February 2023
This month has been some unpredictable weather, with cold, snow,
wind, rain, sleet, and thankfully, some sunny days. We’ve enjoyed our
bird-feeding, family get-togethers, and day-trips. The Sandhill crane migration
was another amazing experience, with thousands passing through and over.
We made some interesting and entertaining day-trips to
Indianapolis, State Parks, Wildlife Refuges, and historic Indiana towns. We
attended a nice Cabaret music program at the Columbus Commons.
Sunday 2-26-23
We enjoyed lunch with Glen and Kim at Clarksville, and a “Fossil
Program” at Falls of the Ohio State Park. The park features the largest exposed
Devonian fossil bed in the world. The resident anthropologist presented a
program on the giant fossil beds, telling a story 390 million years in the
making.
Sunday 3-5-23
Another Sunday trip with Kim and Glen to lunch at
Clarksville, a tour of the New Albany, Culbertson Mansion. With its
hand-painted ceilings, carved staircase, marble fireplaces and elaborate
plasterwork, the Culbertson Mansion reflects the affluence of a man once
considered to be the wealthiest in Indiana. In 1867, William S. Culbertson
spent roughly $120,000 (or more than $2,000,000 in today’s economy) to build
his grand home in New Albany. New Albany, just down and across the Ohio River
from Louisville is a mecca of stunning mansions created from the wealth of the
early Ohio River commerce. A must-see historic district!
March 15, 2023
AMY is in critical condition in the ICU. The family has
gathered at KDH to support and await her news. After a few days she made a miraculous
recovery, thanks to an outstanding staff at KDH ICU. Follow-up: 4-18-2023 Amy
has remained hospitalized, now in her 7th week, predominately in the
ICU. She is back in a more stable condition now, but the longer-term situation
remains uncertain.
March 10, 2023
We made a long-weekend trip to Amish country, in
Shipshewana, Indiana. Nestled within Lagrange County, Shipshewana, Indiana is
the third largest Amish and Mennonite community in the United States. The Amish,
a curious society to me, are a Christian
religious denomination characterized by simple dress and lifestyle. Hailed as
“the heart of northern Indiana Amish country,” Shipshewana lies in the core of
the St. Joseph River Valley. Shipshewana has some scenic trails along the river
and we enjoyed walking the landscaped trails in the cold morning air. We had a
nice hotel accommodation at Middlebury and toured around the Amish farms,
shops, and had some scrumptious Amish dining. On Saturday night, we attended the
harmonious ‘Postmodern Jukebox’ performance at the Blue Gate Performing Arts
Center. We had snow Friday night, and the winter scene returned, but Spring
snow melted rather quickly. This was a distinct weekend in Amish country.
3-22-2023
Today we begin our Mexican Riviera Cruise-trip, with our
flight from Indianapolis to San Diego. We Departed Indianapolis in rain, cloudy
to the Colorado line, thick clouds over Rockies, clear on to San Diego. My
Google Maps receives satellite ephemeral data even on airplane mode, so you can
track your flight. We had fun reminiscing about places we saw, passing over the
western slope. At our Sheraton Marina Hotel, we walked the harbor promenade and
admired the beautiful landscaping, and the giant Eucalyptus trees at San Diego
Harbor Park, by our hotel.
March 23, 2023
Thursday in San Diego. With five winters exploring in
Southern California, we focused on some more-natural attractions. Balboa Park
has a diverse collection of architecture, plants and trees. We took the
hop-on-hop-off trolley and visited a full day of San Diego sights and
attractions. We took pics and on Coronado Island looking at the USS Carl
Vinson, Carrier Strike Group One. Rip- roaring F-35 jet show!
March 24, 2023
A nice Friday, we walked the entire Waterfront-Harbor Walk.
We had a nice picnic lunch, then harbor-cruised the north and south Bay, on the
Hornblower tour boat, looking at San Diego from the north and south Bay.
Such
different views from the water. We saw the Abraham Lincoln Carrier, a rare
experience with two carriers in port, simultaneously. We enjoyed seeing the
stunning assortment of Navy ships. We got good looks at the US Coast Guard
Station, Harbor Island, Shelter Island, Naval Base Point Loma, North Island
Naval Station, South Bay Navy Yard. Something old. I love the old
sailing ship we saw at the port. This was commanded by Captain Jack Sparrow, in
the movie. I think it may be a replica of the Cabrillo ship.
Little Italy presents a great collection of architecture,
art, and nice parks. We also rode around the Gaslight District, Old Town,
Harbor Drive, Seaport Village, Barrio Logan, Embarcadero, and Coronado. Each
visit here is exciting and always brings something new!
3-25-2023
Looking down on the Saturday morning Sheraton Hotel Marina,
from our room, the marina is full of beautiful boats, moored at the expansive
docks. We checked-out, met our Holland America transfer team in the lobby, then
at the ship-terminal, we were processed through the boarding procedure, went
aboard to our stateroom, had dinner and sailed at 5:30 pm. What a glorious
sight reviewing San Diego harbor from our balcony, on the Holland America
Zanndam ship.
We departed San Diego on Holland America’s Zanndam and
entered the Pacific Ocean for our two-night sailing to Cabo San Lucas, on the
southern tip of the Baha peninsula. The land disappeared and the sight, smell,
taste, sound, and feel of the ocean made us humbly small in this great expanse
of the deep. We passed one container-ship coming from the Panama Canal. A cool
web gives you all sorts of info on a vessel, just put-in the vessel name. We’re
sailing SE 143° at 21 knots. We be crusin!
March 27, 2023
We arrived at Cabo San Lucas, in the Mexican state of Baja
California Sur, after the breakfast time and what a sight it was. There is no
ship port, so the ship tender boats are deployed for transportation ashore. We
watched the process from our balcony and took pictures of the beach and
village, while we awaited our call to go ashore.
Cabo San Lucas was so beautiful and the weather was
perfect. It seemed so strange, that here on the tip of the Baha Peninsula,
where the desert meets the ocean, lies this beautiful jewel of a resort. My
cousin Deborah commented on my fb post that “I was there before it became such
a resort area. Dirt streets roamed by the cows & chickens”. I could just mental-picture that scene!
We visited the 1730, San Jose del Cabo Mission built by the
Spanish Jesuits, southernmost of the Jesuit missions on the Baja California
peninsula. We saw wildlife, tropical trees, gardens, boats, lovely resort homes
and the famous arch. Lots of spring-breaker youth here for the beach, tequila
and tacos. After a nice day, we weighed anchor and headed north, to Loreto.
March 28, 2023
Overnight, we arrived at Loreto, Mexican State of Baja California Sur, at 8am; Human
habitation 40k years, then Spanish stop for water in 1533, establish Loreto
colony in 1697. The Jesuit, Franciscan, then Dominican orders establish
missions. This led to Father Serra moving from Loreto to Alta California and
establishing the Missions from San Diego to Monterey, and he walked most of the
time. Love to see the old missions and learn their stories. We visited them all
in U.S. California, and it all began right here. Terry excelled, in leading us
around Loreto to see the historical sites and colonial architecture. Loreto
felt very community-minded and has a small-town atmosphere, more like the old
Mexico tradition. This would be a quiet, comfortable winter-spot for us.
Returning to the ship, we got a carnival-ride on the
tender. It was very rough water and some got wet. I got wet going over but you
see, I got up front on the return.
Thanks Father Serra! After a pleasant and interesting day
at Loreto, we sailed, at 5:30pm, south to La Paz.
Back at sea. The Gulf of California, also known as the Sea
of Cortés or Sea of Cortez, or less commonly as the Vermilion Sea, is a
marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean that separates the Baja California Peninsula
from the Mexican mainland. We learned some new names here!
Overnight, to La Paz, in Baja California Sur ;
March 29 2023
La Paz port is about 14 miles away from town, we docked, then
transferred downtown by shuttle. You can see downtown but the road route loops
the bay. The mountainsides have abundant Saguaro, in the desert. We did a
scenic walking-tour of La Paz. Mission La Paz was established by the Jesuit
missionaries Juan de Ugarte and Jaime Bravo in 1720 and financed by the Marqués
de Villapuente de la Peña, at the location of the modern city of La Paz, Baja
California Sur. Love the historic mission, now a cathedral. La Paz has remains
of the 1632 Spanish-built fort. Town has loads of the commercial stuff but is
not a tourist-trap site. Many Canadian and American winter-homes here. 50-70K.
Great for a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. Fishing and water sports are
main attractions. It was cool in the morning but getting hot by noon. We
enjoyed La Paz but welcomed the cool comfort of our ship. We debarked, and
sailed for Mazatlán at 4:30pm.
March 30, 2023
Overnight, we made the 17-hour crossing of the Gulf of California,
from the Baha Peninsula to the Mexico mainland, at Mazatlán, in the Mexican State
of Sinaloa.
Compared to the dry, desert Baha Peninsula, this Mexico
mainland is green and a tropical, savanna climate. Mazatlán 1531, Cathedral
1856, Machado Square 1829. The old Mission is now a Cathedral. This is the
number one attraction of Mazatlán. The old town is a well-preserved example of
Spanish Colonial Mexico. On the waterfront, Mazatlán Dolphin Fountain on the
Malecon walkway, near Carpa Olivera Saltwater Pool is just one of many nice
sculptures and monuments along the walkway. We had a spectacular guided tour in
an open jeep and our guide was very informative but slightly broken English and
we know little Spanish. After a seafood lunch ashore, we headed back to the
Zanndam.
Back aboard, the view of Mazatlán Port from our ship was expansive.
Lots full of new cars and shipping containers full of all sorts of stuff FROM
Asia, continue their journey TO U.S. eastern markets via Ferromex rail service.
More economical than the Panama Canal route. On our balcony, watching our debarkation,
I noticed a huge structure, near the port, that resembled a grain elevator
complex. Google told me that this is Pacifico Brewery, producers of Corona
beer. Also learned that three early German immigrants to Puerto Vallarta
founded this brewery. Nothing like Google!
Mazatlán is very beautiful and inviting! We debarked and
sailed south to Puerto Vallarta, a very popular Mexican beach resort city on
the Pacific Ocean's Bahía de Banderas, in the Mexican state of Jalisco.
March 31, 2023
Arriving Puerto Vallarta 8:30am, our last port of call, in
the State of Jalisco, was very impressive, with excellent weather, flora and
fauna, and great sightseeing. The harbor was busy with yachts, pleasure boats,
fishing boats, water taxis, and commercial traffic.
We selected a guide at the dock and it turned out to be a
private tour, solely for us. Our guide drove us to all the attractions on my
pre-arrival list, and he was very informative, obliging, and engaging. A
special treat was a mountain trip to his favorite place and that was awesome! We
went high in the mountains and were surprised to find villages and people
living the old Mexico. Our guide stated that the native people had a
singing-sound of language, and it still exists.
Puerto Vallarta, our first stop, Our Lady of Guadalupe
(Basilica). Stunning art and architecture. We actually met (outside the
Cathedral) Sergio Toledano, the young, Puerto Vallarta boy (now old man),
befriended by Burton and Taylor. He capitalizes on that fame by selling books,
pictures, and letters, from his time with the Hollywood celebrities. Yes, we
did visit Gringo Gulch to see the villas of Burton, Taylor, (now rebuilt) and
John Huston.
Caballero del Mar (The Boy on the Seahorse) by Rafael
Zamarripa, 1976. Fun fact: The first statue to be erected on the Malecón, it
has become a symbol of the city. The waterfront is adorned with numerous
sculptures, monuments, fountains, and other art works. We enjoyed two days in
Puerto Vallarta and now we can’t decide our favorite of the five ports we have
visited. They are each unique and present different experiences, options, and
lifestyles.
April 1, 2023
We debarked Puerto Vallarta at 5:50pm and headed out to sea
for a non-stop, three-day cruise back to San Diego. We had more delightful entertainment,
dining, walking, lounging, and engaging conversations on-board. The last night
before San Diego, the Captain predicted rough seas and that was an
understatement. Our big ship pitched and rolled like a bass-boat but the crew
was expedient with Dramamine. Puerto Villarta (non-stop) to San Diego= 1000
miles, over 62 hours. As predicted, the Pacific Ocean will have a north wind,
and 12-foot seas overnight, causing a slight delay. We remain on a course
bearing north, at 339°, at 13 knots. On calm seas, we were running at 21 knots.
Having completed the Coast Guard, Seamanship and Navigation certification, I
love nautical stuff!
Overall, Holland America Lines facilitated another
fantastic cruise for us. Thanks Holland America Lines!
April 4, 2023
Now comes my final post from the Zanndam. I cannot praise the
Holland America crew enough for their exceptional professionalism!
We arrived San Diego, with calm waters, sun, and pleasant
weather. The transfer team got us debarked, returned to our hotel and we
checked back into the Sheraton Marina Hotel, for our last three days in San
Diego. There, we rested, walked, shopped, and enjoyed the pleasant
surroundings, views, and accommodations.
April 5, 2023
San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park, then dinner at the Gaslamp
District. We’re using LYFT on the segment of our trip. Love it!
First, we rode the tram for an overview, and then walked
the San Diego Zoo. Most overlooked; it's also an Arboretum. Every visit to this
zoo is a new experience! This open-air zoological park is outstanding in every
respect! We had a marvelous time!
Next, from the Zoo, we rode the Balboa Park trolley to
check-out the things we had planned. The museums and gardens were so beautiful
and attractive. We focused mainly on the buildings, trees, shrubs, flowers, and
trails of historic, urban, cultural Balboa Park. Fabulous Park and aways a
distinct experience!
The culmination of our day was dinner at the dinner at the
Gaslight District's, il Sogno Italiano Restaurant. Yummy!
April 6, 2023
Old Town, San Diego Heritage Village. Old town is always
fun, with programs, history, treats, and people-watching. Some may not know
that Old Town is where Alta California began, and it’s now a fabulous State
Park.
Adjacent to Old Town, we visited the San Diego Heritage
Village, a collection of historic homes, and surprisingly discovered the
‘Bushyhead House’, an ancestor of Terry.
We walked the trails around Heritage Park for some striking
views, pictures, and flora and fauna. With plentiful California rains, the
place is verdant green, with everything blooming.
April 7, 2023
Flight home from San Diego to Indianapolis. We had high
clouds and some bumpy turbulence, but the flight was made pleasant by the United
flight attendants. We spent most of our hours tracking our flight-route on the
monitors and observing all the familiar places that we passed over or nearby.
April 14, 2023
For an outdoor weekend, we met Glen and Kim for a weekend
camping trip on the banks of the Ohio River, at the Madison City Campground, in
historic Madison, Indiana. We positioned our RV rigs adjacently and created our
private picnic area. It was a fine weekend and we enjoyed the Riverwalk,
river-watching, cooking-out, and visiting with kin. It was especially pleasant,
reclining in our easy-chairs, under the trees, beside the river. Our main
objective, was to visit Amy, who remains in the KDH ICU. Amy is much better but
still in guarded condition.
On Saturday evening, we prepared a family covered-dish
supper at the campground and enjoyed a nice meal and tranquil evening together,
while watching the riverboats pass by. Rick and Diane joined us and made it an
even better assembly.
