The Beaven/Cook/Mercer Grand Adventures
Cozumel, Mexico & Other Ports 'o Call
Map of the Island of Cozumel
Some of the beautiful sealife along the reefs.
The route of our trip - the lines in white.
KEY WEST - Tues. July 18th - 8 am - 2 pm
The Carnival cruise ship, Ecstasy, pulled into full view along the docks of the Key West Naval Base. Shortly to the right of Dianne and Suzy, there was a small beach we went wading in - the water being crystal clear.
Mallory Square on the far western side of the island. Every evening just before sunset everyone gathers in this locale to watch the sunset and clap when it disappears over the horizon. This used to also be where pirate ships would dock with lookouts constantly gazing over the horizons for unsuspecting victims.
Susan is seen here in her typical pouting mood in the midst of the shops along famous Duval St. in downtown Key West.
One of Key West's more famous sites is Sloppy Joe's bar, known as one of Ernest Hemingway's favorite haunts. As can be attested to by Dianne, they make a great frozen margarita.
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The Island of Cozumel - Wednesday, July 19th
There to meet everybody on the dock, especially where the duty-free store was located, was this Mexican Mariachi band. This was also where Johnny and Guy met the divemaster from Sand Dollar Sports. In the background was the bar, "Fat Tuesdays," and beyond that was the taxi stand with its never ending line of "willing" cabdrivers.
After exiting the water after an exciting adventure diving along the Santa Rosa Wall at a depth of 80 feet, Johnny takes a breather.
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Onboard the Ecstasy Cruise Ship - July 17th - 21st
From the quarterdeck of the bow, Dianne posed before the pool and "Lido" deck where breakfast, lunch and deck parties were held all throughout the trip. The party after we left Cozumel Wednesday night was spectacular.
Dianne stopped for a moment while writing a letter here in our cabin. To the left was a pulldown bed where Suzy slept. The quarters were not bad.
Seen here at our formal dining setting for dinner were from left to right - Dianne, Suzy, Johnny, Cathy and Gloria. There was never a shortage of food at ANY meal whether it was breakfast or midnight buffet.
Having one last nightcap near the gambling casino before the end of the cruise were Gloria and Dianne.
The sad moment of truth hit us all once we had cleared Customs after the trip was over and were waiting for Johnny and the van for the long ride back to Clearwater.
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The Trip to Crystal Springs - Sat. July 22nd
At the mouth of the Crystal river and the Gulf of Mexico, Uncle David, Suzy and Dianne posed near the Crystal River Beach.
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Dive Trip Along the Crystal River - Sunday, July 23rd
Stopping along the river in water approx. 5 feet deep, a small pod of manatees was discovered here. Using snorkel and fins, Guy swam right into the midst of these enormous and gentle creatures - nuzzling up against them and rubbing their bellies. A wonderful experience.
Shortly after completing a dive inside an underwater cave along the river at a depth of 50 feet Guy is seen here back aboard the dive ship recounting the experience.
