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FAMILY CANOE TRIP 2018

Written by Captain Mary on Saturday, March 31, 2018

PEACE RIVER
 
 
We have tried and tried to gather the family together for an adventure. We have come up with ideas and each one had failed because of one reason or another. Thanks to Monica who put together an idea that everyone could manage to come together. A canoe trip along the Peace River in central Florida, camping in that primitive way. Tents and pee pee in the woods, washing in the river, living out of coolers and limited supplies. A central location for everyone and a weekend in nature.  The weather was just perfect, except maybe the first night that dropped down into the 40's, it took awhile for me to crawl out of my very cozy sleep bag and my tiny tent the next morning.

 
We canoed up river to find a spot to support all 20 of us. Canoes were stacked with supplies and people, because our primitive still included steaks and sausage and or course a generous supply of alcoholic beverages. The daytime was jumping into canoes, paddling up river to go fishing or hunting down the fossilized shark teeth that are all over the river. The kids found ropes hanging out of trees to swing into the cold water for a splash. Definitely fun to watch, as some of the landings didn't go as perfect as they had anticipated.  

 
In the evenings we shared laughter and stories, and some warmth. The kids seem to embrace the adventure, from climbing trees, gathering firewood, knocking each other out of the canoes, and just paddling around. It was so nice to see everyone away from electronic devices, even though we still had service they stayed away from their social media and embraced the wilderness. There was three of the group who had never tent camped and they were great, I think they would do it again.
 
Still close to civilization, yet far enough away to enjoy the hawks fishing along the river, bats hanging in the Spanish moss waiting night time and, of course, those cute little alligators peaking out of the waters surface. A weekend of personalities and peace along the ancient river.
I think we are all in for next year.


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28 DAYS, A SOUTH PACIFIC ADVENTURE

Written by Captain Mary on Saturday, January 27, 2018


While fresh in my mind, even though my mind isn't so fresh anymore, I want to tell you about my last trip. A big one, 28 days at sea, crossing the Pacific Ocean with my sister Cheryl and her husband Joe. Planning for more than a year this trip was already paid for and only needed money for the fun stuff. This is the way to do it. Boarding "The Emerald Princess" after my flight to LA., excited and yet only a couple of hours away from departure. Cutting it close my friends is the way I go. As all great adventures, it starts with a thought or should I say a dream. I have a Bucket List, which has gone through a lot of completions in the years. I put down in my mind where I would love to go and basically I go. On my list I wanted to complete all 50 states of the USA, this trip would allow that check mark on the Bucket List and Bora Bora was on my list also. Check and check again.

I started by what is always an opportunity in my book. In the mail I got the specials for upcoming trips with Princess Cruises. As I looked through the specials I see, for an amazing price, the destinations on my Bucket List. I proceed to call my favorite travel agent, Cheryl, and tell her to check out this special and book me on it. I didn't care about anything at the time but going on the next adventure. A couple hours later my sister calls back and announced that "WE" are booked. Much to my amazement, WE, she told me "That one of the destinations was also on her list, like hell I was going without her". Much to my happiness I now have a couple of partners in the adventure of a life time, once again. I keep saying that and I am blessed to have it happen time and time again. After 14 months or so of planning the trip is here.

Now standing on the deck of my ship, for what will be my home for nearly a month. It starts to sink in, I am on my way. Finding my sister and our room was the first part of business and the days ahead is the next. Thinking this is great, 4 days at sea to find my way around the ship and see what she has to offer. I don't know about you but time always speeds up when you are on vacation! Finding my favorite spots to hang out and finding the Casino were well established after our sea time.

On Friday the 13th, October 2017 we land in Hilo, Hawaii. Our 50th state on my list, check! Just coming into port your eyes, ears and senses are on overload. Off on our first excursion, I am going on a separate place, which I had hoped was going to end with a Helicopter ride, the weather ended that little dream. Oh well, too much to see in meanwhile.
 
 
Much of the foliage was familiar, yet because of the rich soil and beautiful weather the plants looked like they were on steroids. Enjoying the splendid landscape and some mushy trails, the group stopped along the Cliffside to enjoy a BBQ of native foods. Special in everyway, I had no idea at the time that each location the ship embarked would be better than the last. Our next destination was only a short cruise away, by the time we wake up in the morning we will be in Honolulu, Hawaii. From here on in I will be joined with my cruise partners on excursions. Cher and Joe selected this hike up to Diamond Head Crater, much to my surprise, the difficulty would earn us a certificate of completion.
 
 
Atop the summit of Diamond Head the city of Honolulu looks so small. It was a brutal climb but well worth the amazing vistas. Back to the ship, minus my reading glasses, somewhere in the crater lies my glasses and my vision of seeing anything close. Finding another pair will be part of my future adventure. Getting old sucks. Our next stop close by is Maui,(Lahaina) definitely a place to enjoy the water.
 

morning was a snorkel trip, but due to rough weather we had to go to plan B, which was in a cove protected by the waves, the underwater world was a bit murky, but the trip back gave us an opportunity to see whales and dolphins, which was an unseasonal gift. A great crew and despite the discomfort made us feel right at home. The evening was a delight of dancing and traditional Luau, we ate and loved getting together at a social event much like the native Hawaiians do. I do understand why people love going to this destination, the people are amazing and the scenery is never ending. Formed by volcanos it's hard to imagine that such turmoil of Mother Nature could turn out so beautiful. The next destination on our route will bring us to Kauai, (Nawiliwili), like I said each spot gets better and better.
 

 The beauty of this place is breathtaking. We traveled around the island from one beautiful spot to another. Mostly with our mouths wide open. Waterfalls, cliffs, landscape, blowholes and lookouts beyond our dreams.

 The next day will be on the far side of the big island, Kona. Another location full of beautiful landscape, river cruise, fern grotto and always local entertainment.
 
 
  The destination after 4 days at sea will be Pago Pago, American Samoa. While waiting to arrive at our next destination we enjoyed the art actions and my countless hours in the Casino, not doing too bad. I am a light weight when it comes to gambling, some people we met spent a fortune in that place. In the casino the noise and excitement is a special place even if your loosing, to live where possibilities are abundant. So much to do on the ship, it didn't seem like there would be enough time, between my visit to the spa (which were countless) and casino, art sales and just hanging out with the amazing people we met. The parties on the ship and just relaxing under the stars watching movies on the deck, time flew. Of course, trying not to miss the crazy drinks and happy hours that become part of our days at sea was part of this well rounded itinerary.

Gentle breezes and blue skies, almost daily dose of rainbows, how does it get better? Did I mention the food on the ship, well, I had no complaints and I am picky. The specialty restaurants were amazing and diverse, from steaks to pots of crabs, yum was the word of choice.

The beautiful small island of Pago Pago, was a treat in spite of it being a Sunday. In general the people do not participate in work on this day, that is their family day and church. Since they only get about 4 ships a month to their port, they were so gracious to give us the privilege of welcoming us in spite of their customs.
 
 
The people never worry about tourist taking over their island, for all the land is owned by family groups. They have their own gardens and each enjoy a life of peace and serenity. Only in dreams we wish this could be like America. This American island, isn't anything like America. A couple more days at sea before I get to check off yet another place on my list. You guessed it, Bora Bora, French Polynesia.
 

Snorkeling with sharks and rays who sometimes get under foot. The waters were crystal clear and the temperature was pretty good once the afternoon sun warmed it.
 
 
Who wants to leave this place, or you kidding me!  They will have to grab me kicking and screaming to get me back on the ship. Up steep roads to the top we made our way around by 4X4 vehicle. Each panoramic view better than the last. A couple more days at sea for me to savor the beauty that is now burned into my brain. Time for us to tell stories and have more fun with our friends, drink and dine till we drop. The next location on our tour through French Polynesia will be Papeete, Tahiti. The next morning we cross between beautiful reefs before we come to a stop. Hanging over our balcony rail, seeing a busy, bustling city. Perhaps a bit surprised at how commercial it was, yet there has to be a hub for supplies to the other islands.
 
 
Once we boarded our 4x4 vehicle we moved away from the hustle and bustle to see the interior of this beautiful island, with waterfalls, rock stacking, eels and so many other amazing sights.

Our last but not least stop along the islands of the Pacific lies a small gorgeous island called Moorea.
 
 
Cruises are definitely a place to see and get a taste of your dreams. Hoping to come back another day and spend all the time you can. Last of our on shore port of calls we begin our 8 day sea voyage. A little sad, but excited because now we can get ready for Halloween, spend time with friends and melt away any stress we might have. Personally I don't think I can find any stress. Catching up on those things I want to do on the ship, shows, trivia and so much more. Couldn't get bored without making an effort to do so. Sorry no effort just go with the flow.
 
Halloween now on the horizon, Cher and myself decide to make a day of it. We brought our costumes with us. So much fun to see the whole ship decorated the staff in costume. There was dancing and fun beyond fun. 
 
 
The mood on the ship was one of joy and our home away from home was virtually perfect. We traveled 11,531 statue miles in 28-Days. It seemed like a blink in time once we landed and we had to say good-bye to our wonderful friends. As the motto of Princess Cruises says "Come Back New". A trip of a life time over and now I feel so renewed I can't wait until my next adventure.

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WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

Written by Captain Mary on Saturday, January 27, 2018

I can't believe it has been more than a year and a half since I posted anything to my precious blog. So much has happened and I don't know where to begin. So perhaps I should start with my last vacation.

A trip to Europe with family. I love so much traveling with family, in the end they will always be the most important. My travel agent sister, Cher, hooked up the family with a cruise around the Mediterranean. In attendance was my son Jason, my granddaughter Shy Anne. My sister Cher and her daughter Elise, and my brother Charles and his family, Mel, Connor and Haley, along with some friends.

As all trips begin, we start at the airport and begin the adventure there. All the family members were on different flights with us meeting up cruise day in beautiful Barcelona, Spain. My granddaughter was a bit nervous, her first overseas flight, that she managed to use up all her barf bags and some. I felt so bad for her, after we landed first in Portugal, each flight after that was a breeze. It was so exciting to get the opportunity to have so many of us together for a week.

My life is about travel and experience. When I get the opportunity to share this with my family it only makes it better. My granddaughter, Shyanne, wanted to go to Europe as her gift from me for her graduation. It took awhile to get there, but this was to be her first trip out of the country. Shyanne got to experience people, places and things that changed her life. I now have this in common with her and enjoy sharing these stories and experiences with her. My son, on the other hand, did not want to go to Europe, he thought it would be without our usual adventure. My son, Jason and I tend to go on more nature based trips, this one is out of the box. It didn't take long for Jason to see what I was so excited about. Now when we talk about this experience its a different story. We fell in love with people and the sheer social experience of a culture that is without the crap we have in the USA.
Our trip began in Barcelona, Spain, then on to the cruise ship, that would take us around the Western Mediterranean. Our first stop would be Sicily, a little island from which our heritage began. So much to see and do, and we wanted to do it all.
From ancient ruins to the amazing food. We tried to get it all. Our next stop Naples, Pompeii, where the sheer age of everything and the volcanic remains of a once thriving metropolis was exposed for us. We were lucky enough to catch a taxi that took my group and my brothers group everywhere and anywhere we wanted to go. We spent what seemed like hours in Pompeii, I imagined what it would be like back then in ancient times. Basking in the bath houses, walking along the cobblestone streets gazing into the shops and being part of this historical place. Which now lies under tons of volcanic dust, still waiting to be unearthed.
The Amalfi Coast and Sorento was breathtaking and one of those places that you have to be there to explain what it was like. The beauty and feeling of this seaside village was what dreams are made of.

We walking through the beautiful shops and took pathways, whose never ending turns would lead us to this beautiful view and beach. A little seaside place where your imagination would take you away. The town of Sorrento offered up the same magic, with streets full of the gathering of Italians speaking with their hands. Maybe I didn't understand the words but I understood the smiles and beauty of everything this place offered. There are so many beautiful pictures that were taken there I would need another blog to fit them all.
Our next destination would be Rome. The place where we experienced the most ruins and historic places. The size of the Gods and what they built showed in what we could only imagine. Our group shuffled off to see just a taste of this vastness they call Rome.
 
Florence and Pisa is next on our itinerary. We got on a train and began our adventure.
The white marble of the Tower of Pisa was much more beautiful than any photograph that you will see. We had to almost run to catch the last train to our ship. It was exciting and stressful at the same time. It was definitely worth the effort.

Our time on the ship wasn't without a ton of fun. That was the time we could spend with the rest of our group of family and friends. Each time we hit a port, our group went in different directions. We had fun, maybe too much fun while on the ship, talking about the adventures of the day. Everyone with a different tale of their excursion around beautiful Italia. Another excursion is in our future before we venture back to Barcelona, Spain. Our next stop is the seaside village in France, Marseille.

We began walking the streets into the open fish market, where the days catch was displayed on tables. The live octopus wriggling about on the tables, along with strange species of fishes I had never seen. The language as people spoke was so beautiful. I found while traveling if you learn a few words of the language, the local people are much more receptive to your presence. I also learned that most places don't really like Americans, so the thing to do is not act like an arrogant American and just be part of the fun. We sort of lost our group and myself, Jason and Shyanne ended up off the beaten path away from all the places that the tourist visit. Sitting along the streets under our umbrella we ordered our meal. Knowing what ever we ordered would be grand, I noticed that food without chemicals and additives never left me bloated, everything was always made fresh. While here there is never a rush to get away from your table, because the table was yours for the day if you wished.
 There was one last excursion and my small group decided to stay on the ship and relax. The rest of our gang would be heading toward America and we needed a day of rest for our next week. Me, Shy and Jason were heading to Ireland, for a little taste of rest and drunken debauchery. Sad to say good-bye to the beauty of what we had just seen our trip was only half way over.

We stayed the night and another day in Barcelona so that we could really enjoy this city. It would be the first experience for Jason and Shy staying at a hostel, and it was not a good one. Without getting into too many details, we were glad when it was over. Off to Ireland on a short plane ride, arriving in Dublin and into our next shot at a hostel. Which ended up being fantastic, with friends and fun. We walked and walked. It's just what the natives would do!. The most fun about Ireland is definitely the people. The weather is wet and cold, but ignored by the big smiles you see on every face you pass.
 The Malahide Castle was beautiful and we had complete access, because it was closed, but they don't lock the doors. We laid on the grass, we explored the queens garden and chased rabbits all over the place. A beautiful day. Another day we enjoyed cliff walking in the rain and eating at amazing restaurants along the waters edge. Watching sea lions as they begged for hand outs when the fishing boats unloaded their catches. Shopped at fish markets, just to see what it is we would be eating. We enjoyed days in Ireland and mostly enjoyed each others happiness. So much to see and we only touched a small part of this part of the world we call Ireland. Our adventure soon to end still gives us a bit of a layover in Barcelona once again. We went to our favorite little restaurant and found a friend we met previously on our trip. Just enjoying the last days of this journey, I wish that my life was full of these journeys, especially when I get to share them with the people I love most in this world, FAMILY!

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AMAZING ALASKA

Written by Captain Mary on Monday, August 10, 2015

I started this post a couple of years ago on my first trip to Alaska, and never finished it. Even though I only scratched the surface of our 49th state, Alaska was the most amazing place in the USA. I have seen the other 48 by the way. July 20th, 2013, I set off on yet another adventure. First our non-stop flight to Seattle, Washington where our ship the Star Princess was moored.
After shuffling through lines and security we finally made it to our state room. A room for four, yet we were only three. The first thing we did was thank Margo, my sister-in-law, for this great idea, that unfortunately she could not attend. My sister, Cheryl and my son, Jason would be my companions for this once in a life time adventure.
The weather was good, yet a bit chilly for what I am accustomed to. We viewed the city of Seattle from the port, in the distance was mountains just visible through the mist, covered in snow, just beyond the city, so it seemed.
The excitement mounted as I anticipated what I was about to see. We would have to wait as our journey would take us over 1,000 miles to our first destination. We did not have to wait as long as we though before seeing land. The sea was mostly calm and that feeling and the smell of being on the water never changes for me, it is always like my first time. The first glimpse was distant snow capped mountains, in the middle of summer no less. We all stood on deck bundled up, looking out in the distance for a glimpse of what may be lurking inside the waters of the North Pacific. We could see, spray from porposie and whales, yet we could hardly make out what it was. The longer we watched in the chilling winds on the top decks, we finally got a good glimpse of a Humpback Whale taking a breath right next to the hull of the ship. We all screamed out, "Whale", but only a fraction of a second had passed and the whale too had dissappeared into the depths. Schools of doll porposie followed the ship as if they could not pass up an opportunity to play.
 That was a couple years ago and now the anticipation was still great.  This time my friend Margo would attend  for her trip of a lifetime, the 14 of us began our adventure.  Not unlike our previous trip we departed Seattle and the scenery began to change, yet the beautiful weather that we had experienced on our prior trip was not the same. A annoying mist traveled with us almost the entire time. We wouldn't let that ruin our trip though.
 Our beautiful trip was not without drama, I  guess that's what comes with traveling with different personalities.  The clouds obstructed our views to a certain extent it was like traveling in a black-and-white movie without the sun shining down on us.  Although our photographs would not show the colors from the previous trip I had the memories.  Glimpses of humpback whales were  abundant and made  me smile each time I saw them take a breath, we saw sea lions, otters and bald eagles  which were  also in abundance.
 Our excursions off the ship were helicopter rides, whale watching tours, hikes in the woods, train rides,  salmon fishing, there is so many things to do in Alaska.  I could talk endlessly about our journey, I do want to say that this is a trip that every person should go on.  Exploring our 49th state is something every person should indulge in.

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JUST RIGHT

Written by Captain Mary on Monday, July 08, 2013

How do you know when something is just right? Well, I imagine it is the feeling you get deep inside your soul. I have always thought that living in the Bahamas would be my ultimate destination for my retirement, or sooner if possible. The thought of it has stepped back into my mind lately and I havn't really thought about it until my son took me on vacation to Paradise Island, Bahamas.
As soon as I walked out the doors of the airport after a 35 minute flight, the smell of the air, the smiles on faces, everything inside of me just relaxed so that I could take it all in.

Now, I can't get that smell out of my brain. The beautiful waters and smell of the ocean, like being put in a dream that felt so real I never wanted to wake up. It wasn't a dream though, it was me standing in the pink sands of another country, a country that called to me for years and is still calling me. This trip was yet another confirmation that I have selected the right place.
Atlantis is a bit of a tourist location, yet still finding the local places isn't so difficult to do. We always seem to attract the local people, I don't know exactly why, maybe it is the look on our faces, it shows all the way to our core how much we are enjoying our little place under the sun.
My son and my grandchildren get that same look, as if something deep in our soul has be revised, and brought the best of us out.
Even though there is quite a lot of people, it seemed we got lucky the first four days of our vacation, we had most of the place to ourselves. Our days were spent walking the beautiful grounds of Atlantis and watching the enormous amounts of marine creatures all around us. The food was delicious and the pools were like magic waters, nourishing our bodies and the sun carresing our skin as if the ancient Gods had planned it that way. The theapudic environment can take the evil out of anyone.
So much to do on our days that by the fall of the sun we were exhausted, but still had time for a little adult entertainment.
 Can you imagine putting your camera and belongings on a lawn chair and going away for most of the day to return and find everything untouched. A feeling that you are safe and the people are always watching out for you, because they care. Who wouldn't want to live that way, even amoungst all the crowds of people I felt safe and without a care in the world.

I seized every moment of this vacation to re-boot my system and enjoyed each second as if were my last. We had so much fun, we did so much and yet never enough. The kids enjoyed a day with the dolphins on Blue Lagoon Island, a 20 minute boat ride from Paradise Island. They got to touch and love these creatures, which are my favorite animal. I actually think that in a previous life I lived among them. One dolphin was very interested in me when I first arrived, he posed for me until I was moved off the platform.

I am convinced that the Bahamas is where I want to be. To be in a place without prejudice and government interferance, a place to live life like a human and not property used to generate income for the fat cats in politics. A place where people help their fellow man, without being asked, because it is the right thing to do. A life of smiles and sunshine, the perfect combination to easy living. A way of life that is "Just Right"!


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ASHLEY'S ADVENTURES

Written by Captain Mary on Tuesday, September 23, 2008





I am part of this wonderful group of women. One of these wonder women is Ashley, we are a group who help each other live their dreams, she is the current leader of the group. Through our group she has been able to begin living her dream, which is to go to Europe and dance.



Ashley left for England a couple of weeks ago and I am going to follow her adventure. Ashely is currently staying in Manchester with some relatives, I heard she already had a job set up. I will be waiting eagerly for email updates.






This weekend Ashley went to a Wedding in Oswestry which is a small beautiful town in Northern England. It was a beautiful English Wedding (which was so different but very cool) And to top it off the weather was absolutely perfect, no rain and total sunshine all weekend!!! But the downfall was that Ashley stayed in a Cottage --that was from a storybook. It was minus all the modern conveniences such as Internet access, she managed to tuff it out.

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LOST IN THE OUTBACK

Written by Captain Mary on Thursday, July 24, 2008


My trip to Australia was very memorable, and from time to time I would get lost in the moment with my camera in hand, sometimes I would just wander in the wrong direction. On this particular occasion I was in the Northern Territory , Darwin to be exact, where there is a giant natural reserve called Kakadu National Park. It would literally take days to explore, so I thought I would start my adventure here. I saw so many interesting things and found myself this day in a forest, with giant trees and beautiful fauna. I began to follow the trails through the forest and noticed a Frilled Lizard, camera ready I began to follow him, as he continued to move through the forest I was taken off the trail deeper into the forest. So involved in the photo opportunity's in the forest I didn't realize that the sun was fading from the sky, and now I think I was lost. I found a stream running along the tree line and began following that, the sun now completely gone from the sky. Here I was alone in the forest, the sounds of night were increasing their volume, and now its time to dig out my flash light. I only hope that the really poisonous things sleep at night, I was still following the stream and was trying to remember if the trail came anywhere near the stream, the hiking had become more difficult, I had hardly anyplace to put my next step down, for now the foliage was very dense, this is definitely Bush Walking, a phrase they use in Australia for hiking. The sounds were now different, I kept moving and listening, perhaps I should follow these new sounds, it wasn't the sound of the roadway it was sounds that I had never heard before and then I heard the sound of a bull roarer, this is a tool that the Aborigines use to communicate to each other. The sound was loud and strange, but I now think it lead deeper into the forest where the indigenous people live and not where the parking lot was located. Was I afraid? I don't think I was I was more intrigued about my surroundings and what may be lurking around me lost in the Outback. I almost felt like Crocodile Dundee at home in the forest, and then without thinking I happened upon the trail, I continued for another hour or so and the forest opened up, there it was my rental car alone in the parking lot, the park was closed and there wasn't a human in sight. Somehow I found my way back to civilization and the journey through the forest now just a memory of unusual sights and sounds. I was definitely lost, but somehow I found my way, perhaps there was something magical out there in the forest.


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ABORIGINAL ABERRATION

Written by Captain Mary on Wednesday, July 23, 2008




A few years ago, I decided to take a month off to go to Australia, it was a place I had always dreamed of going and now the dream was reality. I arrived after a very long plane ride, through time zones and the division of days, I was now living in the future. I arrived at the Sydney airport and noticed that quite a few of the Aboriginal people were employed there. I was waiting for a ride from the shuttle and noticed that these people were special, they possessed a sense that we don't use or have. I saw a lady who seemed to be stressed a bit, but I couldn't tell what she was trying to accomplish, an Aboriginal man came up to her somehow anticipating her need or maybe even reading her mind. The man helped her without even asking what she needed. It was a small simple thing, but it was something he did without thinking. This was my first experience with Aboriginal people and I was impressed.


I got my shuttle to the hostel and read the brochures of things to do. I found that I could take the train to the Blue Mountain for a few bucks, and then catch a bus that runs on a circuit, dropping you off and picking you up every few minutes or so. Sounded great and I was going to see as much as I could. The trip by rail was a couple of hours, I just sat back and took in the scenery, arriving at the Bus Depot just in time to catch the last circuit of the day. Armed with my camera and hiking boots I was off exploring. I was dropped off at a trail head and began to hike through the mountain passes, seeing water falls and parrots in the trees. The sounds and smells of nature, my cup of tea. Although I traveled entirely alone I never felt that way, this is a country that you can feel completely safe in. After a couple of trails I found myself alone waiting for the bus to show up so I could continue to the next location. I stood on the side of the road in a very large clearing, I began hearing a very loud sound, it sounded very strange and only now I know it was the Kookaburra bird. I was distracted by the sound looking for its origin, perhaps I could see what was making this sound. About that time I noticed a figure walking toward me, as he got closer I could see that it was an Aborigine, a large man, his face painted with white lines across his cheeks. We made eye contact and I smiled because this half naked man came out of nowhere, and he was what I had imagined an Aborigine to look like in their natural environment, not the guy at the airport dressed in his work clothes. He looked directly into my eyes and without really making a smile I could see it in his eyes.

The sound of the Kookaburra bird still in the background, the man passes by me and of course I swung around to look at him again, much to my surprise he had disappeared completely, the sound had also seized. I stood there in complete confusion, I couldn't believe what had happened and the fact is no one was going to believe me either. After that day I was a believer that the Aboriginal people do posses special powers. A living aberration.


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BATH FOR YOU, NONE FOR ME

Written by Captain Mary on Tuesday, July 22, 2008

While on vacation in Tanzania, East Africa I stayed at one of the most fascinating locations in the world. The Ngornogoro Crater, a fish bowl of wildlife, its hard to imagine the diversity and amount of wildlife that inhabit this once live volcano. We stayed high above the crater in a Lodge built on the rim of the extinct volcano. The lodge was beautiful, surrounded by the rain forest roads, only a four wheel drive vehicle can get you there. The evenings were spent gazing into the sky at the stars of the southern hemisphere, were I met this wonderful lady named Chaad, a.k.a Star Gazer, she resides in England and was also on vacation. She taught me things about the stars I never knew. What I did know was the stars were so close we could touch them.

The visits below in the crater were amazing, I have so many stories to tell there, this story though was one that occurred at the Lodge. Our safari guide would have us ready in the morning early for our trek down to the crater floor, the drive took some time. The air was cold and we definitely looked forward to the warmth below. We rose up to the sun shining through our window, time for the morning rituals, you know go potty and brush your teeth and to our surprise there was no water, not a drip. I heard sounds in the hallway and as I emerged from my room there appeared to be a parade of people heading toward the front desk of the lodge. Well, I was feeling kind of yukky and was very curious on what had happened so I continued to the front desk. Outside I noticed a very large elephant and a big hole in the ground, I didn't think I needed further explanation. I did find one important fact, elephants can climb mountains, what this big guy did was find the main water line to the lodge, he opened it up for his morning bath, feeling cool and refreshed he ventured on his way. In the mean time we were without our baths and you can bet most of us had bad breath. We got our bottled water and did a quick freshen up and were on our way towards the Ngornogoro Crater floor. The people who work and live here didn't seem to be bothered by this inconvenience at all, they were quite accustomed to this type of event. We were told that the forest belongs to the animals here and if they cause us a bit of inconvenience it is just the way it has to be. A little bit of a surprise for us, but there was one big beautiful and very clean elephant that we sacrificed a little water for. After all it did belong to the animals.

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6 STATES 9 DAYS

Written by Mini on Friday, June 27, 2008

Day 9

Well unfortunately, today is the day that we head home. Don't really want to but we have to go back to work at sometime. Money doesn't last forever! We started to depart from Stone Mountain at about noon. Now we have a long drive ahead of us. We have to go all the way from Georgia to Florida. As we were driving, the kids watched movies. At some point that evening my kids were going to be picked up by their dad. How can we arrange this? Well, my father lives in central Florida, so he can meet us there. We crossed the border at 4 pm. We only had about 3 more hours of drive time to get to dads.




We arrive at my dad's house at 7 pm, not bad not bad!!! Unknown to me, dad was going to have a little celebration for mine and JT's birthday. Mainly for JT, since he is the kid. During the trip I celebrated my birthday, so it really wasn't important. But of course, my daddy had to do something for me. We had cake and presents. The kids dad showed up at about 9 pm, and then they left. So now what, we have to drive to Miami. Ahhh!! Well that is going to be a 5 hour drive, at least. But it was cool. We arrived at home at 3:30 am on Monday morning. Jason was ready to clean out the RV, no way, too late, or early however you want to look at it.



I am sorry that I don't have any more pics to show, but this day was sort of uneventful, I didn't even take pics. I hope you all have enjoyed my trip, I know that I did. Maybe we will take another adventure soon!!!


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6 STATES, 9 DAYS

Written by Mini on Thursday, June 26, 2008

Day 8

Today we started out early, we had to start making some distance. We were only one day away from this beautiful vacation ending, boo hoo!!! So we jumped in the RV and headed out. We drove about 2 hours south, still in Georgia. Jeff got a phone call from his dad during our drive, he was recommending that we stop again in Ga. at Stone Mountain. OK, sounds good, something else to see before the fun has to come to an end.

We arrived at Stone Mountain campground at around 3 pm. We were very surprised at the sites, very nice. We had to eat like usual, but we were going in to the little town for that, so some snacks for now. We walked down to the lake where we were going to catch a water taxi to head to the mountain.

We were told it was something amazing to see. We could have walked to the top but with 5 kids, no way jose!!! When we arrived across the lake we took a tram to the base of the mountain. It was a quick ride, but man, it was HOT out!!! You could tell we were getting close to home.

So once we were dropped off, we chose to take the aerial tramway to the top of the mountain, how cool. Jeff was interested in how much weight the tram could hold so I took these pics for him, he is soo technical sometimes, another reason I love him.


It was a site to see once we were standing on the top. We learned that the mountain was created, oh some millions of years ago, by hot magma cooling with the rest of the earth around it eroding to expose the granite rock. So, that is mother nature at her best.

We saw carvings in the rock dated back to the 1800's. You could also see in the rock where water pooled, when it rained, and then poured down the side of the mountain. There was a gate around the whole thing so visitors would not fall off, that would suck!! The kids really enjoyed it, but also got bored with it quite quickly. Kids!!!


Once we were back at the bottom, we decided that it was time to eat. We went into the first restaurant that we could see. It was also a fun experience. They sat us all at a square table. The servers were all dressed up in the traditional southern dress. It was great, hot, bad service, but still great. I only say this for one reason. As we were finishing our meal, the server came by and asked us if we were ready for our check, we replied "yes". Shortly after that Jason says " Is my sister shrinking", huh!! Well then we looked at the table, it was rising. It went all the way up which was to my head, it was as funny as can be. Jeff stopped and took a pic once it was part way up.

Once we were finished with dinner, we headed to the base of the mountain for the 25th Anniversary Light Show. We sat right in front so that we had a good view. The carving on the mountain was of the three generals that fought in the war. It was done with blow torches, not sure how long it took, but still amazing none the less. Also not sure of exactly who the generals were, not too good with history. I will have to ask Jeff about this one.




The kids played around as we waited for it to get dark. What a way to end the last night of our trip, with a light show! I do want to thank Jeff's dad for his recommendation. As it was getting dark, a train passed right in front of us, that was cool. Well now we are anxious, we can't wait anymore. It all started with fireworks, which was the only thing that I could capture.

Not sure how clear it is, but you can see the carving on the mountain through the fireworks, awesome. The light show lasted for about an hour. Once it was over, we had to head back to camp. We took the water taxi back, which took about an hour itself, just because everyone had to get back and it was the last taxi of the day.

Once back at camp, the kids tired again, hit the sheets. It has been a long and exciting vacation, lots to see and do. No wonder everyone was beat. Well, I guess that we will see you in the morning.


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