Our group caught a tour/speed boat to Isle Saona, the southern tip of Dominican Republic. We spent a splendid day tour of the National park. There are only 600 inhabitants live in a 1000K radius.
The trip there was taken by Speed boat (as you can see in the video, I was in the front and taking the bounce of every break we hit!)
I have never had much experience with boats/rafts/kayaks/catamarans or any other kind of water or seafaring vessel- so riding in a speed boat and a cataraman in the same day was quite an adventure! the dance party aboard the catamaran on the return voyage as also quite delightful.
While on the Island, the tour company provided us with lunch and beverages, buffet style, and it was lovely–I also picked up a couple of souvenir conch shells as well from a local man.
Enroute to the Island, the speed boat stopped at the lagoon. We swam on and near the sand bars was a splashing good time. According to the tour guide/captain, the area was used for some filming of the movies “Blue Lagoon” with Brooke Shields and some scenes in the Pirates of the Caribbean Movies staring Johnny Depp. Once we re-boarded the speed boat, we left for the Island.
Several hours of play and fun on the island required a 1.5 hour return to Punta Cana, for the end of a splendid day.
The boats are “docked” on the lagoon while we splash and playTrying to be fancy and fun in the sun with my sun bonnetTrying to be fancy and fun in the sun with my sun bonnetBouncing on the boat as I was placed in the front and bounced with every waveAll of us playing in the lagoon with the sandbarsOur arrival boatMe and my Sweetness on the islandI got a conch shell on Saona Island my second Conch Shel a Souvenir for my parentsMy sweetness with his UV blocking shirtPapa and Abuelita Sandra on the CatermerannSaona Island, Dominican Republic Speed BoatPapa and Aunt MargieSweetness on the IslandOur Group, including me, Papa, Aunt Margie, Ms. Sandra, and Mr. JED Horton and Sweetness David Jones Papa and Ms Sandra on CataramaranMe adn my Sweetness
A day excursion first to Higuey for a bit of local shopping, and yes, I picked up some goodies, and then our chauffer drove us to one of his favorite locations to eat a late lunch–I never caught the name of the venue but it was amazing with fresh catch of the day–under a thatched dining area overlooking the “Goonies” style cove–absolutely stunning and lovely get away from the resort and it was tourist free (besides us) and my bilingual boyfriend was able to talk for all of us–what a splendid experience! Well worth the efforts to get there@
Boca De Yuma CoveMr. Horton and Ms. SandraOur GroupGoonies looking coveMs. Sandra and Mr. HortonMe and my SweetnessNatures Best at the coveThatch roofing is so common hereFresh Caught Shrimps in a creamy sauce in a Plantain bowl, a local favoriteFresh Catch of the dayFresh Caught Snapper
Listed below in the Gallery are just a few of the beautiful pieces for sale on my eBay, all kniited and painted by myself, Anna Potthoff. I am selling my art and knitted crafts (plus other odds and ends) on eBay to help support my adventures and 10% of each sale also goes to the Wild Life Sanctuary in Keensburg, Colorado!
I have a special trip to Scotland coming up in a few weeks and would love to have fun spending money while I am there–you get a great item to hang in your home, give as a gift for a friend or loved one or to simply treat yourself while it’s the gift that keeps on giving as it helps others in the process! Happy Shopping!
Hand Knitted scarfHand Knitted scarfHand Knitted scarfHand Knitted scarfHand Knitted scarfHand Knitted scarfHand Knitted scarfOriginal art, hand paintd canvas of autumn, halloween/withes Flower cake painting with original art by Anna PotthoffPotraits of ancient man at Rosemarkie Firth
Yes, it’s true! It has officially been 2 months since I have quit smoking–and yes, I am fully nicotine-free the whole time–sans the time it took for the residual nicotine to detox/leave my system–
Admittingly, the first week was extremely unpleasant, but as with all good things, it takes time, practice, effort and in my case, some assistance for a great thing to occur.
Often, the first question, well, the first two questions when I express to someone that I recently quit smoking, are the following– When did you start smoking (or why) and what prompted to you quit smoking?
I started smoking 20+ years ago in college (shame on me!) and I was simply ready to quit and was tired of smoking–which is odd to say as I still get an oral “hankering” for a smoke/cigarette (referring only to tobacco products here, I have never smoked the other stuff!).
I don’t know which was more difficult in the beginning, even now, training myself to know that I am a non smoker or telling/sharing/remdinging those whom are around me/know me that I don’t smoke anymore. There are people in my life whom have only known me as a smoker and a person whom gets a bit “tense” if she didn’t get her break at someone point to light up–now I can go an entire shift at work without even noticing that I didn’t smoke or have that quick fix break–which is kind of nice and an adjustment as well–and it works the same way at home, I work through a list of chores and more and realize when I sit to enjoy my cup of coffee/herbal tea that I knocked out a lot more because I didn’t want or need to stop for a fix.
A perk I didn’t see coming was that my parents sent me a treat/reward for quitting cigarrettes, which was super sweet of them–I used the reward to book a special tour in Octobeber when we are on vacation, which is awesome–quitting literally has its pay off and another perk? I won’t miss anything on the tour because I won’t have to find a “smokers hole” or other approved spot and to enjoy the tour without jonesing for nicotine–and if an oral craving does pop up? I will chew on a piece of my trusty spearmint gum and be minty fresh all day–something that hasn’t happened in 20 years, being fresh breathed all day!
Is it easy? Nope, but it has been worth it and the small benefits and perks just keep popping up everywhere! Everyone whom wants to quit and has quit has their own ways and reasons for doing it but it is possible, and while this is an adventure blog in food and travel, quitting smoking only allows me to enjoy both aspects more!
Also, especially in the beginning my knitting has also been an aid to quitting!
Success does come in many forms! Happy Quitting!
Quitting smoking concept. Hand is refusing cigarette offer.
Located on the edge of Clemson, near the university, is a wonderful lake access park. That is a wonderful place just to chill out and enjoy the wonderful springtime weather.
I packed a picnic, okay, well, I used the McDonalds app to get a free chicken McNugget Happy meal with points, so they packed my picnic for me; it was yummy, of course.
An easy, breezy day with a tasty picnic is just what was needed!
Don’t forget to check out my eBay! Every purchase helps me to adventure and 10% of sales benefit the Wild Life Sanctuary in Keensburg, Colorado.
A lovely and delightful way to enjoy Spring time in Upstate South Carolina–Clemson hosts a lovely waterfront park, just off of Tiger Boulevard (parking is easily done at the local Wendy’s and the trail head is just a 1/2 block away!)
The trails are all marked and either paved or done with a board walk style, offering many picnic tables and benches and hanging swings over beautiful docks and more! I witnessed many couples and groups of friends using the lovely accomodations along the trail!
I walked a total of 40+ minutes, taking a little break in the sunshine to get some sunshine on my very winter white legs, while I enjoyed a picnic that I purchased at Wendy’s-I chose the $5 grab bag (with a slight upcharge for a larger drink!)
The breeze was blowing lightly off of the Lake while I enjoyed watching the fishermen ply there talents and skills from their boats, thoroughly enjoying the light refreshing days of Clemson, S.C.
A super easy meal to make–with very common, often in household ingredients (and if you purchase ingredients, the items not used can be used in other stuff easily!)
1 large yam, washed and coarsely chopped
2 big carrots, peeled and shredded/chopped
1 medium purple onion, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky, doesn’t matter)
1 tablespoon Curry Powder
1 tsp each, dried ginger, black pepper, Garam Masala, sea salt
1 tablespoon coconut oil
3 Tilapia Filets (I like the frozen ones from AlDI)
4 cups of cold water
Put everything in a large, deep skillet or medium sized pan, except fish
Simmer and stir for 10 minutues, put the fish on top, cover and let simmer for 40-45 on medium heat until fish is done and veggies are soft/cooked through. Mix well to break up fish and incorporate everything together.
Can be eaten as is or served over cooked rice. If eaten as it, serves 2-4, if served over rice, served 6-8.
+Can be altered to be vegetarian or vegan by eliminating the fish!
Over 80+ items are available for sale on my eBay! Free shipping on all pieces shipped to the USA but able to ship worldwide with a small shipping fee (depending on location!)
Each items helps supports the rescued carnivores at the Wild Life Animal Sanctuary in Keensburg, Colorado–Lions, Tigers, Wolves and Bears, OH MY! All items also include a “Make An Offer” tab, so, shop happy and make me an offer!
Here is the link to all items on my items, and more items are coming!
Hand Knitted scarfHand Knitted scarfHand Knitted scarfOriginal art, hand paintd canvas of autumn, halloween/withes Flower cake painting with original art by Anna PotthoffPotraits of ancient man at Rosemarkie Firth Hand Knitted scarfHand Knitted scarfHand Knitted scarfHand Knitted scarf
