Tarzan Style

In Costa Rica Ruth and I went on a canopy tour in the rain forest while the boys went fishing! For the canopy tour we started by taking an aerial tram in a gondola to the top of the mountain and then traversed down the canopy on zip lines…amazing!
The gondola ride to the top of the canopy!

Ruth getting ready to take off down the 1000 foot line.

The fishing ended up being more about the boat ride. They saw lots of fish, but didn’t actually catch any.

Some dolphins swimming by the boat. A crocodile we saw on our way back.

Colombia...check

We went to Cartagena, Colombia last week, but I took hardly any pictures. It was an absolutely beautiful town. I'm afraid if I don't make at least some documentation of it though I'll forget we even went there. So here's one for the scrapbook.

Sailing into Cartagena!

Driving through the walled city.

Panama City by Night

We made a late night stop in Panama City the evening before going through the canal. We were planning to just do our own thing, but about an hour before arrival Christian found out that crew were not allowed to go ashore unless they were on a tour. Fortunately, shore excursions were able to squeeze us onto a tour of Colonial Panama City.

Gone Sailing

We went on a sailing trip around the 9 bays in Hualtuco, Mexico.

I thought, "If this lady tells me one more story about her European cruises...I think I'll jump overboard".
There was about 20 of these pics...Christian thought it was hilarious to take pictures of me eating a bag of cereal.

Christian saw some locals diving down in these caves to find oysters. He spent the rest of our beach time looking for one in hopes that there would be a pearl inside...

He took it back to the ship, cracked it open in our shower, and there was only one huge slimy mess to show for it.

Beach Break in Acapulco

The excursion that we signed up for in Acapulco got cancelled, but the shore excursion manager hooked us up with an all inclusive day at the Fairmont Hotel in Acapulco.

A lookout point on our way to the hotel.

Breaking for lunch. Christian rented a surf board from some guy in a back alley. Chris was in hog heaven on his ATV.

Huatulco (waa-tool-ko)

In Hualtuco, Mexico we went on a mountain bike ride through the city and along the coast. According to the description, "excellent physical condition" was required. Thank goodness for the beach stops and ice cream breaks every 20 min.

This cute lade from Key West asked for a pink helmet. She then asked me if her helmet made her butt look fat. haha. Such a riot. She lasted about 5 min on the bike and then hopped in the car escort for the rest of the tour.

Canopies in Costa Rica

We stopped in Puerta Calderas, Costa Rica and found the longest zip lines we could. The course included 12 lines with one line that was over 700 meters! We wrapped up the day with a little R&R at the pool.

All strapped up and ready to go!Christian on the line! Stephanie taking off.
Cindy coming through!
Chris on his way down! Chris' crash landing...thank goodness for those tires to cushion the fall!

The GRAND FINALE!

Parents in Panama

Chris & Cindy are cruising with us right now and it's been a blast. Christian and I have had tons of time off so our days have revolved around eating, movies, shows and of course the necessary afternoon naps. The cruise started in Fort Lauderdale, stopped in Aruba for some shopping, and we just finished going through the Panama Canal on our way to Costa Rica.

Going under the Centennial Bridge.
Watching the Locks open into the Atlantic Ocean.

Chris: "That looks like a Mormon temple out there" Sure enough...it was the Panama City temple!

The impressive Panama City skyline!

We finished the evening with Fondue & dancing at the pool party!

Yee-Haw

While on Carnival we used to visit Half Moon Cay weekly. I always wanted to do the horseback ride, but it always sold out. Thanks to the "clientele" at Holland America only the bus tours are full which means there is always room on the active excursions!

They split up the group to go in the water. Christian went first so I could take pictures. Since there was an extra horse for my group he got to go again and a nice guest took photos for us.

We first took a ride around the island and then changed to go in the water!While we waited to go riding we found a little bungalow that wasn't being used.