Crusin'

In February, Dennis and I were lucky enough to go on an all-expense paid week-long cruise to Mexico. He earned the incentive trip from Commerce West, one of his insurance carriers that he sells. We thought he had no chance of earning the trip, and were so surprised to find out that he had (that was the same week we found out about winning the car!) But we only had weeks to prepare and make arrangements with the kids, etc. That was kind of stressful, and I really didn't have much chance to get excited before the cruise began.

But there is nothing like a cruise to deal with stress!

We did the smart thing and arrived later for embarkation - that way we avoided all the lines and went right on board. Once on board we had a little time to find our room and explore before the big orange life-vest drill before setting sail onto the high seas.

The lighthouse leaving the LA harbor.

This was the view from our balcony of our stateroom. That is they only way to cruise. We spent a lot of time out on that balcony. The sunsets on the ocean were all amazing! It was just so pretty to see water as far as the eye could see! So relaxing and peaceful - so far from all the stresses of the world.

The first two full days were at-sea days aboard the Sapphire Princess. We did some more exploring (particularly of the eating accommodations) and took in some shows, movies, and classes. Dennis took in a golf class, I read a big book. We went shopping in the on board shops (we picked out perfume/cologne for each other) and saw some really funny comedians.

We were lucky enough several times on the trip to see whales off of the side of the boat- often from our cabin window. They were blowing and breaching and flapping their tails. We also saw schools of frolicking dolphins.

Dennis took in some serious ping pong action. There were a few super serious Chinese people who brought their own paddles who were always ready for some play. Dennis even beat one, the old lady... almost.

Our favorite pool was the Zen adults only pool. It was peaceful and had an underwater fan that moved the water so I could swim some laps - kind of. We also enjoyed the tennis court and gym there.

But mostly, we ate.

And ate.

And ate.

And then after we ate we would get ice cream.

I don't have many pictures of being on board because I didn't carry my camera around, but trust me - there was plenty of food to be had.

Dennis liked the all-you-can-eat 24hour buffet. I preferred the fine dining, myself. The food was so tasty and pretty on the plate, and menus without prices are fabulous. You want two lobsters? - go right ahead.

We also indulged in a lot of virgin drinks on Commerce West's tab. Virgin strawberry daiquiris and virgin pina coladas. Sometimes we'd have 5 or 6 empty glasses on our table. Never got tipsy, but maybe a sugar high.

I tried never to miss a sunrise or sunset - I'm a sucker for those masterpieces of the Lord's giant canvas in the sky.

The most spectacular one did not get a photo because I didn't have my camera, but I had my watercolor travel journal, so I dropped everything, sat right there on the deck, and painted it! Wow!

Our third full day was a port day and our first stop was Puerta Vallarta! I was SO excited about this stop because of the expedition we had booked - a jungle zip-lining and rappelling adventure!

The adventure started the moment we got off the ship - it was POURING rain. Buckets! As soon as we got off the boat we were put on another boat - a little speedboat with no roof at all. The guides told us that we didn't need a roof, even if it was pouring rain, because we would be getting soaking wet -rain or shine. We had picked the most adventurous adventure, apparently. We took about a 40 minute speedboat ride along the coast at fast speeds. It was a rather miserable ride because the raindrops felt like a million tiny pellets pounding our faces at that speed. Finally was got smart, and sat facing the back of the boat. Oh my.

We finally arrived at a pretty little cove with a perfect little beach, had the sun been out.

Then for the next leg of our jungle adventure, we hopped in these big open ATVs with benches in the back and leather straps to hold onto for dear life as we rolled and bobbed along steep dirt mountain roads to the Vallarta Adventures base high in the Sierra Madres.

At the base we put all our stuff, including all cameras, into lockers, were fitted into our safety gear, and were given some training. They guides were all very professional and very, very funny. They were so good at making us feel totally comfortable and confident, and safety was their top priority. They told us that rain is really, really uncharacteristic for this time of year since the rainy season is in the summer, but in the end it wouldn't matter a bit since we'd be getting drenched anyway. Actually, I thought the rain was great! It kept us from getting hot, and made it all the more of an adventures.

I was disappointed that I had to leave my camera behind at first, but once we got going I could totally understand why no cameras were allowed whatsoever - I could have done none of that with my camera. Happily, there was the cutest little gal that was their photographer who accompanied us on the whole trip and took pictures for us! She had a camera just like mine. Smart gal. So all the pics are from her, which means I actually get to be in a few .

The third leg of our adventure was more steep climbing, this time up narrow trails on the backs on some mules. I was NOT expecting that! Those trails were so steep and horribly muddy, but mu surefooted furry friend somehow got me to the top.

The 4th through 24th legs of our adventure were a series of zip-lines, rappels, and rope bridges, about 20 in all, with short hikes in between!

FUN!

The zip-lines through the jungle canopy were serious fun!

WHEEEEEE!

Dennis felt the same way!

At one point we got to rappel down the sheer rock face of a high waterfall. How cool is that?!?

Dennis was loving every minute of it!

And another time or zip line landed right in a pool of icy mountain water. That was quite a shock to the system. Oh my!!! Dennis' face tells it all!

The final zip was a double, so Dennis and I raced to the finish.

I won, by the way.

We finished back at the base soaked to the bone, cold, exhausted, hungry, and very very happy. I have never had such a thrill in my whole life! I learned something about myself. Not only am I not afraid of heights, but I rather love them! I could definitely do a lot more of this kind of thing! I'm glad my man feels the same way. We both decided that was the funnest thing we have ever done!

On the long, bumpy ride back down the mountain, our ATV made a short stop at a tequila factory, of course. (I think every excursion from the cruise ship includes a trip to a tequila factory.) The guy could not believe that anyone would pass on free shots of tequila, but alas, we had already had our high of the day. Then back to the cove, and back on that dreaded speedboat back to the ship. We got there just before the ship pulled up anchor, so we didn't see any of Puerta Vallarta.

It was a great day!

Day four we docked in Mazatlan. We decided to take it easy this time and just hired a "taxi" ( golf cart actually) to shows us around. We shared the fare with another couple that we met on the dock. It worked out really great, as we only had to pay half and they were quite a fun couple.

Our driver was a really good guy. First he drove us up to a great vista point, were we could get panoramic views of much of the city and beaches. That is our ship there.

Then he drove us into the city to see it all up close and personal.

We watched the cliff divers who really amazed me because it really looked like that water was too far away. They managed not to slam to their deaths on the rocks, though. There was a rainbow right behind them, which I thought was really cool.

Then the driver took us to the old yellow church downtown. I thought is was charming!

It was very pretty inside, reminding me of many of the churches we saw in Europe. The apse above the alter just glowed!

Back in the bright Mexican sunshine.

And, as you know from my Paris posts, I am a sucker for lamp posts.

The tour continued through the streets of Mazatlan. Dennis sat in front and had long conversations with the driver. I only caught bits of pieces of their conversation because I don't really know Spanish, but I could tell as they talked that the guy was really warming up to Dennis, giving us some good advice and information. Dennis is an amazing people person - I love to watch him work. The driver took us to the better places to shop and told us what to avoid. We were lucky to have him all day.

BTW, don't you just love that sandal shop above?

After shopping a while, our driver suggested a great place to eat. He dropped us off and promised to be back in an hour to pick us up.

They brought is a live lobster to inspect and decided if that is what we wanted, but be decided to go for Mazatlan's speciality ...

Shrimp! Jumbo is an understatement. These shrimp were gigantic! They came in huge firey clay pots, and were so delicious!!!

The couple we shared a cab with ordered the same thing. They were celebrating their honeymoon. They were both married before and their two families have been good friends for 30 years - vacations together, etc. Then both of their spouses passed away a few years back, and so they surprised all of their kids and got married just before getting on the ship. Fun story. They were so happy!

The restuarant was perfect not only because of the food, but because it was literally right on a beautiful quiet beach. Nice!

Then we stopped, at my request, at the hugest shell store I have ever seen! It was two stories high and the size of a supermarket - all seashells!

Our last stop was at a very busy beach in the tourist area. I thought this vendor selling these dresses was just a fun picture.

This cute little kid was playing his guitar for a friend of ours. He was singing his little heart out.

It was a colorful, busy beach, and the sun was shining brightly with no sign of the freak rainstorm from the day before.

We didn't really have a lot of time to go swimming because it was almost time to go back to the ship, but I did have time for just one adventure...

PARASAILING!

I was watching some other guy take flight, and taking pictures when Dennis handed me a life jacket and said "Give me your camera. You're next!" I was totally shocked. He had remembered my comment the day before about loving heights, so he paid for me to fly before even asking me.

I was SO excited!!!

It was wonderful! I could not believe how peaceful and beautiful it was way up there! What an awesome experience. Oh how I wish I had my camera, even my point and shoot! But I didn't, so I just sat back and enjoyed the ride. I just love the total peace I felt up there. Wish I could go parasailing every day! Thanks for the flight, Dennis!

Dennis didn't get to go because we were already cutting it close getting back to the ship on time as it was.

Adios, Mazatlan!

All aboard!

Our third port of call, day 5, was Cabo San Lucas. We woke up to see the famous rocky arch that is the very tip of the Baja Peninsula. (see them reflected in the window above?)

Some early morning pictures of the ship.

Unfortunately, I woke up feeling like crud. I had been careful not to drink any water in Mexico, but apparently I had been afflicted with Montazuma's revenge by eating the salad in that yummy seafood resturant that had been washed in the local water.

Ugh!

We decided to take the little tug boats to shore, and stood in line a long time for our turn. When we finally got to shore it was nearly 11am, and it was a short port day - we had to be back by 1pm - so early!

We barely had a chance to get our feet wet!

We did a little shopping...

and a little exploring...

and finally decided to make the most of the time we had left to take a glass bottom boat around the tip of the peninsula.

It was really beautiful! That middle rock on the b&w picture on the right is called "Scooby-Doo Rock." Can you see why?

That hole in the rock above is an opening between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The beach is called Lovers' Beach. it is only accessible by boat, and is double-sided. What you see is on the Gulf of Mexica, but just through that pass in the rocks is another beach that is on the Pacific.

I really wanted to set my feet on that beach and maybe do a little snorkling - but there was just no time. Bummer!

But it was a beautiful boat ride with lots to take pictures of.

How I wish we could have stayed a bit longer! I have decided that the problem with cruising is that when it comes to traveling there is just no flexibility. You don't really have time to get to know a place and by the time you finally get a feel for the place and an idea of what you want to do, it is time to get back on the boat. I would have loved to have had a full day there, or even stay the night if I wanted to.

Oh well.

Back on the boat.

We spent the last day and a half of our trip at sea. It was not good for me. I was feeing very yucky, and the fact that the ship was heading full steam back home meant that it was really rocking more than before. The best thing about being on board - the food- held absolutely no interest for me. None. I harly ate a thing those last two days. Poor Dennis. He felt fine, but I was certainly no fun. I just laid in the stateroom all day and slept and read and hoped we'd get to LA super quick.

By the time we got back to the States, I was feeling good again. Thank goodness.

So that was it. We had a lot of adventures and some terrific heights, great food, and a lot of down time. But the best part was being alone with Dennis, and just getting some "couple time" together.

I'd go on another cruise again, especially a free one, but I sure won't eat a local salad again.

I think I am ready for another adventure - preferably one that includes heights! Let's go!