So don't sit upon the shoreline and say you're satisfied....Choose to chance the rapids and dare to dance the tide....

Yesterday a group of us took off for Sanford, FL and a dinner cruise down the St. John's River.
We boarded the ship on Lake Munroe and then entered the St. John's.

We were all kind of surprised when we got on the boat (ship), as it was pretty plain looking from the outside. It was really very nice with a big dining room, a lounge for dancing and lots of both inside and seating. The weather was 86....we ALL loved it!!

The food was surprisingly tasty....we were kind of apprehensive with it being served on a 3 hour boat tour.

Along with a relaxing cruise, we also packed some trivia in. I always thought the rivers in FL were not very clean. The cruise director dropped a glass jar (on a string) in and brought up a jar of water. It was amazingly clear....just a very light yellow/tan tint. Come to find out, the reason the color is the way it is because of the Cyprus trees growing along the river banks here in FL.

Cyprus trees contain tannic acid (the same acid found in tea) and that's where the color comes from. tannic acid is also used to "tan" leather.......

I love this picture! We were all leaning over the rail looking for alligators (it's mating season so they were abundant) and created this shadow on the water.....

This was our Jack of all trades, entertainer, tour guide and host.....Hey, it wasn't exactly a "Caribbean Cruise' but it was a lot of fun. Our friends can make ANY occasion fun.

Ralph and Karen...

Doug and Darlene....

Rick and Carol....

Gordie and Carol

Just about this whole group will be joining us on our "BIG" cruise next January.

Salt and I have come out of denial and realize it is less than 3 weeks before we close the winter house and head home. We are anxious to see the kids/grand kids but really hate leaving this beautiful weather and all our friends. We do look forward to getting the house on the island prepared for a busy summer. We have to finish our "to do' list before Salt goes back to work...otherwise, it doesn't get done.

We went today and picked up boxes to start packing up. We plan to move the motor home into our driveway about 3 days before we actually leave. We will get it all cleaned up and move into that while we strip the house and shut it down. With a calendar full of events we have committed to, it will be a very busy month!!