Pepper reporting live from the Dawn!

[NormanW]

Do NOT miss sail away views from San Juan. We had not so great weather arriving but leaving was most excellent! Check out the picture!

 

Getting warm here? Haha NYC is under a winter storm watch. 4-8" of white stuff possible, wet, sleet, mess. At least we'll be all rain but yuck! Enjoy those 80 degree temps!

 

Cheers,

 

Norman

[swoosh2005]

A thorough search of the casino reveals that the tabasco machine is no more. :( Have enjoyed a number of others though! :D

 

 

DH hit a big one on the wheel of fortune $1.00 slot right by the hold 'em table when we last cruised!

[awh45]

Pepper

 

Have you met Rev. Wesleyan Matussett????? I sure that was a joke but you never know. :)

[angeljt]

Pepper,

Thank you for taking the time to keep us posted. You do deserve a wonderful vacation, glad you're having it.

Jackie

[Suesan Jean]

FANTASTIC REVIEWS.......!!!!

 

It make me wish I was STILL on the Dawn.....!!!!!!:D

 

Have you said "HELLO" to Putu from us....????

 

Please do...... He REALLY helped make our cruise VERY, VERY WONDERFULL.....!!!!:)

 

Glad you are having such a GREAT TIME.....!!!!

[Cosmopolitan]

A thorough search of the casino reveals that the tabasco machine is no more. :( Have enjoyed a number of others though! :D

 

BTW - still have not located Theresa, but will ask Alex this afternoon, since my own searching has been fruitless.

 

We're enjoying every second, and especially enjoying this suite! I'm still not convinced that I haven't died and gone to heaven. ;)

 

Pepper ~

 

So happy that you are enjoying it all!

 

Hope the journey home is SLOW!:)

[WaldosPepper]

Greetings from Samana, Dominican Republic!

I slept late this morning, and upon rising discovered that it had been raining for some time this morning. As I write, the rain is long gone, and the sun is trying to burn it’s way through the clouds. Shore excursions have mostly gone ashore already, and the tenders are working at a really nice pace moving passengers into the city of Samana. As near as I can tell, they have six lifeboats in use as tenders, and they’re loading them rapidly. The bay is as calm as can be, so the transit appears to be as smooth as it is swift!

The Samana Peninsula is ruggedly beautiful and mostly undeveloped outside of the city itself. The water is stunning turquoise blue and the vegetation is extremely lush. I’m looking forward to going ashore as soon as DH and DS decide to wake up.

Yesterday in Old San Juan we enjoyed a relaxing stroll along the quaint cobblestone streets. The city is spotlessly clean, and merchants keep their stores very well stocked and organized. After a few hours ashore we returned to the ship to just relax. We finally took the time to visit the spa and made an appointment for the “Massage for Two” for 6:30 this evening. After enjoying some snacks and a little sun on the balcony, I enjoyed a delightful nap until sailaway. Sadly just after leaving the pier, there was a medical emergency onboard. A boat was dispatched from shore and whisked the person away in very short order. Needless to say we’re all praying for whomever was stricken.

Last night we enjoyed the privilege of dining at Cagneys with Captain Sverre Sordsnes. Our meal was superb in every regard, and the conversation was very lively. The crew very obviously adore this man and it is abundantly clear that he holds his crew in very high regard. His manner is so friendly and comfortable that he puts everyone at ease quickly, and he has a delightful sense of fun and humor which resulted in great laughter throughout our meal. He is an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoys running and hiking. His knowledge of maritime and military history is vast, and each of us learned a great deal from him. He is aboard the Dawn until April when he will return to the Star for the Alaska route which is his favorite. He’s very much enjoying his temporary return to the Caribbean ports and is delighted to find most of them only slightly changed. To any of you who are traveling on the Dawn between now and early April, I would encourage you to introduce yourself to the Captain and take the time to chat with this very friendly and delightful gentleman.

Well, the clouds are now breaking up rapidly, and the sun is beginning to shine in earnest, so I’m off to wake the rest of the family! I hope all of you are staying warm!

[WaldosPepper]

Norman - thanks for that weather report! You'll forgive me for laughing out loud when I read it, won't you? :) We are indeed enjoying the fine weather, and hoping that it's not too horrible for all of you there.

 

Thanks also for that fabulous photo of the fort! Unfortunately by the time we finally sailed, it was getting dark so the view was less than spectacular. We enjoyed it nonetheless! ;)

 

No, we've not found the mysterious Rev. and are all certain that he was a prankster. Very funny prankster, though! :p

 

Ciao - it's time to go have some more fun!

[EileenN]

Pepper, Please tell the Captain Sordsnes thatwe look forward to meeting him on Sunday. I am always impressed with the friendliness of the officers. They are to approachable and open. I truly hope the rest of your cruise is slow and as much fun as you related so far. Sunday will come soon enough. The weather in New York as of 9 AM is cold and rain mixed with a bit of ice. Not too much of a problem yet, but expecting it to turn to more snow later in the day. I don't think it will amount to much, just an annoyance. It is forcasted to warm up starting tomorrow.

[BILLP1]

Is this a new port for the Dawn? Was not a stop for us on the 2/2 cruise.

[cruisingfromMN]

I'm so curious. Where was dinner with the Captain?

[~Jo~]

I am also curious about this "new" port stop Samana, are you still going to GSC? I've just received my travel doc for the Dawn sailing in April and Samana is not in the schedule. Also, do you know who the captain will be on the April 16th sailing? Thank you. Enjoy your last few days, I've been following you in your travels and it seems like you are having a wonderful time.

~Jo~

[Catbiri2]

I'm so curious. Where was dinner with the Captain?

 

Answer:

 

Last night we enjoyed the privilege of dining at Cagneys with Captain Sverre Sordsnes.

 

:D

[WaldosPepper]

Good morning from somewhere east of the Bahamas! We are enjoying a fabulous morning at sea, with very slight seas and a temperature of 80 degrees. Skies are clear and winds are from the southwest at force 4 – moderate. I feel absolutely no need to take my meclizine this morning, as the sailing is as smooth as glass at the moment.

Yesterday we enjoyed an absolutely wonderful day of adventure in Samana! As we lined up to enter the tender, we bumped into PiratesoftheCaribbean and her family. This was great luck, as together we made a group of nine, which turned out to be quite fortuitous! As we arrived at the docks in Samana City, we were accosted by countless “tour operators” who wished to provide their services. One gentleman in particular stood out among the rest, as he was smartly dressed in black trousers with a crisp white polo shirt, and he spoke remarkably good English. We naturally gravitated toward this man and so began our wonderful adventure with Richard William as our guide.

After a bit of discussion about the various options available to us, we made our choices, among which was travel in an open-air conveyance. The first one Richard located was basically a pickup truck. We nixed that idea instantly, and while Richard went searching for something a bit safer, we managed to spot the perfect vehicle! Arrangements were made, and off we went in a most unusual truck designed for exactly nine passengers! This was a small box truck converted by the addition of three bench seats – two back to back seating three each and facing to the sides, with one more facing the rear. Above was a cute little “surrey” type canopy, complete with ruffled trim. We climbed aboard, and Richard positioned himself on the rear railing where he proceeded to narrate our voyage. We learned about the history of the Dominican Republic, their industries, their culture and their economy. Our journey took us north and east up the peninsula, through countless small villages and unbelievably lush mountains. We witnessed economic extremes which could only be described as incredible. Many of the residents reside in small shacks the size of a backyard shed in the U.S., and although they are equipped with electricity and running water, there is very little room for the conveniences we consider necessities. We passed women washing clothing with a washboard and tub, and learned that most clothing is dried by draping it over shrubs. These folks we would consider unfortunate are actually quite happy and content with their simple way of life. On the other end of the spectrum were sprawling mountaintop mansions with gated entries and sweeping ocean vistas. Not surprisingly, most of these are inhabited by foreign investors, but their tax dollars and other economic contributions are of course aiding in the improvement of the infrastructure while providing good-paying jobs for the local residents.

After an hour or so of driving we arrived at our first destination, the resort property at Los Terranos. We were warmly welcomed and invited to make use of their pool and garden facilities, as well as enjoying their private beach area. A free rum punch was distributed as well! We remained there for about an hour and a half, thoroughly enjoying ourselves, and marveling at the magnificent facilities and amenities. The children enjoyed the pool and the adults enjoyed great conversation and fun before we climbed aboard our “bus” once more. Returning along the same route, we then stopped at the entrance to the very famous waterfall attraction. After quite a bit of negotiating with the locals we secured horses and guides for the trip. The locals do not speak any English so we were very fortunate to have Richard as our translator! Important note: this adventure is NOT for the faint of heart, or for anyone who is not in very good physical condition! The trail leading to the falls is unbelievably rugged, and the path is rocks and mud in equal proportions. These horses are remarkably sure-footed and proceed along the trail with little or no direction. Incredibly steep hills often require the rider to lean either all the way forward or backward in order to balance while the horse picks its way among the rocks. The views along the way are nothing short of spectacular, and the locals do their very best to point out the various points of interest as well as naming the varieties of plants and trees. My guide, Juliana, did an amazing job of keeping me informed and entertained, and managed to somehow communicate that she is happily married and has five children. Along the way another guide behind us noticed a problem with my saddle, and came alongside to make an adjustment. Unfortunately, the adjustment did not hold, and a bit later as the horse stepped into a small gulley, the saddle slipped to the left, and I went with it. Blessedly this occurred at one of the only level and grass covered areas of the trail, so my landing was on hard ground, as opposed to pure rock or mud. Three guides jumped in immediately to assist both me and Juliana, and in no time we were proceeding along to the falls. I was a bit shaken up and bruised, but otherwise just fine, and the rest of the adventure was without incident.

After riding for approximately 25 minutes we arrived at a small building where bottled water was for sale along with some small local trinkets. At this point the rest of the journey is on foot. Having not prepared for such a trail, most of us were wearing sneakers or sandals, and this portion of the trip proved incredibly challenging for all of us. The trail goes STRAIGHT DOWN and winds along between trees and boulders. Because it’s rainforest, the surface is a bit slippery in many spots and treacherous most of the way. Our guides directed us to the safe footholds and held our hands in order to steady us. Eventually we arrived at the falls which are nothing short of breathtaking! We all took plenty of photos, and I’ll post some later. After a very brief respite at the falls, we checked our watches and realized we had very short time left before the last tender. Hurriedly we headed back up the trail and miraculously none of us suffered a heart attack from the exertion. Julianna somehow managed to literally pull me along several times as we headed up the trail, and I cannot imagine were this little tiny woman hides all the muscle that surely required! Exhausted, with leg muscles burning we finally arrived back at the horses, where we climbed on and were extraordinarily grateful for their help.

At this point we had approximately twenty five minutes until the last tender, and we were at least 35 minutes away from the city. Richard instructed our driver to step on it, and off we went with the engine screaming up the steep hills. All along the way the locals yell Hola as we pass, or whistle their hellos. Amazingly friendly people, they are delighted to have our tourism dollars and show their gratitude quite openly. We marveled at the beauty of their island, and rugged way of life. Generous tipping is quite painless, as everyone we encountered put forth great effort to ensure our enjoyment of their homeland.

Flying through the streets of Samana City, we arrive at the pier and see a tender boat waiting, and a sea of white uniforms. We wave vigorously as we approach, signaling that we’re coming as quickly as we can. Hastily we pay our guide and bid farewell, then dash to the tender and learn that we are the last nine people ashore. We make our apologies and board the tender along with all nine crewmembers, and make our way back to the ship, happy and completely exhausted.

Blessedly DH and I had already arranged for massages at 6:00, which have helped ease the muscle pain after our amazing uphill climb, and my fall from the horse. Unfortunately, the timing of our appointments coincided with the Captain announcing that a number of whales were visible around the ship. We did manage to see one spout off the port bow before having to rush off to the spa.

This morning we are both rather sore, and I’m sporting a simply lovely black and blue behind, but I suppose these are part of the price of admission to a day of adventure.

Sorry to be so long winded, but Samana being an unusual stop for the Dawn warranted a bit more information and description since so few have seen it yet. I spoke with the Captain this morning and he indicated that last night his message to Miami was a wholehearted endorsement for continued stops at Samana. There are of course those passengers who’ve complained that there’s nothing to do there, and that the locals are all crooks, but they’re far outnumbered with folks like us who took full advantage of all the island has to offer and furnished glowing reports of their stay.

Hope you are all having a fabulous day, and that your weekend is wonderful!

[seahorse]

PEPPER-----what an adventure:eek:

 

The Marine training paid off I see:D You really cut it short, I would have been a nervous wreck. They would have had to send Pepper`s Posse after you.

 

I was so anxious to hear about Samana. Glad you had a great time.

[NormanW]

There's nothing like the rush of thinking you're missing the ship! Haha that's great! :D

 

Cheers,

 

Norman

 

p.s. Despite the itinerary having the same amount of sea days, having two in a row going down and back is stylin'. Big time! Enjoy yourself!

[AndrewM]

I really like the detail of your review...and I really admire that you went for the adventure...I'm sure years from now you will be regaling others with your story on how you got right back on that horse even after earning a black and blue derriere. Welcome back, andrew. Now it's my turn!

[snorklinbarb]

OMG Pepper, my heart was pounding 1/2 way through your story!:eek:

 

We thought we had a bit of "fun" in Roatan when the road was closed and the police directed us all the way around the island, but it was like nursery school after reading your adventure.

 

You can buy painkillers in some of the islands without a prescription.:D

[WaldosPepper]

So very glad you all enjoyed my adventure as much as I did. You know what they say about falling off a horse - get right back into the saddle and you'll be fine, and indeed I was! ;) I just enjoyed another session at the spa - special deal 20 minute facial, 20 minute seaweed wrap and 20 minute back massage for $89.00 and worth every penny! Simone really worked out some knots that sprung up overnight as a result of that fall, and now I'm a quivering bowl of jello! :D

 

The sun is brilliant here on the port side balcony, and the temp is still a balmy 72 degrees. Norman - I am loving the two sea days back to back - mucho relaxo!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Ann and Barb - no training was necessary - must an iron will (something both of you share with me) so you both would have done just the same.

 

Hope the weather up there in NYC is resonably decent - both for us returning, and those departing as well!

 

Have a great evening everyone! :)

[CruisinMatt]

WOW!! You are lucky the ship didn't leave without you!! :o Let this be a lesson to others to WATCH the time!!!

[RichNY]

Here you go Mrs Pepper......

 

http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/detail/USNY0996?dayNum=1&from=search

 

As for your neck of the woods.....Im afraid to look..:D

 

Welcome home

[WaldosPepper]

Thanks for the weather report Rich!!! :D

 

And now for a look at those magnificent falls in Samana ...

 

Well, nevermind - resizing is not working properly, and not gonna burn up any more minutes. I'll post the whole album when I get home.

 

Be well everybody! :)

[awesome]

Welcome back Pepper:

I would like to ask you a question, according to your blog while you were in Tortola you went on an open air tour with someone named Wolf.

Could you tell me where you found this tour which sounds great. I'm going to be on 4/16 Dawn sailing and am looking for excursions, frankly I don't do beaches or snorkling.

Thanks for your help.

awesome

Dawn 4/16/06

Star 6/05:)

[SactoSteve]

So very glad you all enjoyed my adventure as much as I did. You know what they say about falling off a horse - get right back into the saddle and you'll be fine, and indeed I was!

 

Pepper -

 

or you could decide like I have that it's just not worth it!:rolleyes:

 

My sisters both ride like they were born in the saddle, I spend more time going over the side .... or getting hit in the face when the horse turns his head .... or .... (the variations on the theme are endless) I think my sisters got a kick out of waiting to see what happened next when I'd get on one of their horses! I've just decided that's not an activity that is in my future!

 

I admire your going in the first place!!!:D

 

Ada

[seacruiser25]

Pepper, wow - what an adventure! Samana sounds great and I hope NCL continues to call there in the future. WELL DONE!