Costa Rica 3-16-09

We had a great day in Costa Rica. We went into the Rain Forrest. It was a long bus ride to the top of a mountain and went to the Veruga Rain Forrest. It was a beautiful place. They first took us to look at frogs, butterflies, insects, etc. We went through a butterfly sanctuary. It was so beautiful. We goot some wonderful pictures of them moving. Again I do not know how to post moving pictures. We got to ride on a tram through the forrest. The trees are magnificient. The folage is thick and lush. Hard to explain. When we were at the bottom we hiked to a large water fall. Next we saw snakes in a display tha they have in Costa Rica.

Embera Indian Village 3-15-09

We rode in these canoes to the village. We were going against the current and the wind so we got really wet going up river. Thank heavens they gave us poncho's to wear. It took us about 45 minutes to ge to the village. The people were very friendly and the children were darling. As you can see they do not wear much. There houses were built up on stilts to protect them from animals, insects, and flooding. They had beautiful handicrafts. Baskets, wood cavings, jewlery and much more. They feed us lunch. The green pouch picture is what our lunch came in. It was fish and plantans cooked over an open fire. I had a hard time eating it but Randy said it was good. They also feed us fresh watermelon and pineapple. It was very delicious. The ride back in the canoe was better because we were with the current and wind. Not so much water spraying on us. It was very interesting. On the ride back to the cruise ship we passed thus young man hearding his cattle. A great day.

Panama Canal Locks 3-15-09
We went through the Gatun Locks. We stood on deck 7 to watch as
we went through the first part. Then from our Verandah we watch
as we went through the next two. It is interesting how the water fills
up and you move on. It was fun watching the ship beside us go
through also.

Curacao 3-13-09

Friday the 13th but we had a great day. Grandma Mortensen would have just stayed home. She was very supersticous. (oops can't spell) We had a great day in the town of Williamstad. We toured arounf and looked at the sights and then were taken to a Folklore Dance Show. It was so good. I do not know how to post moving pictures or i would show you the dances. Maybe another time. The buildings in this town and island wre very colorful also. It is so beautiful. The sunshine is amazing. We are really enjoying it.

We saw the Philipino Crew saw this night. It was great also. We are also enjoying the people we eat with each night. Not as much fun as thr Alaskian Cruise with family. We are missing yu all. When Max and Deanna and Gary and LaLene get back we will have to try it again. Tom and mary Anne get ready.

Aruba 3-12-09

We had a great day in Aruba. We went out on a catamaran to a beach with lots of coral and snokeled. We saw squid for the first time. That was very interesting. There is a light house on the island called the California after a ship that sunk there. We saw lots of windsurfers also. Aruba was a beautiful town with lots of colorful buildings. Another beautiful sunset. They are just gorgeous down here.

Half Moon Cay

We left Florida on Monday March 9th and were ar sea for over night. In the morningwe landed at Half Moon Cay. This is a private Island owner by Holland America Shipline. It was beautiful. Randy and I snorkeled with the stingrays. They feel so smooth and velvety.
Randy and I ready for the Mandatory life boat safety test.
The sunset the first night. It was beautiful. We are having a great time and enjoying the sunshine. We are at sea todayand just relaxing andenjoying the ride.

Humanitarian Aid

Our ward is doing a Humanitarian Aid project right now. We are sewing and stuffing soft balls and making light weight baby blankets to send to Guatemala. This is my contribution so far. 100 soft balls and 7 small blankets. Nothing fancy but I hope useful. They are also crocheting hats but I have not figured out howto do that yet.