Update from the Heartland
No.390
30.5.09 – 7.6.09
Blog version: http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/
No.390
30.5.09 – 7.6.09
Blog version: http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/
To all,
The cruise!
. . . published late the following week.
[NOTE: the eMail text version will not include images; the file has become simply too large. For those who wish to view the images, please visit the blog site noted in the header title.]
Saturday, 30.May.2009:
Jacy & Tracy along with Aspen Shae & Shalee Lynn joined Jeanne & me on a celebratory, anniversary cruise through the Western Caribbean. We departed Wichita early Saturday morning, flying through Atlanta to Miami, to spend the night in a local hotel. We did not want to miss our embarkation time. For the sailors & Marines reading this Update, we know what that means. The remnants of Delta frequent flyer miles from my stint in Italy came in quite handy and covered the girl’s travel.
We arrived in Miami on time, with overcast skies and scattered light rain. Since it was late in the afternoon – actually early evening – we went to dinner at a nearby restaurant recommended by the hotel manager – Peru Place. The menu – in Spanish with English subtitles, kinda like many establishments in Europe – offered an odd combination of South American and Asian cuisine – ample portions at a modest price. Although located near the airport, so not in the tourist-y part of town, it was a very nice meal; we all enjoyed it.
Sunday, 31.May.2009:
Miami, Florida – Embarkation & Departure Day.
We gathered back up in the morning at the hotel restaurant for breakfast. I say this to note that while everyone else had traditional American breakfast cuisine, I decided on a Cuban sandwich, comprised of Cuban bread, Serrano ham, sliced pork sausage, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles. Everyone got a bite, and everyone loved the sandwich, not least of all, me.
We left the hotel by pre-arranged, motor coach at 11:00 EDT and arrived at the port terminal 30 minutes later. Our check bags were collected as we left the bus. Part of the cruise document bundle of specific, unique packets of information included pre-printed baggage tags with our stateroom number. The advice given told us to pack a small bag of whatever we might need until mid-evening . . . the delivery of bags would take more than a few hours; good advice. So, we had a small duffle bag on wheels, and of course, my computer bag with book and laptop plus our folder of records, research and associated cruise information. First checkpoint . . . security screening . . . virtually the same as the process used at major airports. This point was the first check of our embarkation documents [passport identification and the travel packet (tickets)]. They also handed each adult an Influenza A/H1N1 questionnaire and information sheet. A large check-in gallery and waiting lobby was the second checkpoint. Cruise line personnel checked our passports, reviewed and retained out Swine Flu questionnaire, and provided us each with a combination, printed, magnetic strip, plastic card that served as our on-board ID card and on-board charge card. We waited in the over-crowded, check-in hall until they called our boarding zone. We were Zones 15 & 16, and were called to board at 12:45. We had our picture taken in front of a tropical, sunset backdrop (for commemoration rather than identification purposes). We boarded the MS Carnival Valor via a glass enclosed, snaked gangway (rather well done engineering design, I might add). On board, they checked our passport and ship ID card one last time, and also took a digital identification image, presumably recorded on the card and for their files. In the pre-board information packet and various other bits of information indicated our staterooms would not be available 13:30, 14:30 or at late as 16:00. Ship’s personnel told us lunch was being served on the Lido Deck (Deck 9), so we trundled up (actually rode an elevator) to Deck 9. A large, wide variety, buffet restaurant facility covered most of the length of the ship – about half enclosed and half with various pools as well as covered and uncovered tables, chairs and lounge sun-chairs. Finding a table for six was no easy trick; nonetheless, we eventually had a bite to eat and much needed iced tea. We made it to our staterooms at 14:30; ours had the door propped open and appeared to be ready.
We unpacked our small duffle bag and familiarized ourselves with the accommodations – not large but large enough for a nice king-size bed, modest shower room, and a couch/hide-a-bed with a small table (which I am using for my writing station). Each stateroom comes with a stocked, mini-bar (typical hotel prices) and a small television with satellite service. Every stateroom had good strong, wireless coverage. However, access beyond the Carnival websites was a rather pricey affair – US$100 for 250 minutes, or US$0.75 on a per minute basis – clearly not a feature they intended for general usage. Needless to say, being connected during the cruise week was just not that important to me. The laptop works just fine for this chronicle . . . thank you very much. We took a quick tour of the ship to peg the locations of most points of interest.
The mandatory Lifeboat Drill was held at 15:40 EDT to exercise the emergency process and familiarize every passenger with their emergency muster station (ours was ‘Delta’), the proper donning of the life-vest floatation gear; the process took 20 minutes to accomplish. Our Lifeboat, one of four for Muster Station D, was an enclosed, powered, 150-person, orange & white boat, which would be lowered to the water by a winch-gantry, if necessary. The ship departed at 16:30 EDT. It was overcast with intermittent rain showers; however, we did manage to find a short period for a topside railing view while leaving port.
The cruise!
. . . published late the following week.
[NOTE: the eMail text version will not include images; the file has become simply too large. For those who wish to view the images, please visit the blog site noted in the header title.]
Saturday, 30.May.2009:
Jacy & Tracy along with Aspen Shae & Shalee Lynn joined Jeanne & me on a celebratory, anniversary cruise through the Western Caribbean. We departed Wichita early Saturday morning, flying through Atlanta to Miami, to spend the night in a local hotel. We did not want to miss our embarkation time. For the sailors & Marines reading this Update, we know what that means. The remnants of Delta frequent flyer miles from my stint in Italy came in quite handy and covered the girl’s travel.
We arrived in Miami on time, with overcast skies and scattered light rain. Since it was late in the afternoon – actually early evening – we went to dinner at a nearby restaurant recommended by the hotel manager – Peru Place. The menu – in Spanish with English subtitles, kinda like many establishments in Europe – offered an odd combination of South American and Asian cuisine – ample portions at a modest price. Although located near the airport, so not in the tourist-y part of town, it was a very nice meal; we all enjoyed it.
Sunday, 31.May.2009:
Miami, Florida – Embarkation & Departure Day.
We gathered back up in the morning at the hotel restaurant for breakfast. I say this to note that while everyone else had traditional American breakfast cuisine, I decided on a Cuban sandwich, comprised of Cuban bread, Serrano ham, sliced pork sausage, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles. Everyone got a bite, and everyone loved the sandwich, not least of all, me.
We left the hotel by pre-arranged, motor coach at 11:00 EDT and arrived at the port terminal 30 minutes later. Our check bags were collected as we left the bus. Part of the cruise document bundle of specific, unique packets of information included pre-printed baggage tags with our stateroom number. The advice given told us to pack a small bag of whatever we might need until mid-evening . . . the delivery of bags would take more than a few hours; good advice. So, we had a small duffle bag on wheels, and of course, my computer bag with book and laptop plus our folder of records, research and associated cruise information. First checkpoint . . . security screening . . . virtually the same as the process used at major airports. This point was the first check of our embarkation documents [passport identification and the travel packet (tickets)]. They also handed each adult an Influenza A/H1N1 questionnaire and information sheet. A large check-in gallery and waiting lobby was the second checkpoint. Cruise line personnel checked our passports, reviewed and retained out Swine Flu questionnaire, and provided us each with a combination, printed, magnetic strip, plastic card that served as our on-board ID card and on-board charge card. We waited in the over-crowded, check-in hall until they called our boarding zone. We were Zones 15 & 16, and were called to board at 12:45. We had our picture taken in front of a tropical, sunset backdrop (for commemoration rather than identification purposes). We boarded the MS Carnival Valor via a glass enclosed, snaked gangway (rather well done engineering design, I might add). On board, they checked our passport and ship ID card one last time, and also took a digital identification image, presumably recorded on the card and for their files. In the pre-board information packet and various other bits of information indicated our staterooms would not be available 13:30, 14:30 or at late as 16:00. Ship’s personnel told us lunch was being served on the Lido Deck (Deck 9), so we trundled up (actually rode an elevator) to Deck 9. A large, wide variety, buffet restaurant facility covered most of the length of the ship – about half enclosed and half with various pools as well as covered and uncovered tables, chairs and lounge sun-chairs. Finding a table for six was no easy trick; nonetheless, we eventually had a bite to eat and much needed iced tea. We made it to our staterooms at 14:30; ours had the door propped open and appeared to be ready.
We unpacked our small duffle bag and familiarized ourselves with the accommodations – not large but large enough for a nice king-size bed, modest shower room, and a couch/hide-a-bed with a small table (which I am using for my writing station). Each stateroom comes with a stocked, mini-bar (typical hotel prices) and a small television with satellite service. Every stateroom had good strong, wireless coverage. However, access beyond the Carnival websites was a rather pricey affair – US$100 for 250 minutes, or US$0.75 on a per minute basis – clearly not a feature they intended for general usage. Needless to say, being connected during the cruise week was just not that important to me. The laptop works just fine for this chronicle . . . thank you very much. We took a quick tour of the ship to peg the locations of most points of interest.
The mandatory Lifeboat Drill was held at 15:40 EDT to exercise the emergency process and familiarize every passenger with their emergency muster station (ours was ‘Delta’), the proper donning of the life-vest floatation gear; the process took 20 minutes to accomplish. Our Lifeboat, one of four for Muster Station D, was an enclosed, powered, 150-person, orange & white boat, which would be lowered to the water by a winch-gantry, if necessary. The ship departed at 16:30 EDT. It was overcast with intermittent rain showers; however, we did manage to find a short period for a topside railing view while leaving port.
Jeanne and the Port of Miami[Departure 090531.jpg]
My apologies for the dark image, but that was the nature of the day. Despite the poor photograph, I publicly profess my love for the foreground person in the image.
We ate our evening meal at the 18:00 sitting [the late sitting was 20:30 – way too late for me]. Our assigned Table 526 was located at the stern with only a large, plate glass window between us and the trailing wake. The menu selection was pretty good. All our meals were thoroughly enjoyed, but it was the groans of pleasure emanating from the ladies’ consumption of the Crème Brûlée that punctuated the meal. After dinner, we found the kids’ clubs, one for each of the girls – a kind of get-acquainted affair – very well done. The women decided to hit the casino (not my thing), so I retired for the evening. When we returned to the stateroom, as was the case each evening, a clever little towel scripture greeted us.
We ate our evening meal at the 18:00 sitting [the late sitting was 20:30 – way too late for me]. Our assigned Table 526 was located at the stern with only a large, plate glass window between us and the trailing wake. The menu selection was pretty good. All our meals were thoroughly enjoyed, but it was the groans of pleasure emanating from the ladies’ consumption of the Crème Brûlée that punctuated the meal. After dinner, we found the kids’ clubs, one for each of the girls – a kind of get-acquainted affair – very well done. The women decided to hit the casino (not my thing), so I retired for the evening. When we returned to the stateroom, as was the case each evening, a clever little towel scripture greeted us.
Evening Towel Sculpture[Evening towel.jpg]
Monday, 1.June.2009:
At Sea.
A low key day of sun and relaxation . . . well, for some of us, since my sun days are over, at least without SPF Infinity sun block. We had the Captain’s welcome aboard dinner. I reluctantly donned at conservative suit & tie, since I do not own a tuxedo (I probably should but I don’t). We took a number of family photographs, both professionally and personally. The kids went to their little parties. The ladies did their requisite duty at the casino, and fortunately, Jeanne came back to the room that evening well to the good.
The Six of Us[The Group 090601A.jpg]
Perhaps of interest to the nautical types, the ship remained on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, the time zone of our departure), presumably to make scheduling easier for folks not accustomed to changing time zones at sea. Thus, all times noted in this humble chronicle are in EDT.
Tuesday, 2.June.2009:
George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies
Two Carnival Lines cruise ships pulled into and anchored at 07:00 – our ship, MS Carnival Valor, and MS Carnival Liberty. Shortly thereafter, SS Disney Magic and MS Carnival Glory anchored adjacent to us. I could only get three of the four ships in frame; the Liberty is out of frame to the left; our ship – the Valor – is the closest ship.
Tuesday, 2.June.2009:
George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies
Two Carnival Lines cruise ships pulled into and anchored at 07:00 – our ship, MS Carnival Valor, and MS Carnival Liberty. Shortly thereafter, SS Disney Magic and MS Carnival Glory anchored adjacent to us. I could only get three of the four ships in frame; the Liberty is out of frame to the left; our ship – the Valor – is the closest ship.
George Town Anchorage[Cayman 090602C.jpg]
It appears it was pay day for George Town. As we anchored and configured for tendering, we watched the sunrise over Grand Cayman. I noticed an unusual sailing ship anchored not far off our port bow – a 3 mast-er, squared-rigged affair. As it turned out, the ship was a motorized, propeller-driven replica of a bark-rigged, race built galleon – a hull & sail configuration popular among European navies, privateers, and pirates in the 16th & 17th centuries [photographs added below].
Sunrise at George Town
[Cayman 090602A.jpg]
Replica Pirate Ship
[Cayman 090602B.jpg]
[Cayman 090602A.jpg]
Replica Pirate Ship[Cayman 090602B.jpg]
I hope I can depend upon the sailors on the Update list or who visit the blog to correct me, if I did not get the sail rigging and configuration correct. The vessel did add a nice touch to our Cayman visit.
We all had breakfast together, and took one of the first ferries to shore. It seemed the ladies wanted shopping, so the cash cow became the pack mule as well. While they did their shopping, I sat outside people-watching – a favorite past-time of mine, and far preferable to shopping. Near lunchtime, we stopped at Margaritaville, which had a small pool and water slide for the girls, a large bar, many tables, and a rather raucous set of entertainers using all-too-familiar, rock, country and tropical music, along with amble free shots of tequila dispensed without the benefit of the shot glass. Tracy was the only one of us brave enough to participate. What a riot! The ladies sent me back to the ship for my afternoon nap – being the old fogie I am. No sooner had I showered, Jeanne showed up . . . seems they had had enough shopping. So, we took a nap together – always a pleasure. The ship departed promptly at 16:00. The kids made friends in the blink, and they were off and running . . . hard to corral them. Everyone scattered about the ship for the evening, and of course, fuddy-duddy ol’ me hit the ‘puter . . . too many on-going writing tasks.
Wednesday, 3.June.2009:
Coxen Hole, Isla Roatan, Honduras
The island is one of several islands roughly 60km off the northern coast of Honduras. The island is a long, narrow, and rather sparsely populated. The pier was a substantial, concrete, single ship affair tucked into a cove in the reef with just enough room for the ship to turn on its vertical center by using its side thrusters to reach the pier. We docked at 12:00. None of us could agree on any of the tours, so we decided to do a little walking tour and shopping . . . oh yeah, my favorite activity. We were welcomed to Roatan by a unique West Indian percussion and dance troupe in odd costumes that seemed to combine African and Caribbean themes – sights & sounds below our stateroom.
Native Dancers on Roatan Pier[Roatan Dancers.jpg]
We learned that cruise lines have only opened this port of call in the last two years. A small compound of shops just onshore from the pier was all new. We were advised by the ship not to venture beyond the fence except on an approved tour – not exactly an endorsement of confidence. Since we chose not to take a tour, we did not spend much time ashore. Well, actually, I did walk out a sufficient distance to obtain a few, good images of the ship, and there were no issues. Before we re-boarded, a young, fellow traveler offered to take our picture.
Our Touring Troupe on Isla Roatan[Group Roatan 090603.jpg]
Back onboard, we returned to the routine we seem to have adopted. The ship departed promptly at 19:00 as we were finishing our evening meal. Since the Washington Dining Room (which actually occupied two decks with large panes of glass) was at the stern, we got to enjoy the ship’s departure maneuvering while we dined. After dinner, Jacy & Tracy got the kids into their evening activities, and we met at Guest Services to arrange the next day’s agenda. Once the business was done, the ladies were off the casino . . . again!
Thursday, 4.June.2009:
Belize City, Belize
Not a great distance between these ports of call, we putt-putted along at a mere 10 knots. I sat out on our stateroom balcony during morning nautical twilight as I have done each morning to enjoy the sunrise at sea. This particular morning, I was treated to a delicate dance by our ship and another Carnival cruise ship as they weaved through the barrier reef, like a skier on a slalom course, toward the anchorage. We passed numerous small reef islands along a channel marked (loosely) by blinking red & green lights, like the white runway lights, until we reached the interior waters, then transited to our anchorage. Red, right, returning . . . as the sailors say. Bow and stern thrusters billowed up clouds of sands as we neared our anchorage, which means the depth beneath the keel was not great. We anchored at 08:00, approximately 10 miles off the coast, about halfway between the shore and the barrier islands. The first launch to Belize City departed shortly after we dropped anchor.
The girls wanted to snorkel, so we all signed up for a ship-sponsored, barrier reef, snorkeling excursion. We boarded a good sized, powered catamaran, dive boat from the ship. The boat ran out through the barrier islands of mostly mangrove trees to a specific, prepared area of the reef. They had pre-set anchor buoys to avoid damage to the reef. We all went in the water, except Jeanne who stayed on the boat for some extra sun, as if she needed it. Everyone (well at least those of us who went in the water) enjoyed the experience. Poor Shalee struggled with her snorkel – the mouthpiece was a little too large for her mouth – but, she handled the challenge like a champ. The difficulty for me was keeping track of my charges with so many people from a half dozen dive boats. The reef was not the most colorful I have visited, but it was certainly representative of a barrier reef. We were told the Belize reef was the largest in the Caribbean and the second largest in the World – perhaps so. For the young ones’ first time, it was a nice event.
Shalee Lynn Ready[Shalee Lynn 090604.jpg]
Aspen Shae Nearly Ready[Aspen Shae 090604.jpg]
The Great White Whale[Grt Wht Whl 090604.jpg]
With everyone back on deck, the boat departed the reef for small barrier island for short, shore break. The crew served complimentary rum punch – delicious, I might add. The girls had a light bite to eat. Back on the boat, the rum punch flowed again for the 20 minute ride back to the ship. Jacy & Tracy over-indulged-a-smidge and paid the price, yet they recovered quickly.
We departed our anchorage shortly after 17:00. The dinner menu did not appeal to anyone except me, so “we” decided to catch as catch can. Jeanne tried the sushi; I made a meal of the Japanese cuisine; then, we went to Rosie’s Restaurant where Jeanne enjoyed a more conventional meal. Aspen and Shalee joined us. Jacy eventually made it up as we got some light fare & iced tea to help her recovery. I retired. All the ladies attended the “biggest party of the cruise” on the Lido deck (pools, mostly outside, & casual dining). In the after action report, they went full throttle until well after midnight. Of course, I was long gone to never-never-land.
Friday, 5.June.2009:
At Sea
Mostly sun, for those so inclined, as well as preparations for customs, immigration and debarkation. We took advantage of the day at sea . . . at least until we reached the clouds.
Off the western tip of Cuba, we passed a U.S. Coast Guard cutter on an opposite course, probably on patrol . . . primarily for smugglers, I would imagine. Shortly thereafter, we entered overcast skies and scattered rain showers with occasional lightning – our first inclement weather since departing Miami. We took a nice group photograph to commemorate our adventure.
We departed our anchorage shortly after 17:00. The dinner menu did not appeal to anyone except me, so “we” decided to catch as catch can. Jeanne tried the sushi; I made a meal of the Japanese cuisine; then, we went to Rosie’s Restaurant where Jeanne enjoyed a more conventional meal. Aspen and Shalee joined us. Jacy eventually made it up as we got some light fare & iced tea to help her recovery. I retired. All the ladies attended the “biggest party of the cruise” on the Lido deck (pools, mostly outside, & casual dining). In the after action report, they went full throttle until well after midnight. Of course, I was long gone to never-never-land.
Friday, 5.June.2009:
At Sea
Mostly sun, for those so inclined, as well as preparations for customs, immigration and debarkation. We took advantage of the day at sea . . . at least until we reached the clouds.
Off the western tip of Cuba, we passed a U.S. Coast Guard cutter on an opposite course, probably on patrol . . . primarily for smugglers, I would imagine. Shortly thereafter, we entered overcast skies and scattered rain showers with occasional lightning – our first inclement weather since departing Miami. We took a nice group photograph to commemorate our adventure.
The Group One More Time[The Group 090605A.jpg]
Saturday, 6.June.2009:
I remembered this date – 65 years ago – when so many men from Great Britain, Canada and the United States, along with other Allied forces, made such horrendous sacrifice in Operation OVERLORD, to free Continental Europe from Nazi tyranny. May God bless and rest their immortal souls.
Key West, Florida, United States of America
The weather was quite warm, with a trade wind breeze, and nearly ideal for this time of year. We docked at 07:30. First order of business – we all had to clear Immigration before leaving the ship, or even if we had no intention of leaving the ship. Our scheduled time was 09:30. They called us early. The line moved steadily. We completed the process in about 10 minutes – much better than expected, given the number of Americans on-board.
The Girls in Key West[The Girls 090606.jpg]
The kids wanted to do their own thing, so off they went. Jeanne and I took a leisurely walkabout. Of course, we had to visit Duval Street. We passed Capt. Tony’s Saloon, which is reportedly where Jimmy Buffet got his start and big break. Our day was fairly calm. We did manage to buy a very nice, anniversary ring for Jeanne, to remember our week of pleasure and our years together. Jacy & Tracy took some time for themselves. Aspen & Shalee joined us for our last evening meal aboard MS Carnival Valor.
We had to pack up our personal effects and place the bags outside our stateroom door prior to midnight. The baggage would be staged and off-loaded in priority order. Jeanne and Jacy managed to get in a run at the Powerball Bingo game worth US$5K. Actually, the full jackpot was only payable if you hit Bingo in 50 numbers or less, and with the G47 ball – a very long shot, I suppose. They did not win, but they did have fun, and that is what counts. I completed the packing process and put the bags in the passageway, outside our stateroom, prior to 22:00.
Sunday, 7.June.2009:
Miami, Florida -- Debarkation
We used the ship’s Express Baggage Handling program, which must be arranged several days before debarkation. They pick up all our check baggage the night before docking. The bags are taken directly to the airport and processed through to our final destination – no need to hall it to the airport. Plus, we get priority debarkation. I wrote the previous four sentences several days earlier to capture the essence. Then, the night before debarkation, Guest Services sent us a letter saying that our Express handling request had not been approved. The request for Jacy, Tracy & the girls was sealed and done. Apparently, I did not use both airline reservation confirmation codes – only there’s. My bad! So, we had to retrieve our baggage at the terminal carousel, lug it to the airport, and check in by the conventional process. Regardless, we should get a good comparison, since our little troupe will be using both processes.
We entered the Port of Miami before dawn. The ship had to spin a-180 in a confined space – pretty good boat handling for a ship that size. We docked at 06:15, presumably to give the ship’s company time to get ahead of the debarkation process.
We woke up to find Jeanne’s left ankle and foot swollen with two, red, slightly raised marks above her interior ankle bone. There was substantial swelling, minor bruising and a reddened rash – the image does not adequately show the signs on her lower leg. We tried to see the ship’s doctor, but no joy during debarkation unless it was an emergency. My concern was Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), given our scheduled flights – too much swelling and bruising. We even talked about remaining in Miami to see a doctor before flying.
We had to pack up our personal effects and place the bags outside our stateroom door prior to midnight. The baggage would be staged and off-loaded in priority order. Jeanne and Jacy managed to get in a run at the Powerball Bingo game worth US$5K. Actually, the full jackpot was only payable if you hit Bingo in 50 numbers or less, and with the G47 ball – a very long shot, I suppose. They did not win, but they did have fun, and that is what counts. I completed the packing process and put the bags in the passageway, outside our stateroom, prior to 22:00.
Sunday, 7.June.2009:
Miami, Florida -- Debarkation
We used the ship’s Express Baggage Handling program, which must be arranged several days before debarkation. They pick up all our check baggage the night before docking. The bags are taken directly to the airport and processed through to our final destination – no need to hall it to the airport. Plus, we get priority debarkation. I wrote the previous four sentences several days earlier to capture the essence. Then, the night before debarkation, Guest Services sent us a letter saying that our Express handling request had not been approved. The request for Jacy, Tracy & the girls was sealed and done. Apparently, I did not use both airline reservation confirmation codes – only there’s. My bad! So, we had to retrieve our baggage at the terminal carousel, lug it to the airport, and check in by the conventional process. Regardless, we should get a good comparison, since our little troupe will be using both processes.
We entered the Port of Miami before dawn. The ship had to spin a-180 in a confined space – pretty good boat handling for a ship that size. We docked at 06:15, presumably to give the ship’s company time to get ahead of the debarkation process.
We woke up to find Jeanne’s left ankle and foot swollen with two, red, slightly raised marks above her interior ankle bone. There was substantial swelling, minor bruising and a reddened rash – the image does not adequately show the signs on her lower leg. We tried to see the ship’s doctor, but no joy during debarkation unless it was an emergency. My concern was Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), given our scheduled flights – too much swelling and bruising. We even talked about remaining in Miami to see a doctor before flying.
Jeanne’s ankle[Jeanne ankle 090607.jpg]
We went topside for breakfast at 07:30 – one last big breakfast. We cleared our stateroom prior to the 08:30 deadline, taking our hand-carry items with us to the Lido Deck (Deck 9), where we all gathered to wait our debarkation call. Our number was 16. The self-service folks off-loaded first. Our number was called at 09:30. Retrieving our baggage off the carousel took 30 minutes – not as organized as I expected. The girls’ bags went from stateroom to Wichita. Customs was a breeze. Jeanne found a large van driver; we piled in along with four other folks from the ship for the 30 minutes ride to Miami International. We tried to get an earlier flight; again, no joy, everything over-booked. After check-in (a bit surprised they took our bags five hours before departure but they did), we tried to find a doctor to check Jeanne’s leg – no joy there either; seems they had an office but never had a doctor or even a nurse. As we considered what we were going to do, a woman who claimed to be a pharmacist talked to us. She thought Jeanne may have been bitten by a peculiar insect or spider, which produced an allergic-type reaction. She suggested aspirin to thin Jeanne’s blood; we found some Bayer in a news shop. Once through security, we found an empty area near our gate and settled in for the long wait. We put Jeanne on the floor with her feet on a chair, well above her head & torso. As we watched her ankle, the swelling diminished. I hit the laptop to capture a few thoughts for this Update. Aspen Shae patiently waited for me to finish so she could update her Facebook page . . . just in case Carter (her friend from the ship; lives in Indianapolis, BTW) might check-in.
Aspen & Poppi[Aspen & Poppi 090607.jpg]
We gave Jeanne another dose of aspirin just prior to boarding our flight. Our flight out of Miami took off on-time at 16:02, and arrived in Atlanta at 17:20; then the nightmare began. Over the next four plus hours, we endured three gate changes and more than a half dozen departure time changes with a plethora of lame excuses of weather, to minor maintenance, to a fresh flight attendant, yada yada yada. It was the worst managed situation I have experienced since I can remember. Everyone handled the convulsions well, yet I must confess to discussions regarding calling it a day and spending the night. We stuck it out and pressed on. We finally took off eventually. As we approached Wichita, the prevalent lightning did not sit well with Jeanne – I had the marks on my arm to prove it. The pilot maneuvered to minimize the turbulence and ultimately chose to land between two thunderstorm cells. It was a rough approach, but he got the airplane on the runway safely.
Tracy & Jacy decided to call Tracy’s daughter Sam (Samantha) to pick them up to save us the little extra distance and time. Our baggage off-load was delayed due the lightning. All the bags eventually arrived. We arrived home at 23:30 CDT. By the time we settled things down, it was 00:30 CDT – a very long, turbulent day and half a night. I had to go back to work in a few hours. Nonetheless, we all enjoyed a fantastic week. Now, it is back to life as a common citizen.
My very best wishes to all. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Cheers,
Cap :-)
Tracy & Jacy decided to call Tracy’s daughter Sam (Samantha) to pick them up to save us the little extra distance and time. Our baggage off-load was delayed due the lightning. All the bags eventually arrived. We arrived home at 23:30 CDT. By the time we settled things down, it was 00:30 CDT – a very long, turbulent day and half a night. I had to go back to work in a few hours. Nonetheless, we all enjoyed a fantastic week. Now, it is back to life as a common citizen.
My very best wishes to all. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Cheers,
Cap :-)
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