TUESDAY FROM THE SEA

Tuesday Feb 3, 2009 – Our scheduled 7AM arrival at our first port stop at Dominica was delayed as a result of our delayed departure out of Ft. Lauderdale.  We arrived at 12 noon, amid typical Caribbean weather conditions of clear skies and warm muggy weather.   Ken and Marvis rushed ashore while Bob and I waited with Bill and Diane for a more "shore friendly" debarkation.  Those of us who stayed behind decided that we had made the better decision inasmuch as debarkation with 3,000 "scurrying passengers" is not very desirable.  Bill decided to stay aboard and another couple (former fellow travelers of Diane and Bill from Colorado) joined us for our "trek" ashore.    According to our daily "blurb" from the ships staff, "Dominica is halfway between Guadeloupe and Martinque and is the most mountaineous of the Windward Islands.  Abundant with rushing rivers, cascading waterfalls and lush rainforests.  Dominica is a treasure test of hidden natural wonders. "  I am afraid I will have to take their word all this because as we departed the ship, my foot acted up and my big toe began to hurt leading Bob to suggest that I might be experiencing the beginnings of "gout".  I assured Bob that was not possible because "gout" is supposedly a rich person's dilemma and "rich I ain't:".  Nevertheless, we returned to the ship, watched for the return of our respective spouses and had a nice visit.    Ken and Marvis returned after their venture downtown and "out and about" and pronounced their afternoon a success insofar as exercise and common exploration.  Oh – Ken bought another "cheap" island painting for his collection of art that serves to remind him where he has been and what he has seen.    In the meantime, I am "cooling my heels (or toes as the case may be) in the stateroom awaiting a quick recovery from a "peeved" toe.  For the record, I am fairly confident that the foot malady is a result of some shoes that may not meet the comfort level of my feet.  Time will tell.   Our stop tomorrow is Barbados.  Will let you know how it goes.     Ken and Pat Burns from the road and/or the sea just as happy as can be