Charlie and I have been trying to take our first cruise since 2019.

I had booked us, unbooked us, booked us again, then COVID hit.

We finally boarded Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas at the end of last month and took a five day cruise from Baltimore to Bermuda and back.

Then we headed to deck 9 since our stateroom would not be ready until later in the day.  Deck 9 houses swimming pools, hot tubs, a fitness center, a large buffet eating area, and a smaller cafeteria-style café.

The Park Café was one of our favorite areas on the ship since a bite to eat — both savory and sweet — could be had most any time of day or evening. Pre-cruise I had sussed out the immediate eating possibilities since Charlie likes to snack often.

We could not leave the port until every passenger on the ship reported to his/her muster station.  We had already watched the safety video when we showed up at our muster station where our potential lifeboat was positioned.  A member of the crew checked us in.

We boarded around noon but our accommodations were not ready until around 1:30.

Even though we could get into our room our luggage didn’t arrive until after dinner.  Our sea pass was attached to our door which we picked up and carried with us at all times.  It is both an ID card and a credit card for our account on the ship.

We had some time before set sail so we toured around the ship on our own.

When we finally shoved off we and most of the passengers watched from open decks.

We sailed down the Chesapeake Bay under bridges.

Being on the water never gets old for me especially in an area as familiar as the bay.

Finally at 5:30 we entered the dining room and had dinner with another congenial couple who would be our dinner companions every evening.

I ordered both a crab cake and escargot as starters.  The crab cake was not really up to Maryland standard which seemed to distress our waiter.  The snails, however, were succulent and drenched in garlic butter.   After protest Charlie tried one of the little tidbits and finished off the remainder of the dish. Hmmmm.

After dinner we sampled more food from the café and visited various areas on the ship where trivia knowledge was being tested, bands were playing, and everyone was having a good time. Our maiden cruise was underway.

Jo

In order to cruise from Baltimore to Bermuda on Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas last week Charlie and I had to fulfil a number of last-minute requirements.

I had previously filled out online a Bermuda travel application from the Island of Bemuda which was approved pending a COVID test for $40 per traveler.

Four days in advance of departure I received an email requesting a COVID test upload which could be accomplished no more than 2 days before departure.  I had already ordered and received “Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test with eMed Telehealth Services for Travel” from Optum.com.

We were scheduled to travel on Saturday so on Thursday (2 days before travel) Charlie and I took our tests.  I tested first.

I received written confirmation of a negative test in about 15 minutes from eMed labs. I sent Bermuda my results about 8 a.m. A little after noon I was informed that my travel application had been rejected.  I re-sent it not actually knowing the reason for rejection.

Later in the afternoon I sent Charlie’s results which were also negative.  By the next morning I still had not heard about either application being accepted or rejected so I called the toll free number (which is not easily located on the form).  I called early Friday morning, the day before we were set to sail, and held on for 33+ minutes since I was 19th in the queue.  The recording kept saying I had less than 3 minutes to wait.  Anyway I hung on and finally spoke to an operator who took our information and approved both applications.  He immediately emailed them to me.  I accessed both files then initialed and electronically signed them after which a pdf download was available which I both printed and saved.

The issue for denial of my first vaccination information was that it had been password protected.  My second submission was a copy of the result from my phone which was accepted.

Lots of people arrived at the port with all documents except the Bermuda Travel Authorisation [sic] but they were assisted and able to get the authorization before boarding.  Apparently Bermuda had sent 2 employees to help expedite the situation.  It would not have been much of a problem for Charlie and me to return home since we only live 15 minutes from the port, but others had driven hours, even days, to catch the cruise.

As one traveler pointed out — we were already required to be vaxxed and tested before cruising so this is just a redundant authorization from Bermuda which makes traveling more arduous and less peaceful. Sincerely it was a waste of time and money.  Many shipmates have canceled future trips to Bermuda and replaced them with other destinations.

Wish these places that depend upon tourism would get with the program.

Jo

Earlier this month  I was slated to attend a “star watch” at the Patuxent Research Refuge but it was canceled due to excessive cloud cover.

Friday evening I did attend a “night hike” at the Refuge which was held starting at 8 p.m.  I was greeted at the North Tract by Ranger Jeff and whole host of Boy Scouts.

We waited until dark then walked around Merganser Pond for about an hour and a half. Before we started the hike we could see beaver swimming around in the pond — looking for dinner I was told.

We listened to the night sounds: crickets, tree frogs, birds.

One detour led us to a scientist who travels the world studying moths.  Over 2,600 species of moths can be found in Maryland!

Even with no moon the sky was fairly light due to light pollution from the surrounding developed areas.

I learned a bit and had a unique experience.  With 568 national wildlife refuges in the United States, take an opportunity to check out one local to you.

Jo

Once upon a time Charlie asked me what I’d like for a Christmas or birthday gift.

I responded that I have everything I need or want.  What I really enjoy are new experiences.

He booked an appointment for me to learn to shoot a gun.  It just so happens our neighbors own and manage a gun range and so we went to their establishment.

We checked in with IDs and were given all the necessary items for a beginner: ear protection, eye protection, a pistol, ammunition, a target, and an instructor.

I was attended not only by Charlie (an experienced hunter) but also by a young man who ran the range and stayed with me the entire time.

He not only adjusted the computerized target but also loaded my gun for me.

I tried to load it myself but had difficulty pulling back the very stiff spring and putting the bullets in at the same time.

I lined up my first shot and found the trigger difficult to pull with my feeble hands.

My first shot hit the body near the shoulder and I was thrilled. I was actually aiming for the #5 near the belly button on the target and my second shot came very close.  I think I hit the torso on the target every time I pulled the trigger.

I also had the opportunity to try a revolver which is complicated in its own way.  I had to pull back the hammer before I could pull the trigger.  However, loading it was much easier.

This unique (for me) experience was proof I’ll never be a gun person.  I guess I’ll have to hire a bodyguard.

Jo

Charlie and I had a glorious 4-day weekend in NYC.

One experience I was hoping he would really enjoy was a visit to the Empire State Building.

I purchased tickets online that would take us to the 86th floor outdoor observation deck and ultimately to the 102nd floor windowed mast.  Charlie was dubious since he knows I know he does NOT enjoy heights.

We walked to the ESB from the NY Public Library — about 8 minutes.  Our tickets were for 12:15 p.m. and we arrived about 20 minutes in advance of that time. We queued on West 34th Street and were let inside starting at noon.  The line moved quickly.

Inside our ID and COVID status were checked.

Obviously the ESB is accustomed to handling much larger crowds.  Photo opportunities, even in the lobby area, abound.  We stood in front of a photo of the exterior of the building to have our picture taken.

Later we and all visitors would have our photo professionally taken by staff.  No one gets in unaccounted for. (We had the option to purchase the photo but decided against it.)

The first elevator stop is the 80th floor.  From the ground floor to the 80th is a 58 second ride during which there is a video on the ceiling of your trip up and up.

In addition to windows overlooking Manhattan and surrounding areas the 80th floor has displays of the history of the ESB and lots of photo opportunities.

We hopped on another elevator to the 86th floor which has an open air deck.  Charlie was not thrilled with this experience.  (This was the area where Sleepless in Seattle was filmed.)  The view from this observation deck was 360 degrees over NYC. I could have spent more time here.

However, I was eager to reach the 102nd floor (where An Affair to Remember was filmed) for the grandest view of all.  I asked the guard on the 102nd if he enjoyed being there.  He said it took some getting used to but now he loves it.

I loved it, too  The windows were very clean. How is that possible?

This was my favorite stop of the day.

We documented it in photos just to prove Charlie also made the trip.

After the Empire State building we headed uptown.

• Long Weekend in NYC: Arrival Day
• Long Weekend in NYC: First Full Day
• Long Weekend in NYC:  Second Full Day
• Long Weekend in NYC:  Homeward Bound (Day 4)
• Masking in NYC Theatres

Jo

We saw 4 Broadway shows while we were in New York recently.

The owners and operators of all 41 Broadway theatres in New York City required and will continue to require vaccinations for audience members, as well as performers, backstage crew, and theatre staff, for all performances through April 30, 2022. Masks will continue to be required for audiences inside the theatre, except while actively eating or drinking in designated locations.

Every theatre and every show had dedicated staff to remind and enforce the masking policy.

I asked one of the lobby crew if I could take his photo.  He was clearly delighted under his mask.

My takeaway is: “Don’t give up what you love, just be prudent”.

• Long Weekend in NYC: Arrival Day
• Long Weekend in NYC: First Full Day
• Long Weekend in NYC:  Second Full Day
• Long Weekend in NYC:  Homeward Bound (Day 4)

Jo