Cruising 2019

Saturday, October 19, 2019 - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico The jewel of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas has something for everyone.  Situated at the very tip of the world's longest peninsula, Cabo San Lucas calmly watches the cool Pacific Ocean merge with the Sea of Cortez.  Once you experience its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches you'll understand why this once sleepy Baja cannery village transformed into a popular international resort.  Take a boat tour to see the spectacular Los Arcos rock formations and keep an eye out for sea lions, pelicans and migrating whales.  Snorkel at Pelican Rock Cove to see marine life including angelfish, Moorish idols and yellow tail surgeons.         Cabo San Lucas where the sea, sun and desert join to cast an air of mystery and romance over all who visit.  Cabo was was once a tranquil fishing village and, in times long ago, a hangout for pirates.   Although no longer the fishi...

Thursday and Friday, October 17 and 18, 2019 - At Sea, heading to Cabo San Lucas Fresh flowers in the suite! Last evening, decided to go down to Earth and Ocean (a casual dining venue on the pool deck) for a light meal, which turned out not so light!!   This meal was actually a milestone for me as it is the first time I've dined solo outside of my suite.   Daunting, but with the help of my laptop, some Words with Friends, and checking up on emails, the experience was not too painful!  The waning light, together with beautiful clouds edged in soft orange color as the sun went down was truly beautiful.     On my promise to myself to try to eat lighter today - well, almost made it.    On the menu last evening was a healthy grilled salmon atop a bed of stewed green lentils - and it was delicious - but the salad undid my austere dietary goals! . . . heirloom tomatoes topped with fresh Burrata (a large portion).   OM...

October 15 and 16, 2019 - Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, California Today, decided I needed a walk.   With my crazy ankle the best support is from my ankle booties, though not the best walking shoes.   I tendered in to shore and set off for downtown Santa Barbara - such a pretty port. Walked about two miles, did a bit of shopping at Nordstrom, couple of t-shirts and decided to call a taxi to get back to the ship.  My feet were tuckered out, blisters beginning on top of my toes - UGH! I commented to the taxi driver that the buildings we were passing were quite beautiful, but he told me that they were mostly new along the beach road.  Nice that they'd made certain to keep the integrity of the architecture and the beautiful red tile roofs. In my taking in all of the sunshine and pretty buildings, I once again forgot to take photos, so tried to get a few from the tender as we returned to the ship. Notice how the water has changed color since arriving in this ar...

Monday, October 14, 2019 - Monterey, California When I awoke this morning, we were anchored offshore the Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey.   Today I'd invited my friend, Sharon Sieve, to come aboard for lunch.   She resides in Carmel, where Adolfo and I visited with them many times over the years.   Her late husband, Joe, died some years ago.   I met Joe and Sharon the year before Adolfo and I were married.  Joe had been Adolfo's roommate at Santa Clara and had become fast friends.   Joe and Sharon are Godparents for our son, David. A beautiful day today, and when I expected Sharon to be arriving on shore, I rode the tender  into shore and sure enough, got a phone call that she'd arrived.   Wonderful to see this dear woman - a long-time favorite friend.   Enjoyed the day so much, that I forgot to take a photo!!! After too short a visit, it was time for Sharon to debark, but we'd been able to do a partial catch up of our respective...

Sunday, October 13, 2019 - San Francisco!! Throughout the night the ship's foghorn continued intermittently - and it immediately ruined my sleep as I thought about Sunday's performance by the Blue Angels - would it not take place?  So looked forward to that!                               Had set my alarm for 6:30 a.m. because we'd been advised that the ship would enter the bay under the Golden Gate Bridge at 6:45, and wanted to be out on my deck to witness that.  What I hadn't remembered from other times I've been under the bridge on a cruise ship is the constant horns sounding from under the bridge - perhaps I'd not paid attention, or perhaps this is something new since my last entry into the Bay on a ship.   Here comes the escort tug - right below my suite!    At any rate, the weather was quite nice, still dark with a faint light o...

Friday and Saturday, October 11 and 12, 2019 - Days at Sea Friday was a most enjoyable day, especially the weather - blue skies, fairly calm seas - lovely if one sat in the sun for a while.    Enjoyed my first game of Team Trivia.   Joined a team with Aussies, Americans, and two Brits.   When discussing our team name, the Brits came up with "Brexit Refugees".   Even though they were the only two Brits on a team of ten, we all thought the name had a certain cache! At the end of the hour, our team was tied for first place.   We really did quite well!   Loved some of the questions: In what year did the Suez Canal open? (missed this one by 14 years) What kind of beans are used in Heinz baked beans? (got this one right) What is the fourth sign of the Zodiac? (missed this one) In what year did Mother Teresa win the Nobel Peace Prize? (nailed this one!) Came away with a wonderful large Seabourn mug as my prize.  Am using thi...

Thursday, October 10, 2019 - Victoria, B.C. We have been blessed with beautiful weather - although quite cold and crisp, the skies are blue, a few wispy clouds here and there, and miracle of miracles, no wind!   We are berthed quite a way from downtown Victoria, so have opted to stay on board and enjoy lunch out on deck, rest and finish setting up this journal.   So far am on my third day, with nothing posted because photographs are giving me fits - won't position correctly into the blog.   I will figure it out. There's a very colorful guest on board, though foreign, can't figure out from where he hails.   He always talks to me and is now calling me the Wall Street Journal lady.  This morning he saw my copy of WSJ and asked if he could have it.   Told him it was my personal copy as I get one each day with my Diamond status, but please to feel free to enjoy it.   He couldn't figure out why I got one and he didn't.  Expla...