Gale Force Winds, Oh My!

Well, the Captain's forecast of rough seas was certainly right on. Our ship was not only rocking from side to side, but bow to stern at the same time! Gale force winds are very interesting while at sea. The cabin was groaning and creaking as we were tossed around. I hope that won't happen very often on this cruise! Fortunately we ran thru it and were able to dock in Huatulco, Mexico at 11 a.m. as scheduled.

Huatulco is located on the Pacific coast of the Mexican state of Oaxaca. The bays and coves of Huatulco include no less than 36 sandy beaches. A National Park was created there in 1998, containing 6,375 hectares (sorry, don't know how that translates into acres) of lowland jungle and 5,516 hectares of marine areas. In 2006 the park received certification from Green Globe, the first resort in the Americas to do so, third in the world. There are a number of coffee plantations in operation which give tours, as well as a butterfly sanctuary where dozens of butterfly species can be seen. It is a very narrow port, inside a small bay. The ship had to back out, so I can see why we would not have been able to dock in bad weather.

Since we didn't get a lot of sleep last night due to the rockin' and rollin', it was nice to have a late morning. We got off the ship at about 11:30 and headed into town. The place didn't look very big from the ship. Turns out, the city was on the other side of a hill, not visible from the ship. We grabbed a taxi into the center of town for $2. It was HOT and rather humid. Not pleasant type of weather to be walking around in. We visited the cathedral and a number of shops. I think we spent the most time looking for a new food bowl for Koda, our cat. Never did find one worthy. LOL
We went back to the ship for lunch. Sitting in the Lido was Fyvush Finkel! He was on Picket Fences and Boston Public which I remember, but has been in show business for 70 years! It was fun seeing a celebrity amongst us.

After lunch we went to the beach which was right next to the pier. Really nice to be able to just walk out in our bathing suits and swim. The water was fairly warm. It had been warmer at earlier ports but we never had the chance to swim. Enjoyable afternoon.

I haven't mentioned the entertainment on board. We usually go to the show every night, if it looks like something appealing. Mel goes every night regardless. Last week we had 2 mediocre comedians and a banjo player as well as the HAL singers and dancers. The latter aren't that great either. Last night we finally had a good show, Chris Blackmore is a magician/comedian. His jokes were so stupid, that he was pretty funny. I had seen him on TV before. When the performer came out tonight, I realized that it was Fyvush Finkel's son! He had been sitting w/him at lunch time, but I didn't see the connection before. His name is Elliot Finkel and he was excellent. He plays the piano and does it well! Anything from current hits, Broadway tunes or classical music, he does it all. If the entertainment is this good every night, guess I'll be going to more shows! All in all, it was a good day today. Tomorrow, Acapulco!

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