Part 3 - nearing the end....

We're up to our second port, Puerto Vallarta, and what a day it was! We had all decided before the cruise began, that we wanted to go zip lining and this was the place we chose to do it...Scott and Betsy had done it here before and recommended this place. All was booked before - for 11 of us, even my mom!! Jayden wasn't old enough, you had to be six. She was to stay on the ship in the kids' club for the day. We were all up early, eager to start off the day, had breakfast and gathered our things for our adventure!

Josh took Jayden to the kids' club...and unfortunately, came back with her...long story, but just know that we don't recommend taking small kids on Holland America cruise line...they are not great with the little kids...geared to the older kids...and adults! So, change of plans, maybe...we'd see what we could do. We knew that she could ride up there with us (we took a cab to where we got the bus up to the canopy area) and then we'd see what we could arrange. The ride in the bus to the canopy area was on an open air bus...neat to see, but a tad chilly, though it didn't phase us, we were excited about what was ahead. Again, I want to return and take time to see more of this city...lots of interesting sights...the coastline, new condo's, old brick roads, roadside stands that are literally made of sticks, and homes that weren't much more than that...and we didn't see any of the downtown...as our day was spent with our excursion. Once at our destination, we were first guided to some Tequila tasting (of course, they were wanting us to buy some!) and it was pretty tasty...and I think everyone except Jayden tried it...and to be honest, they would have probably given her some if she wanted it...in Mexico, drinking age, I think is the age you start drinking from a cup?!! LOL After that it was time to head to our starting point and get instructions...then we had to figure out what to do with Jayden. We sort of "fibbed" about her age, saying she was 5 1/2 and was there any way she could come with us. At first they said no...that is until Jayden started to cry and those tears seemed to melt the young man who we were talking to and he then said she could go but, she had to ride with one of the employees each time...we quickly agreed!!! So, now we had 12 of us going...ages all the way from Jayden (4) to my mom (73)...wow, that was pretty exciting and what stories to share afterwards! Everyone got suited up in their harnesses and helmets and we had to watch the demonstration and then we were headed up to our first line (14 in total).

At first, we did a fair amount of walking...to get to each line, but as time went on, it was less distance between them and eventually, we were going downhill, rather than uphill. Mom did awesome...she was a real trooper and it was so cute to see the guys working it calling her "mama" or "grandma" each time she came and went...again, my mom is amazing...and I think she enjoyed it...and how many great-grandmas can say they've gone ziplining in Mexico!?! Jayden was a real trooper...she kept going (with someone carrying her from line to line many times) and never whimpered or complained (other than the beads on her head under the helmet...so she got her daddy's bandanna to wear under the helmet) and had smiles and looks of "wow" as she went from line to line! The very first line, they did send her on her own, for the "picture" and after that she was with one of the guys...and occasionally, her dad or mom as well.

Everyone had a blast...and several of us (me included) went double with one of the guys and went upside down while going across...it was amazing and so pretty as you looked down (okay, the first couple lines, I admit, I didn't look down...after that, it was easy!). I did take some pics (from my point and shoot), but nothing spectacular as when you are on a pulley "flying" over a river far below, you really don't think much about exposure, composition or light...you just click...so most of what I saw remains in my head! I did take pics of everyone throughout our adventure and some video - so you can see a bit of our excitement for the day!

Afterwards, we had a bit of time to eat something and Scott, Betsy, and Syd all swam in the river there (cold!), while the rest of us enjoyed watching from the side! The ride home was chilly again (wrapped up in the towel this time) but I was on the outside so could see more of the coastline as we headed back. Once at the office, we then needed taxis to get to the ship...with 12 of us...we had to get three...and that proved to be a bit too exciting as we didn't all end up at the same gate to get to the cruise terminal...and some didn't have their ship pass (others had them...at other gates!)...so let's just say they were calling our rooms at the time the ship was to leave...we were among the last 20 people to board the ship that day...not something we really want to repeat! I guess next time we'll "try" to relay to the taxi drivers what ship we're going to...communication was a bit difficult...except for Syd (who was in our taxi) as she and the driver had a nice conversation and even were laughing at something about us...it was fun to watch her!! I think the driver enjoyed "chatting" with her!

Back to the ship...another show and dinner...and then tomorrow, one last port....Cabo...that will be on the next edition (and last) for the cruise blogs! As before...photo heavy...and I'll add a couple videos at the end, if you're interested!

Two other cruise ships greeted us at our port on this morning.

A scene as we drove to where we started our ziplining...this was one of the better "homes" we saw along the way.

We have arrived...and are ready to go...the Hege family!

Jess and Sean ready to start...everyone is heading up the hill for instructions!

All suited up and ready to "fly!"

That's "one" for Syd...we sort of had a "photo bombing" contest during the cruise...not sure who won...haven't had the time to add up everyone's scores!! LOL

Very excited to be a part of what the rest of the group had planned for the day!

From above!

Here somes Sean!

And, then Jess!

Mom takes off...on a new line...

Mandy comes "flying" in to a platform!

And, Jayden's turn is next!

One (of just a couple) photos from while I was "flying" over the canyon!

Mom, with one of her new buddies! They loved her!

Jess just finished up...hmm, I think that guy is checking her out...where's Sean?!!?

And, it's Rick's turn!!

Here comes mom!

And, Sam is coming in for a landing!

Jayden's ride!

Beautiful skies and trees...if only (I always say that!) I had my other camera and more time!

The last line...a double one!

The Hege's swimming in the (cold) river!

Hey look, it's almost her name!!

On our way back to the ship, we passed this scene...strange way to advertise a circus, I thought! And, it seems like if the elephants really wanted to, they could just step right off and break the ropes...only in Mexico (okay, maybe Vegas, too!).

As we waited for the ship to leave the harbor, we saw this bull fighting ring across the street...and it was quickly filling up...that would have been interesting to see! Someday!

Really pretty waterway as we left our second port...wish we'd had more time!

Yes....another mixology class...yum!!!

These guys were great...very patient and a wonderful sense of humor!

We all took turns with the "shake, shake, shake" of the drinks!

The atrium...looking down on the tree and gingerbread house!

Waiting for the show to start before dinner. It's me...I'm finally in a picture today!

Jayden and her papa!!! I love this!

Sam, Syd and my mom at dinner...all dressed in black...did they plan that?

Hmmm...who's the tallest? It's not Jess! They like to give her a hard time...but there are benefits to not being so tall!!

Mom comes in after one of the rides across the canyon!

And, here comes Josh...goofing off a bit!

Last riders of the day for our group...double line, Josh and Jayden!