This week's update from the present, here at our winter home: The weather most of last week was lovely, but this weekend it is chilly again.
(Not cold for the rest of the country, just chilly for part-time Floridians, who are admittedly a bit spoiled and not used to having to wear coats.)
But we are well and busy -- enjoying the outdoors, the wildlife, and the human activities here in our neighborhood, both indoors and out.
This is a recent picture of an egret silently waiting to catch dinner. Just a small taste of Florida nature, which I will eventually post about again ...
But for now, here in blog-land, we're still cruising.
On the eighth day of our Cruise home to Florida we docked at San Juan Del Sur, on the Pacific side of Nicaragua. Nicaragua is the largest country in area in Central America and has a population of 5.8 million.
Nicaragua is sometimes referred to as "The country of lakes and volcanoes." Above are pictures of each taken during our time on shore.
As we'd happily become used to, blue skies and beautiful scenery greeted us as the cruise ship anchored. The port here was too shallow for this large a ship, so we went ashore on tenders (like the red boat on the top right).
We really wanted to see the active volcanoes, so here we opted for a cruise-arranged bus tour because they were quite a long ways from the port. It was amazing to see the volcanic field and worth the long drive.
On our way, we stopped at a small village -- unfortunately I don't remember the name of it -- where we visited the Market and walked around a bit. Almost every home in the village and along our route had a pig tethered in the yard. The red bus on the lower left is local transportation, not the bus we traveled on.
Pictures really can't capture the feeling of looking at the volcanoes. I kind of stuck volcano pictures here and there on this post, but all of them were taken during our one stop at the Volcanic field. We had plenty of time there to hike around and take pictures although each busload was given an allotted amount to keep the area from being overrun with too many tourists at once.
After the volcanoes, we stopped in the town of Granada. This historic city was founded in 1524 . We visited a couple of the ornate Spanish churches and had a very good lunch in a lovely courtyard at Hotel Granada.
Our day in Nicaragua gave us only the tiniest glance at this beautiful and varied country, but of course that is all that can be expected from a cruise stop. We loved what we saw (and heard and tasted) ... and feel fortunate to have seen and learned as much as we did.
Thank you to the hosts of these sharing opportunities: OUR WORLD on Tuesday; MOSAIC MONDAY; ALL SEASONS; NATURE NOTES; THROUGH MY LENS; WILD BIRD Wednesday; Wednesday AROUND THE WORLD; THANKFUL THURSDAY; SKYWATCH FRIDAY; SATURDAY CRITTERS; and RATHER B'BIRDING.
I can't help but say..."What an incredible journey"!!!
And, I want to convey my thanks to you for sharing this post with all of us birders from I'd Rather B Birdin' this week!!!
Posted by: Anni @ I'd Rather B Birdin' | January 21, 2018 at 02:30 AM
You have beautiful outdoor views, same as me.
You are having a winter, but mine is a gloomy raining season.
Anyway, we are still enjoying in our wonderland.
Wonderland is always in our mind.
Rainfield
Posted by: D | January 20, 2018 at 06:24 PM
It really is hard to imagine the volcanoes but you got great photos. It's such a wonderful experience to be able to travel and I know you enjoyed it! What a beautiful day we had today here in Florida. We got in a hike and saw some neat birds. Hugs, Diane
Posted by: Lavender Dreamer | January 20, 2018 at 05:00 PM
What a fantastic cruise to your winter home. I love your shots as always and great seeing places I've never been to. You early Thanksgiving with family sounded like a great idea. Thanks for your kind comments on my blog. I always enjoying visiting yours and appreciate your continuing to visit my rather dormant blog. Hard to believe how much I used to manage to blog. I think what I miss the most is regularly visiting blogs like yours. Happy 2018!
Posted by: Carver Sapp | January 20, 2018 at 03:13 PM
Oh Sallie, thanks for sharing your beautiful pics
Posted by: Judy Biggerstaff | January 20, 2018 at 03:08 PM
How nice to cruise and end up in Florida...thanks for the sunshine Sallie...Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Banks | January 20, 2018 at 11:39 AM
Good afternoon Sallie: You have spoiled yourself and you will be wanting to return to Florida in this fashion every year! I have been right up to the border with Nicaragua but I have never entered the country. Not a big destination for birders although I am sure that it holds great possibilities. Have a great weekend, David.
Posted by: David Gascoigne | January 20, 2018 at 09:51 AM
Hello Sallie, I wanted to stop back and say thank you for linking up your post. I loved the egret and the piggy. Enjoy your day and weekend.
Posted by: Eileen | January 20, 2018 at 08:58 AM
Such beautiful photos! Sounds like an amazing trip. Glad you shared some of it with us.
Posted by: Jean | January 20, 2018 at 08:36 AM
WOW! What an amazing trip!
Posted by: Linda | January 19, 2018 at 09:52 AM
Wonderful captures!
Posted by: Jane Cotton | January 19, 2018 at 05:27 AM
It is almost impossible to capture grand natural events like looking into the volcano and the Grand Canyon, but I'm glad u tried. Thoroughly enjoyed my tour with you.
Posted by: Carol | January 18, 2018 at 05:24 PM
Looks like a fascinating and beautiful country. Thanks for taking us along on the tour and sharing your photos!!
Posted by: Peter B. | January 18, 2018 at 03:33 PM
This trip looks awesome! Some fantastic photos as well. Thanks for linking up and I hope to see you back here next week!
Posted by: Michelle | January 18, 2018 at 01:55 PM
as you might know I love volcanoes. They always fascinates me. Love your "hot" images :)
Posted by: NatureFootstep PhotoArt | January 18, 2018 at 01:15 PM
Looks like an amazing trip. I enjoyed the photo tour.
Amalia
xo
Posted by: handmade by amalia | January 18, 2018 at 07:12 AM
Sallie, it looks like you and Hubby had a wonderful time! Thanks for sharing your photos.
Posted by: bettyl - NZ | January 17, 2018 at 11:15 PM
Wow, Sallie! the view of the volcano was worth the trip! How fascinating!
Posted by: Pat | January 17, 2018 at 08:52 PM
Such beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing your journey, I enjoyed it very much. Beautiful part of the world.
Posted by: bill burke | January 17, 2018 at 12:47 PM
You saw a lot ! it looks really beautiful ! I wished Mr. G. would be fit enough to travel again, but he doesn't want not even going to Italy to his sister !!
Posted by: Gattina | January 17, 2018 at 01:30 AM
I keep wondering about the pig ... you can't milk it (can you?) so I can only imagine it has one destiny and one destiny only ...
I enjoyed these pictures that captured the local culture!
Posted by: Angie | January 16, 2018 at 07:40 PM
I love Nicaragua. I went on a trip to work at a a school for girls a couple of years ago and hope to return this summer!
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 16, 2018 at 07:37 PM
It looks beautiful - Nicaragua is not a country I know much about.
Posted by: Al | January 16, 2018 at 04:00 PM
...exotic!
Posted by: tomthebackroadstraveller | January 16, 2018 at 03:56 PM
Thank you Sallie for your kind comments about Yosemite's waterfall and about the aquarel:) Like the comment above, one doesn't see/hear much about Niquaragua!
Posted by: Jesh StG | January 16, 2018 at 01:36 PM
Nicaragua is not a country I read about or see much of on social media. From your pictures Sallie it does seem to have that typical Central American vibe of exotic colours and exotic eats. Not to mention the exxotic wildlife that you probably saw little of.
We have been on those tours of shopping strrets, local markets, churches and wonderful buildings but very often I'm yearning to see things I can't see here in the UK, very ofetn just spensing time in some hot sunshine.
Posted by: Phil | January 16, 2018 at 11:04 AM
Hello Sallie!:) Wonderful images of Nicaragua, I love that colourful stall, and the picture you took of the loaded truck. You have shown quite a lot of Nicaragua culture in just a few pictures, enough to wet anyone's appetite for a visit there.
I have never been to Central America, but have looked down a Volcano before in the island of Lanzarote, and will never forget the experience, however I was not into photography then!:( Your images of the Volcanic fields are incredible, and scary,.. gives me vertigo just looking, but given half a chance I would be there like a shot. Lovely capture of the Egret Sallie.
Posted by: Breathtaking | January 16, 2018 at 10:46 AM
I am really enjoying your cruise photos. It's pretty cold up here in north Florida and I'm just about tired of it!
Posted by: Lois | January 16, 2018 at 10:07 AM
What a trip! Wow! Awesome photo series! Stay warm ~
Happy Week to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Posted by: A ShutterBug Explores | January 16, 2018 at 09:48 AM
You have visited some really interesting places. I enjoy seeing the photos! I don't think I would dare go so near the volcano!
Posted by: nancy chan | January 16, 2018 at 06:08 AM
Wow! Thanks for sharing these photos - I enjoyed every one of them!
Snow and ice this morning here in north Mississippi
Posted by: Lea @ Lea's Menagerie | January 16, 2018 at 05:48 AM
I don't know much about this country but it looks intriguing from your photos.
Posted by: Amy | January 15, 2018 at 11:27 PM
Beautiful photos! The only time I took a cruise the stops were terribly short. I was very disappointed.
Posted by: Linja in Virginia | January 15, 2018 at 09:51 PM
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing your photos of a place I probably won't have a chance to visit. It is lovely to travel the world through the eyes of others.
Posted by: Cherop Joy | January 15, 2018 at 08:51 PM
Wonderful photos of a gorgeous country. Seeing all the sunny skies makes me feel like I've had a bit of a vacation. Volcanoes are pretty spectacular to view!
Posted by: Lorrie | January 15, 2018 at 06:16 PM
I love how you captured scenes of the local life in the villages.
Great shots of the volcanoes. When we went to Hawaii a few years ago we saw volcanoes, way off in the distance. Not the same thing.
Posted by: Yogi | January 15, 2018 at 05:37 PM
Sallie, Thanks for the visit! Sylvia D
Posted by: Sylvia D. | January 15, 2018 at 04:17 PM
I wonder what that fruit is in the last photo? I hope that piggy wasn't going to market! It must have been fascinating to see active volcanoes. Stay warm, Sallie!
Posted by: Barb | January 15, 2018 at 02:54 PM
That looks really nice, and the sun, worth a lot. Pictures are beautiful Sallie.
Posted by: Bob Bushell | January 15, 2018 at 01:50 PM
Wonderful. As the saying goes "you're not in Kansas anymore" or Florida or Oregon. Glad you could get close to see the active volcanoes. The pig is cracking me up. We have some sunshine here again in the Pacific Northwest. Have a good week Sallie!
Posted by: ellen b | January 15, 2018 at 01:49 PM
Oooh, I am enjoying your cruise adventures, Sallie. When you were at the volcano, did you wonder what to do if it decided to burp while there? That's what I was thinking when I was at the volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, walking and watching the steam rise through the cracks of the crater.
Posted by: Su-sieee! Mac | January 15, 2018 at 01:32 PM
Oh My Goodness you all are the travelers...what beautiful image shares. I know that you must have enjoyed every day on your recent journey~
Posted by: Mary Howell Cromer | January 15, 2018 at 01:29 PM
What a wonderful place to visit, Sallie. I'd love to see those volcanic fields. Nicaragua is a place that I can only dream about! With my best wishes - - - Richard
Posted by: Richard Pegler | January 15, 2018 at 01:26 PM
Beautiful shots, especially the volcanic shots!
Posted by: William Kendall | January 15, 2018 at 01:19 PM
Wonderful tour, I always enjoy taking a trip with you
Posted by: Carol | January 15, 2018 at 12:49 PM
Wow! Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing! Have a great week!
Posted by: kelleyn | January 15, 2018 at 12:05 PM
Hello Sallie-
What a fantastic trip and fun experience y'all had!
I loved all the photos and your write-up.
I would love to go to Nicaragua one day too and enjoy it.
Looking forward to your future posts on travel to exotic places.
Have a Happy Day!
Peace :)
Posted by: GreenComotion | January 15, 2018 at 10:37 AM
What amazing rocky scenery! Very different to beaches and what you might expect. I like it! And what a superb shot of the egret.
Posted by: Lady Fi | January 15, 2018 at 10:27 AM
What beautiful and fascinating scenes. In UK Midlands, it was almost dark and wet until noon. We are promised rain and gales all week, with freezing temperatures and possible snow :).
Posted by: Hazel | January 15, 2018 at 09:56 AM
What a great trip, Sallie! Volcanoes -- fascinating -- all that power underneath us just waiting to get out! Happy Monday!
Posted by: Snap | January 15, 2018 at 06:20 AM
The volcanoes would be on my list too if offered...I'm sure you saw a lot of and got a feel of the local culture while on the bus ride too, off the beaten path. We continue to have lower than normal temperatures here, it's just dang cold!
Posted by: Sondra | January 15, 2018 at 05:55 AM
Hello Sallie, wonderful images from your tour of the volcanoes and the town of Granada. It reminds me of nearby Costa Rica. I like the egret fishing too. Thanks for sharing your trip. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!
Posted by: Eileen | January 15, 2018 at 04:44 AM
I really enjoyed your latest shore excursion, what a great tour guide you are! Volcanoes are scary but stunning examples of the ferocity of Mother Nature.
Happy MM.
Posted by: Maggie | January 15, 2018 at 03:54 AM
It looks like a beautiful country and with raw nature such as these volcanoes - stunning captures Sallie! Thank you for sharing these enriching experiences with All Seasons! Hope to see more of it. have a great week!
Posted by: Jesh StG | January 15, 2018 at 01:09 AM
Lovely bright colors of the landscapes and it looks as if a lot of the architecture copies many of the bright primary colors of the landscape. The volcanoes look very interesting but a bit scary as well!
Posted by: mick | January 14, 2018 at 10:41 PM
One of the problems (!) of being a blogger is that I keep finding more and more places to visit! Central America looks really good!
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Posted by: Stewart M | January 14, 2018 at 10:24 PM
You were having way too much fun. Love all the photos Sallie, and I didn't realize Nicaragua had so many volcanos. They look a wee bit scary. For some reason, though, my fave is that egret fishing! Glad you had such a great trip and made it home safely!
Posted by: Lowell | January 14, 2018 at 10:14 PM
i find that as pretty as pictures are, they rarely really capture the beauty and spirit of what we see - what we feel and what we have experienced!!
i am not familiar with Nicaragua, it's is a beautiful place. your pictures represent it nicely!! i would love to see a volcano some day!!!
Posted by: Debbie | January 14, 2018 at 07:32 PM
Hi there! Thanks for the photo tour of yet another place, I'll likely never see in person. It looks like a very interesting place to visit. Thanks for including the great information also.
Posted by: Patrick Tillett | January 14, 2018 at 06:22 PM