Bath Remodel 2009
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We decided to take the scenic Tamiami Trail throught the Everglades from Miami.  Along the way we took an airboat tour, saw lots of alligators, and stopped at a fish shack for lunch.
Breakfast at Jack and Zana's
Jack near window, counter cw to right from Jack: Maxine, Bob, Chad, Zana, Patty, Barry the photographer's chair, Susan
Half Moon Cay
Willamstad, Curacao
PANAMA CANAL CRUISE
MS ZUIDERDAM
02/21 - 03/03/2010
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My sister Patsy Perkins, nephew Chad Sehlin, Susan and I spent 10 wonderful days cruising the Caribbean.  We flew from Seattle to Miami on February 19, spent the night in Miami, and then drove to Naples, Florida, to visit cousins Bob and Maxine Mundt, and Jack and Zana Sehlin.  After a nice visit and pleasant evening with them we drove to Ft Lauderdale and boarded MS Zuiderdam on February 21.  After departing Ft Lauderdale we spent 10 great days cruising the Caribbean with stops at Half-Moon Cay; Williamstad,Curacao; Orangstad,Aruba; Gatun Lake, Panama; Cristobal, Panama; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica.  Upon returning to Ft Lauderdale we took a tour of the city including a river boat excursion on Ft Lauderdale's famous canals before checking in for our return flight to Seattle.
Susan and I walked and shopped around both Curacao and Aruba.  It was quite hot and very humid at both stops so our shore visits were fairly short.  Patty and Chad went to a private island near Aruba where they had a great day including more snorkeling for Chad.
Oranjestad, Aruba
Panama Canal
The passage through the canal from Cristobal on the Caribbean to Gatun Lake, and return, was the high point of our cruise.  Holland America provided several excellent lectures and slide shows covering the history and operation of the canal.  Being onboard to watch the entire operation was fascinating and a great thrill.
Cristobal, Panama, and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, and return to Ft Lauderdale and home
After completing our passage of the Panama Canal our ship made a brief stop at the port near the entrance on the Caribbean side.  The following day we spent several hours at Puerto Limon, Costa Rica.  We went ashore briefly at each of these, did a little shopping and sightseeing, and then relaxed onboard.  The weather continued quite warm, humid, and rainy - what one should expect in a rain forest.

After the day at Puerto Limon we spent two full days at sea enroute to Ft Lauderdale.  Since the ship arrived at 7 AM and our flight was not until 4:05 PM we decided to take a tour of Ft Lauderdale.  I didn't realize the extent of the canal system of Ft Lauderdale.  Our tour included a river boat cruise through a few of the canals with a guide pointing out some of the homes, yachts, etc.  More multi-million dollar homes than Bellevue.

Some of the nicest surprises of the trip were at various transportation points.  We experienced no significant lines or delays checking in at any airport (Not one person in line at American in Ft Lauderdale), no delays for security, super quick service picking up and returning our Alamo rental, and virtually no wait to check aboard the ship.  There was a convenient no cost shuttle from the car rental area at Ft Lauderdale to the cruise port.