The Twelve Days of Swinter: From Castaway 'Key' to a Partridge in a Palm Tree!

[sharonW]

just read your last update, how did I miss it!! I posted about Lesley after your post!! Oh well, I didn't miss it so I'm caught up. Wow the Beach club pics are awesome, I wonder if my feeling that maybe just maybe you'll be staying there on your next disney adventure?? by the way, can't wait to hear about the next trip, is the planning in the works???

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

On the eighth day of Swinter my vacation gave to me, a beautiful boutique, posh pirate pool and a totally theatrical tea!

Wednesday, November 2, 2012

Well friends we have arrived at day eight of this never ending journey, and what an exciting day it was! There was lots of pixie dust in store for DD and many magical memories were made, but we will have to talk about all that a little later.

Before we can get to all the fun girly stuff, we had to get up, get showered, dressed, and most of all… motivated. Have I mentioned that we are not really morning people? Well, unfortunately it’s true. No one has to drag us out of bed in the mornings, but we definitely prefer to get up after the sun, not before it. This morning was no exception for DH and DD, but for some reason, I was too excited to sleep! I know that’s supposed to happen before the trip, but I often feel like that while we are actually there too.

I woke up around 6:00 and tried to talk myself into going back to sleep, but it was no use. I just kept thinking about all the fun things DD was going to experience that day and how much I was looking forward to it all. After wrestling with my mind for a while, I finally surrendered to the excitement and got on up and out of bed. I showered and got dressed as quietly as possible as not to wake my sleeping beauties.

I was all packed up and ready to go by 7:00, yet the rest of my crew showed no signs of waking anytime soon. I sat by the window in our room and enjoyed the view for a few moments.

Dawn was just beginning to break and everything had the most beautiful pink glow. It was absolutely more than I could resist. I could almost hear God Himself telling me to get off my rear and go enjoy His awesome creation. And when you think you hear the voice of God, you better get moving don’t you think?

As soon as I set foot outside the walls of that hotel room, I knew I was in for a treat! CBR has plenty of eye candy at 2:00 in the afternoon, but first thing in the morning, it is a true work of art! It’s just too bad that my pictures won’t come close to doing it justice!

Trinidad across the way…

I headed onto the island to make my way to the other side of the resort. I will admit that I felt a little uneasy being there by myself while it was still dark. The island is very lush, which is what makes it so beautiful and enjoyable, but it also makes it a perfect boogie man hideout! There wasn’t another soul around and that only added to my eerie feeling. This is certainly not something that I would’ve ever done anywhere other than Disney World.

I suppose views like this were worth a run in with Jack the Ripper though.

Well as you can see, I made it to the other side of the island alive!

Aruba…

Continued in next post

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Even the frogs have loungers near the CBR beaches!

A peek through the wrought iron fence that surrounds the pool...

View of Jamaica from the pool area…

This is reason enough for me to stay at a moderate resort again…

It was such a treat to soak our legs in the hot tub after a long day of walking!

Lots of my bird friends were out and about with me that morning.

The beaches had been combed the night before, so there were no footprints in the sand except mine and…

Oh, look what I spy! Might that be a fire pit?

I see roasted marshmallows in our future!

Boy that hammock looks so good to me right now!

Continued in next post

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

A father and son out on an early morning fishing excursion…

It was around this time that it dawned on me that I needed to be heading back. DD’s first dose of pixie dust was starting promptly at 9:00 a.m. I had no idea how long I had been out already. I was having such a good time roaming around and taking pictures that I felt like I was in a time warp.

Back onto the island…

There are nice places to sit all over the island.

Words really can’t describe what this little morning stroll did for my spirit! I enjoyed it more than I can say. It was so nice to have some quiet time alone and to enjoy all the beauty around me. I had to take a moment to just sit and thank the Lord for all the amazing blessings I have in my life, including that wonderful trip!

View from my resting spot...

Almost ‘home’…

Continued in next post

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

And the sun was finally up…

I love this flower!

I had a ball just playing with the camera and trying different things. I didn’t come away with any award winning photography, but I didn’t expect to. Just the time alone to think and take in all the scenery was reward enough! I do believe I have found a new vacation tradition though… the early morning stroll! Thanks for the inspiration Memom!

When I went into the room DH and DD were still lying around. I checked the time and it was 8:00! Holy cannoli! I couldn’t believe how time had gotten away from me! We were officially in a panicked rush! Thankfully, they had showered the night before, so they slapped on some clothes, did the other grooming necessities and we were out the door by 8:15. Not bad, but will we make it in time!!!

Up next: Put ‘em together and what’ve you got… bibbidi bobbidi boo!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

What an amazing early morning walk at CBR. I really need to get up and do that sometime. DH & DS10 did it one morning while DS13 & I were at AK. They had a nice time and took a few pics, but I would have taken so many more, like you! Thanks for sharing them.

Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your day.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Your pictures are making me wish sooooo badly that I was at Caribbeaan Beach right now. I absolutely love taking those early morning strolls by myself. As you said, it seems to put you in touch with the Lord and realize how beautiful His creations are.

 

[Marianne4021]

great trip report!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

All of your Beach Club pictures are lovely! I would so like to stay there one day.

Mmmm, roasted marshmallows! I would have been tempted, too!

Okay, it may be first thing in the morning, but I have no doubt I could put away a bucket of crab legs right now!

Thanks! I think almost everyone here wants to stay at the BC! It seems to be a very popular place.

I have some awesome roasted marshmallow goodness coming up in one of my next updates!

I'm with you on the crab legs! I could eat them any time of day!

just read your last update, how did I miss it!! I posted about Lesley after your post!! Oh well, I didn't miss it so I'm caught up. Wow the Beach club pics are awesome, I wonder if my feeling that maybe just maybe you'll be staying there on your next disney adventure?? by the way, can't wait to hear about the next trip, is the planning in the works???

I would LOVE to stay at the BC on our next trip. It all depends on what discounts come out though. And yes, I'm already planning the next adventure. Can't tell you what we are doing though, b/c we can't make up our minds!

What an amazing early morning walk at CBR. I really need to get up and do that sometime. DH & DS10 did it one morning while DS13 & I were at AK. They had a nice time and took a few pics, but I would have taken so many more, like you! Thanks for sharing them.

Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your day.

This was my first time going out early by myself like that. You have GOT to do it on your next trip. You will be amazed at how much you enjoy yourself without the kids in tow! Don't get me wrong, I love love love my child, but I cannot concentrate on serious picture taking when she is with me. It's just too distracting! I actually went out another morning by myself b/c I enjoyed it so much! And you are so right... men never take enough pictures. They just can't see the importance of sign pictures, food pictures, etc.

Your pictures are making me wish sooooo badly that I was at Caribbeaan Beach right now. I absolutely love taking those early morning strolls by myself. As you said, it seems to put you in touch with the Lord and realize how beautiful His creations are.

I had never taken a morning walk at Disney before, but I am hooked! It was so peaceful and enjoyable. I really didn't even want to go back to the room. It was one of the highlights of the trip for me. And I always feel closer to the Lord when I can get away from all the distractions of the world.

great trip report!

Thanks! I'm glad you are enjoying it!

 

[sharonW]

I swear I feel like a kid on christmas morn...I'm lovin this TR so much!! Your pics are awesome and the quiet time so perfect to take all the beauty in
BBB coming next, did that with my grandaughter and it was such an amazing experience. Got Chloe all dolled up as Cindy and then off to the castle to meet her and dine with other wonderful diz princesses....oh the memories!!!
There is just nothing like WDW....on seats edge awaitin more. Thanks for such quick updates!!

 

[marDgreen88]

You take such beautiful pictures! Thanks for the amazing tour of CBR.

 

[sjs314]

Rinky your pictures are beautiful! CBR is so beautiful

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I swear I feel like a kid on christmas morn...I'm lovin this TR so much!! Your pics are awesome and the quiet time so perfect to take all the beauty in
BBB coming next, did that with my grandaughter and it was such an amazing experience. Got Chloe all dolled up as Cindy and then off to the castle to meet her and dine with other wonderful diz princesses....oh the memories!!!
There is just nothing like WDW....on seats edge awaitin more. Thanks for such quick updates!!

Thank you! It was a very nice stroll that morning and I am sure it will be a repeat thing on all future trips!

The BBB is a very fun experience! I'm so glad you got to do that with your granddaughter. We did it the same way you did back when DD was 4. Having dinner in the castle after going to BBB is certainly as special as it gets!

You take such beautiful pictures! Thanks for the amazing tour of CBR.

Thank you! It's easy to get some nice pictures at CBR. It is so beautiful that all you have to do is not mess it up (although I did manage that with a few of my pictures ).

Rinky your pictures are beautiful! CBR is so beautiful

Yes it is! I can't wait to stay there again at some point! We're considering POR for our next trip and I'm worried it won't live up to CBR.

 

[MeMom]

See what a morning walk in Disney World can do for you? It is beautiful while you are experiencing it, and then you can enjoy that walk again and again through pictures as time goes by. No doubt that CBR is a beautiful, beautiful place, and no doubt that some of God's nicest gifts to us are simple things like a Bird of Paradise, the reflection of trees on water, or some of His creatures living their lives without worry, knowing He will take care of them. There is much to be appreciated and much to be reminded of in a morning walk. I'm so glad you took the time to do that. Beautiful pictures!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

See what a morning walk in Disney World can do for you? It is beautiful while you are experiencing it, and then you can enjoy that walk again and again through pictures as time goes by. No doubt that CBR is a beautiful, beautiful place, and no doubt that some of God's nicest gifts to us are simple things like a Bird of Paradise, the reflection of trees on water, or some of His creatures living their lives without worry, knowing He will take care of them. There is much to be appreciated and much to be reminded of in a morning walk. I'm so glad you took the time to do that. Beautiful pictures!

Oh I absolutely get it now. I knew it was a good time to take pictures without people in them, but I didn't realize what the real reason was that you take your morning walks. As soon as I set out though, it all clicked. Of all the wonderful things that we did on our trip, that walk ranked right up there at the top of the list. I actually told my DH when I got back that I no longer felt guilty for missing two Sundays of church while on vacation b/c I felt closer to God in that hour than I do sometimes sitting on a pew. I feel sure it will become a repeat on all trips!

 

[sharonW]

Get the hugh photo album yet???
Honestly Rinky, you need to have something to display these beautiful pictures you have.....at least some of them!!

So excited for another update, they make my day!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

AAAAHHHH! Thank you Rinky! I just took a nice early morning stroll around CBR and I feel so refreshed and at peace! (despite the fact that I'm at work and it's 10:00 a.m). I get what you mean about being closer to God then.

I LOVE your pictures! The one of the hammock in the little hidden area is terrific! Along with all the flower shots. The early dawn "glow" is so pretty with the colors of CBR!!!

Can't wait to hear about your DD's pixie dust!!

 

[Woth2982]

Such wonderful resort photos! I love the resorts first thing in the morning and at night with all the lights on. If photos don't do it justice I can't imagine what the real thing is like! Glad you didn't run into Jack!

 

[micandminforever]

I loved the pictures from CBR. I wish I was sitting on the beach in a chair right now. I love morning walks at Disney. The sounds and smells are wonderful.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Get the hugh photo album yet???
Honestly Rinky, you need to have something to display these beautiful pictures you have.....at least some of them!!

So excited for another update, they make my day!!

Nope, haven't bought any photos or albums yet! I won't even attempt it until I'm done with this TR. I usually sort through my pictures, delete the bad ones, etc. as I get to them in the report. No way could I sit down and do that all at once! I'll get to it eventually though... I suppose.

AAAAHHHH! Thank you Rinky! I just took a nice early morning stroll around CBR and I feel so refreshed and at peace! (despite the fact that I'm at work and it's 10:00 a.m). I get what you mean about being closer to God then.

I LOVE your pictures! The one of the hammock in the little hidden area is terrific! Along with all the flower shots. The early dawn "glow" is so pretty with the colors of CBR!!!

Can't wait to hear about your DD's pixie dust!!

Thanks Sheree! I'm glad I could give you a break from your stressful work! And I thought the same thing as you about the pink sky looking nice with the CBR colors. It was so nice of God to color cooordinate that for me wasn't it?

Such wonderful resort photos! I love the resorts first thing in the morning and at night with all the lights on. If photos don't do it justice I can't imagine what the real thing is like! Glad you didn't run into Jack!

I am very glad that I didn't meet Jack too! I actually passed by one older man while I was walking back across the island and he scared the puddin' out of me! I guess because I was already feeling paranoid. But I never even heard him coming and then there he was. I'm a big chicken anyway though. We had our house broken into years ago and I've been overly cautious and untrustworthy of people ever since.