Caribbean Cruise Feb 2011

We have returned from our annual Caribbean Escape. This time our group of cold weather escapees cruised aboard Carnival Glory to Cozumel, Belize, Roatan and Grand Cayman. Other than being late dis-embarking at almost every port (not much but enough to cause a little shortening of the time allocated for shopping), the Glory is a well laid out ship and the food was incredible, as usual. One thing I discovered was how much I enjoyed chilled, fruit soups as an appetizer...I guess it's the 85 degree days vs. 10 degrees. Cozumels port was a surprise and I really thought it was a nice addition. The other port was more of a formal shopping mall while this one is more like the "native" areas. Finally got to swim with the Dolphins in Cozumel so I can write that off my Bucket List. We returned to the Altun Ha Mayan ruins in Belize, and the tour was quite good and informative...this time no rain so we got to explore. Although much had been made about the Tender difficulties Carnival has been having in Belize, it worked out just fine for us. Roatan continues to impress with it's natural beauty and has begun adding activities. Our day was spent mostly sightseeing with our private guide (the Monkey Farm is worth a stop) and had an outstanding lunch on the beach at a place called Bananarama. People were very nice and friendly...it's a family group that runs it and if you are in the mood for a longer time in Roatan would recommend you try the resort. Off to Grand Cayman and a date with the Sting Rays and as usual after everyone looks questioning at me about swimming with them...turns into a highlight ! Finally went to Hell (Grand Cayman that is) and saw what prompted the name---dead coral. Another fantastic lunch on the beach, getting awed by 100 year old turtles and then a day at sea. Final day was to attend the art auction again, but had to leave to host the Sand Run Travel Cocktail party before the art I was interested in came up...probably saved a few bucks due to that! Wasn't super happy with the location Carnival gave us for the party, but with free booze, no one seemed to really mind. Can't close with mentioning the fashion show we hosted with Teri Ketchens and her designs...she really outdid herself and we hope it helped create some new avenues for her. I know the fellow cruisers who modeled for her enjoyed themselves....

Holiday Thoughts

Do I ever need to learn to Blog on a regular5 basis ! Last trips were the mini-wine tour and Atlantic City. The mini-wine tour had 1 very good winery, 1 pretty good and 1 that needs to grow a bit. But all in all still was very enjoyable. Valley Winery outstide of Cincy continues to be an excellent Ohio Winery for anyone to visit. Next year I think we will change the Indiana Winery and go back to Wyandotte. As for AC, had probably the best trip (not in the casino - anyway) we've had in awhile. Too bad it was after Thanksgiving and couldn't get down to the Boardwalk --- I know several people did and had a fine time. We have spent much of the fall getting the schedule ready for 2011 and really like what we've put together. The Bahamas Cruise out of Charleston should be a great cruise and the Greenbrier Trip should be an incredible adventure---using a private jet for the trip.

Hopefully in 2011 I'll get myself in the habit of blogging regularly ---- i guess that needs to be a resolution.

Soaring Eagle August

Another joint trip to Soaring Eagle in August also included a rest stop about 1/2 hr from Soaring Eagle at a Fruit Winery which has some of the more unique wines I have come acress. So far I've brought home a honey-traminette and a red wine of cabernet-cerry wines. Both have been very enjoyable and I am not particularly a sweet wine fan. Also on this trip played Pohlcat Golf Course. Definitely not for the weak hitters, but entirely enjoyable and picturesque. One thing to remember, however, is that the water is closer than you might imagine, so the shots aren't quite as diifuclt as your eyes see them ! Soaring Eagle Casino continues to have plenty of low stakes tables... but beware of the youngsters playing. Only 18 to gamble which produces plenty of interesting characters and bets.

Niagara Wine Tour

Wow, can't believe it's been since May that I posted. Just goes to show I am not used to blogging on a regular basis. Since May we have enjoyed a number of great adventures and begun planning for 2011. First we held our annual major New York Wine Tour which included Niagara Falls...the weather co-operated fanttastically and we received great reviews for the tour. On the way to Niagara Falls we stopped at 2 new Chattauqua wineries, both of which would be worth a stop if you are on the way up, but the normal highlite of Merritt Winery with Lunch provided the best of the day. The second day, while longer, was highlighted by Bully Hill winery at Keuka Lake along with several others, most noteably Hunt Country. At Bully Hill we had one of the most entertaining tastings and a fantastic gourmet Lunch. The lunch kind of through us off schedule since I didn't realize the gourmet idea and had planned on your basic hot dog/hamburger lunch. We recovered nicely and continued on. Have decided that the 2011 tour will be one of "favorites" at chattauqua and Keuke Trails...anyone who has travelled with us on these trails can submit a nominee. Seneca Niagara Casino continues to be a favorite for gaming and the Crowne Plaza has really improved itself since the days of the old Holiday Inn.

Soaring Eagle

Just returned from Soaring Eagle in Mt. Pleasant, MI... fantastic hotel decor and the rooms were quite nice, spacious and confortable. Did notice that the bathtubs have no "grip" and are somewhat treacherous. Had one woman slip and fall and I was very tentative getting in and out. Lot's of walking as the hotel is quite a walk from the casino (especially if you are in the North Section). Restaurant selections are pretty good now that the Water Lily has changed to Isabella's Italian, and it is relatively decently priced. Was extremely disappointed in the buffet and would not recommend it unless it's the only comp you can get. Pool and Spa seemed nice and good complements for the stay. Slots seemed a bit tight this trip but noticed some decent winners. Almost all of the blackjack tables were $5 --- which isn't bad except that it entices the youngsters (18 is the legal age) to play and most haven't figured out the game. Rules, however, are fair since they hit soft-17 and can only split twice. Had a few shoes but mostly continuous shuffle. In general the dealers are personable and friendly, so the experience is worth going back. Had planned to play golf at Pohlcat but didn't get a chance, so next trip will have to. Am debating running a tournament there next year so will need to check out the course.

Grand Victoria

Had a small group at Grand victoria and it still is one of the friendliest casinos in the north. Unfortunately it is being squeezed big time by the proximity of full casinos near NE Ohio and the newness of the Hollywood Casino (re-built Argosy). Wish they would work wit us to become a "destination" casino and develop something to help attract out-of-town guests. Playing conditions for table games are still pretty good with lower limit table games and pretty reasonable rules. Golf Course remains a highlight as one of the best resort courses playable for all levels. Considering returning our golf tournament for next year back to "The Links".

Las Vegas

Returned from Las Vegas a few weeks ago and just getting back into the swing of blogging. Happened to hit spring break, but Vegas is still Vegas. Arranged for the group to take the Nite on the Town tour from Showtime and it was it's usual success. This tour is one of the best ways to see the sights of Vegas and get to some of the free shows. If you attempt to walk it yourself you may be there a few nights, but this lets you see the sights and visit a few as well. I still feel Fremont street is the place for the non-whale (guppie) or older gambler and the strip is good for the high-rollers and vacationers. Too bad airfare has been so difficult to monitor because the casinos are pretty much offering great room deals. We had one couple take the helicaptor to Grand Canyon tour, and said it was worth every penney--- sorry I couldn't take it with them.