Wonder of the Seas - Day 3, Coco Cay

 

Wonder of the Seas
Coco Cay, Bahamas
January 9, 2023

They call it a Perfect Day at Coco Cay. Chris and I had never been to the island before even though we had sailed on many Royal Caribbean ships before. Turns out that the saying is true. It was a perfect day. 

We enjoyed ourselves immensely during the roughly eight hour sojourn to the Royal Caribbean playground. Mostly, we enjoyed being with friends and family exploring the island and its offerings. 

The water slides are many and varied. I did the tallest and the fastest. I even did one where the floor drops out beneath me. I also did one the Chris and I could enjoy together. The wave pool was nice and the swim-up bars was better, but the water was a bit cool for the day. 

Chris enjoying a hammock
Coco Cay, Bahamas
January 9, 2023

For the evening we enjoyed a fabulous dinner at 150 Central Park. A speciality restaurant right off the park in the middle of the ship. 

Today is a sea day. I wonder what exciting adventures we will experience. 

Tomorrow we land in Puerto Rico for some enjoyment and fun.

View of Coco Cay Water Slide Tower
January 9, 2023

Bob Doan, Wonder of the Seas, North Atlantic Ocean near 23.75904° N, 73.44760° W

Wonder of the Seas -Day 2, Nassau

Nassau Port from Popcorn II
Nassau, Bahamas
January 8, 2023

 The cruise continues. Chris and I spent a day in Nassau, Bahamas, and actually found something different to explore. 

We visited the Queen’s Staircase.

 

But before we were able to get there we had to navigate the 20,000 or so people who were getting off the 6, yup count them, cruise ships in port. Three of which were Royal Caribbean ships. Patrick was able to fly his drone and obtained this really cool image of the port with all 6 ships. You have to look close because only the very stern of one can be seen. It is a stunning image. 

Patrick, Jen, Chris, Me
Base of the Queens’s Staircase
Nassau, Bahamas
January 8, 2023

 The Queen’s Staircase was built in the late-1830s by freed slaves as a tribute to Queen Victoria. It comes down the hill from the fort and was carved out of solid limestone. It is impressive. We took a short taxi ride to the top of the stairs, walked down the stairs and then, stopping only to fly Patrick’s drone, Popcorn II, walked back into town. Total cost was $5.

After that we enjoyed some time in a local establishment and then returned to the ship to watch the final week of the NFL season. 

For the evening, Chris and I enjoyed the aqua show on the whip which is titled, Intense. And it is. Very enjoyable and worthwhile  it was good to be on a ship with real entertainment.

— Bob Doan, Wonder of the Sea, Coco Cay, Bahamas

Wonder of the Seas Vacation - Day 1

 

Midnight Party 
Wonder of the Seas
January 7-8, 2023

Writing from aboard the largest cruise ship in the world this morning finds me nearing the Bahamas and struggling, as usual, to master the internet service being provided. 

It was quite a process getting about 6,000 passengers on board, but it went smoothly and once on board the immensity of the ship really hits home, especially after traveling on a smaller ship just two months ago. 

Sunrise over the Atlantic
Wonder of the Seas
January 8, 2023

We enjoyed a solid dinner and adult beverages while finding time to actually unpack our suitcases and then head to the Promenade Deck for the midnight balloon drop. I videoed the balloon drop, but it seems streaming video is blocked by the internet service and so I can't load it to YouTube for use on my blog.

Today we get to enjoy Nassau. I believe we will be arriving about 9 AM. And then it is off for fun and adventure.

-- Bob Doan, Wonder of the Seas, at sea

Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree
Tequesta, FL
January 6, 2023

 On one of my biking routes there are a couple of Banyan Trees. 

One, in particular, is very large. Not as large as the banyan tree in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, which covers a whole city block, but large for this area. It takes up a significant area and provides a natural rest stop in the shade. 

The tree, on a corner, is where I usually pause to take a water break and just enjoy the day. Yesterday, although a bit cool when I was riding, it was only in the mid-60s was another perfect South Florida day.

Sadly, the image does not really provide the true sense of just how big this tree has grown until you notice the house next to it on the right.

I enjoy recording sights from my rides. I only did 16 miles yesterday because of the cool weather, but it was another great ride. I have to admit, I actually wore a long-sleeved fleece-lined hoodie to keep warm.

Today--Chris and I are off to Port Canaveral to begin a week long journey on Wonder of the Seas, the biggest, baddest cruise ship in the world. Chris believes that size matters!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday-eve

North Fork Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
January 5, 2023

Thursdays remain special days for me. 

I remember when I was working that I had a countdown to the weekend beginning on Wednesday--which is Hump Day. Thursday is Friday-eve, and Friday is simply the last day of the workweek and I was hoping to get out of work on time or a wee bit early to get a start on the weekend with our friends at Happy Hour.

Friday-eve, yesterday, was a very busy day and it needed to be as Chris and I are preparing to sail off on another Caribbean adventure beginning on Saturday. 

We began the day with a 15-mile bike ride which helped ensure that we would appreciate yet another glorious South Florida day. The image posted above, taken while as we paused on the Loxahatchee River Bridge in Tequesta for a water break, says it all. The day was glorious. The ride was gentle and enjoyable. 

Upon arriving home, however, Finnegan made it clear that he needed a walk--right now! And so, we headed out on a 1.5 mile walk to make the dog happy. I made a small tactical error in deciding to break in a new pair of sandals on the walk.

What happened next? A trip to Costco. It is about a 30 minute drive to Costco and so we do not make the trip until we are desperate.

Wait! We had an early lunch before going to Costco because we never go the the store on an empty stomach!

By the time we returned from Costco, it was 2:30 PM and we started packing for the cruise. I watched some of the Republican insanity in the House of Representatives, but we began packing and then enjoyed had an evening full of friends, including some former neighbors from Elkridge who were passing through. 

What a full day! And it was Friday-eve. I wonder what fun we will enjoy today. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Through the Screen

 

Through the Motorized Screen
Tequesta, FL
January 4, 2023

Chris and I made a minor, but significant upgrade to the patio. We had a motorized screen installed. The screen keeps the leaves and debris off the patio, but more importantly, it allows me to sit outside without being covered by bug spray on beautiful evenings. I wrote briefly about it yesterday, but decided to expand on the item a bit. 

Last evening after the sunset, I looked out at the moon rising above the senior citizens living center next door through the screen. It actually reminded me of Elkridge and looking out through the screens on the porch during the nighttime hours. It made me happy.

I actually have an image to post with this item, but Blogger is having problem this morning and will not let me add the image to this blog. Hopefully it will resolve itself later in the day. I added the image to the Facebook and Twitter items. 

The screen added a surreal look to the scene!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And that was Christmas

All evidence of Christmas has been removed from our house. 

The season, while not officially over until January 6th, has ended.

The tree is gone, the Christmas dishes were returned to their storage bin under one of the beds, and the decorations found their way to the storage room that we rent. 

I would say the house has returned to normal, but it has been so far from normal for the past few months that even normal seems unnatural. 

We had a motorized screen installed on the patio so that I can sit out there in the evening without bug spray. Chris and I have been enjoying the freedom it gives us and Riordin, our cat, also likes being able to join us for happy hour on the patio. 

What's next? 

Oh wait--another Caribbean cruise coming soon. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Look What was Next to Me at the Light

 

Next to me at a Light
Jupiter, FL
January 2, 2023

I was headed for the cruise port in Fort Lauderdale yesterday, just beginning my journey waiting at a stop light in Jupiter when this awesome car slid up next to me.

Yes, it is a Lamborghini. 

I was in awe. 

I almost forgot to take a picture. I see a lot of high-end cars around town, but not many like this one. 

There is just something really cool about the morning light and the palm trees with this beautiful machine sitting next to me. I was amazed at how low to the road it sits. I used to sit low in the Jaguar, but this is even lower. 

It was a beautiful sight on the road. I enjoyed looking at it much more than the ostentatious Rolls Royces and Bentleys that I typically see cruising around town. 

Nothing says I've made it more than speed. I looked it up, the Lamborghini gets about 10 mpg and has a top speed of 350 kph. That is about 217 mph. I did a quick scan, all of the used Lamborghini Aventadors and Huracans for sale in my area are well over $200K with some over $400K. 

BTW, once the light turned green, the Lamborghini quickly navigated traffic and then, sadly, was gone from sight. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - January 2, 2023

 

1. Welcome to the first Monday of 2023. It is also New Year's Day Observed, so do not expect mail delivery. 

2. Family NFL Report. It was a mixed week for the family teams which went 2-2. The Commanders were eliminated from playoff contention while the Steelers remain alive for the post season. The Cowboys and Ravens have secured a post-season playoff spot. 

    Cowboys (12-4) defeat Titans (7-9), 27-13

    Commanders (7-8-1) lost to Browns (7-9), 10-24

    Ravens (10-6) lost to  Steelers (8-8), 13-16

Luke with Lego Model
Tequesta, FL
January 1, 2023

3. We say goodbye to our youngest grandson today. He has been enjoying the South Florida warmth and beaches for the past few days. He has also enjoyed walking over to the ice cream store after dinner for a cone and lounging on the beach. While he was here he constructed a Lego model he received for Christmas. 

4. Happy New Year 2023. 

5. Relax, there are 51 Mondays remaining in the year in which to complete your New Year's resolutions!

6. Today in History. On January 2, 1980, in a strong reaction to the December 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, President Jimmy Carter asks the Senate to postpone action on the SALT II nuclear weapons treaty and recalls the U.S. ambassador to Moscow. These actions sent a message that the age of detente and the friendlier diplomatic and economic relations that were established between the United States and Soviet Union during President Richard Nixon’s administration (1969-74) had ended.

Carter feared that the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, in which an estimated 30,000 combat troops entered that nation and established a puppet government, would threaten the stability of strategic neighboring countries such as Iran and Pakistan and could lead to the USSR gaining control over much of the world’s oil supplies. The Soviet actions were labeled “a serious threat to peace” by the White House. Carter asked the Senate to shelve ratification talks on SALT II, the nuclear arms treaty that he and Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev had already signed, and the president called U.S. ambassador to Moscow Thomas J. Watson back to Washington for “consultation,” in an effort to let the Kremlin know that military intervention in Afghanistan was unacceptable.

Lula takes over in Brazil, slams Bolsonaro's anti-democratic threats - Reuters

Ukrainians cheer the new year as Russian drones are blasted from the skies - Reuters

China December manufacturing contracts sharply as COVID infections soar - Reuters

Twitter Sued Over Rent Payment in San Francisco - The Wall Street Journal

Can Southwest Buy Back Its Customers’ Love? - The Wall Street Journal

California Storm Floods Roads and Cuts Power - The Wall Street Journal

How investigators homed in on Idaho murder suspect - CNN

McCarthy commits to key concession in push to be next House speaker - CNN

Second quake in two weeks sends Northern California back to response mode - CNN

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And So It Begins!

Me and Luke Ready for the
New Year's Eve Celebration
Tequesta, FL
December 31, 2022

 Happy New Year!

Here is hoping that your 2023 is better than 2022!

2022 was a great year for me. It was my first year of retirement and with the help of friends and family Chris and I forged ahead into this chapter of our lives. Florida is warm today and we will head to the beach, later.

We were awake to see the year begin. It was the second time in less than a week that I was awake to see a new day begin. It really messes with the sleep cycle. 

Be well and stay well.

Take a moment to remember and thank the first responders, medical personnel, and our courageous military personnel for their faithful and dedicated service.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL