Minnesota has snowiest start in 30 years

 I've been flying a lot lately, so I missed much of the snow that has fallen since the beginning of the year....which surprisingly was only 6 days ago.

However, it has snowed a LOT this past week, and many of the news stations have said that it's the 3rd snowiest start in a long time. 

According to Kare11 News, here are the totals through Thursday:

• The storm total recorded at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, the official climate site for the Twin Cities, was 15 inches
• Seasonal snowfall so far is 48.2 inches
• The average seasonal snowfall by this date is 20.4 inches
• And the average snowfall for an entire season is 51.2 inches

But if you can believe it, it's been even snowier by this time of the year. If you lived in the area in 1991-92, you might remember a particularly snow-packed start to winter – that year saw 61.8 inches by this time, partly due to the infamous Halloween blizzard.

The pictures I've seen from many friends were simply beautiful. Reminded me of pics growing up in Virginia where much of the snow was the thick, wet type of snow that stuck to trees, power lines, houses, and vehicles. This morning even had fog where much of the ice droplets in the air stuck to everything, making is simple gorgeous to look around.

That's it for now, so until next time;

Sluggo

New Year, New Adventures

 Well, 

I can't say it's a surprise that a few years have gone by since my last update, but wow! It's been a few years!

This year I do hope to post a bit more than I have in the past. Life sure knows how to quickly pass you by, so hopefully I can continue to write and give some simple updates here and there. 

So Happy New Year! 

Until Next time,

Sluggo

Where has Sluggo Been?

Hey Everyone, just a quick update to say I'm still around and have been extremely busy.

Not sure if I'll get back to finishing my posts from my 2018 Caribbean cruise, write about another cruise in 2019, transferring bases for work, first trip to Hong Kong, and advancing my Scuba qualification.

Either way, been very busy flying (work) and staying busy....who knows, maybe I'll get back here and give some updates soon.  There are a LOT of things to talk about.

Until then,

Sluggo

When & Where 8 Feb 18

Day five, Santo Tomás de Castilla, Guatemala. Temperature approximately 82ºF, slight chance of rain in the mountains.

The port was built in 1976, which is nestled in the Amatique Bay, and today it is among the busiest in Central America. Although the pier itself does not offer a lot in activities, the nearby area is full of unique experiences. You'll find a Spanish fort located 5 minutes away, where you'll discover wonderful architecture and have the chance to learn about explorers and pirates.

One of the most popular local attractions are waterfalls which are said to rival Hawaii and Dominica. You'll not only admire the waterfalls, but you can also bathe in the waters and climb the rock formations. For the adventurous, head to the Eco Farm, a 500 acre nature preserve, home to many plant and bird species. Enjoy a hike in lush, tropical surroundings.

The most special outing of all is a visit to a local school. This gives you a chance to meet and experience the people here and gain an understanding of the country and its inhabitants. Many visitors will tell you this part of their trip was the most rewarding.

Settlement dates back to the 19th century by Belgian pioneers. Another important historical site is to visit the "Tikal", the largest of the Mayan Ruins. It is impressive and continues to reveal treasures from the Mayan Culture as archaeologists explore it. Recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site, Quirigua offers pieces from Mesoamerica.

I personally didn't get off the ship this day, however it was fun to watch the trucks at the port continuously bring loads of dirt to ship, which later found out the dirt has Nickel in it to be mined.

Until next time,
Sluggo

When & Where 7 Feb 18

Day four, Mahogany Bay, Honduras. The ship's clocks were set back 1hour due to going into a different time-zone.

One of the largest of the Honduras Bay Islands, Roatán. Spanning just 37 miles in length, the island lies next to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the largest in the Caribbean Sea and the second-largest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef.

Roatán attracts divers from all around the world but also visitors
who are simply looking for some rest and relaxation. While Christopher Columbus landed on the island in the 16th century, it wasn't until three centuries later that the island was given a break from territorial conflicts.

Today, the island is owned by American fruit companies and prospers from its agricultural endeavors. Plenty of recreational activities are available in Roatán.

Learn to sportfish from locals or take a semi-submarine tour in the Bay Island Underwater Museum. Head to the Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum and wander through lush tropical gardens housing tropical fruit trees, heliconia gardens, and an indoor waterfall.

Next, embark on a journey through Carabola Gardens, where a nature walk takes you through the native environment of monkeys and parrots. Head to the Black Pearl Golf Course to soak up the paradise sun and perfext your game at the island's only gold course.

 Roatán offers some of the best snorkeling in the world. Board a catamaran and explore the reef and its exotic and tropical marine life.  Roatán still keeps the Garifuna traditions alive. Be sure to watch the Garifuna Dancers perform their culturally important dance called Punta.

So from eco-tours, diving, snorkeling, caves, botanical gardens, beaches, a cloud forest, and other incredible photo opportunities. This is a great place for very unique experiences, regardless of your age or activity level. There are also dozens of friendly iguanas, tarpons, monkeys, and lobster.

With the beautiful beaches comes fascinating Maritime history. In the mid-17th century, there were approximately 5,000 French, English, and Dutch pirates living on the Bay Islands. Henry Morgan, Blackbeard, and John Coxen (the namesake for Coxen Hole) just to name a few.

Until next time,
Sluggo

When & Where 6 Feb 18

Day three is a 'Sea' day. This means that from the last port to the next, the ship is literally at sea between the two ports.

The weather was 80ºF, and partly cloudy. Such an awesome day to enjoy some rays by the pool. The schedule was pretty busy with things to learn at the next port, however, when one enjoys the sun, it's hard to stay inside.

I did go to the Grand Opening Art auction and bid on a Charles Schultz piece for a very good price. Sure, there were many other great pieces to buy, however, I just don't have the money to buy such high priced items, so the one piece was good enough for me.

There was a $5,000 jackpot bingo going on, however, since having been on other cruises, it's great to hold off hoping for a higher jackpot!

 I do enjoy just walking around the promenade deck and watch the waves splash against the ship. It's just so relaxing to listen to and watch.

Then the awesome view from the back of the ship to see where we have been. Hard to believe that we're out in the middle of the Caribbean Sea.





Not much really happened other than some beverages on the ship, so...

Until next time,
Sluggo

When & Where 5 Feb 18

Day two has a stop in Key West, Florida, arriving around 11am, with a temperature of 74ºF, and partly cloudy. Our port was actually on an active Military base, so transportation was limited via shuttles. I chose to remain on board, as I knew we would be coming back to Key West the following week. I was able to venture around the outside the ship a bit more, and watch as our ship came dock at the Naval Station.

Key West is almost 130 miles southwest of Miami. Known for its popularity with cruisers, the area also has an important naval station and vacation destination for thousands of visitors every year. The island's tropical Savannah type climate offers pleasant conditions, with year-round temperatures hovering around 80ºF with frequent thunderstorms.

Ernest Hemingway called Key West his home in the early 20th century. Now, visitors can take a look at where the famous writers kicked up his shoes with a trip to 1301 Whitehead Street. Another famous writer, Tennessee Williams, made Key West his hoe around the same time period, but unfortunately the home is privately owned and cannot be viewed by the public.

A trip to Old Town offers plenty of sites and activities. One can tour the shops and visit museums at Mallory Square, wander the famous commercial district on Duval Street, and take a trip back in time with a stroll through the neighborhood in the Truman Annex.

From there, you then make your way to the corner of Whitehead and South streets to what was thought to be the southernmost point in the contiguous 48 states. For an environmental experience, one can stop at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, or take a relaxing drive to take in the picturesque surroundings on the Overseas Highway. If you're stuck on the ship, and there is another in port, be sure to watch them turn as it's very fascinating!

Some things to see: Southernmost Point, Key West Aquarium, Shipwreck Museum, Key West Lighthouse, Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, Ernest Hemingway House, Harry S. Truman Little White House, Audubon House and Tropical Garden, Key West Museum of Art & History, Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, and Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Until next time,
Sluggo