darlaville: Part 3 cruise

Day 3 we sailed into Port at Grand Turk. This has always been a favorite port but it has changed over the years.

The good part is that you can walk off the boat and the beach is right there. I was going to rent a clamshell like I did last time I was here...but then some nice young men said they had chairs with umbrellas, close to the water, right up the beach.

That sounded good, but it turned out to be sort of a long walk. Then when I got there, the area was crowded and unappealing. Not worth what they were charging.

So I walked back to the free chairs. There were a few trees but no umbrellas. I had a hat and plenty of sunscreen though.

I really like swimming here! When I say swimming I mean just floating and paddling around.

Late afternoon I was back on the ship and watched sail-away on the balcony.

That evening I tried out another eatery on the ship I didn't get around to last week...a barbecue place. Waiters bring your order. I had brisket, shredded pork, macaroni and slaw. It was all really tasty.

I didn't really like eating from the big square pan though. I'd prefer a regular plate.

They had 4 different BBQ sauces to try...all were good.

I passed this area on the way back to my room. Cooking classes with a chef are offered. Probably a fun thing to do. Maybe next time!

Early on Day 4 we sailed into port in Dominican Republic.

A small port area, but scenic.

Here's the harbor pilot.

One thing I like about this cruise is nice long port days...most being 8am to 4pm.

I have been confused in the past, thinking the island of Dominica was the Dominican Republic. Nope, that's wrong...they are two different islands.

I'm not so sure I have been here. This is the island where much of the movie "Jurassic Park" was filmed.

I chose a beach trip for the day, which included a bus tour through the town and the waterfront and then past the jungle covered mountains.

It's really beautiful scenery.

The beach was nice too, although as we were driving in, the surrounding area looked run-down and seedy.

Lunch was included...chicken, rice, salad, and fruit.

The surf was rough here. The waves weren't big, but they were strong and close together.

Even though I had already seen one older lady get knocked down and washed to shore, I made an attempt to get out past the waves to the calmer area.

Of course I was off my feet and getting tumbled around within seconds...and it's hard to get up again when the waves just keep coming.

I could not get further out at all. By the time I stood up, my swimsuit was loaded with sand...very uncomfortable as I staggered out of the water back to the safety of my beach chair.

There was a short rain shower then later, just as it was time to leave, the clouds started moving in.

Back on the ship, I picked up a chicken basket again to eat on the balcony. Then I was in the shower forever trying to get all the sand off my body and out of my swimsuit too.

It was so much!

Day 5 was a day at sea. I was feeling tired when I woke up in the morning but figured I'd feel better after some coffee.

I had breakfast then went to a craft class. I started feeling worse instead of better so I headed back to my cabin.

I told the room steward to just skip cleaning my room today. I napped a while then sat out on the balcony, ate some pizza then napped again and woke up with chills and fever.

Day 6 was a stop at Nassau. I was feeling really terrible so just stayed in the room all day, sleeping and watching TV. I had some room service food delivered.

Day 7 was a stop back at Celebration Key. Still feeling bad though.

I sat out on the balcony a lot and more sleeping and TV.

I did leave the room later to buy rum cakes to take home for the Sasquatch.

Got my bag packed since it was the last day of cruising.

Goodbye Caribbean. I'll be back soon!

Still feeling bad on my trip home. Just focusing on getting through one step at a time.

The Sasquatch had texted me that extremely cold weather and a major winter storm was moving into the area at home. There were advisories to stay off the roads unless necessary. I was worried that the airport might even close...or that my car wouldn't start!

Everything turned out okay though, and the car started and I headed for home.

People were taking the no-driving advisory seriously and very few vehicles were on the road. Here's I65.