Scattered clouds, High of 84 F 29 C, Low of 66 F 19 C
This was a tender port, where you anchor off shore and take a small launch into the town. Breakfast was in the Grand, which is a very formal type setting for breakfast. Fresh fruit plate, coffee and Eggs Benny was muchly enjoyed.
We had booked an excursion for the three of us today. There was a small resort island called Cayo Lenatado just off the main island. We boarded our tender at about 10 am, and with our bottled water, towels, hats, and sunscreen, headed off to a beach of dreams.
A 15 minute ride had us arrive at a small dock. Much of this island was devoted to private resort hotels, but there was a small semi-private beach area that we were booked at. Beach chairs and palms trees were complimentary, and there was a cute little beach bar situated very conveniently. We claimed 3 chairs up front, and Dad settled in to have a small nap.
Spending this much time with my folks, I noticed things that have somewhat disturbed me. Dad tends to nap a lot. I know he is 80, but I never really viewed him as elderly. Mom has a great deal of trouble with walking too far, her knees have some type of osteo arthritis. Opened my eyes quite a bit, seeing this. For the first time in my life, Dad was willing to let me be the pack horse for bags, run to the bar/snack area etc for them.
Mom and I headed into the water. It was sooooo clear and blue. Soft sand and very scattered little rock areas, easy to see and avoid. The water was great, a little cool at first, but almost body temperature once you got under. Little minnows swam around our toes and legs. The swells weren’t too bad, as long as you braced yourself well. Mom didn’t stay in too long, her legs couldn’t take too much. We found a large rocky area with a lot of small shells, and gathered a few.
We sunned for a bit, then had lunch at the BBQ. Chicken and salads and fruit were provided from the ship. There was a small shopping area, with local stuff and an area where you could have a picture with different indigenous animals. I have a most adorable picture with a little squirrel monkey named Memo. After another hour of beach time, we headed back to the ship to shower and change for dinner.
Mom and I attended a talk on gemstones/birthstones and it was very interesting. We had previously filled out a little form, answering some questions like what stone has insects imbedded in it, what is the birthstone for May, and what was the stone in Lady Diana’s engagement ring. They drew 6 names, but they were not at the seminar. The seventh name was there and won a beautiful Amber and silver Pendant. Looks great on me!!
I headed to the pool deck for the Special of the Day. Erasmus, the bartended/server headed my way immediately with a “Miss Patricia, what are you having today?” Well after much thinking, I decided on the Tropical Cocktail, Rum, Apricot Brandy, Sour Mix and Grenadine. No wonder I packed on about 15 pounds
.Dinner was at Tapas tonight, with a beautiful buffet. I had roast beef, some non-fish sushi, risotto with shrimps and crab, and for dessert a crème brulee. About 8:30, Mom and I headed off to the casino again, with our 10 dollars and had Irish Coffee. A long day in the sun and the surf made my legs ache, so about 9:30 I got into the hot tub and relaxed. In bed around 10:30 and slept soundly.
