Notice to our readers

Hi everyone.  Just a quick note to let you know we  will finish posting the log when off the boat....the internet is expensive and we used all our minutes. 

Love

J and K

November 9, 2011—Cabo, Day Two

When we woke up, Jeff was still under the influence of his conk on the head.  As the infirmary nurse said, he had really “rung his bell”.  So we decided to forgo the hassle of tendering to the shore, and spend a low-key day onboard.  It was nice to enjoy the balcony and watch the tenders going back and forth with oiled up tourists and see the beaches come alive. 

We heard the door open and shut next to us, and Jeff introduced himself to the lady next door/balcony.  One conversational topic led to another and J and the lady (now known as Marjorie) and I found many subjects to discuss and quite a few things in common.  Unlike with Miriam and Art the conversation flowed easily.  Finally, we stuck our heads around the barrier and introduced ourselves. Marjorie’s husband, Charles joined the discussion.  We decided to get together for a drink before dinner and parted company.  What a pleasure to find like-minded people.

Jeff had been dissing the quality of the Carousel cruise compared to others he has taken.  I didn’t have much to compare it with, but it did seem a little “lower class”. It dawned on me that there wasn’t much “quality control” in the dining room when I saw a shirtless obese man pouring syrup on his pancakes….waaaaaaay to much sunburned skin to see that early in the morning (or at any time while you’re eating). 

After attempting to buy some internet minutes and failing, and feeling a little (no…..a lot) frustrated, I was ready to find a stiff adult beverage and a lounge chair.  Both were acquired on the very “aft” of the boat near a small pool and hot tub where a reggae style band played Marley. We pulled up chairs by the rail out of the direct sun, got out books and towels and I bought a margarita on the rocks. After the first sip, I was convinced this was a VERY good idea.  We stayed right there until sunset when the ship slowly pulled away from the Cabo San Lucas Bay.  What a wonderful afternoon of total relaxation.

Assume the Position!

My other new boat

Showered and shined up, we joined our new friends for a drink.  What a delightful hour we spent with them.  A quiet bar, dim lights, air conditioning, lively conversation and lots of laughs convinced us that we just couldn’t spend another evening in the company of M and A.  The mutiny had actually been clinched when Jeff saw Art while waiting for our lunch sandwiches.  A asked Jeff why we had missed dinner the night before.  Jeff said, “I got a concussion and didn’t feel well.”  Art said (and this is a direct quote), “We got too hot and came back to the boat early.”  No  “OMG, are you ok?  Or “How did that happen?” or “How are you feeling now?”  Just another comment about themselves.  Self-centered?????  Anyway, we figured we couldn’t do worse, so after our drinks with Marjorie and Charles, we went to the dining room and asked for a new table. 

The Maitre D’ gave us a table by the window by ourselves and we had scintillating conversation and superb service and the food was pretty good too.  After that, we wondered the boat for a while, then, I went home to enjoy the balcony while J made another attempt at riches in the casino.  The ship was speeding toward Puerto Vallarta and I watched the moon’s reflection on the waves as I sat on the balcony and enjoyed the view.  It wasn’t long before J joined me and then it was lights out.

Sunset from the balcony--leaving Cabo behind

November 8—Cabo San Lucas

Up around 8:00 for our coffee on the deck.  Perfect to be sipping while staring off at the city of Cabo.  We went for our breakfast after packing J’s daypack with towels, books and sunscreen and other needed implements to enhance our day at the beach. 

As per usual, we then went to get tender tickets for our boat ride to shore – we were group 32 and they were currently on group 8.  An hour later, we board the good ship Tender # 4 for our ten-minute ride to port.  Off loading we are greeted by a hoard of vendors hawking everything from sightseeing tours, boat rides, fishing trips, tee shirts, pottery, jewelry, masks, trinkets and any other conceivable product designed to separate us from our money.

The very last vendor in line was Eddy Eddy who sold us on a $20.00 water taxi that would take us around the harbor to the various beaches and sights of interest.  Eddy Eddy took us over to the good ship Conquistador, manned by Valentin and Jose.  The tour was actually well worth the price of admission as we got to see Lover’s Beach and lands end, which is the end of the Baja where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez.  It was very beautiful to see the rock formations inhabited with groups of seals, Pelicans and Frigate birds – all putting up with the shenanigans of man intruding on their space.  Everyone seemed to be getting along in harmony.

Jeff and Eddy Eddy

Too Much Fun

Lovers Beach

Valentine dropped us at El Medano Beach where we negotiated the use of 2 lounge chairs and a umbrella for $20.00.  We assumed the position and were about to relax when we realized that all the street peddlers had followed us, (or it could have been their brothers and sisters) offering Henna tattoos, T-shirts, etc. etc.  Every 32 seconds, it was “no gracias Senor”.  The water was a slice of heaven and it was fun people watching – some bathing suits were worn by people who have never once looked in a mirror – I mean really, a 340 pound man in a speedo – really!!  It actually was like riding by a car accident where you want to look away but just can’t – something morbidly fascinating.

From our Medano Beach chairs

Valentin showed up as promised at 2:30 to pick us and take us back to the harbor.  So…..here’s the problem, the boat bobbing out in the surf and no way to gracefully or easily enter the boat other then to haul my fat ass over the gunwale.  The boat is going up and down 2 – 4 feet depending on the current wave, so K makes it up and over with only minor damage.  Me….well I use brute force and determination to climb aboard .  All’s good until a wave breaks sending me over the seat and doing a one point landing on my head.  Being a guy with a guy attitude, it was “all good” until I got back to the ship and tried to ignore the double vision, massive headache and lack of equilibrium.  I applaud K for not killing me for my macho, “it’s all good” behavior.  A visit to the ships Medical facility confirmed a concussion with directions as to how to deal with it.  Nurse K put me to bed and most of the ill effects had quieted down by midnight.

Monday, November 7—Sea Day heading south.

What a pleasure to finally be on vacation.  Jeff had ordered room service the night before so we woke up late to find coffee and fruit, toast and yogurt at the door.  We sat on the balcony and marveled that the air was so much warmer already.  The sun was shining on the water and the sea rushed by.  What a wonderful way to travel.  Finally, we went to have a real breakfast and then find a lounge chair, a pool and maybe a fruity drink with an umbrella in it.  Not a problem….all were available.  It was a gorgeous day…..totally blue sky, nice cool breeze, not too hot or too cold.  We sank into our lounges, sprayed on the sunscreen and picked up our books and settled down…….ahhhhhh!  

The lounge chair at last

Ready to try the big slide

Jeff hits bottom

Eventually hunger and heat drove us to a shower, and a sandwich.  I had scheduled a hot stone massage.  My relaxation was increased significantly as hot oil and hotter stones were rubbed over my poor aching body.  After some more time on the balcony, we dressed for dinner…..our first formal night.

Jeff in his Tux, and I in my gorgeous gray dress, we went down to the main lounge where a band was playing every sappy romantic song you ever could think of.  But it was very affecting to see couples dancing and families all around dressed up and having their pictures taken.  Jeff and I joined right in and twirled a time or two and I had a mojito while he chatted up the folks on the next stool.  Of course, we were eager to see Miriam and Art.  How could they top the night before conversationally or sartorially?  

All dressed up

They did not disappoint.  M. was spilling out of a tight black dress and resplendent with giant diamond hoop earrings, an amazing graduated diamond necklace and diamond bracelets halfway up each arm. All that glitter really complimented the hair.  A. looked elegant in a black tux.  So there we were, ready to spill our guts about our entire lives if only they would ask us one question.  We waited in vain.  So we heard about their chihuahuas and allergies,  their perfect daughters, their travels, their wonderful home, etc.  J was able to squeeze in that we were from Oregon which elicited a head nod and then back to more important things – them.  J said that he expected them to say, …” enough about me, what do you want to know about me.”

J and I headed for the comedy club, and heard a really funny comic, stopped by the piano bar and discovered Erkle, Mario, Luigi and friends singing along with their arms around each other, had a martini, played some poker and danced to a salsa band.  Whew!  I was ready to get back to room 6207, get into the jammies and sit on the baloney, which is exactly what we did!

Sunday November 6--Long Beach to the sea

We woke up Sunday morning to rainy skies.  It looked like Oregon had followed us down to California.  It was cold too.  Is there no escape? After walking a couple of blocks to have breakfast at a crepe place, we relaxed and read the paper and got packed to go to the ship.  We saw a giant cruise ship in the harbor near the Queen Mary and figured that was our boat.  So at 12:30 we took a taxi around the harbor to the Carnival Splendor.  The rain just stopped as we got there.

What ensued was one of the most frustrating entries to anywhere, I have ever experienced.  We saw a line of people and figured that’s where we had to go.  But an official looking person asked us if we had our room key yet.  We (stupidly) said we didn’t so they told us to go to another longer, line.  We stood in that line for an hour just to be told we needed to be in the original line.  They lied to us.  The Carnival Cruise people were just trying to spread out the crowd, but instead of telling us that, or making one long line, they lied.  Where is honesty these days—who can you trust if not a cruise ship line?

Then after going through a security check, they lied again.  The same maneuver….”do you have your room key yet?”  We bit again…..”no we didn’t”.  So they put us in a room with a whole bunch of other dumb shits and again, eventually led us back to the same line we were previously in.  It was a total of 2 and a half hours of frustration, but finally we got our card (the mysterious “room key”) and got on the ship.  Of course, there were a bunch of photographers wanting to take out pictures.  So we obliged……but managed to be pushing our glasses up with our outstretched middle fingers.  It is a memorable photo!

One amusement along the way was a family we met in line who were from Idaho.  The Dad owned a construction business and his business card looked just like a folded $100 bill.  They took turns walking around pretending to drop the fake 100 and see who picked it up and their attempts of being secretive and evasive, until they realized that it wasn’t real.  Their expressions……priceless.  Pretty funny and sure helped to pass the time.

The Carnival Splendor

Last of the endless line

We found our way to our room, which is on the 6^th floor in the very front (forward) of the ship.  And it is wonderful.  Jeff got a handicapped cabin and the bathroom is huge.  There is a nice king bed and a balcony.  Yes, I knew I was in love with this room when I stepped onto the balcony and saw the view.   

Finally in our cabin and balcony

After we got settled, we went to find food along with 3000 other cruisers.  The buffet was mobbed.  We were starved since we hadn’t eaten since the crepes and exhausted from standing on hard concrete for all that time. We got there just in time to pick up some food, and eat before it was time for the mandatory safety lecture.  In our safety lecture group was a guy dressed as Luigi (yup).  And another guy with him was  dressed as Erkle (from that 90’s TV show).  Jeff queried them and it turned out to be a bunch of old college friends who took a cruise together every other year or so.  Every trip had new themes.  Today’s theme was “the 90’s”.  Later we saw Mario and some of the rest of the bunch.

After getting safety tips (don’t light the boat on fire, no diving from the balconies, no fist fights or wife beatings etc.), it was back to the cabin to watch the sunset off the Long Beach Pier and the ship started to move.  I was glad I brought my sweats and jacket as we sat in the brisk wind and started off to sea.  

Long Beach Sunset

After some rest and relaxation it was time to get ready for dinner.  We were in the late seating, and starving.  We met our tablemates, Miriam and Art.  Miriam looked to be about my age with bleach blond yellow hair, full make-up and drawn on lipstick and eyebrows.  She also had bodacious cleavage and was not afraid to show it.  Art had a dark complexion with slicked back, black hair.  Both were wearing more jewelry than I had ever seen on two people before.  Art himself had on so much gold that he needed a bodyguard.  They both spoke with accents.  Miriam is from Cuba and Art from the Philippines and they have been married 38 years. We asked questions, and M and A were very forthcoming with information about themselves, their kids, their lives, where they live, what they do and much, much talk about how many expensive trips they have taken and toys they have (ie. Matching Corvettes).  But J and I both noticed they asked us no questions and didn’t seem even slightly interested in finding out anything about us. 

Now those of you who know J., know that he can talk to anybody about anything (and usually does) and makes friends and gets to know people easily.  But even J, ran out of conversation with Miriam and Art.  After a few silences, I figured they might take up the slack, but no, wasn’t going to happen.  Finally we parted company after a nice, but uncomfortable meal. 

We wandered the ship and looked around, went to the showroom, tried to avoid most of the drunks and headed back to the room.  After a long sit on the balcony, watching the moon and the sea below us, we gratefully went to bed.

Off We Go-Portland to Long Beach

Hello again family and friends.  We are finally off on our new adventure.  We left at about 1 pm Friday from Springfield.  I was relieved to get all my planning done for school.  This is the first time I have had to have a sub since I have been a counselor. I worked for a couple of days getting everything ready.....with a break to see the dentist to find out what was going on with my tooth - infection, root canal needed - the tooth the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth.

 After the root canal, the pain got worse, what's up with that? I may be a Duck fan but this Dentist is a quack who could give Ducks a bad name - a man who doesn't know the drill, who is down in the mouth.  I went back to the dentist and he gave me the knockout punch.....No! not a sock to the jaw! A potent antibiotic to get rid of any infection and a short dose of steroids to bring down the inflammation.  The steroids worked great and the pain was gone by Thursday evening, but I couldn't sleep again. That stuff wired me up so much that I spent most of the night packing and repacking and cleaning the grout with my toothbrush.  I'm pretty sure I got everything.

Jeff and I drove up to Salem in separate cars.  We dropped the Camry off at Emily's house so she doesn't have to drive her motorcycle everywhere, then headed for Portland.....Destination, Jeff's son Bill's house to see the family.  We got there early and Bill had to work late, but we found a nice bar near the Hillsboro Airport and played a couple of games of pool.  Then we went to Bill and Christina's house and had a great time.  We enjoyed getting lots of little boy hugs and energy, and it was wonderful to see Jeff interact with his grandkids. 

Finally, it was time to leave though, and find our hotel.  We always get lost when trying to find a hotel near the airport. It's kind of a tradition by now.  So we used our GPS, and reversed ourselves and found the Marriott.   Worth the drive as feather pillows and a bed that you could sink into and feel like you were back in the womb.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Up and about for a leisurely morning of breakfast, crossword puzzle and getting to the airport for our 11:35 departure from PDX.  It was just over 40 degrees and spitting rain and we were glad to head south. Alaska Air got off the ground and we are on our way with the joy of 2 screaming infants directly behind us who should try out for early warning sirens to take advantage of their unique abilities.  We got to LAX - a 3 tylenol flight.  We grabbed our luggage, hopped the shuttle and checked in to the Marriott in Long Beach.  We were on the 9th floor with a view of the Queen Mary.  No, not that guy on the corner who was in drag.....the giant ship in Long Beach Harbor.

The Queen Mary in all her glory

The 9th floor balcony

After settling in, we headed out - lots to look at in Long Beach.  We are right in the middle of the action and about 4 blocks from the "Promenade" a walking mall with every possible choice of restaurants.  Burgers, Ribs, Sushi, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Vegan, Mexican, Chinese - a United Nations of gourmands.  We chose a Spanish restaurant and we were blown away by what these folks could do with garlic, olive oil and spices.  It lit up my mouth like a Christmas tree on steroids.  K said it was one of the best meals she ever had and I have to agree.  The ambiance, the service and the food were all outstanding.

The Sevellana 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then it was down the street to a sports bar/brewery to watch the Ducks beat Washington.  Let's just say that having the Oregon/Washington game on the screen was not a priority for them, but we made our wishes known (Jeff's whining could be heard over the clink of dishes and laughter of patrons) so we watched the first half.  It having been a long day, we decided to watch the 2nd half from the comfort of our room.  We hustled on back, turned on the TV and was shocked to see that our cable was sans the game.  Jeff's lower lip extended as he cursed the gods of cable - a notable pout ensued.  Sports Center was the only refuge for the lonely Duck, his feathers ruffled.  The only positive being the scroll announcing the final score, 34 - 17 Ducks!  All is right in the heavens and we covered the 16 1/2 point spread. Then, off to bed with dreams of floating on the water.

Getting ready to go

It seems like a long time since I wrote on the blog.  After the wonderful cross-country journey, we settled back into reality with a little stop along the way for the end of summer.  We enjoyed a trip to the coast house, some time on the boat at Dorena Lake, hanging out on the patio in the bouncy chairs, with the intoxicating scent of lillies and roses.....and then work.  Here are some of our adventures up to now.

The Beach House south of Yachats

Ann and John on the boat.....Matthew on the tube.

Alsea Falls in the coast range

The view of the garden from the new deck

The big fall fire.

Historic Brownsville Oregon

The rose garden in Portland

We have finished a bunch of home improvement projects.  We rebuilt the deck and are almost done painting the master bedroom.  Jeff built me some rolling pot stands so I now am able to have roses on the deck and not worry about them rotting the new wood.  Sadly, we haven't been able to go camping again since we got back, but we did have a relaxing 3 day weekend in Portland.

Now we are getting ready for another adventure.  November is a month that I would rather not experience in Oregon.  The cold, gray, rainy days start, and with the change to standard time, comes my annual winter depression.  To try and keep that from happening, I have vowed to take a tropical vacation sometime during November every year. That way, I can look forward to the month instead of dreading it.  In 2009, Jeff and I went to Oahu.  In 2010, Maui.  And this year, a cruise to Mexico. 

So we will be leaving for Portland on Friday at noon.  We take off from PDX to LA on Saturday and spend the night in Long Beach.  Then we board the boat on Sunday.  So stay tuned for more adventures.  J and K.