All I Got Was A Lousy T-Shirt. . .(SleepyD's WetnWild Shower Fan Club -16 Feb 07)

[Madisonznana]

Yo Sleepy
We are still here waiting and waiting and waiting

 

[Disneygrl36]

Where oh where is Sleepydog?????

 

[JDBlair]

Okay, FatherForce is done and I think he started after you. What? Just observing out loud. I think you're milking this for all it's worth. You like watching us post on here and beg you to give us more amusement! I was gone yesterday to watch the Rolling Stones concert and come back and still....nothing! What's up, Dog??

 

[sleepydog25]

Day 4: Castaway Cay Comes a’ Callin’, Part II​

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Or is it vice versa? When last we joined our intrepid travelers (yes, yes, I know it has been a few days—I said I’m sorry), they were headed to SerenityBeach. They/We pretty much knew what to expect from reading TRs, but it is still exciting to see it for the first time. And what a beauty. . .Doc, that is. Beach wasn’t bad, either. We had spent time snorkeling and shopping, so we didn’t arrive until nearly 11:30, meaning all the close beach loungers with umbrellas were gone. We began the trek to the Other Side. About 100 yards down the beach, I was beginning to tire. Another 100 yards and I felt a kinship with the French Foreign Legion. The sand was gorgeous, but tough to maneuver in, especially with snorkeling gear, five books, tubes upon tubes of sun screen, sandals, various items of clothing, and the ubiquitous waterproof ID boxes hanging round our necks. But, we did find an open space with umbrella. . .just inside U.S. territorial waters—I thought I saw Port Canaveral from there. The views were lovely, though. . .

Iradescent water, sparkling sand, and konk koolers. . .oh, and Doc sitting in the chair in left center of the picture.

More of the "adult" beach looking back toward the bar and BBQ area. . .the important points. . .


The first thing we needed was food and libations, not necessarily in that order. I hiked back down to the main entrance knowing the grill would be open. Sure enough, it was and I piled up food on a tray. They had lots to offer such as the typical hamburger, hot dogs, and salads. But there was more: grilled fish, Greek salad, couscous, ribs, etc. I was surprised at how nice the spread was. However, I am compelled to digress here.



Instructions on how to get through a buffet line

a) Grab a plate. Do not dawdle trying to choose the perfect one. Just pick up a plate (or two) and go.

b) Salads can be scooped in bunches. It is not necessary to choose each individual lettuce, spinach, or arugula leaf and positioning it on your plate as if it were a priceless jewel. It is rabbit food. Proceed apace.

c) Yes, that is an olive. If it is round or oval and either green, black, or plum in color, chances are it is an olive. Just like with plates, there are no perfect ones, and they’re all pretty much alike once you get beyond the color.

d) Onions don’t bite. I realize that you may not like onions, but truly there is no sane reason to separate them from your olives or salad while standing in line. Move along.

d) [1] Do not place onion slivers BACK into the salad bowl. Move along.

e) Fresh fruit here is like fresh fruit at home. Strawberries have not changed color, pineapple is still tart/sweet, bananas are yellow, and grapes come in white, red, and black varieties. It is totally unworthy of your time to remark how much fresher-looking fruit is at SerenityBay than at home. If you don’t hurry, it will all turn brown anyway.

f) Do not stop. Pausing to load your plate with salads, cheeses, fruit, etc. is encouraged; however, please don’t mistake the buffet line for your kitchen. If you want to eat off your plate as you go, kindly shuffle your feet and move to the side. That size 11 shoe print on your shirt will likely be mine if you don’t.

g) Do not turn quickly/Look before you turn. These go hand-in-hand. You are not alone at the buffet. There are 75 people de-onioning their salads, admiring the fruit, and wondering if that’s a cheese ball or butter in the pasta salad, and if you turn suddenly to reach for something you forgot, you will very likely wind up with a chest full of green, black, and kalamata olives. Likewise, do not depart the line without first looking to your left and right. Uh-huh, both left AND right. People have been known to walk across one’s path from either direction.

h) Finally, all chicken, hamburgers, grilled fish, and ribs are created equal. One should not waste precious moments of one’s life deciding whether the chicken breast grilling on the right or the left (or even in the middle) is better than the other two. Parts is parts. And. If you do need to make that tough choice, please move to the side while you think. . .careful to make sure you look both ways before you do. . . Now, back to our regularly scheduled verbosity. . .



What lunch on SerenityBay would be complete with a Konk Kooler or a Bahama Mama? Or two? Certainly not ours, so I stopped there to get those drinks to enjoy with lunch. After checking my compass and consulting my map, I found my way back to our little slice of heaven on SerenityBeach.

While we ate, Doc and I decided there was one job on CC that we would absolutely hate: beach beverage server (BBS). We saw a couple of them, and they were in perpetual motion. . .slow. . .mo. . .tion. Oh, they were walking as fast as they could, but the deep sand made the effort seem syrupy, no, molassesy. (That’s not a word, you say? Do you understand what I mean? Yes? Then it’s a word.) I mean, those guys worked hard, especially having to take an order down on the Foreign Legionnaires section where we were, hoofing it all the way to the bar, and then turning around for the return trip. That’s gotta be a tough job, and I can imagine the first time someone says, “No, what I really wanted was. . .” We decided there was one upside to the position of BBS: great-looking calves. Paint the toenails and you could have a winner in the Mr or Ms Castaway Cay contest.



Soon after eating, the moment arrived: the best time spent on the beach. . .period. Doc’s nap. No, seriously. As I’ve mentioned earlier, Doc’s ultimate vacation fantasy—aside from me, of course —is to take a good book, a beach lounger, a drink, and then relax under warm, sunny skies on the beach. Which she did. Wondrously. Easily. Nappingly. She also spent time wondering if I’d come back alive from my adventure—at least 30 seconds she says. What adventure? I went parasailing, did I.



Yes, parasailing. I had never done it before, and I was psyched. Doc asked me before the trip which thing I most looked forward to doing. “Besides spending time with you, my dearest delightful darling, to which all else pales in comparison, I would have to say that a distant, nay remote, second would be parasailing.” I think I got extra points for that!



I showed up early (imagine that!) to the parasailing embarkation area, and sized up the competition. Of course it was a competition. I am male. Hear me testosterone. The other parasailees were a mom with two young sons, a couple slightly younger than me with grown kids at home, and an “item” twosome who both worked on the ship. . .as in they were an item but both were trying to act merely friendly to each other, though it was obvious they found each other uh-mazing. And. Not one of us had ever parasailed. I knew that for a fact from them speaking; however, for some reason, it was assumed I had done it before. Maybe it was my ability to help the two-man parasailing crew unhook a line or two, or my quick reaction to help balance the boat when too many people made it list to one side. Whatever the case, the young CM male piped up and said, “Well, he obviously knows what he’s doing—you can tell he’s done this before.” Keep in mind that he has to yell this to be heard above the throaty engine roar and the wind whistling past our ears. Was it worth the effort to attempt an explanation that I, too, was a parasailing virgin? I didn’t think so. . .and gave him a thumbs up. And a wink! What, was I now channeling the “In-A-gadda-da-vida” Dude Man? Criminitly!



By the time my addlepated brain realized that I was passing myself off as someone I wasn’t, it was too late. The first mate pointed at me—I was going first. Great! I had all these eyes on me, looking to see how it was done. . .and I had no frickin’ clue. Actually, the instructions were extremely simple: latch up, sit down, then come in standing up. Piece of cake, I thought, praying that I didn’t immediately dump myself into the water and come up looking like a bigger doofus than I already did wearing a contraption designed by the Marquis de Sade to test how badly you ever want to have children again. They gunned the boat’s motors and suddenly I was aloft, floating ever higher into the sky, and my biggest amazement was how eerily quiet it was. I could barely hear the boat. I could not hear the voices of the passengers on the boat who were yelling encouragement. . .or they were asking if I knew my shorts were in my throat. Not sure which.



A second surprise also occurred to me during my 5-7 minute flight. Parasailing would be a good way to strengthen my abs. I could hear the announcer’s voice on TV: “Yes, you too can have rock solid abs, that six-pack you’ve always wanted! Just follow this easy regimen of parasailing twice a day for 20 minutes, and within two weeks, you’ll feel the difference! You get parasailing lessons, a personal flotation device, a harness specifically fitted for your butt (or lack thereof), and cooling ocean breezes. Plus, for a limited time, you get a suntan for absolutely free! You get all of this for only $3200 plus taxes as applicable. Hurry! Order now! Our company is not responsible for future inability of parasailers to conceive. Side effects may include nausea, dizziness, sunburn, broken legs, mutilation, or death.” The only slightly disconcerting thing is that you sit forward in the harness, and it feels like you’re slipping out—which, trust me, you are not. But it does cause you to work your abs. Of course, I don’t have a six-pack. . .more like an egg carton.



Anyway, I love thrill rides, so this activity really was a treat for me. I could see CC, the Flying Dutchman, and naturally the Wonder. If anything, oddly enough, it was too serene. Part of me is still there, too. I felt so insignificant while flying yet marveled at how beautiful our world can be. It was a good lesson on perspective, humbling me as it equally excited. Too soon it was over, and they began reeling me in. Lower, lower, lower. . .until I dunked in the water! So that’s what the boat’s first mate was meaning by saying before I took off, “we may want you to test the water for us!” They then throttled up just enough to get me airborne and I came in standing up. . .just like they coached. As I unbuckled my harness, I heard the CM male say to his companion, “I told you he had done it before!” Pretty soon, I was sharing my experience with the others as the two kids buckled into a dual harness. Yeah, I was the resident expert now. And who was I to argue?



Oh, you might be asking if I got pics of me parasailing. Well, yes and no. You be the judge.

Okay, here's the deal. . .I didn't take this picture. I had my camera in my pocket and the harness wouldn't budge enough to pull it out. So, one of my fellow parasailers took this for me. I'm hidden by the awning.

This, on the other hand, IS me. . .being dunked. . .very cool!


Once back on land, I hurried back to Doc, though I stopped long enough at the Serenity Beach Bar to grab yet another Kooler for me and a Mama for mama. We still had nearly an hour to kill before we needed to head back to the Wonder, so I went snorkeling again. I swam to Melbourne and back, but saw only a couple of fish. Meanwhile, Doc had made a new friend.

Doc took five shots of him. . .that speck in the middle. . .and only one turned out. That's one mama with too many bahama mamas if you ask me.

and with the day beginning to wind down, we opted to head back to our room a little early to avoid the crowds. However, as we walked, I made mental notes about a few fellow cruisers:
1. If people are ogling you, that may not be a good thing.

1a. Less is not necessarily more. Speedos come to mind.

2. Sun screen good. Lobster burn, not so much.

3. It is not necessary for groups of 10 or more to walk side-by-side. . . . . . . . . .slowly

4. Family beach should not be construed as Family Feud beach.

5. If you see a man lounging in a beach chair, sipping a banana daiquiri, and taking his own picture as he pretends to sleep, ask to see his wine tasting pin. . .

AND I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU. . .The Fantastic Four, as envisioned by Disney. . .and Mickey ain't bad, either. . .

At the end of the day, we were happy, but dog tired, and ready to reboard the Wonder.


It had been another very good day, the most relaxing yet. What is it about sand, ocean waves, and sun that makes a day on the beach feel so relaxing? Oh, yeah, I forgot about the booze. That helps.





Next up! Day 4: Our Final Night at Sea

 

[firstmickey]

FINALLY is right! and I'm first!

no, molassesy. (That’s not a word, you say? Do you understand what I mean? Yes? Then it’s a word.)

Uh huh.....whatever you say!


LMAO at the buffet thing....I said that all in my head when I went through there in the pouring rain.


Doc has my idea of the perfect vacation also.


Great pics!


do we have to wait another two weeks for the end?

 

[Holly&Joesmommy]

Sleepydog ~ It's been 2 weeks now since I was last on here, and I am so glad to see that I didn't miss much!

No really, I am enjoying catching up on your tr.

I might add that my family did indeed read all 40 + printed pages of your tr, and also enjoyed it. ( we had a unexpected extra long flight hovering over Atlanta Intl for 1.5 hrs, so they really had no choice

Our trip was FAB! can't say I'm glad to be back...
oh well back to reality.

 

[Timmbco]

okay, I can't stand it. I have to say something......I'm in your Serenity Bay photo!! I wasn't sure but then I spotted the young and inseparable couple with the innertube.....yeah its me on the green float. In fact, the two chairs , a respectable distance from your right, are ours. The really crazy thing is that I don't remember seeing you guys all. What's even more funny is that we were at your seating at table 51. Chintana and Joachir were ours server too. And guess what....I still never saw you. I have a blur on the last night at Tritons that all you guys were finally at a table together but that's it.

I was also thrilled to see myself in one of FatherForce's photos. He caught us entering the terminal at the beginning of the cruise. We were the first people in the CC Club line.
I just had to say something. I'll be looking for myself in more of your photos so keep them coming!

 

[UtahMama]

Dawg! You are funny!!! And Talented!

I want you to print out and laminate your "Buffet 101" and post at every Disney Buffet...that'd be great if you'd get right on that!

I love your wife's fantasy about a good book, a beach, and a NAP! I think I 'll snag that one! I'd even like the lil' crab-friends!

The parasailing sounds fabulous! Like "Soarin" only better!

Thanks SO much for that!

 

[Madisonznana]

Great chapter Dog, I was on the edge of my seat during your parasailing adventure
I'm going to hate seeing this come to an end

 

[Grammyof2]

Dog - I am not a thrill seeker by any means. But the one thing I want to do is Parasail, before I die, which would be a good time.

great job, loved it

 

[zweihund]

I think I might have to try parasailing next time!
Great installment. Glad to know you're back among the living

 

[DisneyZell]

[Yes, DZ, but mine is by accident, remember? [/size][/font]


ouch!

 

[DisneyZell]

Nice installment. I especially liked the tips about the buffet line. uh, too bad no one will listen. it's kind of like driving...just because there is a corner, or a hill does NOT mean you have to slow down to 5 MPH. I'm just sayin....

 

[curlybop]

Oh, they were walking as fast as they could, but the deep sand made the effort seem syrupy, no, molassesy. (That’s not a word, you say? Do you understand what I mean? Yes? Then it’s a word.)

Yes, parasailing. I had never done it before, and I was psyched. Doc asked me before the trip which thing I most looked forward to doing. “Besides spending time with you, my dearest delightful darling, to which all else pales in comparison, I would have to say that a distant, nay remote, second would be parasailing.” I think I got extra points for that!

I totally understand the word. My DH makes up words all of the time, so I'm used to it.

I gather by the reply to what you want to do most, you've been married quite a while. Doc has trained you very well.

Another great installment. I really enjoyed it!

 

[JDBlair]

okay, I can't stand it. I have to say something......I'm in your Serenity Bay photo!! I wasn't sure but then I spotted the young and inseparable couple with the innertube.....yeah its me on the green float. In fact, the two chairs , a respectable distance from your right, are ours. The really crazy thing is that I don't remember seeing you guys all. What's even more funny is that we were at your seating at table 51. Chintana and Joachir were ours server too. And guess what....I still never saw you. I have a blur on the last night at Tritons that all you guys were finally at a table together but that's it.

I was also thrilled to see myself in one of FatherForce's photos. He caught us entering the terminal at the beginning of the cruise. We were the first people in the CC Club line.
I just had to say something. I'll be looking for myself in more of your photos so keep them coming!

I'll confess, I went back to the Serenity Bay pic to check you out!! What a small world!

 

[JDBlair]

Nice installment. I especially liked the tips about the buffet line. uh, too bad no one will listen. it's kind of like driving...just because there is a corner, or a hill does NOT mean you have to slow down to 5 MPH. I'm just sayin....

So glad to know that I am not the only one that has noticed that if there is a bend in the road, traffic comes to a stop! Come on people!!!

 

[JDBlair]

Dog - Thank you for posting!!! Again, I liked the report. It's good. When this is over, maybe you can just post things about random observations you make on a daily basis??

 

[sleepydog25]

Wow, you clean up nicely. Of course Doc is beautiful, and Tinkerbell could not be any cuter!

They're cute and beautiful, and all I get is "you clean up nicely?" Then again, I did get a "wow."

Dog, love your trippie! I'm not very verbose, LOL, but I figured something is better than nothing.

Thanks, Marita! Always nice to hear a friendly comment. Leave the verbosity to me.

Ok Dog, I was really, really polite all weekend. We are more than ready now.

And I delivered as promised. . .albeit a few days late. . .

Wowser, Bowser!
Loved the bonus shots from the ball and Halloween.
My, what a sweet princess you and Doc have!

Hey, MM! And thanks. She is proof unselfish love exists in this world.

Okay. I have too much to say. Not sure I have the time to do it right now. Suffice it to say....love the pics, love the characters, love the story. This makes for an awesome read. You, my friend, know how to weave a yarn. And you are dang funny, to boot. And you and the misses and the princess clean up just dandy. Wow! Thanks for making me want to go on a cruise!

Thanks, horsey! Weaving is what I do best. Not sure the pattern is easy to follow though. lol Hey, there's a mess of us going in '08. . .or at least planning to. Join us!

I used to swim as a child for a club whose initials were SAC and my warm up jacket had a patch on it with those initials but not the periods after each letter (not that that's important but thought I'd note it for those who are detailed challenged) anyways when I wore my jacket to ANYTHING not swim related I ALWAYS had some man (remember I was a kid at the time) comment about Strategic Air Command (I guess they thought I got the jacket from something related to that). I don't know where all the SAC is but we did live in an area with every known branch of the military around. Is there some sort of club for this SAC that would make people comment about it so much?

SAC was an old command that was headquartered in Offutt AFB, NE (near Omaha) and responsible for all the Air Force nukes in bombers and missile silos. As such, it was a very, very anal retentive command--you don't want to screw around with nukes. Standards were extremely tough, and major inspections occurred twice a year, with a half dozen or more minor ones. We trained relentlessly and played hard. It was a command known for eating its young. Thus, anyone who was actually in SAC has an automatic kinship with others having any connection to it. SAC went away about a decade and a half ago, but its memory still burns brightly within us old crew bears.

Originally Posted by sleepydog25
Salt water tastes like crap

You did not have to spend mucho bucks on a cruise to figure that out

Well, it wasn't listed as a tip on any TRs! How was I supposed to know? And, hey, some people liked my legs. . .

Glad to know why I remind you of ND - I'm a hop, skip and a jump from WPAFB in Dayton, so I know lots of folks who talk in "code" - using initials for everything! Heck, we have our own sort here on the DIS! ADR, MVMCP, LGMHPC, etc.

Wright-Pat as it is affectionately called. Never been there though my old paperwork would show I was assigned to that base. lol Story for another day, perhaps.

Ok Sleepy.
I'm done.

Tag.

I can hear your smugness from here, my friend. . .

Yeah SleepyDog....you're it!

Don't encourage him!

Yo Sleepy
We are still here waiting and waiting and waiting

Not anymore, more, more. . .

Where oh where is Sleepydog?????

"Why did you leave us hear all alone? We searched the boards over and thought we found true love, but you stopped typing and thhhpppptttt you were gone."

Okay, FatherForce is done and I think he started after you. What? Just observing out loud. I think you're milking this for all it's worth. You like watching us post on here and beg you to give us more amusement! I was gone yesterday to watch the Rolling Stones concert and come back and still....nothing! What's up, Dog??

Skim, 2%, or lowfat chocolate? And, I believe the proper Randy Jacksonism is: "What up, dawg!?"

 

[Disneygrl36]

Great installment............
I love the Serenity Bay pics. I can almost feel a drink in my hand.
I wanted to go parasailing but my hubby thought it was too expensive for just 5-7 minutes airborne.
Thanks so much for bringing us along for the fun.

 

[NAB]

Yes those rules for the buffet should be posted.

Great pictures. Can't wait to I am sitting on one of those chairs. You didn't leave you stuff on any did you so I can't sit there since you won't be back for awhile.


--