May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 4

[EllaEnchanted]

Deb,

I was replying to this and my laptop shutdown for NO reason!!

I hate that when that happens!!!

We only have a couple of bottles of the Spencer Roloson left. The next release will come out in a couple of months or so.

The other syrah that you ordered is very good too, a bit liter than the Spencer Roloson, but a very good syrah all the same!!

Another really rich Shiraz (same as Syrah, but from "down under") is the Annie's Lane Shiraz!! I have quite a bit of this one and it is really good too!

I will be toddeling off to bed soon as well!




Karen, do you ship 1/2 cases? If so, I would do what you have left of the Spencer Roloson and finish off the 1/2 case with the Annie's Lane Shiraz. Is that possible? Or do I need to order another full case? Let me know. Thanks.

Karen

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Those are all places that I would like to cruise in as well. But I'm with you, only if DCL goes there!!

Maybe we'll see them all on the same cruises!!

Karen

If DCL goes there, I will be on the ship...we'll definitely coordinate and try to pick the same sailings. What fun that would be!!!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

AAARRRRGGGGG!!!!

Going to bed I am!!

Karen

Congrats to you for defending our posts...sorry I couldn't stay awake any longer to help you out! Good Job Pirate!!!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

The Crowne Plaza on Harbor Drive?

Woody

Yes, that's the one! How close is it to your house? I think it's near the beach too, but I'm not certain. I know the Santa Monica pier is not far also. Any other points of interest nearby? We'll be staying there for one week after cruise. Is it a nice hotel? From what I've read, it appears to be. What do you think?

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Enterprise is close by. Try this link: port of los angeles

Woody

Thanks, that's a great link, lots of good info. But, Enterprise not open on Sunday when we get off the ship. How far would it be to Long Beach airport from there? Could take a cab or car service and have more car rental company options. If Long Beach is the next closest, if they even have an airport...still working out the details. I'm trying to get it planned now because in three weeks it'll be one year and I can finally book everything. YEAHHHH gotta get those ressies done asap.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

My Freaky Night....

Why is it that strange things always happen when DH is away? and they always happen in the middle of the night?

Last night about 1230, I noticed my dogs were walking all over me...like they were trying to wake me up. Then I realized I was hearing my garage door open OK, I was pretty sure DH didn't from Savannah and I know I didn't open it. I was scared, but not awake enough to really think it was happening. Went downstairs and checked and sure enough the garage door was open and the light was on (which meant that it had just opened within the past 10 minutes or so)! Shut it quickly....looked at my pathetic excuses for guard dogs...did a door and window check and then sat on the couch for a while trying to figure it out. Never did figure it out Finally fell asleep around 3 after I was certain there was no one else in the house!!!!!

Kaylee, either you are very brave or crazy...did you have a baseball bat in hand? Thank all goodness that nothing further happened. It could have been some kids playing with garage door openers, but how did the light go on? Too scarry!

 

[nskjerven]

I have been thinking about taking the train back home to the SFO area. I have to wait to see what the schedule will be to see if it would work out, but thought it would be fun for the kids to take a trip with train, planes, auto (limo!), and ship! It is the coast starlight schedule - http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conte...es_Index_Page&c=Page&cid=1080072922206&ssid=3
Lisa

thanks looks like we might do this too! It would give Paul a dreak from driving home. (& I hate to fly)

My Freaky Night....

Why is it that strange things always happen when DH is away? and they always happen in the middle of the night?

Last night about 1230, I noticed my dogs were walking all over me...like they were trying to wake me up. Then I realized I was hearing my garage door open OK, I was pretty sure DH didn't from Savannah and I know I didn't open it. I was scared, but not awake enough to really think it was happening. Went downstairs and checked and sure enough the garage door was open and the light was on (which meant that it had just opened within the past 10 minutes or so)! Shut it quickly....looked at my pathetic excuses for guard dogs...did a door and window check and then sat on the couch for a while trying to figure it out. Never did figure it out Finally fell asleep around 3 after I was certain there was no one else in the house!!!!!

eeek! you didn't call the cops or a nieghbor? too scary for me !!!!

I have done the Coast Starlight with my DD and GK's from San Jose to Los Angeles. The kids had never done a long train ride so we thought it might be fun. We were spending a few days at Universal Studios before going on to San Diego.

We did a sleeper because the trip is at least 12 hours. because we wanted the ability to be in the observation car, the lounge, eat lunch and dinner plus the kids needed a place to rest.

It is a fairly expensive option. You can price it out for yourself at www.amtrak.com

I got $406 with the family bedroom. about the same as airfare, but I figure it might be a fun way to have our last moments of vacation. Depending on the timing of school, I'll have to look into taking this long way home....

 

[EllaEnchanted]

We are getting more used to driving on the other side of the road the more we do it. John usually just has one incident of almost turning into the oncoming traffic but has never actually done it! Usually it is coming out of garages. He always finds it harder when we get home and have to change back!

Which side of the road do we drive on with the jeeps in Aruba?

 

[lillygator]

wow Kaylee, I would have freaked.....! Glad everything is ok.

lazy day --- although this afternoon the weather has turned out perfect. I am still doing laundry and have giving up pn picking up toys....note to self *no more toys are to be bought and brought into this home*

working on our upcoming trip itineraries....fun stuff!

 

[lillygator]

Which side of the road do we drive on with the jeeps in Aruba?

I believe they are the same as us....but I could be wrong.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

I believe they are the same as us....but I could be wrong.

That would be a good thing coz DH is a maniac behind the wheel...you should see his truck outside, it's name is the BEAST and it is. It's high off the road with big tires that go up our uphill driveway in snow. He says it's a man's diamonds. Go figure. Give me diamonds any day. In our house, if I buy more carats, he gets more truck toys.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Hi V- I have a close cousin who just moved from Long Island, NY to Bradenton, FL. I was in Bradenton and Sarasota before he moved down there. It's not far from you is it? Naturally, I have to visit my cousin in his new home...maybe we could do a mini meet at World while I'm down there? No time frame yet as to when I'll be doing this. When I figure it out, I could let you know and see what your schedule looks like. It's a beautiful area to live in, especially further south where you are (I think).

 

[birkner]

I did the Coast Starlight from LA to Portland in 1987 with a 15 yo DD and 9 yo DS. It is a beautiful ride from LA to SF. My DGF was a station master for the RR for years and so RR is dear to my heart. We could not get a sleeper as they were sold out, but we still had a great time. 27 hours. DD spent the night in the observation car playing cards with other kids, DS and I tried to sleep in the recliners. As Noel said though it is expensive.

With Lisa having 4 children, I don't think she could do it without getting the family sleeper as the kids would need a place for some down time!!

 

[birkner]

Yes, that's the one! How close is it to your house? I think it's near the beach too, but I'm not certain. I know the Santa Monica pier is not far also. Any other points of interest nearby? We'll be staying there for one week after cruise. Is it a nice hotel? From what I've read, it appears to be. What do you think?

Am I confused?? I thought you were talking about San Diego???

 

[birkner]

thanks looks like we might do this too! It would give Paul a dreak from driving home. (& I hate to fly)






eeek! you didn't call the cops or a nieghbor? too scary for me !!!!





I got $406 with the family bedroom. about the same as airfare, but I figure it might be a fun way to have our last moments of vacation. Depending on the timing of school, I'll have to look into taking this long way home....

Just be prepared that the trip can take longer than 11 hours. Freight trains take priority and the train can be delayed.

 

[birkner]

Which side of the road do we drive on with the jeeps in Aruba?

Driving in Aruba is on the right-hand side of the road, just as in America. A U.S. license is valid, but you must be 21 years of age.

Local laws require drivers and passengers to wear seat belts and children under 5 years to be secured in a child safety seat; if children are older and no longer required to sit in car seats, they should sit in the back seat. Motorcyclists must wear helmets. The only significant difference from the most common U.S. driving laws is that right turns on red lights are always prohibited.

The U.S. State Department rates the road conditions in Aruba as shown below:
Safety of Public Transportation Excellent
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance Good

Aruba 's main thoroughfare, L.G. Smith Boulevard, is well-lit, and most hotels and tourist attractions are easily located. Speed limits in Aruba are not consistently enforced, so drivers should be alert at all times for speeding cars, which have been known to cause fatal accidents. In the interior areas of the island, drivers should be alert for herds of livestock that may cross the roads unexpectedly.

Those planning on driving while visiting Aruba will also want to review their traffic signs as well. Aruba has their own signs, which may or may not be familiar to travelers. Knowing these signs will help to keep you out of trouble during your stay on Aruba.

If you don't plan to drive yourself, buses provide convenient and inexpensive service to and from many of the larger hotels, downtown shopping areas and other major tourist locations. Taxis, while expensive, are safe and well regulated. The price, however, is government regulated and there are no meters, so passengers should verify the price before entering the taxi.

 

[granmaz]

Thanks, that's a great link, lots of good info. But, Enterprise not open on Sunday when we get off the ship. How far would it be to Long Beach airport from there? Could take a cab or car service and have more car rental company options. If Long Beach is the next closest, if they even have an airport...still working out the details. I'm trying to get it planned now because in three weeks it'll be one year and I can finally book everything. YEAHHHH gotta get those ressies done asap.

Now, somewhere I also read that one, if not both of the car hire firms at the airport refund the taxi fare it takes to get from the port. Obviously not definite. I remember asking on the thread if they thought that Enterprise would open for our ship landing and somebody from LA just posted.'Enterprise will NOT be opening'.

Which side of the road do we drive on with the jeeps in Aruba?

I am guessing because it is a Dutch island that it will be on the right.

working on our upcoming trip itineraries....fun stuff!

There are quite a few people who would like you to be working on your trip report!!!! Seriously, the report is very enjoyable.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Am I confused?? I thought you were talking about San Diego???

Yes, I was talking about San Diego...as a day trip. I will be staying at a hotel in Rodondo Beach. Sorry to keep switching back and forth. Gotta get those plans down and ready to book soon.

 

[Jhalkias]

Last night Dennis said "let's take some time off and go surprise John1. We could pull into his driveway and blow the horn!". He said we could do it in a week - 3 days each way. Um, no Dennis we need to get this house ready to sell THEN we can take those spur of the moment trips!

I like the way that Dennis thinks!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Driving in Aruba is on the right-hand side of the road, just as in America. A U.S. license is valid, but you must be 21 years of age.

Local laws require drivers and passengers to wear seat belts and children under 5 years to be secured in a child safety seat; if children are older and no longer required to sit in car seats, they should sit in the back seat. Motorcyclists must wear helmets. The only significant difference from the most common U.S. driving laws is that right turns on red lights are always prohibited.

The U.S. State Department rates the road conditions in Aruba as shown below:
Safety of Public Transportation Excellent


Thanks Noel, as always, that was extremely helpful because we're looking to do an off road jeep convoy while there. DH will drive and was asking about it. That really helped.


Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance Good

Aruba 's main thoroughfare, L.G. Smith Boulevard, is well-lit, and most hotels and tourist attractions are easily located. Speed limits in Aruba are not consistently enforced, so drivers should be alert at all times for speeding cars, which have been known to cause fatal accidents. In the interior areas of the island, drivers should be alert for herds of livestock that may cross the roads unexpectedly.

Those planning on driving while visiting Aruba will also want to review their traffic signs as well. Aruba has their own signs, which may or may not be familiar to travelers. Knowing these signs will help to keep you out of trouble during your stay on Aruba.

If you don't plan to drive yourself, buses provide convenient and inexpensive service to and from many of the larger hotels, downtown shopping areas and other major tourist locations. Taxis, while expensive, are safe and well regulated. The price, however, is government regulated and there are no meters, so passengers should verify the price before entering the taxi.