A sailboat ride and a swim

It was overcast and cooler than normal for this time of year in Bermuda.  I had signed up for a sailboat ride with a stop for some swimming. 

We set out, and we were able to watch practice runs for the teams competing in the America’s Cup.  It begins this Friday in Hamilton, Bermuda.  I saw the English Team (Land Rover is the major sponsor).   Also, two other teams were practicing. 

Oracle is a major sponsor, and they sponsor the buoys that record speed in the sailing lanes.  The sailing ships were so fast, and they looked more like “kites” flying above the water.

Although it was a little cool and overcast, the water temperature was great.  I was one of five who bravely entered the water from the sailboat.

The sailboat was anchored for the swim, and we had a view of the Oracle CEO’s home during the swim. The Oracle founder didn’t buy the island, but promised the owners of the private island ownership of the home he built after the America's Cup.  

The view of downtown Hamilton, Bermuda.

The sailboat captain is getting us ready to leave the dock.

The captain's daughter helps out, and she's giving the group instructions.

A view of the ms Veendam from the sailboat.

Kids are learning how to sail.  There are lots of classes in sailing during the summer months.

The America's Cup teams were practicing as we sailed around the inlet.  Here's the British entry.

One of the Oracle buoys that clocks speed of the sailboats during the contest.

Another of the contestants who are in the process of changing crew members.

The "sheep" are on Bermuda's Long Island.  They didn't reproduce.

The captain reminded us that we were in the Bermuda Triangle.  Here's a shipwreck with only a cooler floating from the ship.  

The cove for the swim with a view of Oracle CEO's home in the distance.  In return for use of the land to construct a home during the prep time for the America's Cup, the owners of the island will receive this house once the contest is over.

Just arrived in Bermuda...

We arrived on time.  It's a little overcast, but the view was still great.  Here are a few of my photos as the ship made it way to the dock.

It's a little overcast as we pass St. George's Island, but the pastel colors of Bahamian homes are still in view.

They say the sand on the beaches is powdery and pink.  I hope to find out this afternoon.

After the captain's announcement, many came out on the decks to watch our arrival in the archipelago of Bermuda.

Beautiful homes are along the coast.  Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones are residents here.

Because of the rocky area, the larger cruise ships cannot go into the capital of Bermuda.

The captain said that we had plenty of room to make our way through the rocky coastline.

We had to set our clocks forward one hour.  Bermuda time is an hour ahead of the Eastern time zone.

Here's where we are to dock.  The ship made a 360 and my room on the starboard side now faces downtown.

Downtown Bermuda will be celebrating Bermuda Day with a big parade on Wednesday.  They come right down this street.

Beautiful day, but a bit chilly on the outdoor decks

It is a beautiful day on the Atlantic, and the captain announced at lunch that we’re about halfway on the journey to Bermuda. 

I’ve been doing my walking on the promenade deck, but it seems my Fitbit doesn’t quite like the motion of the ocean.  It’s recording my steps and miles walked, but it isn’t recording my minutes as being “active.”  For those folks who use a Fitbit, they’ll understand the frustration… it’s like you’re not recording your exercise.  Oh, well.  I know I did it.

The seas aren't too rough, but it is breezy.  The captain says it will warm up as we move into the Gulf Stream.

Nothing but the horizon is visible as I walk the promenade after lunch.  

Normally there are lots of folks on the promenade deck at midday, but many are choosing to use the covered pool today.

...and away we go

The Maasdam was the first ship to leave.  It's on its way to Maine and down the St. Lawrence to Quebec and Montreal.  I took that cruise a while back, and it's a great one!

The ship "backed out" of the Black Falcon Cruiseport, and we were lined up with the runways.

It's interesting to see planes landing and sailing ships so close to them.

Another view of the Boston skyline.

The ship is in the Atlantic, and it should arrive in Bermuda on Monday.

Setting sail from Boston…

I’m on board the ms Veendam.  I’ve had lunch, unpacked my suitcases, and patiently awaiting our emergency drill.  The ship sets sail around 4pm. 

The Boston Cruiseport has a great view of the Boston skyline, and the ship sets sail with a clear view of the landing planes at Boston’s Logan Airport.

It’s a beautiful day (cooler than yesterday), and I’m hopeful that foreshadows the upcoming week of weather in the Atlantic.

My luggage successfully made it from the dock to my room in record time.

Boston has an impressive skyline visible from the observation deck on my ship.

An announcement was just made that smokers can light up in designated outside areas; the fuel barge just filled us up and is on its way.

Another shot of the Boston skyline from the deck of the ms Veendam.

Beginning a new decade…

I’m entering a new decade of life.  That’s right, I’m entering my sixth decade of being, and I wanted to celebrate by doing the thing I love (i.e., travel) and going somewhere I’ve never been.  That spot is Bermuda by way Boston. 

I’ve heard of many things regarding the beautiful island of Bermuda in the North Atlantic… Bermuda shorts, Bermuda Triangle, etc.   Such a trip is one way to end one decade and prepare of the next one.  So, I’m off today for this adventure. 

Not only am I making this trip, but I will be returning to employment with the new school year (July 1). My agreement with the school district is only for one year, and I guess that’s another way to mark this new decade in life.

I hope the weather’s great when I get to Bermuda on Monday.  Hopefully it will be foretell what this new decade in life will be like:  Sunny skies and smooth sailing.

Next big adventure is in 2018...

I had to make some changes to my travel schedule, and my next big adventure (68 days) will be in 2018.  However, I'm hoping for a few shorter trips during the remainder of 2017.

My next big adventure is to circle South America with several days viewing Antarctica.  I need to get my shots (yellow fever) soon for this trip!

The party is over...

Upon returning to the ship, here's the reminder I received that my vacation is over from the room attendant:

It's time to pack.  This is what my bed looked like when I returned from my time on Half Moon Cay. 

Final Day: A third trip to the beautiful island of Half Moon Cay

My final stop on the cruise was Half Moon Cay, or Little San Salvador Island.  It is part of the Bahamas.  It is a private island, owned by Holland America Line, that it purchased in 1996 for $6 million.  That explains our stop each week as we've left or returned to Florida.  It's a beautiful island.

Click to enlarge this slide.

My main activity today was to explore the island by bicycle.  I was on the tour with a couple from Wisconsin.  We learned about the natural surroundings.  It's true ... once you learn to ride a bike you never forget! 

Here are a few of my shots from the day.

Folks were heading off for various excursions.  My tour was within walking distance... a bike ride on the island.

One of the stops on the bike ride was where they keep the horses.  These folks are learning/preparing for a ride on the beach.

I took this tour with a couple from Wisconsin.  The guide is telling us a little about the size of the island here.

The beach is truly beautiful on this island.

The riders, having mastered the skills, set out on their tour of the island.

We stopped along the beach, and the guide took this photo of me with the Eurodam in the background.

The plants were truly beautiful, and they've even placed shells to mark the path.

My bike awaits me.  It's a good thing it was an "old-style" bike like its rider.

We also stopped by the area where I rode the jet ski two weeks ago, but to note the sea life.

Note the jellyfish in the shallow water.  This type doesn't sting.

A stingray and tropical fish seem to be getting along.

Here's a female sting ray swimming in the shallow water.

After the bike ride, it was "beach time" for me.  I had a few margaritas in that beach chair,  and I took a few dips in that clear, cool water.