Hurricane Earl has been making a name for himself in the news over the past few days.
Let me just say this, for the last time: NO, I did not know it was hurricane season in the Caribbean when I booked our Panama cruise. Having that information, however, wouldn't have deterred me. I like the idea of sailing out of Vancouver and only having to deal with one flight. Though I am looking forward to an extended summer season by traveling south in September, weather wasn't a deciding factor for this vacation.
Let's not forget that this cruise came about because of Dean's very public and inappropriate announcement of my 50th birthday last December. In order to live out the rest of his days in relative peace, the deal is, he must take me on a Panama Cruise before my next birthday – and that's coming up fast!
I have it on good authority that in the unlikely event that a hurricane is headed to the same location as me, our cruise ship can outrun it, change its course or find shelter in a storm. And I will pack my trusty rain poncho, which has kept me dry through daily rain showers in Hawaii, a torrential downpour in Ixtapa and various degrees of drizzle around the campfire here at home.
If you are planning your own cruise vacation during hurricane season and if you don't believe me, check out this excellent article about cruising and storms, by Cruise Critic. Then cruise over to this piece from CBC that explains how hurricanes and tropical storms develop and how their names are chosen.
Gatun Locks, Panama Canal
09°10'N
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
20 Days to Embarkation – If the Shoe Fits
My last post generated several comments about my underwear. It's a family show, folks. I've learned my lesson; I won't mention my skivvies again.
How about those shoes, though?
I admit it. My new runners look a bit like bowling shoes, but they are so comfortable. And comfort will be paramount when I am trekking off to an archaeological site near Acapulco.
Dean and I went shopping for walking shoes on the weekend. I purchased the very first pair I tried on. Dean, on the other hand, tried on 12 pairs, eventually settled on some white trainers, and by the time we got home, had decided they weren't quite right, after all.
I find shopping very stressful, so in the interest of my sanity, I like to get the whole ordeal over with as quickly as possible. Don't get me wrong I've been doing a lot of shopping, but I haven't enjoyed it. When I find what I want in less than an hour, I consider my shopping trip a success. If it stretches into an entire afternoon, I usually quit, until I regain the patience try again another day.
I'm easily bored when shopping, and the weekend shoe excursion was no exception. Dean was still trying on shoes after 15 minutes and I started getting antsy.
“It's a pair of shoes,” I sighed, “You're not negotiating world peace.”
“They look fine.”
“They'll stretch.”
“Don't worry about it. You'll need a little extra room.”
His comfort was no longer of any interest to me. I just wanted him to pick a shoe. Any shoe. I really didn't care if he had to go barefoot.
Imagine my relief when he took a pair up to the cashier. Unfortunately, his hasty decision resulted in an ill-fitting shoe that he now has to return.
Really, I don't know why he didn't just take his time.
How about those shoes, though?
I admit it. My new runners look a bit like bowling shoes, but they are so comfortable. And comfort will be paramount when I am trekking off to an archaeological site near Acapulco.
Dean and I went shopping for walking shoes on the weekend. I purchased the very first pair I tried on. Dean, on the other hand, tried on 12 pairs, eventually settled on some white trainers, and by the time we got home, had decided they weren't quite right, after all.
I find shopping very stressful, so in the interest of my sanity, I like to get the whole ordeal over with as quickly as possible. Don't get me wrong I've been doing a lot of shopping, but I haven't enjoyed it. When I find what I want in less than an hour, I consider my shopping trip a success. If it stretches into an entire afternoon, I usually quit, until I regain the patience try again another day.
I'm easily bored when shopping, and the weekend shoe excursion was no exception. Dean was still trying on shoes after 15 minutes and I started getting antsy.
“It's a pair of shoes,” I sighed, “You're not negotiating world peace.”
“They look fine.”
“They'll stretch.”
“Don't worry about it. You'll need a little extra room.”
His comfort was no longer of any interest to me. I just wanted him to pick a shoe. Any shoe. I really didn't care if he had to go barefoot.
Imagine my relief when he took a pair up to the cashier. Unfortunately, his hasty decision resulted in an ill-fitting shoe that he now has to return.
Really, I don't know why he didn't just take his time.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
21 Days Before Embarkation – Under Things
The large suitcase I wanted to borrow from my parents was in the crawlspace of their Kelowna home, so we drove an hour to “the city” to collect it.
One look into that claustrophobic 2 ½ foot high hole was all it took for me to decide that the medium-sized suitcase I had at home was perfectly adequate for a 21 day cruise.
Dean recognized my error in judgment and gently reminded me that I was planning to pack a cocktail dress - with shoes to match - for every evening of the cruise – and he was hoping to bring a few clothes, too. “Dear maiden,” he crooned, “It will be my pleasure to retrieve the suitcase for you, because you are so wonderful.”
Perhaps those were not his exact words.
Whatever he said, my good husband contorted his 175 pound frame into the cramped space, followed by my 75 year old step mother, who is tiny, but tougher than nails and apparently not bothered by wee spaces.
I remained above, to ensure the hatch door did not fall and trap them below. Dean laid flat on his back,muttering a few indiscernible words as he shuffled across the concrete slab, guided by my step mother who shone a flashlight in the general direction of the suitcase.
He was able to reach the ginormous dark green suitcase with an outstretched arm, drag it across the floor and stuff it up the hatch. How my parents managed to get that thing down there in the first place, I'll never know.
The suitcase is huge, but necessary. Especially after all the shopping I've been doing.
When I was a kid, I got new underwear every September to coincide with the new school year. These days, I buy new underwear every time I go on vacation. Such an important purchase always necessitates a trip to “the city,” so as soon as Dean had released the suitcase from its prison under the floorboards, I went shopping in K-town. Cotton or poly, high cut or hipster; it's always a dilemma.
One look into that claustrophobic 2 ½ foot high hole was all it took for me to decide that the medium-sized suitcase I had at home was perfectly adequate for a 21 day cruise.
Dean recognized my error in judgment and gently reminded me that I was planning to pack a cocktail dress - with shoes to match - for every evening of the cruise – and he was hoping to bring a few clothes, too. “Dear maiden,” he crooned, “It will be my pleasure to retrieve the suitcase for you, because you are so wonderful.”
Perhaps those were not his exact words.
Whatever he said, my good husband contorted his 175 pound frame into the cramped space, followed by my 75 year old step mother, who is tiny, but tougher than nails and apparently not bothered by wee spaces.
I remained above, to ensure the hatch door did not fall and trap them below. Dean laid flat on his back,muttering a few indiscernible words as he shuffled across the concrete slab, guided by my step mother who shone a flashlight in the general direction of the suitcase.
He was able to reach the ginormous dark green suitcase with an outstretched arm, drag it across the floor and stuff it up the hatch. How my parents managed to get that thing down there in the first place, I'll never know.
The suitcase is huge, but necessary. Especially after all the shopping I've been doing.
When I was a kid, I got new underwear every September to coincide with the new school year. These days, I buy new underwear every time I go on vacation. Such an important purchase always necessitates a trip to “the city,” so as soon as Dean had released the suitcase from its prison under the floorboards, I went shopping in K-town. Cotton or poly, high cut or hipster; it's always a dilemma.
Friday, August 27, 2010
23 Days Before Embarkation – The Nature of Leathery Things
Today, we had the pleasure of watching a small black bear cavorting in the middle of our road. He or she – I wasn't about to check - was not bothered by our presence in the least.
It's not unusual to see or hear wildlife out here. Deer in the alfalfa fields are a regular morning treat. Nearby coyotes howl every night, and stroll casually across the flat farm land at dawn and dusk. Squirrels, pheasants and quail are daily visitors.
Seeing nature in action never gets old for me. I don't think there are any bears in Central America, so I can leave the bear spray at home for the house sitters.
On the cruise, I will be thrilled to take in whatever sights nature chooses to offer. More likely, whales and dolphins will make an appearance. Pelicans, storks and iguana are a certainty. But, if I could put in an order, I would request crocodiles.
My BFF said I have spent too much time in the sun and that is why I have an unnatural affection for leathery creatures. I am not speaking to my BFF today.
I think Ogopogo looks a bit reptilian – not that I've ever seen him /her. I've got better odds of seeing a crocodile in the wild than I do of catching a glimpse of our local lake monster. The American Crocodile is said to be plentiful in Costa Rica, where my cruise ship just happens to stop on Day 13, October 1.
And there just happens to be a shore excursion available that will take me to the Tarcoles River, where crocodiles are abundant and Mother Nature just might grant my wish.
If I am speaking to my BFF by then, I will send her a postcard of me and a crocodile. Hopefully, she'll be able to tell us apart.
It's not unusual to see or hear wildlife out here. Deer in the alfalfa fields are a regular morning treat. Nearby coyotes howl every night, and stroll casually across the flat farm land at dawn and dusk. Squirrels, pheasants and quail are daily visitors.
Seeing nature in action never gets old for me. I don't think there are any bears in Central America, so I can leave the bear spray at home for the house sitters.
On the cruise, I will be thrilled to take in whatever sights nature chooses to offer. More likely, whales and dolphins will make an appearance. Pelicans, storks and iguana are a certainty. But, if I could put in an order, I would request crocodiles.
My BFF said I have spent too much time in the sun and that is why I have an unnatural affection for leathery creatures. I am not speaking to my BFF today.
I think Ogopogo looks a bit reptilian – not that I've ever seen him /her. I've got better odds of seeing a crocodile in the wild than I do of catching a glimpse of our local lake monster. The American Crocodile is said to be plentiful in Costa Rica, where my cruise ship just happens to stop on Day 13, October 1.
And there just happens to be a shore excursion available that will take me to the Tarcoles River, where crocodiles are abundant and Mother Nature just might grant my wish.
If I am speaking to my BFF by then, I will send her a postcard of me and a crocodile. Hopefully, she'll be able to tell us apart.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
24 Days Before Embarkation - Batten Down the Hatches
So much for my preoccupation with the cruise – at least for the moment.
More pressing matters have suddenly swept in. Literally. I've been battening down the hatches here at home. A sudden wind blew in, creating minor havoc. Patio chairs flew across the deck. The gusts churned up dust tornadoes on our unpaved driveway. The pool cover blew off, the goats have run for shelter and my internet is likely to go down. The rain hasn't started but I know it's coming. I'll be happy if no trees come down on the house.
After retrieving the pool cover from the goat pen, Dean bursts into the house with a need to share his innermost feelings. “Imagine,” he says, “if we get this wind on the ship.”
Well, thanks, buddy. That's just the kind of seed I don't need planted in my obsessive compulsive brain.
“Are you trying to scare me?” I ask.
Dean gives me that who-are-you-trying-to-kid look. “When have you ever been afraid of water?” he demands. “We've kayaked across Arrow Lake in a raging lightning storm. We've been whitewater rafting in Class 4 rapids. The mast of our 25 foot Catalina sailboat touched the lake in a strong wind. The winds were so strong when we kayaked in La Jolla that we needed someone to kick us out past the crashing surf. Remember when we were coming back from a cruise to the South Pacific and the water was flying out of the pool as the ship crashed through 30 foot swells?”
Of course, I remember.
I confess, I got a bit of a thrill from it all, too.
Boy, Dean sure takes all the fun out of being melodramatic.
More pressing matters have suddenly swept in. Literally. I've been battening down the hatches here at home. A sudden wind blew in, creating minor havoc. Patio chairs flew across the deck. The gusts churned up dust tornadoes on our unpaved driveway. The pool cover blew off, the goats have run for shelter and my internet is likely to go down. The rain hasn't started but I know it's coming. I'll be happy if no trees come down on the house.
After retrieving the pool cover from the goat pen, Dean bursts into the house with a need to share his innermost feelings. “Imagine,” he says, “if we get this wind on the ship.”
Well, thanks, buddy. That's just the kind of seed I don't need planted in my obsessive compulsive brain.
“Are you trying to scare me?” I ask.
Dean gives me that who-are-you-trying-to-kid look. “When have you ever been afraid of water?” he demands. “We've kayaked across Arrow Lake in a raging lightning storm. We've been whitewater rafting in Class 4 rapids. The mast of our 25 foot Catalina sailboat touched the lake in a strong wind. The winds were so strong when we kayaked in La Jolla that we needed someone to kick us out past the crashing surf. Remember when we were coming back from a cruise to the South Pacific and the water was flying out of the pool as the ship crashed through 30 foot swells?”
Of course, I remember.
I confess, I got a bit of a thrill from it all, too.
Boy, Dean sure takes all the fun out of being melodramatic.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
26 Days Before Embarkation - To Spray or Not to Spray: That is the Question.
It was a scorcher today here in the North Okanagan - 34 degrees in the shade. Not that I was in the shade. Not this girl. I was working on my base tan, so I can avoid the fake and bake, which happens to be getting a lot of bad press these days.
I'm not convinced that the tanning bed is any more dangerous than smothering myself in chemical sunscreen, which I refuse to use. I welcome exposure to the sun and when it gets really hot, I drink some water, put on a hat or find some shade.
My aversion to chemical skin coverings is causing a dilemma.
The sun is the least of my worries. Now, it's all about the mosquitos.
Since West Nile virus has arrived in the Okanagan, experts are suggesting I douse myself in DEET laced mosquito repellant every time I step outside. And I spend a lot of time outside.
I hate bug spray as much as I hate sunscreen. But faced with the highly unlikely possibility of contracting an insect borne illness at home or on my cruise, I have to weigh the pros and cons. Dengue fever, malaria, West Nile virus - or – poison myself with a shot of N-Diethyl-meta-toulamide aka DEET.
What to do? What to do? The decision became clearer today when I visited the drug store to purchase hair dye, also toxic to the skin, but which has the indisputable bonus of taking 5 years off my appearance. There, in a lovely orange package, complete with a carabiner to hook the container on your belt was insect repellant that matches my favourite handbag just perfectly.
I'm not convinced that the tanning bed is any more dangerous than smothering myself in chemical sunscreen, which I refuse to use. I welcome exposure to the sun and when it gets really hot, I drink some water, put on a hat or find some shade.
My aversion to chemical skin coverings is causing a dilemma.
The sun is the least of my worries. Now, it's all about the mosquitos.
Since West Nile virus has arrived in the Okanagan, experts are suggesting I douse myself in DEET laced mosquito repellant every time I step outside. And I spend a lot of time outside.
I hate bug spray as much as I hate sunscreen. But faced with the highly unlikely possibility of contracting an insect borne illness at home or on my cruise, I have to weigh the pros and cons. Dengue fever, malaria, West Nile virus - or – poison myself with a shot of N-Diethyl-meta-toulamide aka DEET.
What to do? What to do? The decision became clearer today when I visited the drug store to purchase hair dye, also toxic to the skin, but which has the indisputable bonus of taking 5 years off my appearance. There, in a lovely orange package, complete with a carabiner to hook the container on your belt was insect repellant that matches my favourite handbag just perfectly.
Friday, August 20, 2010
30 Days Before EmBARKation - Dogs, Cats & Goats
The downside of owning pets (and there's not too many downsides) is that they don't have opposable thumbs and can't help themselves to groceries or let themselves out to pee. This glaring evolutionary anomaly becomes painfully obvious every time we want to travel.
Recently, I went on a search for house/pet sitters who would be willing to put their thumbs to good use – y'know, feed and water 3 dogs, 2 feral kittens and 3 goats, one of whom is pregnant and possibly ready to pop while we are away.
A friend told me about a website www.housecarers.com, where you can place an ad for a house-sitter and your identity remains anonymous. We had about a dozen qualified applicants, many of whom house-sit world wide as a full time vocation. Apparently, BC is a highly sought after area amongst house-sitters, especially in the “non-winter” months.
After considerable research and telephone interviews, we selected a couple from the United States, who are house-sitting in Alberta now.
So everything is arranged – sort of. When I hired this lovely couple, I had 2 dogs, no cats and three barren goats. One of the pet-sitters told me he was allergic to cats, and since I had no cats, no problem
But in the meantime, the feral kittens needed a home - I have an empty shop and a small acreage – I've got a reasonable population of mice – it made sense. Except for that bit about the house-sitter with a cat allergy.
And the bit about the pregnant goat. In my defense, I only realized the goat was pregnant a few days ago and I am guessing as to her due date.
Oh, and the bit about the extra dog.
Two dogs, three dogs, what's the difference really?
I think I better fire off an email and apprise these people of the new situation.
Recently, I went on a search for house/pet sitters who would be willing to put their thumbs to good use – y'know, feed and water 3 dogs, 2 feral kittens and 3 goats, one of whom is pregnant and possibly ready to pop while we are away.
A friend told me about a website www.housecarers.com, where you can place an ad for a house-sitter and your identity remains anonymous. We had about a dozen qualified applicants, many of whom house-sit world wide as a full time vocation. Apparently, BC is a highly sought after area amongst house-sitters, especially in the “non-winter” months.
After considerable research and telephone interviews, we selected a couple from the United States, who are house-sitting in Alberta now.
So everything is arranged – sort of. When I hired this lovely couple, I had 2 dogs, no cats and three barren goats. One of the pet-sitters told me he was allergic to cats, and since I had no cats, no problem
But in the meantime, the feral kittens needed a home - I have an empty shop and a small acreage – I've got a reasonable population of mice – it made sense. Except for that bit about the house-sitter with a cat allergy.
And the bit about the pregnant goat. In my defense, I only realized the goat was pregnant a few days ago and I am guessing as to her due date.
Oh, and the bit about the extra dog.
Two dogs, three dogs, what's the difference really?
I think I better fire off an email and apprise these people of the new situation.
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