September 17, 2006 - 11 Night Southern Caribbean Part 2

[EpcotKilterFan]

Hey Debbie, have a great trip I know you deserve a vacation….. Wish you would be there the next week, Oh well enjoy…. Hey I hear there is the KEWL group over at the Canada Pavilion in EPCOT, you should check them out… You might like their music… LOL

LOL yes all of my friends know that they will find me on Sunday sitting in front of the Off Kilter stage

It has been a rough few months to say the least!!

Oh and Bob, I do lurk... just to make sure you are not talking about me


Thanks
Debbie

 

[captaincrash]

Welcome Home Regina.
Still the same bunch of bozos on this bus.

An obscure photo to go along with the obscure thought....

 

[drumbumswife]

Really, no one is going to Montserrat while in Antigua? Maybe this isn't one of my best ideas...

 

[captaincrash]

Captn Crash - would that be me?

Not fair as I didn't really get a whole day of shopping! Am actually considering going to Lake Elsinore on Friday for some last minute gifts - still hunting down my dis gift. And nope - haven't even entertained the idea of packing yet as I still haven't unpacked my shopping bags. GOSH -- I'm so behind! What's a gal to do? Hey - think I can pay someone to pack my bags?

I bet I could spot you a mile off....

... just look for the shopping bags and beaming smiles of a cat that got the mouse. That's what my spouse looks like when she comes waltzing in with something she's found. 22 years ago when I met my spouse I knew she loved to shop and early on she "trained" me to follow along on her shopping forays. I would carry bags, render opinions and return her things when she changed her mind about something. No one gives me any trouble when I return things - as I canbe very polite yet firm. Besides she's "presidents' club" at Macy's so we're supposed to get a little courtesy when in a pinch, right? Or so I once told someone when they were giving me excessive resistance over an "adjustment" she wanted. Yeah - I remind my sweetheart every now and then that she's darn lucky to have married a guy that will put up with as much shopping as she enjoies... and have me tag along indulgently.

SO.... if you have a few bags that have NOT been unpacked - or a few dozen things in your closet that still have the TAGS on ... then I do in fact understand your "condition". LOL! Yup... been there, done that, an' were still "Happy go Lucky" at continuing it! Power Shopping is second nature to my spouse - but in her defense I'll volunteer she is an effective shopper who generally prefers a good deal - and rarely "buys high" or gets rippped off.... I can easily say I respect that in her. I, on the other hand have been known to buy high and be impatient.

 

[papa]

A great portion of the towns on the island have been destroyed according to one of the programs that I was watching the other night. A visit to an active volcano is not a thing that I would like to do. Although everyone is different and enjoys different things. Also would you have to have a visa or go through customs on your return? When we were on Antigua on our last cruise I think that there was a helicopter company that would fly you to the island in question. $$$$ though. Mike

 

[drumbumswife]

I am pretty adventurous I suppose but I will have my Mom and 2 babies with me...I really want to go see the island, what a volcano can do, the visitors center, etc. My sister was there on her honeymoon and said out of everything in Antigua it is a must see. There is a ferry back and forth, I don't do helicopters
I just figured more people would really want to do that and am surprised it isn't offered through Disney.

 

[captaincrash]

Really, no one is going to Montserrat while in Antigua? Maybe this isn't one of my best ideas...

I'm sort of curious...

... is there a tour that can get you close to this rare geologic site? Other then the fact that Antigua is only 40 Km north east and accessable by ferry I am thinking a visit would be an all day affair. Here is a copy of a little that I found on it dated August 31st, 2006 (threat level 4!)...

Thursday Montserrat Volcano Observatory director, Dr. Sue Loughlin reported that the alert level for the Soufriere Hills volcano was raised to four on a scale of 0-5.

She reported that lava had been coming up to the surface at fast rate, following increased earth tremors and gas venting.

Residents in the southern inhabited areas Salem, Old Towne, Olveston could hear familar jet-plane like sounds since last night.

The MVO director said "There are tremors ongoing which have picked up since about 8.30 a.m. still on going at noon, we decided to put the alert level up to four.

"There has been a lot of ash venting and an increase in the number of earthquakes.

"We can expect to see perhaps pyroclastic flows and more ash and something possibly a dome collapse within a day or two," she said.

Yesterday there were visible pyroclastic flows down the northeastern side of the dome.

"The Gages wall area on the south side (which overlooks Plymouth the old abandoned capiral) in the exclusion one of the new vents opened this morning just inside the Gages wall."

She reported that the size of the dome is of the order of 55 milion cubic metres - relatively unstable with a high summit - quite tall - it can grow for months without anything happening, but any activity like we are experiencing, we can expect some changes."

Meanwhile this preliminary assessment was issued only moments after the announcement came, preceded by wailing sounds from the siren.



These photos posted courtesy Montserrat Volcano Observatory - dated Aug. 31, 2006

Interesting, eh... I quote again with EMPHASIS.... "...Meanwhile this preliminary assessment was issued only moments after the announcement came, preceded by wailing sounds from the siren....". LOL - what a trip!!!!

I have been to the volcano on the Big Island in Hawaii. Walking the lava fields and getting within about 20-25 yards of a lava movement oozing forward. I was twice as far as other maniacs and I more or less walked the same ground/path they traversed. AND I was pretty scared and stayed very briefly. The folks in this Hawaiian photo below are INSANE... IMHO. But this is what it looked like for me.

ANd in advance - may I ask if YOU are considering going?

 

[drumbumswife]

I was in HI as well, much younger and sans little kids!
I don't really plan on getting that close, more curiosity than anything.

Less expensive are the ferryboats that depart twice a day, every Monday to Saturday, from Antigua, carrying passengers who pay between EC$140 and EC$200 (US$52 and US$74) round-trip each, depending on the day of the week they travel. In most cases, their departure point is Heritage Quay in St. John's, although whenever that port is clogged because of cruise-ship activities, they'll depart from Deepwater Harbour, a very short walk from Heritage Quay. It takes about an hour to reach Montserrat's Little Bay. One-way ferryboat passage costs EC$102 (US$38) per person. There is a departure tax of US$16 per person leaving Montserrat.

Whereas reservations are required aboard the helicopter, ferryboat seats don't require advance bookings.

My sister did this tour and thought it was a bit long and probably would be for my group so I was thinking of doing it alone:
One of the best tour operators, and especially appealing if you're based in Antigua, is Jenny's Montserrat Day Tours (tel. 268/461-9361 in Antigua, no local phone in Montserrat). Operated by Montserrat native Jennifer Burke from a base in Antigua, it charges around US$130 per person, depending on the day of the week. Advance reservations are necessary and there are no tours on Sunday. Tours begin and end at the Deep Water Harbor at St. John's in Antigua. The price includes ferryboat transit to Montserrat, breakfast and lunch, and a detailed tour of between 6 and 7 hours, with English-language commentary from a trained guide and driver.

I got my information from here: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/antigua/0175010011.html
Gives you options on car rentals, taxis, etc.

The whole thing is fascinating to me.

 

[captaincrash]

I was in HI as well, much younger and sans little kids!
I don't really plan on getting that close, more curiosity than anything.
.....

The whole thing is fascinating to me.

So if there were a few adventurous souls interested would you want to go?

What about a fixed wing charter? I chartered a fixed wing in Juneau and it was about $75-90 for the hour we flew split 4 or 5 ways. his would be faster and about the same price since you're "curious"... that is... IF we could charter a fixed wing for the same money AND get 2 or 3 more to split the cost. Heck - for the hour we could also do loops around Antigua and get a really unique perspective. BUT... you don't get the on the ground perspective - nor would ou hear/smell/feel the power of the thing.

A ferry for the same monet sounds pretty lengthy. AND - normally I would be extremely interested - but I have a committment to do Lawrence of Antigua with Beth. And I have 2 kids and the spouse. SO - I was planning on staying with them. HOWever... I might be able to talk my spouse into letting me slip away for an air-tour that consumed only about 2 hours out of the day.

What do you think?

 

[gouodux]

Really, no one is going to Montserrat while in Antigua? Maybe this isn't one of my best ideas...

Just recently talked with a friend about our upcoming cruise. I believe, if I remember correctly, he went to Medical School on Montserrat. Or, he did a residency there. Either way, he said it was a beautiful island and we would really enjoy Antigua. Don't know if that really helps at all.

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Hi all - this goes out to those that are sharing a stateroom AND DO NOT live in the same household. I have come across some 'extras' of my gift and I'm aware that there are a few traveling/sharing a stateroom - for those that do - May I ask that you PM me and let me know what those staterooms are? I am delivering 1 gift per stateroom but as I mentioned have come across some little extras - I may run out if there are more than 116 but at least I can try. Anyway, again - if you are sharing a cabin and DO NOT live in the same household, PLEASE let me know.

Thank you all so much - safe traveling and to those starting their WONDERful voyage either all ready or in the very near future! Take care -

 

[drumbumswife]

Oh my, let's just say there is a reason I don't do helicopters and I drive 20 hours in the car with 2 dc under 2 and I like to take cruises...This coming from someone in the travel industry, how embarassing.
Also drove to Alaska, just myself and ds, gotta love the Alaskan Marine Highway and for good reason!
That is a great offer and if I was as adventurous in the air as I am on the ground I would take it in an instant!
On to the next islands I suppose, I am just joining you all so please excuse me if this has all been done already. I am visiting p1p5 for the updates, etc. Please comment on anything.
Barbados - My dd will love the monkey's but I am not sure the tour allows enough time for us, thinking of doing that on our own.
St. Lucia - Want to do the drive thru volcano and the Springs, again not sure the tour will allow enough time to relax in the springs and a 6 hour car ride with the little ones without car seats seems interesting! Although it is broken up.

 

[captaincrash]

Oh my, let's just say there is a reason I don't do helicopters and I drive 20 hours in the car with 2 dc under 2 and I like to take cruises...This coming from someone in the travel industry, how embarassing.
Also drove to Alaska, just myself and ds, gotta love the Alaskan Marine Highway and for good reason!
That is a great offer and if I was as adventurous in the air as I am on the ground I would take it in an instant!
On to the next islands I suppose, I am just joining you all so please excuse me if this has all been done already. I am visiting p1p5 for the updates, etc. Please comment on anything.
Barbados - My dd will love the monkey's but I am not sure the tour allows enough time for us, thinking of doing that on our own.
St. Lucia - Want to do the drive thru volcano and the Springs, again not sure the tour will allow enough time to relax in the springs and a 6 hour car ride with the little ones without car seats seems interesting! Although it is broken up.

Don't be embarassed (about anything!).....

... My spouse and I have our phobias and they are to be RESPECTED. I know mine are to be! And as for flying... to charter a plane in Antigua (I had to look it up) - the prices seem kind of HIGH. A 4-5 passenger Aztec is $1,265 for 1.25 hours. I got a 5 passenger float plane WITH a landing in Juneau for only $450 an hour. I paid for 1.25 hours of flying time and it was oe of THE MOST MEMORABLE THINGs from Alaskan tour for us. AND it was relatively cheap.

On the driving thing... all I can say is I bet you and PIT can share long chat over drinks while reflecting on the places you've seen while getting from point "A" to "B" then "Z". NOW... I have driven some distances in my time. But not much more then about 6-7 or 8 hours driving in a day. However - driving about 2-3-4 hours a day is pretty common for us every month.

And - have you considered train travel? It would be SAFER then a car.... but probably slower - no doubt.

Oh yeah... travel by helicopter according to the Frommers' article you referenced was only $111 for a 20 minute round trip flight. I would have wanted an air tour though ... and it would have had to be available at precisely the "right time" and "my price range" to be considered. A long shot at best. And at $1265 split 5 ways I would rather fly commercial R/T from LA to Tampa or Chicago! My last "bargain" flights to those points ran about that much.

Oh well...

 

[winotracy]

Hey Debbie, have a great trip I know you deserve a vacation….. Wish you would be there the next week, Oh well enjoy…. Hey I hear there is the KEWL group over at the Canada Pavilion in EPCOT, you should check them out… You might like their music… LOL

Scott, I was going to tell her about them too, but I thought she might have hears

 

[gismo1554]

I put down the Disney Wonder.

Hi,

Just to let you know I was filling my form in right now and I'd emailed Disney about this before I posted on here. They just emailed me and said to leave the hotel name and number of nights blank and just to fill in the travel agency name and address.

For anyone who needs it they gave me Disney Cruiselines info as:

Disney Cruise Vacations - Travel agency name
Celebration, Fl - As city

 

[webray]

So..............is there a cruise or somethin' I'm supposed to be going on in less than two weeks?

Yes, I'm still going and I'm very sorry for being MIA for such a long time. I'm really looking forward to meeting some of you for the first time, and to be reunited with my "repo" buddies.

Got my docs, got an upgrade, now all I have to do is pack.

Yeah! Congrats!

 

[webray]

Thank you Cheryl! We'll give you a big toot of the air horn as we ride through! Should be about Monday-ish, if all goes well.

I'll be listening!!

 

[webray]

Welcome Home Regina.
Still the same bunch of bozos on this bus.

Bozos,

 

[webray]

Yep! Leaving Friday and come home on Monday! And after the summer I have had not a day too soon!

Have to rest up for the live thread!!

Thanks Tracy

Deb

Have a great trip Debbie. Bob is sorry he won't be able to race you to the hammocks this time around!

 

[webray]

Hey Debbie, have a great trip I know you deserve a vacation….. Wish you would be there the next week, Oh well enjoy…. Hey I hear there is the KEWL group over at the Canada Pavilion in EPCOT, you should check them out… You might like their music… LOL