Getting the coach fixed

We used to spend weeks and $$$ getting the coach fixed each year. Now we just ask someone who knows something and Mitch fixes them dinner.

The first problem was the slideout awning and we fixed that in November (check previous blog).

Then the Aqua-Hot electric didn't work so I called the service tech at Aqua-Hot and he told me a bunch of stuff. We did what he said and since Mitch couldn't see in the compartment he said, "Get your camera and take a picture of it." It was a good thing because I didn't know what I was looking for. Mitch looked at the picture and said, "Just press the little white button between the two black wires." It worked!







We knew we had to get the underside of the passenger slideout fixed because whenever it got wet we lost more coating exposing the wood. And both ends had the same problem. "Yes," we were told, "bring it into the shop and we'll get it fixed for you."






...or ask Norton. Norton is the resident "can fix anything guy" and he assured us a quick and inexpensive fix.



He cut out the bad parts, then put in Bondo, then sanded it down (a couple of times), then primed it,




then painted it, and then caulked it. Perfecto!!! Just like new!!! I think it cost Mitch $20 and dinner of course!

Keeping busy!

There is always something to do--no time to get bored. Brayden brought down his kite and needed a good place to fly it. He had a ball and it kept him quite occupied!












Rylan (dressed in Monaco wear) was the kite flying spectator!











One sunny day, we had a shuffleboard tournament. It brings out the best--not necessarily shuffleboard players, but everyone is the best at something!!












About mid tournament we all quit to have lunch--hot dogs and chips!

A great time was had by all!

Happy New Year!!!

As one year ends and another begins we are amazed at all the blessings we have, all that we have done, and how fast the time has gone. We wish all our family and friends a new year filled with good health, happiness, and love!

This is a picture of Gramma and Grampa drawn by Brayden (who will be four on January 31). Gramma and Grampa both have rosy cheeks, and Gramma has eye shadow. Life must be good because we have big smiles. Grampa has some whiskers and a picture on his T-shirt (he also has some dots on his face, I'm not sure what they are but Brayden is pretty observant). And when he was finished drawing he promptly taped the picture on the refrigerator!

Merry Christmas to all our friends and family!!

Hoping that the true spirit of Christmas is with you this season!!!

We had a great day, but with this special present under the tree, how could we not!!

The "Real" Panama Canal Story

This morning started earlier than most--we began our trip into the Panama Canal. With first light we entered the left side of the first lock (notice the arrow) with a freight carrier on the other side that made the trip very interesting.









We had 85 feet to climb--from the Pacific Ocean to the lake at the center of Panama.

We go into the lock and the water comes in to make the ship rise to the level of the lock in front of it. We had three locks to go through to climb that 85 feet.







When the water levels of the two locks are even, the gates open and the ship proceeds into the next lock. Amazing! Our ship is small enough to go through the locks--many cruise ships are too large--but we only had two feet on each side to spare!








Once we were through the locks we traveled the Gatun Lake. The water is brown but the land is green--why not--this is a rain forest.

As a matter of fact, last week the Canal closed for the third time in its 97 year history! There had been so much rain that the lake had flooded and the water level was too high for the lock.






We continued the 50 miles across Panama to the other side and came to the locks on the Atlantic side. Because we were a cruise ship, and we had paid a premium, we passed up the ships that were waiting to go through. Our toll was right around $200,000--payable in cash before we went through!!!!








We had been blessed with great weather for the trip, but we could see rain bearing down as we rolled into the locks that would lower us the 85 feet to the level of the Caribbean Sea.










The rain was quick and after nine hours of navigating from beginning to end we were finally through the locks and on our way to Cartagena, Columbia.

The Panama Canal--what an experience!!

Days at Shore

Our stops on the Pacific side of the cruise have been delightful. Our first was in Cabo San Lucas and the trip into the port was beautiful. The water was blue and the whales and dolphins played along as we entered the harbor.









Our next stop was Acapulco and we took a city tour through old Acapulco and made a couple of fascinating stops. One was to watch the cliff divers. These men, not all young nor in tip top shape, climbed the cliffs bare footed, then dove into the waters below, and climbed the cliffs back out. Amazing!












Yup, we are having a good time!

Today we are in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. There were many local craftspeople out selling their wares and some very interesting street food.


No snow here!!

The Island Princess

We boarded the ship in San Pedro, CA bound through the Panama Canal and ending in Ft. Lauderdale on December 20.

So far it has been fabulous. I'd show more pictures but this is costing $.55/minute and I just noticed it won't be posted until 12/14/10.

We've been to Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, days at sea, the food is great, nice people--can't complain!!