ocean – Richard & Joy Nuckolls

Riviera Maya

Richard — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 02:22:58 +0000

Hard Rock Riviera Maya

Joy and I took a wonderful vacation to the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in June. I absolutely loved the lagoon setting. Joy did not, saying it was not a real beach. I think the sandy shore with chairs and gently lapping waves qualifies. I also loved the schools of fish, some a foot long or more, which would swim around your legs in the lagoon.

Tulum

We took a bus excursion to the ruins of Tulum. The tour was interesting enough, but rather crowded. Iguanas were everywhere, showing no fear of the tourists. The cliff side ocean setting really stands out on one side of the complex, but the other quickly fades to jungle.

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Patriot’s Point

Richard — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 20:01:47 +0000

USS Yorktown

The pride of Patriot’s Point, the USS Yorktown stands guard over many ships in the marina in the northern part of Charleston harbor. We visited the destroyer first, which seemed very conventional in layout, with large rooms the width of the ship. I wasn’t as keen on the submarine, as I constant duck my head and scan for metal to knock it against.

Below Decks

The various decks of the carrier form a maze. The deck plates have arrows to the next hatch or ladder or turn to follow a particular tour. Joy and I spent hours walking the tours and peering into the rooms. So many pipes, cables, dials and motors cling to the walls and floors and ceilings.

Flight Deck

I enjoy most seeing the aircraft. Most of my favorite planes launched from carriers, and I could name many of the planes on display. After a few hours wandering below decks we emerged into the sun and breeze of the flight deck. We climbed the Island and then strolled among the planes.

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Gran Bahia Principe

Richard — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 04:54:32 +0000

Sunrise

The Dominican Republic sits in the eastern Caribbean. Punta Cana juts into the sea from the eastern border. The sun climbs out of the sea each morning for any on the beach to see.

Sailing

The resort offered an hour of water sports equipment each day gratis. I’ve always wanted to sail a boat. So I signed up for one and got it launched. The two assistants joked that it was my first time sailing, but I think I did alright. I went out past the swimming area and up the coast a thousand yards then turned around. Perhaps next time I will hire a guide.

Joy and I took a two person kayak out near the wreck.

On the Beach

The beach at Bahia Principe slants down to the sea. In June it gets hot so the many palm frond umbrellas make prime spots for lounging. June is the off season so there weren’t too many guests.

Going to Dinner

Bahia Principe is an all inclusive resort, so food and drinks are included. Each morning we would go to the buffet and most days we had a snack just off the pool. In the evenings we dressed up to try the different restaurants.

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Ocean City

Richard — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 20:05:05 +0000

Sunrise on the Ocean

Sunrise over the eastern coast can be a spectacular sight. Walking on the beach at sunrise is my favorite activity at the beach. Ocean City has a wide, soft sand beach that is perfect for walking along. It was a cool clear morning with a light haze of cloud on our last day in Ocean City when we took this walk.

Beaches

Fences surround the dunes at Ocean City to protect them. Barriers also protect the beach.

On The Boardwalk

The Boardwalk is the place to watch people, shop, and get to your place on the beach. Bikes, joggers, and pedestrians travel up and down the boardwalk at all times of the day. Ocean City’s Boardwalk is wood plank, and has a great feel when walking and makes a great sound when riding a bike. The 2 1/2 mile Boardwalk separates the beach from the buildings of the city.

Shops Of The Boardwalk

Our favorite shop on the Boardwalk is Johnson’s Popcorn. The caramel corn is sure tasty! We got a few slices of the floppy thin crust pizza they serve back East and sat on a bench for lunch. When we visited this year, we came before the season so many of the shops were not yet open.

Early Walks

I love the early light, and at 6:00 a.m. few people are about.

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Virginia Beach

Richard — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 11:33:52 +0000

On our last morning we woke at dawn to take some pictures and have a walk.

Neptune Festival

Richard — Sat, 23 Sep 2006 11:04:51 +0000

In preparation for the following week’s festival, Virginia Beach sponsored a Guinness Record attempt for the tallest sandcastle. The sandcastle is planned for 39 feet at the tallest point. The sculptors worked for several more days to finish after we left. The sandcastle sits just off the beachwalk, a wide concrete path that fronts the hotels just off the beach.

Bournemouth

Richard — Sat, 07 May 2005 17:20:47 +0000

Bournemouth is the happiest place in Britain. We were totally amazed to find this gorgeous beach in Britain. It is very reminiscent of an American East Coast beach community.

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