High Temple, a Mayan structure at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Belize
While in Belize we took a ship tour to the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, a site consisting of the remains of several Mayan temples and other structures from Mayan times. It was a fascinating tour and I even got to climb one of the pyramids (not this one)! You can get a sense of the size of this temple by finding the worker – about halfway up, just to the right of the stairs – doing restoration work.
This is the last Postcard from our voyages, as Belize was the last port where we got off the ship. We have visited Cozumel numerous times, and while Grand Cayman is very nice, it is another port where the ship does not dock. A “tender port” is where one of the ship’s tenders or a larger boat from shore is needed to get onto the land. In both cases we decided to enjoy a mostly empty ship.
We made it home from sunny Florida to gray and cloudy Charlotte yesterday (Saturday) afternoon. I’ve got my photos downloaded and should be able to start on some editing and processing over the next few days. We were gone a while, so there are a few more important things to do as well.
The first stop on our third cruise, aboard Celebrity Apex, was in Key West, FL. We pretty much wandered around looking for photos, and I kind of liked the repetition of all the tables along this pier. I’m certain the scene would be a lot different at sunset, but early in the morning I was able to get the tables and umbrellas all in a line, mostly uninterrupted by tourists!
The Queen Emma Bridge and the waterfront of Willemstad, Curacao
The Queen Emma Bridge is a pontoon bridge connecting pedestrian traffic between two sections of Willemstad Curacao. The bridge is hinged and opens regularly to enable the passage of oceangoing vessels. On the opposite end from the hinge is a small shelter where an operator controls two diesel engines turning propellers. The propellers are mounted perpendicular to the length of the bridge and allow it to swing parallel to the shore. The process only takes a few minutes to complete, although the bridge can remain open for much longer depending on ship traffic.
She wouldn’t get out of my shot…what could I do? Sorobon Beach, Bonaire
The first stop on the second cruise of our Caribbean adventure was the Dutch island of Bonaire. Sorobon Beach is an area popular with windsurfers and sunbathers of all kinds, sizes and shapes. On to Curacao and then Aruba!
View of the Mount Liamuiga volcano on the island of of St. Kitts
Kathy & I are currently “binge cruising,” having just completed the first of three cruises to the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale. The first cruise, aboard Celebrity Equinox, was a 10-night cruise that visited St. Kitts, Grenada, Martinique, St. Lucia and Antigua. We took tours on all but Grenada, and needless to say I came back with a few photos, which I will likely not look at too much until we get home.
We embark this afternoon aboard the same ship, Celebrity Equinox, on a 9-night cruise that will visit Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba and Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic). On Saturday, February 18 we move to Celebrity Apex for a 7 night cruise to the Western Caribbean. After that we head back to Charlotte to rest and go on diets.
I’ll have some more photos but no specific timetable to posting them. Too many things to do to spend time on the computer. Today was a good day to look at a few because we didn’t have to get off the ship! More later!
Trees at the Depaz Rhum Distillery on the Island of MartiniqueBoat on the beach in Anse La Raye on the island of St. LuciaView of Nelson’s Dockyard from The Lookout. Part of the Shirley Heights Military Complex on the island of Antigua
After our visit to Maker’s Mark, Kathy & I drove to Lebanon, KY for some lunch. Lebanon also happens to be the home of Limestone Branch Distillery, another of our favorites. It was on the way back to our motel and it was open, so of course we needed to stop. And tour. And taste. And buy!
Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky
Limestone Branch likes to say that they are currently the only distillery owned and operated by someone named Beam. Stephen & Paul Beam opened Limestone Branch in 2012, and while the distillery is fairly new in bourbon terms, they are producing some old-timey bourbon using old-timey recipes. The distillery traces its roots back to Jacob Beam in 1795, is best known for producing Yellowstone bourbon from the original mash bill. Yes, the bourbon is named after the National Park. And while it is not affiliated with the TV series, they are not minding the free publicity.
Samples! Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky
The place is not very big, and there are no picturesque acres of rickhouses on the property like the big boys, but what they lack in size they make up for in enthusiasm.
Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, KentuckyLimestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, KentuckyLimestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, KentuckyLimestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, KentuckyLimestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, KentuckyLimestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, KentuckyLimestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, KentuckyWorlds Smallest Rickhouse! Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, KentuckyThieving it straight from the barrel! Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky
Waterfront area near the cruise terminal in Cozumel, Mexico
We don’t usually get too excited about Cozumel, because we have been there a number of times and have done most of the touristy things. We don’t go to the beach, so that leaves out a lot of activities.
Sunrise in Cozumel, Mexico aboard Norwegian Prima
On this recent cruise, Cozumel ended up being our only stop, so we decided to at least get off the ship and have a drink or two. Thanks to The Google, I located a bar and restaurant called The Thirsty Cougar which was a short walk from the cruise dock.
The Thirsty Cougar Bar in Cozumel, MexicoThe Thirsty Cougar Bar in Cozumel, MexicoThe Thirsty Cougar Bar in Cozumel, Mexico
My usual Mexican libation is a Paloma instead of the traditional Margarita. A Paloma is made with tequila and grapefruit soda, and I like the combination. The Thirsty Cougar also does an awesome Margarita, as I was assured by our friends who sampled some. They also do a mean Nacho platter!
Guitar players entertaining at The Thirsty Cougar Bar in Cozumel, MexicoGuitar players entertaining at The Thirsty Cougar Bar in Cozumel, MexicoGuitar players entertaining at The Thirsty Cougar Bar in Cozumel, Mexico
When visiting Cozumel on a Norwegian ship, it docks in the downtown area where a lot of the restaurants are. Many of the other lines dock at a different terminal about 3 miles away. There are restaurants there, too. But in my mind The Thirsty Cougar might just be worth the taxi fare!
Waterfront area near the cruise terminal in Cozumel, MexicoWaterfront area near the cruise terminal in Cozumel, MexicoWaterfront area near the cruise terminal in Cozumel, MexicoWaterfront area near the cruise terminal in Cozumel, MexicoWaterfront area near the cruise terminal in Cozumel, MexicoWaterfront area near the cruise terminal in Cozumel, MexicoMy Friends Call Me Chip. Waterfront area near the cruise terminal in Cozumel, Mexico
Our most recent cruise was a 5 night cruise on Norwegian Prima, a nearly new ship for Norwegian Cruise Lines. We went with friends who live in Florida and are also our travel agents. They were there for a travel agency soiree, so they were “working” while we were having fun.
Artworks aboard Norwegian PrimaArtworks aboard Norwegian Prima
We only visited one port – Cozumel – since our second port stop was cancelled due to high seas and strong winds. So here are just a few random photos from the ship. It was a great time and a beautiful new ship, although being around all those travel agents is contagious!
Artworks aboard Norwegian PrimaGridwork above the Indulge Outdoor Lounge aboard Norwegian PrimaShadows aboard Norwegian PrimaGlass railings aboard Norwegian PrimaGlass railings aboard Norwegian PrimaView of the bow of Norwegian PrimaView of the bow of Norwegian PrimaShadows aboard Norwegian PrimaArtworks aboard Norwegian Prima
The Prima Speedway, 3-level go kart track aboard Norwegian Prima
Everywhere we go, people are in a hurry. They blast down the highway like they are a doctor late for a baby delivery (probably not), they slam down the first drink to get to the next (possibly precipitating the previous?), rush through dinner to get off to something else (with indigestion). But for what? To just rush on to the next thing? Sheesh! How about taking the time to enjoy each experience, each moment?
Kathy & I recently came across this article that was shared by a local writer. ‘and then?’ references someone wanting to watch a movie or listen to a podcast at 2X speed because it was “too slow.” Apparently listening to music at 2X speed is a thing on TikTok. I especially liked the statement that “The whole attitude seems to be: Let me get through this thing I don’t especially enjoy so I can do another thing just like it, which I won’t enjoy either.” That doesn’t seem like much of a way to live, if you ask me.
The Prima Speedway, 3-level go kart track aboard Norwegian Prima
Just this morning I was looking at the New York Times website and saw a link that said “The Year In Pictures – 3 Minute Read” I thought, wow, only 3 minutes? It is nearly 150 pictures (I counted but lost my place once or twice – distracted by the photos). Paging through the article without even slowing down to look at the pictures took almost 3 minutes! And yes I understand that the “3 Minutes” was probably automagically calculated based on the amount of text in the article, likely not counting the photo captions, but still. I haven’t gone back through it yet but expect that it might take me 30 minutes.
The Prima Speedway, 3-level go kart track aboard Norwegian Prima
When we travel, Kathy & I enjoy taking back roads, even if it adds an hour or two to the trip. Coming home from our recent trip to Florida, we could have made it home in a freeway-filled 9 hours, but instead chose to break it up into two days, 6 hours the first and about 5 the second. All but the last 100 or so miles were on roads that pass through small towns, past interesting scenery and occasionally a new “roadside find.” Once we got onto I-77 in Columbia, it was like stepping into a cement mixer! It was nice to get home, but I often equate the freeway experience to a cross section of society. Most people go along doing their own thing, but there are always those few who either aren’t completely involved with the task of driving or are convinced that there is a prize for getting somewhere at light speed. We made it home safely, and mostly relaxed, which was the most important thing!
Juniper Springs Recreation Area. Ocala National Forest, Florida
After our Constellation cruise we headed home by way of Ponte Vedra, FL to meet up with John Linn and his wife Linda, who live nearby. On the way we made a stop at the Juniper Springs Recreation Area of Ocala National Forest. It was an interesting place, with mineral springs that you could swim in (we didn’t) and lots of greenery. We met John and Linda at Bird Island Park in Ponte Vedra before going to their home then having a lovely dinner at a nearby seafood restaurant. It was nice to meet another long-time “online friend,” if only for a few hours. But Ponte Vedra is on the way to lots of places down that way, so it’s likely we’ll be in the area again!
Juniper Springs Recreation Area. Ocala National Forest, FloridaJuniper Springs Recreation Area. Ocala National Forest, FloridaJuniper Springs Recreation Area. Ocala National Forest, FloridaBubbling spring. Juniper Springs Recreation Area. Ocala National Forest, FloridaJuniper Springs Recreation Area. Ocala National Forest, FloridaJuniper Springs Recreation Area. Ocala National Forest, FloridaBird Island Park in Ponte Vedra, FloridaBird Island Park in Ponte Vedra, FloridaTurtle. Bird Island Park in Ponte Vedra, FloridaNot So Secret Squirrel. Bird Island Park in Ponte Vedra, FloridaTom and John Linn at Palm Valley Fish Camp in Ponte Vedra, Florida
We’re off again. Back to Florida to visit different friends, hop on another cruise ship with them for a few days, then slide back into town just in time for Christmas! Good thing our shopping is done….
