Here’s what’s happening with us....

Well we went to bed early so we could start the day early. I guess 06:30 is too early for my travel partners. I went down to the pool area and started soaking up the sun and read my book. Stephanie came down about 2 hours later, shortly followed by her Mom. We decided to make a quick trip into WalMart to purchase some wine and rum that we wanted to bring back home with us. Stephanie bought some shorts, while Pat bought a blouse. As I said it was a quick trip. We were back at the hotel by 11:30. The rest of the day was spent sitting on the beach listening to the waves and relaxing.

It was Karaoke night in the dinning palapa tonight! We were serenaded by a very lively Mexican who was having a lot of fun. He sang in both spanish and english. It was fun entertainment while we ate our meals. Stephanie had blackened chicken, Pat had shrimp and I had enchalattas. Pat and I also tried the Yucatan chicken and lime soup. Yum, Yum.

One of the beach areas

The Palapa. Were the food is…..

From our balcony

Stephanie, Pat and I said our good byes to my parents then headed off to Altabrisa to catch the bus to Cancun. At least this time our bus departed at a more decent hour. The bus trip was quiet and uneventful. I was able to sleep most of the 4 hours. We arrived at the bustling Cancun bus station at 13:30 and were at the hotel by 14:00. Like the rest our our bookings this one was messed up too. I won’t go into details, but lets just say it took over 4 hours to correct the issue. Finally in the proper room we went down to enjoy the pool area and then dinner. We watched the party boats heading out, including 2 pirate ships, Captain Hook, and the Jolly Roger. To bed early tonight so we can start tomorrows adventures early.

Stephanie and I decided to volunteer at a Spay/Neuter Clinic in Progreso. A group called Plan Pethood Plus (plannedpethoodplus.com) help the local officials set up the clinic once a year to allow the owners to bring their companions to be checked, receive their shots, and if needed to be spayed or neutered. They, the Vets I mean performed 805 procedures in the 2 days. Stephanie started in the prep area, then moved to surgical. I spent the two days in surgery. It was a great expeirence!!

Human IV pole.

Over 20 operating tables, including the ironing board on the right.

Dr Nelson with one of his patients.

It was off to the Xcambo ruins today. Because we were not going to make it to Chichen Itza to see the ruins there, we though it was important to get Pat to Xcambo. It’s only about 40 minutes from my parents place. The drive goes by fast because there is lots to see along the way. Everything from mansions to sisal farms and flamingos.

The Xcambo Ruins

We decided to go to visit Celestun today. Its a 2 hour drive but you get to see the wonderful countryside. Celestun is a small port with an estuary. The flamingos gather in the estyary in the winter. We took a boat ride and saw alot of birds, and visited a natural spring surrounded by a boadwalk. Before the boat trip we decided to have lunch at a wonderful restaurant. Stephanie and I had chicken, Pat had fish. A trip to Celestun is a must if you are in the area.

Today we took a bus ride to Merida to tour the square. We visited the oldest house in Merida then headed over to the Cathedral. To our pleasant surprise it was opened at the time and we were allowed to go inside. Its the first time any of of us had seen the inside. A couple of things we learned. 1) Pope John Paul visited the Cathedral over 21 years ago.  2) The Spaniards, tore everything down in Merida when the arrived and used it to build the Cathedral…including grave stones. 3) The crucifix at the alter was 36 feet high, the figure of Jesus was 26 feet high, and the figure was carved in whole from one piece of wood which was from Canada.  (see the gallery at the bottom of the page)

Mass was about to begin.

Pope John Paul knelt here to pray.

Today we went into Progreso. It was cruise ship day. The Carnival ship – Triumph docked on the pier today. that means the souvenir shops are up and open. Stephanie, Pat and me visited both the markets taking time to look at everything. After a while we met up with my parents and they drove Pat back to the house while we walked back via the beach. By the way, we didn’t visit the Naked Frog…..

The Naked Frog

Shopping for some apron material

Fruits and vegetable shopping. Some of it was very fresh.

The Market

More “ALMOST FREE” stuff….

Just in case there was any confusion about which way your boat should sit in the water.

We needed a day of rest after yesterdays travels. 17 hours from start to finish. We spent the day with our books and very good company.

Stephanie. Pat and my Mother Sharron.

With the dog sitter and house sitter in place we started our latest journey. The day started at 03:30 with me shoveling the walkway at Pats house. Just enough so the taxi cab can get into the driveway. We headed to the airport already knowing that our fight would be delayed by 45 minutes. We boarded at 07:00, taxied to the de icing area at 07:15. Left the de icing area at 09:10 and took off at 09:15. A total of 3 hours behind our original take off time. I know there was nothing Air Canada could do. After all they don’t control the weather. But because we left so late we were unable to make our bus connection. Oh well. In the end we made it too my parents…17 hours after we woke up. Let the holiday begin!!!

Green anti icing chemicals

Stephanie inspecting the de icing.

It was another successful day today. Waking up a little earlier to see the full eclipse of the moon. Stephanie and me, with about 100 of our closest camping friends woke up at 05:00 and headed to the beach to catch this event. It was nice to see. Unfortunately we were not equipped with the proper photo equipment to get a good picture. But later in the day Stephanie did see something strange floundering in the sea…..