Well, word came down from on high yesterday afternoon…adios Mexico, hola Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Guatemala.
This morning we’re tied up in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Puntarenas is a small village located on a lagoon with beautiful sand beaches. It’s a regular Holland America port of call. Pretty as a postcard. The shore excursion folks had to scramble to put together a program and by the time it was published late yesterday afternoon I was napping in the Crow’s Nest and missed the opportunity to sign-up. I will go ashore later and take a stroll. It is a drop-dead gorgeous morning.
Tomorrow we’re in Corinto, Nicaragua and the following day Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. Then four sea days as we head straight to Los Angeles arriving Wednesday, May 6th as originally scheduled.
Yesterday afternoon we were joined by a squadron of Boobies that took station soaring off the bow of the ship. As the 88,000 ton Zuiderdam makes its way through the water, we stir-up all sorts of Booby delicacies. When a bird spots something – most frequently a small flying fish, it folds back its wings and plunges straight into the water. A veritable Booby seafood buffet. From my recliner in the Crow’s Nest I had a front row seat to the Booby show.
Well, I’ve finished my morning latte, so I reckon it’s time to mosey up to the gym. Can’t say I remember ever feeling as relaxed as at present. It takes a week or so to settle into a shipboard routine; but I am now completely adjusted.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The Big Ditch was Way Cool
I have long since learned that high expectations are, as likely as not, to end in disappointment. So it was with some trepidation I embarked on this cruise knowing full well my longstanding fascination and high regard for the Panama Canal might prove misplaced.
Fortunately that was not the case. The transit of the canal more than lived-up to its billing.
After we sailed through Gatun Lake we passed Gamboa at the east end of the Culebra Cut, the six mile stretch of the canal that was blasted and dug at the top of Panama’s continental divide. Ninety-five years later it is still easy to imagine what life must have been like at the time. The area consists of steep unstable hillsides that might give way at any time – particularly in the rainy season. Even today dredging must go on constantly to keep the ship channel unobstructed. One can almost see TR at the controls of a huge steam shovel…
After passing through the cut the ship sailed on for a few more miles and into the locks at the east end of Miraflores lake. Then across the lake (only about a mile) and into another set of locks that in two stages lowered the Zuiderdam back to sea level and the Pacific Ocean.
The locks remain substantially unchanged from the time when they first began operating. And the system for moving the ships through them is amazing. Lines are passed from shore to ship and small electric railroad engines on each side of the vessel guide the ship forward though the locks. It is big time fun to watch…
The ship’s company was in high spirits the entire day…a veritable carnival at sea. Bars were set-up on the bow and on all decks to keep whistles wet without the need to go indoors. My tolerance for the heat, however, is not high and by noon I could only stand to be outdoors for ten minutes or so at a stretch.
Given the boozy nature of the event, I am surprised that were no apparent cases of heatstroke - although I did see one stout elderly gentleman take a nasty tumble on the stairs that lead into the bar at the Crow’s Nest. He was packed-off to the infirmary. In fact it’s the second tumble I’ve seen at that location – I had to help pick a geezer off the floor a couple of nights ago during cocktail hour.
I note that the Swine Flu scare continues unabated. The only news channel we get on the telly is CNN International which is providing round-the-clock coverage of the outbreak. I understand that the Rotterdam canceled its Mazatlan port call today and the Holland website indicates that they are monitoring the situation closely and further updates will be forthcoming. I’m sure HAL’s attorneys are working overtime. As of this hour we are still scheduled to arrive in Porto Chiapas, Mexico Thursday morning at 8 AM local time.
In other swine-related news, I had an outstanding Asian pork dish for supper last evening.
I have tons of pictures; but they must await my return to Juneau to process and upload them. It would break my bank to try to upload them while onboard.
Fortunately that was not the case. The transit of the canal more than lived-up to its billing.
After we sailed through Gatun Lake we passed Gamboa at the east end of the Culebra Cut, the six mile stretch of the canal that was blasted and dug at the top of Panama’s continental divide. Ninety-five years later it is still easy to imagine what life must have been like at the time. The area consists of steep unstable hillsides that might give way at any time – particularly in the rainy season. Even today dredging must go on constantly to keep the ship channel unobstructed. One can almost see TR at the controls of a huge steam shovel…
After passing through the cut the ship sailed on for a few more miles and into the locks at the east end of Miraflores lake. Then across the lake (only about a mile) and into another set of locks that in two stages lowered the Zuiderdam back to sea level and the Pacific Ocean.
The locks remain substantially unchanged from the time when they first began operating. And the system for moving the ships through them is amazing. Lines are passed from shore to ship and small electric railroad engines on each side of the vessel guide the ship forward though the locks. It is big time fun to watch…
The ship’s company was in high spirits the entire day…a veritable carnival at sea. Bars were set-up on the bow and on all decks to keep whistles wet without the need to go indoors. My tolerance for the heat, however, is not high and by noon I could only stand to be outdoors for ten minutes or so at a stretch.
Given the boozy nature of the event, I am surprised that were no apparent cases of heatstroke - although I did see one stout elderly gentleman take a nasty tumble on the stairs that lead into the bar at the Crow’s Nest. He was packed-off to the infirmary. In fact it’s the second tumble I’ve seen at that location – I had to help pick a geezer off the floor a couple of nights ago during cocktail hour.
I note that the Swine Flu scare continues unabated. The only news channel we get on the telly is CNN International which is providing round-the-clock coverage of the outbreak. I understand that the Rotterdam canceled its Mazatlan port call today and the Holland website indicates that they are monitoring the situation closely and further updates will be forthcoming. I’m sure HAL’s attorneys are working overtime. As of this hour we are still scheduled to arrive in Porto Chiapas, Mexico Thursday morning at 8 AM local time.
In other swine-related news, I had an outstanding Asian pork dish for supper last evening.
I have tons of pictures; but they must await my return to Juneau to process and upload them. It would break my bank to try to upload them while onboard.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Pigs Have Wings...
...or at least Swine Flu apparently does. All on board are keenly interested in how this will play out the next several days. Rumors are rife that we will not be docking in one or more of the Mexican ports on the Pacific. Alonzo, my favourite steward in the Crow’s Nest is hoping for a couple of days in San Diego and/or a couple of days in Los Angeles. I’m sure HAL’s legal department is considering all options.
Yesterday, there was some question whether or not we would be allowed to go ashore in Cartegena, Columbia since we were arriving from a Mexican port. In the end, the Captain and the ship’s Medical Officer convinced the authorities that all passengers were hale and hearty – or at least free of influenza. In the end the Columbians relented and we were allowed to take our shore excursions.
I took the basic city tour. It was quite fun – but really hot and humid. The temperature at 8 AM was about 80 degrees with a relative humidity around 75%. By noon we were in the low 90’s as was the humidity. You’re constantly dripping and I had to keep clearing my camera lens of moisture.
Cartegena is today a modern metropolis and huge seaport. It’s been a major port since it was founded by the Spanish in 1533. The old colonial city is beautiful and is ringed by a massive stone wall. There are several huge forts dating back to the 16th century. Way cool.
Cartegena was constantly under threat by pirates, privateers, and various European powers and was sacked on numerous occasions. The imperial skirmishes of the 18th century included the War of Jenkin’s Ear when British regulars along with American colonists from Virginia (George Washington’s brother, Lawrence, participated) failed to take the city due, principally, to the devastation wrought by various tropical diseases on the invading troops.
Last night I attended the sommeliers’ dinner in the Pinnacle Grill. A very good meal served with a half dozen excellent wines. As a singleton, I was seated with four other singles – although I was unique insofar as my single status is the result of civil process as opposed to the attentions of the Grim Reaper. The bachelorette to my left was a sprightly 90 or so gal from Florida. She was still in mourning from the loss of her husband last year – he being a mogul in the drive-in movie business in Ohio in the late 50’s and 60’s. They traveled for 6 months of the year for 60 years or so and had a villa in St. Croix.
My other companions were poor fish by comparison – a widow and widower who also lived in Florida and a boorish gentleman from the interior of B.C. There was much discussion of disease and infirmity and I excused myself as soon as it was polite to do so after the dessert course.
This morning I was up at 6 AM as we approached the Gatun Locks at the eastern end of the Panama Canal. It was really neat going through the locks and into Gatun Lake. The Mimosas were flowing freely along with coffee and fresh baked goods. It was incredibly muggy; but the temperature was bearable as we went through the locks. We are now slowly cruising through Gatun Lake and will enter the Culebra Cut in about three hours. The temperature has now risen considerably and my little verandah is like an oven.
Well, time for a workout and then back to the Observation Deck for our transit of the narrowest part of the canal. We will go through two sets of locks on the western end of the canal before we enter the Pacific and turn the prow north along the Central American coast. Two days at sea and then Mexico – maybe.
Yesterday, there was some question whether or not we would be allowed to go ashore in Cartegena, Columbia since we were arriving from a Mexican port. In the end, the Captain and the ship’s Medical Officer convinced the authorities that all passengers were hale and hearty – or at least free of influenza. In the end the Columbians relented and we were allowed to take our shore excursions.
I took the basic city tour. It was quite fun – but really hot and humid. The temperature at 8 AM was about 80 degrees with a relative humidity around 75%. By noon we were in the low 90’s as was the humidity. You’re constantly dripping and I had to keep clearing my camera lens of moisture.
Cartegena is today a modern metropolis and huge seaport. It’s been a major port since it was founded by the Spanish in 1533. The old colonial city is beautiful and is ringed by a massive stone wall. There are several huge forts dating back to the 16th century. Way cool.
Cartegena was constantly under threat by pirates, privateers, and various European powers and was sacked on numerous occasions. The imperial skirmishes of the 18th century included the War of Jenkin’s Ear when British regulars along with American colonists from Virginia (George Washington’s brother, Lawrence, participated) failed to take the city due, principally, to the devastation wrought by various tropical diseases on the invading troops.
Last night I attended the sommeliers’ dinner in the Pinnacle Grill. A very good meal served with a half dozen excellent wines. As a singleton, I was seated with four other singles – although I was unique insofar as my single status is the result of civil process as opposed to the attentions of the Grim Reaper. The bachelorette to my left was a sprightly 90 or so gal from Florida. She was still in mourning from the loss of her husband last year – he being a mogul in the drive-in movie business in Ohio in the late 50’s and 60’s. They traveled for 6 months of the year for 60 years or so and had a villa in St. Croix.
My other companions were poor fish by comparison – a widow and widower who also lived in Florida and a boorish gentleman from the interior of B.C. There was much discussion of disease and infirmity and I excused myself as soon as it was polite to do so after the dessert course.
This morning I was up at 6 AM as we approached the Gatun Locks at the eastern end of the Panama Canal. It was really neat going through the locks and into Gatun Lake. The Mimosas were flowing freely along with coffee and fresh baked goods. It was incredibly muggy; but the temperature was bearable as we went through the locks. We are now slowly cruising through Gatun Lake and will enter the Culebra Cut in about three hours. The temperature has now risen considerably and my little verandah is like an oven.
Well, time for a workout and then back to the Observation Deck for our transit of the narrowest part of the canal. We will go through two sets of locks on the western end of the canal before we enter the Pacific and turn the prow north along the Central American coast. Two days at sea and then Mexico – maybe.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Anvils and Stones
Sorry for no report the past couple of days. But I seek to avoid another $100 telecommunications fee if it all possible and therefore am limiting my time on line.
Now where were we? Ah yes, in Veracruz. The most amazing send-off from port. I estimate somewhere between two and three thousand locals crowded the pier in the hours preceding our departure, drinking cerveza, eating food from the vendors, and enjoying the entertainment organized for our visit. We pulled out around sunset with much tooting of the ship’s horn and clapping and waving from the assembled masses on the pier.
The following day in Dos Bocas was similar in terms of a community reception. We were docked in an industrial area – a big Pemex staging area – and the locals were confined to a roped-off area immediately adjacent to the ship.
The local hospitality committee had constructed a dozen or so “grass shacks” and set-up tents filled with peddlers of local arts and crafts. There was the obligatory folk dancing. On the beach on the other side of the ship – no more than a few hundred yards distant there was an all day party for the locals. A large plastic bottle of Corona dominated the beach scene and as we pulled-out of the harbor the folk dancers and entrepreneurs on the one side, and the local beach party goers on the other side all wished us bon voyage with much clapping and general whooping-it-up. Fireworks were discharged. The Captain again went ship’s horn crazy.
As a resident of a community that is much more ambivalent about the cruise industry – it was all quite interesting. It appears that several of these communities are making a big play to bring ships into port on a regular basis.
Yesterday’s stop in Progreso was much more low-key. We were tied-up far away from anyone or anything, were only in port for six hours, and had no welcoming or bon voyage committee. All of the organized tours involved long bus rides. I spent the day getting a sunburn on the Lido deck.
We’re now en route to Cartegena, Columbia. Two sea days. More tough duty. Got up this morning, had coffee, a good long workout, and then a massage at the spa. A whole hour being rubbed with oil and hot rocks by an attractive young woman. The hot rocks may sound like something from the Spanish Inquisition; but trust me…it’s GREAT! After the massage I went up to the Crow’s Nest and promptly fell asleep in a recliner. Like I said – another day at the salt mines.
I continue to pal around with my new found Canadian friends. Night before last my dinner partners included a couple from New Westminster – relative youngsters in their 50’s. The gentleman spent a good portion of the time we spent at table describing his participation in a rather quaint custom that has apparently been practiced in New Westminster for almost 150 years. The ritual involves firing a salute every year on Her Majesty’s birthday.
What’s unusual is that instead of firing cannons or muskets as one might expect, the black powder charge is somehow attached to pairs of anvils. Apparently at some point 150 years or so ago the British withdrew all their cannon from the Vancouver area for service elsewhere. It was left to an enterprising Welsh blacksmith to devise a substitute for the Queen’s salute. The details of exactly how this is accomplished remain a tad murky to me…but I was assured that the end result is quite satisfactory – dogs and cats panic for miles around. And they get to play dress-up and wear redcoats. And they drink a lot of beer. The missus spent most of the meal rolling her eyes…
It is a tad rough today…gale force winds with significant seas and swells. The ship doesn’t really roll or pitch much…just kinda lurches. Although I expect there will be fewer folks at supper tonight than of late. It’s a “formal” night so I’ll have to put on a monkey suit.
It’s hard to believe I’ve been on board for almost a week. The time does fly. I am confident I will endure the next two weeks without stress OR boredom. I think I will work my way down the spa menu…
Now where were we? Ah yes, in Veracruz. The most amazing send-off from port. I estimate somewhere between two and three thousand locals crowded the pier in the hours preceding our departure, drinking cerveza, eating food from the vendors, and enjoying the entertainment organized for our visit. We pulled out around sunset with much tooting of the ship’s horn and clapping and waving from the assembled masses on the pier.
The following day in Dos Bocas was similar in terms of a community reception. We were docked in an industrial area – a big Pemex staging area – and the locals were confined to a roped-off area immediately adjacent to the ship.
The local hospitality committee had constructed a dozen or so “grass shacks” and set-up tents filled with peddlers of local arts and crafts. There was the obligatory folk dancing. On the beach on the other side of the ship – no more than a few hundred yards distant there was an all day party for the locals. A large plastic bottle of Corona dominated the beach scene and as we pulled-out of the harbor the folk dancers and entrepreneurs on the one side, and the local beach party goers on the other side all wished us bon voyage with much clapping and general whooping-it-up. Fireworks were discharged. The Captain again went ship’s horn crazy.
As a resident of a community that is much more ambivalent about the cruise industry – it was all quite interesting. It appears that several of these communities are making a big play to bring ships into port on a regular basis.
Yesterday’s stop in Progreso was much more low-key. We were tied-up far away from anyone or anything, were only in port for six hours, and had no welcoming or bon voyage committee. All of the organized tours involved long bus rides. I spent the day getting a sunburn on the Lido deck.
We’re now en route to Cartegena, Columbia. Two sea days. More tough duty. Got up this morning, had coffee, a good long workout, and then a massage at the spa. A whole hour being rubbed with oil and hot rocks by an attractive young woman. The hot rocks may sound like something from the Spanish Inquisition; but trust me…it’s GREAT! After the massage I went up to the Crow’s Nest and promptly fell asleep in a recliner. Like I said – another day at the salt mines.
I continue to pal around with my new found Canadian friends. Night before last my dinner partners included a couple from New Westminster – relative youngsters in their 50’s. The gentleman spent a good portion of the time we spent at table describing his participation in a rather quaint custom that has apparently been practiced in New Westminster for almost 150 years. The ritual involves firing a salute every year on Her Majesty’s birthday.
What’s unusual is that instead of firing cannons or muskets as one might expect, the black powder charge is somehow attached to pairs of anvils. Apparently at some point 150 years or so ago the British withdrew all their cannon from the Vancouver area for service elsewhere. It was left to an enterprising Welsh blacksmith to devise a substitute for the Queen’s salute. The details of exactly how this is accomplished remain a tad murky to me…but I was assured that the end result is quite satisfactory – dogs and cats panic for miles around. And they get to play dress-up and wear redcoats. And they drink a lot of beer. The missus spent most of the meal rolling her eyes…
It is a tad rough today…gale force winds with significant seas and swells. The ship doesn’t really roll or pitch much…just kinda lurches. Although I expect there will be fewer folks at supper tonight than of late. It’s a “formal” night so I’ll have to put on a monkey suit.
It’s hard to believe I’ve been on board for almost a week. The time does fly. I am confident I will endure the next two weeks without stress OR boredom. I think I will work my way down the spa menu…
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
A Very Inaccurate Historical Reenactment
Veracruz - bustling seaport on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a large city; but not a notable cruise destination. No large cruise ships currently visit Veracruz on a routine basis. Thus, we were received with great enthusiasm when we docked at 8 AM this morning. The Zuiderdam dominates the city skyline and there has been a carnival-like atmosphere on the dock with lots of trinkets, food, and drink being sold not only to my fellow travelers, but also to Mexicans who have flocked to the dock to see the ship.
Upon our arrival we were greeted by a troupe of local kids who performed folk dances for the norteamericanos. They were quite good.
As soon as the kids were done, we were treated to an interesting adult ceremony – the commemoration of the 1914 assault of Veracruz by the United States Marine Corps that occurred 95 years ago today. A Mexican Navy band played. Political speeches were given to an audience of brass hats and other notables.
My Spanish is rudimentary so the bloviations were largely lost on me…aside from some clear references to El Presidente de Los Estados Unidos, Woodrow Wilson.
After the speeches were over we were turned loose on Veracruz – in an invasion quite different from 1914.
This time, the American “troops” were augmented by Canadian forces in some number. Indeed, the Canadians, the First Vancouver Highly Irregulars, secured the left flank of the assault and quickly captured the parking lot and awaiting buses.
Meanwhile, with their right flank anchored to the seawall, an American motorized brigade, consisting of a phalanx of the obese and otherwise infirm riding their Little Rascals, swept down the main boulevard toward the historic center of the city. American infantry followed – bandoliers filled with Aquafina and Nikons and Canons at the ready.
The Mexican defenders, consisting of what appeared to be newly turned-out Special Forces – attractive young women in tropical pink uniforms armed with nightsticks and riding modified golf carts - were swept aside. Within an hour the center of the city was in American/Canadian hands, with a befuddled elderly American couple on every corner and the Canadians settling into the local tavernas for their first pints of the day.
The colonial district of Veracruz is very small. The Cathedral is the most impressive structure (first consecrated as a Parish church in 1734); but in urgent need of massive renovations. Several other 17th and 18th century structures flank the central square. I dutifully took lots of pictures and covered the district from top to bottom in just under two hours. Many of my shipmates continued to scour the public market and storefront shops for plunder; but I elected to return to the ship.
Another long workout, a couple of hours or so reading by the pool, and I am now going to upload this nonsense and perhaps find time for a siesta before cocktails and supper. Shipboard life!
Upon our arrival we were greeted by a troupe of local kids who performed folk dances for the norteamericanos. They were quite good.
As soon as the kids were done, we were treated to an interesting adult ceremony – the commemoration of the 1914 assault of Veracruz by the United States Marine Corps that occurred 95 years ago today. A Mexican Navy band played. Political speeches were given to an audience of brass hats and other notables.
My Spanish is rudimentary so the bloviations were largely lost on me…aside from some clear references to El Presidente de Los Estados Unidos, Woodrow Wilson.
After the speeches were over we were turned loose on Veracruz – in an invasion quite different from 1914.
This time, the American “troops” were augmented by Canadian forces in some number. Indeed, the Canadians, the First Vancouver Highly Irregulars, secured the left flank of the assault and quickly captured the parking lot and awaiting buses.
Meanwhile, with their right flank anchored to the seawall, an American motorized brigade, consisting of a phalanx of the obese and otherwise infirm riding their Little Rascals, swept down the main boulevard toward the historic center of the city. American infantry followed – bandoliers filled with Aquafina and Nikons and Canons at the ready.
The Mexican defenders, consisting of what appeared to be newly turned-out Special Forces – attractive young women in tropical pink uniforms armed with nightsticks and riding modified golf carts - were swept aside. Within an hour the center of the city was in American/Canadian hands, with a befuddled elderly American couple on every corner and the Canadians settling into the local tavernas for their first pints of the day.
The colonial district of Veracruz is very small. The Cathedral is the most impressive structure (first consecrated as a Parish church in 1734); but in urgent need of massive renovations. Several other 17th and 18th century structures flank the central square. I dutifully took lots of pictures and covered the district from top to bottom in just under two hours. Many of my shipmates continued to scour the public market and storefront shops for plunder; but I elected to return to the ship.
Another long workout, a couple of hours or so reading by the pool, and I am now going to upload this nonsense and perhaps find time for a siesta before cocktails and supper. Shipboard life!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry...
Day two – at sea, somewhere off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s overcast today, about 80 degrees with light winds and almost calm seas. We’re cruising along at about 17 knots and will arrive in Vera Cruz tomorrow morning.
The first three Mexican ports are not normal ports of call for cruise ships. When they are repositioning the ships in spring and fall they like to stop in out-of-the-way places and Vera Cruz, Dos Bocas and Progreso all fit the bill. They just cancelled several shore excursions in Dos Bocas and Progreso due to lack of safe transportation. All of the shore excursions at these ports involve long bus rides…typically four hours…and I don’t believe the buses are of the modern air-conditioned variety. I hope you folks are not reading any Mexican bus-plunge stories over the next few days… The bottom line is that I am being coy about the shore excursions – I have not yet booked anything. But I need to make a Vera Cruz decision here in the next couple of hours.
Yesterday was delightful. Morning coffee, check the news online, a good long work-out, lunch on the Lido Deck, read a book in the Crow’s Nest for a couple of hours and then dressed for cocktails and dinner. A very delightful Beef Wellington last night. Also a very good mushroom soup.
The internet was noticeably slower this morning than it was yesterday. So I’m typing this in Word and will do a quick cut-and-paste into the blog. Minutes are expensive online.
I noted in the Anchorage Daily News that the Alaska Legislature adjourned last night in typically squalid fashion. Sounds like not much happened although I see we do have a new Senator for Juneau in the person of Mr. Dennis Egan. I assume that the Juneau Democrats are reasonably content with this outcome. I also noted that the legislature failed to pass any kind of child health care expansion. Assholes.
All of my compatriots seem to be enjoying themselves immensely. The Canadians have commandeered all of the lounge chairs by the Lido Deck pool and are busy drawing down the ship’s supply of Molson beer. A knot of Swedes spent the afternoon playing a card game of some sort in the Crow’s nest. The sizable obese contingent (pardon the pun) are contentedly mowing through the extensive menu in the Lido Restaurant on a 24-hour basis.
Well, already had my workout for the day so I guess I’ll go mosey around for awhile. I’ve got a wine tasting event in the Queens Lounge at 2 PM. Then perhaps a nap. Life is good.
The first three Mexican ports are not normal ports of call for cruise ships. When they are repositioning the ships in spring and fall they like to stop in out-of-the-way places and Vera Cruz, Dos Bocas and Progreso all fit the bill. They just cancelled several shore excursions in Dos Bocas and Progreso due to lack of safe transportation. All of the shore excursions at these ports involve long bus rides…typically four hours…and I don’t believe the buses are of the modern air-conditioned variety. I hope you folks are not reading any Mexican bus-plunge stories over the next few days… The bottom line is that I am being coy about the shore excursions – I have not yet booked anything. But I need to make a Vera Cruz decision here in the next couple of hours.
Yesterday was delightful. Morning coffee, check the news online, a good long work-out, lunch on the Lido Deck, read a book in the Crow’s Nest for a couple of hours and then dressed for cocktails and dinner. A very delightful Beef Wellington last night. Also a very good mushroom soup.
The internet was noticeably slower this morning than it was yesterday. So I’m typing this in Word and will do a quick cut-and-paste into the blog. Minutes are expensive online.
I noted in the Anchorage Daily News that the Alaska Legislature adjourned last night in typically squalid fashion. Sounds like not much happened although I see we do have a new Senator for Juneau in the person of Mr. Dennis Egan. I assume that the Juneau Democrats are reasonably content with this outcome. I also noted that the legislature failed to pass any kind of child health care expansion. Assholes.
All of my compatriots seem to be enjoying themselves immensely. The Canadians have commandeered all of the lounge chairs by the Lido Deck pool and are busy drawing down the ship’s supply of Molson beer. A knot of Swedes spent the afternoon playing a card game of some sort in the Crow’s nest. The sizable obese contingent (pardon the pun) are contentedly mowing through the extensive menu in the Lido Restaurant on a 24-hour basis.
Well, already had my workout for the day so I guess I’ll go mosey around for awhile. I’ve got a wine tasting event in the Queens Lounge at 2 PM. Then perhaps a nap. Life is good.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Ho, Ho, Ho and a Bottle of Rum
Greetings from somewhere in the Carribean. We sailed from Fort Lauderdale last evening a couple of hours late - the ship was late arriving in Fort Lauderdale yesterday morning due to a medical emergency. It takes a few hours to resupply the ship with all the provisions necessary to keep 1800 or so folks fat, dumb, and happy for 21 days. Finally around 6:30 PM we nosed out into the Atlantic, pointed the bow south and sailed into the sunset. The skyline of Miami and environs was quite dramatic against the setting sun.
During the night we went through the Straits of Florida and this morning we're now headed west towards our first port, Vera Cruz, Mexico. The TV is telling me that we've sailed 246 nautical miles from Ft. Lauderdale, are experiencing moderate (7-12 foot) seas (the ship is steady as a rock), and have 746 miles remaining until we dock in Vera Cruz.
I signed up for internet service...it's expensive; but seems to be working just fine. I will likely post daily.
A few notes about my traveling companions. First, they're old. I would put the median age somewhere around 70. Lots of wheelchairs and motorized conveyances on board.
Second, a majority are U.S. Citizens; but there is a very sizable contingent of our Canadian friends. In one sense the cruise is like a mass deportation...or perhaps more accurately, a mass repatriation, of Canadians from their winter grounds in Florida back to the Great White North. Just like geese. Geese that like beer.
Third, most of my companions are married couples. Last night there was a HAL sponsored opportunity for singles to mingle. I poked my head into the lounge where the event was being held and then ran like a rabbit. The median age of the singles present looked to be about 80. If there are any single women or gay men under 60 on board, they were all prudently drinking alone in their staterooms during the singles event.
Still, a day on a modern cruisehip is truly amazing. And I will have no trouble amusing myself. I'm going to go get some breakfast and then have a workout. The gym is great...has all the same equipment I use in Juneau. All the cardio equipment faces the bow with floor to ceiling windows and a view of the sunny sea. I will take- in the presentacions on available shore excursions later this afternoon. And the food is great, of course.
More later gang.
During the night we went through the Straits of Florida and this morning we're now headed west towards our first port, Vera Cruz, Mexico. The TV is telling me that we've sailed 246 nautical miles from Ft. Lauderdale, are experiencing moderate (7-12 foot) seas (the ship is steady as a rock), and have 746 miles remaining until we dock in Vera Cruz.
I signed up for internet service...it's expensive; but seems to be working just fine. I will likely post daily.
A few notes about my traveling companions. First, they're old. I would put the median age somewhere around 70. Lots of wheelchairs and motorized conveyances on board.
Second, a majority are U.S. Citizens; but there is a very sizable contingent of our Canadian friends. In one sense the cruise is like a mass deportation...or perhaps more accurately, a mass repatriation, of Canadians from their winter grounds in Florida back to the Great White North. Just like geese. Geese that like beer.
Third, most of my companions are married couples. Last night there was a HAL sponsored opportunity for singles to mingle. I poked my head into the lounge where the event was being held and then ran like a rabbit. The median age of the singles present looked to be about 80. If there are any single women or gay men under 60 on board, they were all prudently drinking alone in their staterooms during the singles event.
Still, a day on a modern cruisehip is truly amazing. And I will have no trouble amusing myself. I'm going to go get some breakfast and then have a workout. The gym is great...has all the same equipment I use in Juneau. All the cardio equipment faces the bow with floor to ceiling windows and a view of the sunny sea. I will take- in the presentacions on available shore excursions later this afternoon. And the food is great, of course.
More later gang.
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