Carnival Miracle Journal with Pics - VD at Sea: The Miracle Cure

[vanislandcruisers]

The Jeep Tour

 

Soon enough a fellow from the Tour Company showed up with a Carnival ‘Natural Pool Off-Road Adventure’ Sign, Introduced himself, gave us our Waivers to sign and then escorted us out to the large Jeep that would take us to our rendezvous spot for the Tour.

 

Looking Back from the 'Redezvous Spot' to the Carnival Miracle

 

 

Once there the 8 of us were introduced to our Driver for the Day ....

 

 

and took our seats in the back of his Jeep.

 

 

It truly is....

 

 

Front View

 

 

Side View

 

[Timmys_mom]

I remember passing you guys when we were on our bus. All I know, this day goes downhill from here. :eek: :cool:

[Timmys_mom]

Jim, I know you are sorry you missed out on this little sight! She was all dressed up for Carnivale and just waiting to be picked up!

 

Edited November 10, 2012 by Timmys_mom

[vanislandcruisers]

Jim, I know you are sorry you missed out on this little sight! She was all dressed up for Carnivale and just waiting to be picked up!

 

 

Shelly...we saw her and brought her back for Allen...:D

[Timmys_mom]

Shelly...we saw her and brought her back for Allen...:D

No wonder he spent the next two days in his cabin! :p:D

[Margarita Mom]

Please come back Jim. We miss you.

[4hunters]

^^^ Agree! ^^^ Please come back. ;)

[vanislandcruisers]

Off we went in a Convoy of 8 Jeeps with the start of the Tour being more ‘on-road’ than ‘off’ as we made our way through Oranjestad towards the other side of the Island of Aruba.

 

 

 

There were lots Traffic Circles in the City and the Drivers of the Jeeps had a unique way of maintaining the Convoy with the first Jeep in the line to arrive at the Roundabout edging out into the Circle and then stopping to block any traffic coming from the left while the other 7 Jeeps passed through before the 1st Jeep became the last Jeep in the Convoy.

 

1st become 8th

 

 

I guess none of us were prepared for just how arid Aruba is as it definitely caught us all by surprise.

 

 

 

 

We eventually made our way ‘off-road’ into the Arikok National Park and when we did our Driver pulled up to a little car that was stopped on the side of the rocky road. There were 2 Adults in the front seats and 2 Children in the back and it became quite obvious during the conversation that they were Tourists in a Rental Car who were determined to make it across the Park to the Natural Pool. Our Driver advised them against this saying there was “no way that their Car would make it. You will blow all 4 of your tires.” The man driving ‘Thanked’ our Driver and said ‘he was going to try’. Conclusion #702: There is no try; only ‘do’ and ‘do not’. And in their case they ‘do not’ as we would see them later.

[vanislandcruisers]

In the deep recesses of rock along the Island's windward coast, there are a number of shallow Cave formations. All of the Caves are located in the Arikok National Park and the most prominent are the Guadirikiri Cave, the Fontein Cave and the Huliba Cave. Nocturnal Bats nestle in all these Caves and one of these Caves would be our first stop.

 

The importance which the Government of Aruba attaches to these three Caves is borne by the fact that postage stamps with images of them were issued by Post Aruba in April 2009 in specific denominations. The stamp of 175 cents value depicts the Baranca Sunu Cave, the stamp of 200 cents denomination depicts the Fontein Cave, and the stamp of 225 cents value shows the entrance of Quadirikiri Grot (Guadirikiri Cave). Conclusion #703: For the philatelists

 

The Guadirikiri Cave is famous for its two chambers, illuminated by the sunlight streaming through holes in the roof of the Cave. The cave extends for about 100 feet. In the darker portions of the cave nest hundreds of harmless Bats.

 

The Huliba Cave is also known as the Tunnel of Love because of the heart shaped opening at its entrance. A flashlight would be necessary to explore the 300-foot-long passageway.

 

The Cave that 7 of the 8 of us from our Jeep visited - Conclusion #704: Allison stuck to her guns and did not cave but has now seen pictures - was the Fontein Cave which is supposed to be the most popular of the Caves.

 

Getting the Low-Down on the Cave

 

 

The Fontein Cave is a small Cave near Boca Prins on the northern part of the Island. It is well known for its native Arawak drawings on the wall, which were decoratively etched by Amerindians on the stones walls and flatter roof portion of the Cave in brownish-red colour or reddish brown or purplish colour; this in turn gives a clue to the history of the Amerindians.

 

 

 

 

 

[vanislandcruisers]

 

As it is a limestone geological formation seeping water has resulted in colourful Stalagmites and Stalactites formations in very odd shapes and sizes.

 

 

 

 

Long-tongued Bats nestle in the holes of the Cave and go on nocturnal hunts to collect and feed on food in the form of nectar and pollen. It is also reported that Arawak Indians used to perform their tribal rituals and ceremonies inside this Cave.

 

We met back up with Allison by the Jeep and we all had a Beverage break before getting loaded back in the Jeep.

 

The ‘strain’ from the addition of this beverage to the Beers we had at the Cruise Terminal and having not found an ‘Arawakshroom’ at the site coupled with the Off-Road action was beginning to be felt.

 

 

We ventured along the bumpy and rocky Coast for 20 minutes or so at a little better than idle speed. In a stunt that I certainly hope they pull off flawlessly every time they do it the Driver in the Jeep in front of us hopped out and walked back to our Jeep to have a conversation with our Driver while his Jeep headed towards a 70 or 80 foot drop off a Cliff into the Caribbean Sea. Laughing he eventually ran back up to the Jeep and steered it out of harm’s way. About that time it certainly smelled like we were close to a Arawakshroom.

 

[vanislandcruisers]

The Water Colour was amazing and the Coast was as rugged as I have ever seen – it was simply stunning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we made our way over to the Natural Pool we started to move much faster and we got bounced around like you would not believe. Boobs were testing Bras and Bikini Tops, teeth were banging together and my well-defined and paid-for 12-Pack felt like a 24-Pack. We were thrown about so much that Tammi’s Seat Belt broke and the Gate on the back of the Jeep broke loose from its hinges. Conclusion #705: WE LOVED IT!!! We tied Tammi’s Seat Belt to Allison’s ....

 

 

...and we were off again and soon enough we arrived at the Natural Pool.

[vanislandcruisers]

The ‘Cura di Tortuga’ or Natural Pool as it’s known to Tourists like us is located on a deserted stretch of coastline reachable by foot, horseback or 4x4 vehicle; because of the nature of the environment in this secluded area, the site is inaccessible by car.

 

 

 

In a unique formation of Rock, Volcanic Stone circles a small depression, creating a tranquil pool known as a "conchi" or Natural Pool. Water sprays over the Rock on a regular basis as the Tide rushes to shore... with a reminder of exactly what was on the other side of that Rock.

 

 

...with a reminder of exactly what was on the other side of that Rock.

 

 

The location of the Pool is surrounded by some of Aruba's most rugged terrain...

 

 

... so we really got the feeling of having "discovered" something as we looked down at the circular Pool carved into the Rocks as did dozens of others – a Natural Toilet… “Oh and look the Seat is already up!!!

Edited November 14, 2012 by vanislandcruisers

[vanislandcruisers]

The hike down to the Water wasn’t too bad and only took a few minutes. The walk back up was much less enjoyable

 

 

 

 

Once there Dan, Rick and I stripped down to our Speedos, donned our Swimming Caps and headed for the Water; just kidding of course … I wore shorts.

 

Between the 8 of us there were only 2 broken toes, 1 cut foot and it’s only a guess but I would say 8 empty bladders. Conclusion #706: Water Shoes HIGHLY recommended – Silly suggestion but Carnival might want to consider adding that recommendation to the description of the Excursion on their Website. Once we convinced ourselves that the warmth of the Water was all a result of Sunshine and the fish were thriving in this environment because of natural food sources we got in the Pool with 3 dozen of our now ‘new and sharing friends’.

 

 

 

 

 

A few of us jumped off the Rocks on the far side, others just swam around while a few chose to only go in as deep as their waist in a ‘urine as far as you are gonna go aren’t you’ kind of way.

 

It was almost surreal to be swimming in such a serene Pool when you could literally hear, feel and see the Waves crashing off the Rocks surrounding us. There were fish everywhere and they weren’t all that shy with a couple of real daring ones getting well past first base with me.

 

After a ½ hour Swim it was time to dry off and make the hike back up to the Jeeps. Those of us who have hair used some Bottled Water to rinse the Salt out of it while some of us just drank the Water now that we had space. We hopped back in the Jeep, tied down Allison and Tammi while the rest of us buckled in and went off-roading towards the Entrance/Exit to/from the Park.

 

Just about a mile from the Exit we ran into the same family from earlier in the day in the Rental Car. They had made it about ½ a mile into the Park from where we had run into them earlier and were now trying to turn the car around with the 2 front tires being 'air challenged'. Our Driver hopped out and spoke to them for a bit before getting back in the Jeep and saying “I tried to tell them but they no listen.”

Edited November 14, 2012 by vanislandcruisers

[vanislandcruisers]

Once back on the paved roads we made our way over to a Park of some sort where we hiked up to the top of a small hill and took some panoramic pictures of Oranjestad. It was a nice spot to take in the scenery and wind-down from the Excursion.

 

 

 

 

 

After about 20 minutes we hopped back in the Jeep and made our way through the City and back to the Port. It had become pretty obvious to all of that Aruba was a special place; one that we would not hesitate to do a Land Vacation to.

 

 

Back at the Port the others went back on-board the Ship while Dee and I strolled along the Port-Side Market where we bought an Aruba Licence Plate for the son of one of our friends who collects Licence Plates.

 

[vanislandcruisers]

We made our way towards the Hard Rock Store and by the time we got there the Store had closed and there was a Notice that the Café and Rock Shop had closed early as well because of the Carnival Celebrations. Conclusion #707: No Souvenirs for you!!!

 

We took a few pictures....

 

 

 

 

 

.... before making our way back to the Ship and up to our Cabin and having an hour to spare we ordered some Room Service, made a couple of drinks, showered, enjoyed some time on the Balcony and then got dressed for our Pub Krawl on the KuKoo Kunuku Bus.

 

We, along with Dan and Coral, Rick and Laurie, Tammi and Allison and Cindy and Wisconsin Laurie were to meet up with the Bus at 6:30pm Ship Time (7:30 Aruba time) and then we would meet up with the rest of our Group for what would be a GREAT Night in Aruba!!!

 

[vanislandcruisers]

At about 6:15pm we headed down to the Gangway where we had our 2nd ‘Welcome to Aruba’…picture taken and made our way through the Terminal where The Bus was already there and waiting. We hopped on and were told that they would be taking us to Minister of Protocol’s House where the rest were having Dinner.

 

Once we got to the house we made our way around back to the Pool Area. The Minister of Protocol lives VERY comfortably and don’t know if that came from Protocol or Alcohol as there was quite the Bar set-up in the Backyard. The property was absolutely beautiful!!!!

 

 

 

 

It became very obvious to the 10 of us that we had to play some serious ‘catch-up’ to the rest of our Group. As those who had booked the Island Tour Bar Dinner and Pub Krawl ate we got down to the business of hydrating.

 

We see you watching us drink........

 

 

...while we watch you eat

 

 

 

There were 8 people from the Cruise Critic Roll Call who had joined in on this Excursion after Donna psoted about it on the Thread.

 

This night was both TONS of FUN and a bit of a blur. I think we were supposed to go to 3 Bars on the Krawl but think I remember hearing something about ‘skipping the Downtown Tour’ and then taking up a Collection and going to a 4th Bar.

 

The deal we were offered at the Mansion was: Purchase the refillable KuKoo Kunuku Bus Pub Krawl Drink Container and get a ‘Special KuKoo Kunuku’ drink there + reduced rates on any futire drinks at the Mansion and then one refill at each Bar and a reduced rate on any subsequent drinks at each establishment. Conclusion #708: Yes Please!!! I know they were a Rum based drink and we had several to the point that by the time we left the Mansion I couldn’t even say KuKoo Kunuku’ - Conclusion #709: Catch-up complete - but was able to continue to put my refillable Cup on a Bar, smile and say “Special Please”.

[vanislandcruisers]

The Bars we went to ran the gamut from a place that looked just like a ‘house next door’ that we didn’t even realize was a Bar, to your local Neighbourhood Pub where just as you would imagine in the Caribbean there were men playing Backgammon and Checkers out back, to the last place we went to which was downtown and more of a Dance Club.

 

Our Host

 

 

Once the rest were done eating we got some ‘Roadies’, made our way out to the Party Bus, grabbed our Maracas and started getting festive. Before leaving the Mansion Donna made sure that everyone knew the ‘rules’ regarding the Bus and the fact that it would not be waiting for anyone who chose not to Pay Attention to the “It’s time to Leave” announcements. It was only a 3 or 4 block ride to our 1st Stop which was in a Residential Area to the point that as we pulled into the driveway that went across the front of the ‘house’ you could hear a murmur on the bus as to “What’s this place?” until we saw the Awning over the Front Door.

 

 

The first bar was a bit of a feeling out process as we got to know the 8 from the Roll Call and because the Bar was so laid back. Things started to pick up on our way to the 2nd Bar and once there they broke out the hats, the dancing started and everyone got very festive.

 

Donna dancing with our Host

 

 

 

 

[vanislandcruisers]

More Pics from the Pub Krawl

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Bonds73]

More Pics from the Pub Krawl

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love the picture of Jimmy with his a$$ out the window !!

[oncruisecontrol]

I love your pictures of Aruba. We were just there on the Freedom a month ago, and your pictures are bringing me back. As always, I'm enjoying your review.

[jimbug]

More, more! I'm missing my Jim and Dee (and company) fix... :D

[WeBeCruisin']

Shelly...we saw her and brought her back for Allen...:D

 

She was yummy! :)

[WeBeCruisin']

No wonder he spent the next two days in his cabin! :p:D

 

what happens in the Crip's cabin STAYS in the Crip's cabin. :cool:

[Timmys_mom]

I love the picture of Jimmy with his a$$ out the window !!

He makes me so proud.

[Mulege]

Was really enjoying the review but what's happened? Have they gone to Betty Ford?