Most of the time, Northern VA enjoys relatively mild winters with very little snowfall, especially in December. Every few years we get dumped on, but it's usually around President's Day. So this one is for the record books, officially the largest snowfall for December on record--16.5" at National airport (always on the low side since it's warmer by the river), 18" at Dulles, and 21" at BWI. Supposedly we got more in our part of town so I'm guessing we got at least 20".
Here are some more pictures:
Sunday, December 20, 2009
We're Living in a Marshmallow World
Oosterdam Cruise (continued)--Mexico & San Diego
OK, this is the third port in a row that is a totally isolated industrial port. This one does not have any redeeming qualities we can discover. There are only 5 ships' tours available, none of which have gotten good reviews.
There are some interesting looking beach areas very close to the port, but none can be reached easily.
So we go into the port building to see if there are any independent tours worth doing (there are not), catch up on e-mail and watch some native dancing, then get back on the ship.
What a difference a day makes. Huatulco is everything Puerto Chiapas is not--the dock right in town and beautiful, clear water. But, it is Sunday, so no beach for us. But, we have done our homework and can to walk to the local branch of the LDS church in La Crucecita with some friends from the ship.
Next time we'll go to Playa La Entrega and the beach right next to the dock.
What a lovely port!
Another fabulous port with many opportunities for sightseeing and lovely beaches. First thing on the agenda is a trip to Isla La Roqueta which we reach by launch from Caleta beach, shown below.
While at the island, we snorkel and take a hike to the lighthouse. The view from the top is fantastic!
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While snorkeling, we come across this huge, ugly puffer fish that is being fed from the tour boats.
Back on the mainland, we make a quick trip to see the famous cliff divers. The show is mostly strutting and not much diving.
The city is lovely at night.
The plan for the morning is a trip to Playa las Gatas for snorkeling. Though the snorkeling is not the best ever, the water is about 90 degrees and heavenly.
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Town is fun as well with shopping and lovely views. This is such a great port, but unfortunately is not on many cruise ship itineraries:(
Our final port of call, Cabo is definitely the most visually dramatic port, with gorgeous clear blue green water and stark cliffs. We seem to have established a pattern--get off the ship, get on a little boat and ride out to a snorkeling place. So, we run the gauntlet of salesman selling spots on the myriad glass bottom boats heading out to Lover's Beach and Land's End. We end up paying $10 each for the water taxi ride and a tour around the point. The glass bottom affords a view of the underwater life that goes by as we make our way to the point.
Once at Lover's Beach, part of the excitement is getting on and off the boat. Some enterprising locals earn a good living helping passengers disembark for tips.
The snorkeling is better than expected with lots of fish and very clear water. The main hazard is all of the boats coming and going.
Hopefully we'll be back.
It's time to go home when the pool has become a giant bird bath.
It's been fun, but time to get back to the rat race. Sadly, with Thanksgiving next week there is no time to linger in San Diego. So, we walk across the street and take a bus to the airport. Hopefully we'll get to do this again.
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