BLAKE'S BLOG: September 2008

18 SEPTEMBER 2008 IN OCHO RIOS JAMAICA

Tami, the guide for Dunn River Falls gives us the basics before we begin the descent to the base of the falls...beach front...where the fun begins. We were warned that everything would be wet before we began...last chance to leave valuable things behind...not one person was willing surrender purse, camera or jewelry. Idiots all! The climb; irregular, wet, slippery, wet, deep, wet, a little dangerous and, did I mention....WET?

Everyone is already wet, and we've just begun! Finally the idiots are surrendering cameras and other valuables that they don't want to get drenched! The cool water was a refreshing relief to the stifling humidity and heat, and the water laden heavy bags and purses tended to slow the climbers. Fortunately, only one ship was in port today...can you imagine this crowd multiplied by 6. Let me point out that climbing hand in hand as instructed was not only impossible...but not a good idea! One numb skull could bring the entire group..down...down..and under!

The line of climbers did tend to slow things down a little at various points; this being one of the slowest portions. But the bit of rest was appreciated for as you can see...we are all a bit out of "climbing condition" and all deserve credit for giving it our best! The Meadows family was with us at almost every turn. We entered together and stayed together, lending each other hands up when needed and moral support to boot!

Ah, yes! At last, the end is near...at the top...and another pool...but the last is always the best, the biggest and of course, the most challenging! We're all exhausted, and with all this water around..(none to drink)...even though Jamaicans drink this water all the time..and further up stream..bathe in it too! I've never been to Jamaica and not seen a naked Jamaican in the stream with a bar of soap for a nice refreshing bath! Keep in mind, that after working on a cruise ship and visiting this part of Jamaica about 70 times...that's a lot of naked Jamaicans!

This, finally the last pool. The end is just a few steps away...we think! Or is it?
Wow! What an adventure! The new friends we made along the way were terrific too! We all had a good time...at the falls and at Mystic Mountain, where we took the bob sled roller coaster down from the top of the mountain through the rain forest canopy! But first the sky lift to the top! That was the scariest part of the journey, but the views of the bay, our ship in the harbor and the dense foliage below remain unphotographed and indescribable!

Back to the ship for formal night...and dinner! After all the exercise, we were famished!

Here is a slide show that was prepared for the Meadows family. They were with us for almost the entire climb.

17 SEPTEMBER 2008 IN GRAND CAYMAN

ABANDON SHIP!

Stingray City, the place where we swim with the stingrays, was not as remembered either. Only a few rays showed up for the tour guides to feed and the masses experienced previously never materialized. It was however, a beautiful day and exciting the see the rays swimming beneath the snorkelers.

DOUG IN A GROUP OF RAY WATCHERS

DOUG, ALONE, RAY WATCHING

15 SEPTEMBER 2008 IN COZUMEL, MEXICO

Disappointment would be an understatement! Cozumel has become much more expensive since my last visit. Not sure if it is because the repeated rebuilding due to hurricane damage, increased tourism, greed or some other vile reason. We did manage to rent a jeep for the day and travel around the island. Road construction grately impacted the viewpoints along the beach drive. Also, eating at my favorite lunch spot, Ernesto's Fajita Factory, went a long way to wiping out the bank. Two mixed fajita meals, once 6-7 u.s. dollars each, went for 36 dollars this trip. The taste was exactly as delicious as remembered...and for that price..it's a good thing.

Blake and Doug enjoy Ernesto's fajitas

13 SEP 2008: CRUISING THE CARNIVAL LIBERTY

At least it can be said that after 8 wonderful years on board Carnival ships as a crew member that I finally took a cruise on the line as a passenger. Of course, it only took about 15 years to make the leap...but man was it worth it. Everyone needs time to relax, recoup, rest and enjoy being pampered and there is no better way to do that than on a cruise ship. Once on board, unpack and head topside for a wonderful lunch, a margarita and a gorgeous sun drenched view...all troubles temporarily on hold and forgotten and fun on the "fun ship" begins. Calypso music blares away poolside, bar waiters hustle "fun ship special" beverages in keepsake glasses for a mere $6.95 (rip off) and the lily white tourists have already begun the lobster red burn! By sundown, most of them will glow in the dark! Sorry fellas! Sunburned brides and consummation DO NOT go hand in hand!

Cruise ships are also great places to make new friends. The best place for this is the dinner table! Doug and I were very fortunate to have 4 terrific dinner companions.
Beth, Helen, Colleen and Bryan were very friendly, easy going and fun! Bryan even did a little trick for us...removed the cork from the inside of a wine bottle with a napkin....which I caught on video and will share later! Well worth the watch and note the surprised look on his face when things don't go exactly as he planned!