Vision of the Seas

Today is the day when Terry and Andy will drive to San Pedro to board the Vision of the Seas at about noontime. They have never been on this ship before. It is owned by Royal Caribbean International.


The ship departs at about 5:00 p.m., so they have all afternoon to become familiar with the layout of the Vision of the Seas.


First stop is always the Windjammer Cafe on Deck 9 where they will have a nice lunch buffet.

Andy and Terry skimped on breakfast at home so it wouldn't interfere with their first buffet lunch aboard the ship. After lunch it's time to tour the ship.




Terry explores the ship's lounges.





The outdoor pool is on Deck Nine.





A Cooking Demonstration in the ship's Centrum Lobby.

Andy plans to use the indoor pool and spa.







Terry has no trouble locating the casino.


After becoming familiar with the ship, Andy and Terry spend the whole week taking advantage of all of the activities: contests, games, live shows, and amenities on board the Vision of the Seas.






Andy, anchored off Cabo San Lucas.

After the evening variety show, Andy and Terry say Good Bye to their favorite Activities Director, Susie, from Jamaica.

The Mexican Riviera: A Preview

In seven short days, Andy and Terry will be leaving on their second "Retirement Cruise" to the Mexican Riviera, which is on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. There is a lot of packing to do. They will leave on the last Sunday of September, and return on the First Sunday of October.


The Royal Caribbean International's "Vision of the Seas" will take them from the Los Angeles/San Pedro Harbor to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta during the week long cruise. They have not visited these ports in ten years, so many changes may have taken place since then.

Tucson, Arizona

Terry and Andy are off to Tucson, Arizona this morning to visit Terry's relatives for a few days. It takes all day to drive there, but there is no hurry. They'll stop in Palm Springs for breakfast, then continue east on Route 10. They arrive in north Tucson before dark.


Andy is fascinated by our National Park System, so after visiting with relatives, he takes Terry to the Saguaro National Park on the west side of Tucson. It's always very peaceful there and it has a nice visitor center. Andy and Terry visit here every time they are in the area. There is another section of the park on the east side of town, but this one is much easier to get to.





Terry, among the Giant Saguaro Cacti










Andy, at the Saguaro National Park Visitor Center.




Andy and Terry learn that "Cousin Jennifer" is the Captain of the local high school girls' golf team. There is a match this afternoon, so they decide to go. They spend three hours walking a beautiful desert golf course right next to the high school.



Teeing off on the back nine






Waiting to finish the match





The Proud "Mountain Lions" High School Golf Team





After a few short days in Tucson it's time to return home. Andy is planning a detour to pass through (what else) another National Monument. They drive west out of town on Route 86, the Ajo Highway, which takes them past the mountain where Kitt Peak National Observatory is located. They continue through the Tohono O'Odham Indian Nation.

Just about a hundred miles out of the way, they finally come to Organ Pipe National Monument which lies on the border between Mexico and south central Arizona. After a stop at the visitor center, and some sightseeing, they drive as far as the border crossing point at Lukeville, Arizona before turning north to head for home. They stop for lunch in Gila Bend. After a looooong drive through the desert, they arrive home well after dark.





Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument on the Border




End of the line. Border crossing to Mexico.

The L. A. County Fair

Last week, just after Andy was complaining about the cost of parking at the L. A. County Fair, he received a nice note in the mail, from a friend, containing two free fair tickets. The best part is that a free parking permit accompanied the two tickets. Now there was no excuse for not going to the fair.

So on Friday Terry and Andy were off to the County Fair in Pomona! They were both most interested in the Flower and Garden Exhibits. Andy also wanted to see some of the Horse Races. He is not a gambler, but he likes to watch the horses.






Hawaiian Flower Exhibit






The Famous Garden Railroad Exhibit






The Race Track





The Winning Horse and Jockey

Angels vs. Yankees

On Wednesday, when everybody else was at WORK, Andy and Terry went to to the baseball game at The Big "A" - Angel Stadium. It was a day game, Angels against the New York Yankees! The Angels won the game and clinched the American League West Championship.



Game Over... Angels Win! ... Yankees Lose!

The Monarch of the Seas

Today is Labor Day - This is the day when Terry and Andy board the Monarch of the Seas for a four day cruise. Tuesday will be spent in San Diego Harbor, Wednesday, in Avalon Harbor at Catalina Island, and Thursday will be spent in port in Ensenada, Mexico.













Terry goes wild in the ship's casino.




Andy, Terry, and our Head Waiter,
Sam, "The Man."






Andy, anchored off Catalina Island.