025

We ended the day with a great birthday dinner for a friend and an early celebration for me. Cruises and celebrations are fun!

Today began with a stunning sunrise. We are avoiding the Hurricane Helene, but the ship is rocking from the winds. Today is a sea day and so everyone is on the ship and I expect the main attractions, like the hot tubs, to be crowded. We will likely do some more crowd watching. Sadly, today is the last full day of the cruise and tomorrow we will arrive back in Ft Lauderdale to make the drive home to Tequesta. 

The birthdays (yes plural) cruise is almost over. I have to admit that I have collected more than a few bottles of wine somehow. The cruise ship seems to send me a bottle for almost every occasion and our neighbor is not a wine drinker and she has given me her wine as well. Today, to add to the wine-ing, we will also enjoy an early afternoon wine tasting.

I love cruising.

-- Bob Doan, North Atlantic Ocean, IVO 2612.94N 07610.77W

Key West and Beyond

The ship is shaking and rocking as I write this morning.  Apparently, the winds have picked up overnight and the massive superstructure is acting like a huge sail. I find the shaking to be a small annoyance. Chris, finds it to be a sleep impediment. I have not yet stepped into the veranda to check for myself because Chris is struggling to sleep. 

We enjoyed Key West yesterday. Our walking tour took us to the sights and I learned even more about the city and its history. We cut short our participation in the tour after two-and-a-half hours due the heat. The heat index was over 100 degrees and we were on a planned four hour walking tour. We checked out a few places on our way back to the ship, but once we boarded we were happy to be onboard.  Our clothes were was wet as if we had been standing in a rainstorm. 

We enjoyed standing at the beginning of US-1. As we have lived near and driven on this road for so many years it seems like something familiar even in distant places. 

One very annoying aspect of the trip is the ship’s internet, for which I pay extra. It will not let me add images to my blog and so I will have to do that later. Hence the big empty spot at the start of my blog.  I also cannot get my MacBook to connect due to some perceived security issue. I was able to post yesterday only because I went onto the veranda and used my 5G connection. 

Oh well. 

Today is a visit to CocoCay. We are late arriving because the ship diverted during the night into Miami for an emergency. I do not know exactly what the emergency was, but I had heard that a helicopter was planned; perhaps that changed with the winds. 

We enjoyed a sail away from Key West party on the helipad until the winds came up. Then the party was ended.  Rather abruptly.  

We are ready for whatever adventure the day brings. Looking at the map it appears as if we are still a couple hours from CocoCay. We have not yet been advised of the new plan for the day.

— Bob Doan, IVO Bahamas 2859.38N 07823.83W

Sailing from Ft Lauderdale

Central Elevator Bank 15 stories
Celebrity Reflection 
September 23, 2024

We are aboard the Celebrity Reflection about to dock in Key West. We boarded yesterday and have been enjoying being aboard the ship since just before noon. 

Today is a planned for a walking tour and an early afternoon departure and then off to CocoCay tomorrow. I am looking forward to walking around Key West.  It is one of my favorite cities.  

Dawn over Sunset Key, Fl
September 24, 2024

The ship has been fun to explore and we have so much more to see. We are looking forward to an enjoyable cruise and time in both Key West and CocoCay. 

Adventure awaits  

— Bob Doan, Key West, Fl

Monday Musings - September 23, 2024

1. Happy Autumn! In case you missed it, Autumn began yesterday. Today is the 4th Monday of September. Next week will mark the last of five September Mondays. There are 14 Mondays remaining in 2024. 

Finn Watching the Cowboys-Ravens Game
Tequesta, FL
September 22, 2024

2. Family NFL Report. Family teams went 3-2 with Commanders to play tonight. The Steelers and Chiefs remain the only undefeated family teams, while the struggling Ravens achieved their first win even while being outscored 19-0 during the 4th quarter. 

Ravens (1-2) held on against Cowboys (1-2), 28-25 

Steelers (3-0) defeated Chargers (2-1), 20-10

Commanders (1-1) play Bengals (0-2), Tonight

Dolphins (1-2) lost to Seahawks (3-0), 3-24

Chiefs (3-0) comeback against Falcons (1-2), 22-17 

3. The Orioles continue their September slide. Fortunately, it appears that all of the teams they are in competition with are also playing poorly. They are 8-11 in September, yet still in contention for the first wild card position.  

4. Trump lies. At an event held by a conservative group in late August, Trump claimed that schools are sending children for gender-affirming surgeries without their parents’ knowledge. He said, “The transgender thing is incredible. Think of it. Your kid goes to school and comes home a few days later with an operation. The school decides what’s going to happen with your child.” (CNN)

5. Fact for the week:

Approximately 10% of people are left-handed.

6.  If they are complaining about it, they are probably doing it. 

7. Today in History. On September 23, 1875, Billy the Kid is arrested for the first time after stealing a basket of laundry. He later broke out of jail and roamed the American West, eventually earning a reputation as an outlaw and murderer and a rap sheet that allegedly included 21 murders.

The exact details of Billy the Kid’s birth are unknown, other than his name, William Henry McCarty. He was probably born sometime between 1859 and 1861, in Indiana or New York. As a child, he had no relationship with his father and moved around with his family, living in Indiana, Kansas, Colorado and Silver City, New Mexico. His mother died in 1874 and Billy the Kid—who went by a variety of names throughout his life, including Kid Antrim and William Bonney—turned to crime soon afterward.

Delays in counting mail-in ballots could make it unlikely to know on election night who won battleground states - CNN

The Middle East is closer to the brink of a catastrophic war - CNN

Trump’s false claims haven’t just triggered a string of bomb threats in Springfield — they’re also draining funds - CNN

Israel says operations in Lebanon will continue until safe for evacuees to return - Reuters

Sri Lankans elect Marxist-leaning Dissanayake as president to fix economy - Reuters

Russian strike on apartment block in Kharkiv injures 21 - Reuters

Bipartisan Spending Deal Would Avert Shutdown, Aid Secret Service - The Wall Street Journal

Harris Makes Undercover Push to Win Over Corporate America - The Wall Street Journal

Congressional leaders reach deal to avert shutdown, boost Secret Service funds - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Under the Tiki

Under the Tiki
Hutchinson Island, Stuart, FL
September 21, 2024

 Yesterday was a great day to head off and enjoy one of my favorite museums in the area, the Elliott Museum in Stuart. The museum has an impressive collection of antique automobiles and a world-class manner of displaying them using an elevator system. 

Carlin Park Beach
Jupiter, FL
September 21, 2024

The adventure began under a huge Tiki Hut adjacent to Stuart Beach located on Hutchinson Island where we secured lunch and enjoyed watching the ocean and the beachgoers. From there we made the short walk to the museum and enjoyed the exhibits there for a few hours.

We ended the day with Happy Hour on Carlin Park Beach, watching the ocean waves run up to the shore, the beachgoers, and with the added benefit of a wedding. We stayed until just before sunset as the sky began to darken due to some troublesome looking rain showers developing in the area. 

We are planning more adventures today before we board a cruise ship tomorrow for a week of sailing and relaxation. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Riding the Trails

Trail
Jupiter, FL
September 19, 2024

 Some days when I'm biking, I change up the route to see some different areas. I did a 20-mile ride Thursday and managed to ride a short trail through a forested area that borders a branch of the Loxahatchee River. Riding the trail reminded me of biking the GAP during June. 

Riding the GAP
Connellsville, PA
June 15, 2024

One thing I really enjoyed on the GAP was riding under the canopy of the trees. The trail seemed to be forever under the trees, which was nice, but did make enjoying the scenery difficult. But the smell of the forest and seeing the artifacts from the railroad system upon whose roadbed we were riding made the trek more than interesting. 

Riding the short, about 1 mile, trail near Jupiter rekindles the memories. 

For October, as many have noticed, I am participating in the American Cancer Society Bike 300 Challenge during October. I am happy to have another biking goal to achieve. My page is here: Cancer Fundraising Page.  I have ridden 300 miles during a month on three occasions, the most recent being June 2024 aided by the 160 mile GAP ride. 

GAP - Great Allegheny Passage from Pittsburgh, PA two Cumberland, MD

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Moon in the Palm

 

Moon in the Palm
Tequesta, FL
September 19, 2024

Sometimes when I walk out my door in the morning to allow Finn to do his business, I am confronted with a scene that causes me to stop and consider it for more than a passing moment. Such opportunity presented itself yesterday morning as the sky was only beginning to lighten and the moon was visible through a tall palm in front of my building.

I went back inside to get my phone, with the camera, to capture the scene. I had to wait until Finn had completed his task, but it was only a few minutes. I continue to bed frustrated because cameras do not easily capture the moon, it tends to show up fuzzy despite my best efforts.

By taking the image, I also documented the coconuts on the tree which the community's tree service has not removed. There are coconuts everywhere. I had thought the trimming in June was supposed to prevent the coconuts from forming. I guess not. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Beating the heat on the Water

 

Heading out of Manatee Pocket
Port Salerno, FL
September 18, 2024

The oppressive South Florida heat continued yesterday and with it came the nearly predictable afternoon thunderstorms. Chris and I, along with Fran and Mary, decided to beat the heat and take a boating excursion to our favorite beach and then onto Stuart for lunch. It turned out to be a perfect way plan and we made it back to the marina just before an impressive looking thunderstorm arrived. 

Pelican on the Marker
Peck Lake, FL
September 18, 2024

We were confronted with the King Tides, which are seasonal tides much higher than normal. That meant that upon arriving at our preferred beach, there was not much area to beach the boat since we were near high tide.

I took an image of a pelican on a channel marker. The speed sign, posted lower, is partially underwater due to the higher than normal nature of the King Tides. I believe they are more correctly known as Spring Tides. The dock was actually underwater by a few inches because of the Spring Tide. 

Our Camp on the Beach
Jupiter Island, FL
September 18, 2024

We successfully beached the boat and tied it up. The ocean beach off Peck Lake is perhaps my favorite local beach because it is usually deserted. Best accessed by boat, we have only been there one time when the beach was actually crowded and that was because there were more than a dozen boats beached along the ICW near the short path to leading to the beach. Yesterday it was idyllic--we were alone on a beautiful ocean beach.

Captain Crunch from the Restaurant 
Stuart, FL
September 18, 2024

We stayed on the beach until it was time to head for Stuart, where were had decided to lunch. I figured that from the time we broke camp to arrival at Stuart would be about an hour. I was correct. We arrived at the Stuart City Docks about an hour later after a very nice ride up the St Lucie River. The inland waters were calm and that made the ride enjoyable. As an added benefit, there were very few other boaters out yesterday, as can be seen from the image of the City Dock where we were the only boat tied up. 

We enjoyed a leisurely lunch and then headed back to the marina. We could not see the weather to the south, near the marina, during lunch, but once we got back onto the water it was clear that a strong thunderstorm was headed in that direction. Fortunately, we arrived at the marina before the storm. We observed some exciting lightening bolts, which I estimated were 4-5 miles away--so there was no panic.

Another great boating day and the perfect hump day activity. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL