Tue, Nov 27:  NCL Jade Cruise Ship:  Up early this morning and we went up to Deck 12 for breakfast and I went to the spa and got my nails done.  Back to the room and Mike was already back there.  Another ship pulled in behind us—Norwegian Sun.  There is a big police presence here when ships are in port.  And when they leave they are escorted by four Miami Dade police boats and a Coast Guard boat with a manned machine gunner in the front.  Had lunch at Cagney’s Steak House and I got my cocktail in a to-go cup and we went up to Deck 13 where we could smoke.  Enjoyed my cocktail with my e-cig.  We leave this afternoon at 4:00.  We were supposed to leave yesterday afternoon, but apparently they had an engine problem.  So, we’re not going to Cartegna.  We’ll go to Panama first.  Mike is okay.  He wasn’t crazy about Cartegna anyway.  A front came through today and it’s a little chilly.  Go figure.

Up on Deck 13 enjoying cocktails and cigarettes.

Sky over Miami not looking so great (sigh).

Mon, Nov 26:  NCL Jade Cruise Ship:  Our cab driver, Jose, picked us up just before 11:00 and we made it to the terminal.  Went through security and we have VIP check-in, so we waited in a room with snacks and beverages and then were escorted onto the ship.  Was worth it when we saw the lines waiting to board.  We found our cabin and waited to see if our luggage showed up and then went exploring.  Up to deck 13 and had some lunch and then I made an appointment at the spa to have my nails done, which are a mess.  The spa is way forward and we’re way aft, so it will be a trek to get there tomorrow morning at 9:00.  I went back to the room after that, and still no luggage.  It finally arrived and we put everything away.  Then the lifeboat drill.  Sitting on our balcony now and watching all the ships arriving and departing.  We’ll go back up to 12 for some dinner and drinks.  We were supposed to depart at 4:00, but that’s another story.  High 80s today in Miami.

Our room.

Our balcony

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They delivered some snacks.

Another ship coming in--busy place!

Sun, Nov 25:  Miami-Everglades RV Park, near Homestead, FL:  Another really nice day today.  Cloudy but warm.  We had such a great time with our Canadian friends yesterday.  We thought Charlie and Johanne were going to bring their fifth wheel down and set it up on one of the sites.  But they bought a unit all set up, complete with a lanai, a covered outdoor dining/cooking area, beautiful landscaping, and a storage shed.  It is so nice!  I’m happy for them.  They’re here for 5 months.  After dinner Charlie brought out his guitar and a song fest ensued.  He is such an entertainer.  Got all our laundry done today and we’ll pack for our trip tonight.  Tomorrow we have a cab take us to the Port of Miami.  Around 85 today I think.

Esther & Gerald

Charlie & Johanne

Charlie & Gerald

Sat, Nov 24:  Miami-Everglades RV Park, near Homestead, FL:  Well, we left the peace, serenity and prettiness of Lake Manatee and we’re now in a commercial park which is nowhere near as nice, but necessary.  A cacophony of noises.  A lot of people will be leaving tomorrow.  And besides we won’t be here most of the time anyway.  Getting together with the Canadians this afternoon.

Cheyenne, Wyoming
2008

Fri, Nov 23:  Lake Manatee SP, Bradenton, FL, to Miami-Everglades RV Park, near Homestead, FL:  We were on the road by 9:30 this morning.  A nice driving day—partly cloudy, light traffic on I75, and 82 degrees.  Saw an accident on the north-bound section of I75 south of Ft. Myers.  Felt sorry for those people—traffic was backed up forever.  Traffic was a little heavy on Alligator Alley, but all in all an uneventful drive.  We arrived here by 2:00 and were set up by 2:30.  Arranged for a cab to pick us up on Monday.  We’re getting together with our Canadian friends tomorrow. 

Wild flowers--Lake Manatee State Park

Thu, Nov 22:  Lake Manatee SP, Bradenton, FL:  Happy Thanksgiving!  We watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and then the dog show. Enjoyed a small Thanksgiving dinner.  A little cool and cloudy today.  We started putting stuff away—getting ready to leave tomorrow for the Miami area.  HBBM!

Wild turkeys--Cumberland Island, Georgia.

Wed, Nov 21:  Lake Manatee SP, Bradenton, FL:  Drove back to cute downtown Bradenton and checked out the River Walk.  Thought it would be like San Antonio with shops and restaurants, but it was just a long promenade on the Manatee River.  I didn’t realize how big the Manatee River is.  Found a place for lunch on the river and lunched al fresco at Caddy’s on the Pointe.  A beautiful, sunny day.  We also checked out DeSoto National Memorial before we drove back and relaxed the rest of the afternoon.

Caddy's on the Pointe