I've always heard about Aruba and now I understand why people praise these beaches. We arrived and headed down to the beach as soon as we got on land. We had about twelve hours to kill in Aruba and had nothing planned. We learned that March is a windy month in Aruba, resulting in turbulent waters. Right off the beach that we were at, the waves were 3 - 4 feet, with an occasional wave that would knock people off their feet. We rented some beach umbrellas and camped out, but first we got some lunch. We sat at the very corner of a pier in which a restaurant/bar was set up. We ate and as we finished, we headed back to the sand. I picked my camera up off of the table and started walking. Next thing I know, a HUGE wave hits the pier and goes OVER the table we were sitting at. (Thank God I'd remembered my camera!) We were fortunate to escape the wave; however, this poor baby was asleep in his strolelr and the water just poured over his little head. I can't recall if there were tears but his dad sure did push him out of there quickly!
Once we returned to the beach, Ben immediately got in and started body surfing.
Three hours later he got out. Can we say waterlogged? He would have stayed in longer but I pulled him out to tell him that we were going to go on an ATV Tour. We'd initially tried to secure this excursion but it sold out. Luckily, our friends were all the participants and they realized that if they just doubled up rather than riding on their own ATV, then we could join. So we headed out to "Rancho Notorious" where the ATVs were waiting for us. The tour was incredible! It enabled us to see other parts of the island that we otherwise wouldn't have had the opportunity to experience.
Our first stop was a lighthouse called the California Lighthouse. Evidently the lighthouse was named after a ship called the Californian, which received distress signals from the Titanic as it was going into the deep waters. The radio operator was asleep during this time. Sadly, the Californian went down off the Aruba coast a few years later. I have since also learned that this is the infamous lighthouse where Natalie Holloway was taken just before her disappearance.
We then headed out and drove on the coast for miles. the waves in this area were incredible. 8 - 10' waves were crashing upon the rocks. On the shore were rocks that were piled up everywhere you looked. Evidently this is a phenomenon that has been instigated by tourists to the island, for good luck. Ben created his own tower of rocks. Ben has now made his mark on Aruba!
Three hours later he got out. Can we say waterlogged? He would have stayed in longer but I pulled him out to tell him that we were going to go on an ATV Tour. We'd initially tried to secure this excursion but it sold out. Luckily, our friends were all the participants and they realized that if they just doubled up rather than riding on their own ATV, then we could join. So we headed out to "Rancho Notorious" where the ATVs were waiting for us. The tour was incredible! It enabled us to see other parts of the island that we otherwise wouldn't have had the opportunity to experience.
Our first stop was a lighthouse called the California Lighthouse. Evidently the lighthouse was named after a ship called the Californian, which received distress signals from the Titanic as it was going into the deep waters. The radio operator was asleep during this time. Sadly, the Californian went down off the Aruba coast a few years later. I have since also learned that this is the infamous lighthouse where Natalie Holloway was taken just before her disappearance.
We then headed out and drove on the coast for miles. the waves in this area were incredible. 8 - 10' waves were crashing upon the rocks. On the shore were rocks that were piled up everywhere you looked. Evidently this is a phenomenon that has been instigated by tourists to the island, for good luck. Ben created his own tower of rocks. Ben has now made his mark on Aruba!
Next stop... church.
Next stop... church. The chapel was built in 1952 on the site of the original Catholic church that was built in Aruba back in 1750 or so. It sits on a hill with an ocean view and looks as if it's a model. Completely surreal. We stopped and went inside to the tiny place of worship - there were prayer candles lit on each side of the building, so apparently it's still an active part of the community. The church was so peaceful and the setting so beautiful. 
Unfortunately time was slipping away and we still had some things to see.
Next stop, Natural Bridge. The erosion from the water has created a bridge like piece of nature.
Eventually, over time, the "bridge" will collapse, as others have in the area. However, for now, it's just a majestic landmark. We climbed up on top of the "bridge" and looked out as the waves continued to pound the shoreline.
Unfortunately, we had to continue on our journey and then headed to an old abandoned Gold Mine that now sits in Ruins. Supposedly this place ran for 90 years and produced 3 million pounds of gold. The windows peer out to the ocean and deep blue sea was in plain view. Awesome sight.
Lastly, we were taken to a small little place to grab a drink and rest. We were so dirty it was unbelievable! I literally had reverse raccoon eyes and I had to get the layer of dust off my sunglasses, they were so filthy. Sadly this was our last stop and we had to head back to the Ranch since we had a boat to catch. We navigated through the streets of Aruba - some areas paved, some not. On one corner would be a gorgeous home - the next a tiny shack with chickens running around. We all agreed that this was the best excursion. Just a good time and a chance to see things that we would not have seen otherwise.
Back on the ship we went, cleaning up and getting ready for dinner shortly after arrival. It was a pretty low key night. Ben was feeling a little ill this night, so he went up to the room and went to sleep. I stayed out and had a martini with Lindsay, Heidi, Lawson, Chauntelle, Greg and Stacy. I went to bed shortly thereafter so that I would be 100% to survive a full day at sea!
The boat left Aruba around 7:30pm and we sailed for just shy of 36 hours!
Unfortunately time was slipping away and we still had some things to see.Next stop, Natural Bridge. The erosion from the water has created a bridge like piece of nature.
Eventually, over time, the "bridge" will collapse, as others have in the area. However, for now, it's just a majestic landmark. We climbed up on top of the "bridge" and looked out as the waves continued to pound the shoreline.
Unfortunately, we had to continue on our journey and then headed to an old abandoned Gold Mine that now sits in Ruins. Supposedly this place ran for 90 years and produced 3 million pounds of gold. The windows peer out to the ocean and deep blue sea was in plain view. Awesome sight.
Lastly, we were taken to a small little place to grab a drink and rest. We were so dirty it was unbelievable! I literally had reverse raccoon eyes and I had to get the layer of dust off my sunglasses, they were so filthy. Sadly this was our last stop and we had to head back to the Ranch since we had a boat to catch. We navigated through the streets of Aruba - some areas paved, some not. On one corner would be a gorgeous home - the next a tiny shack with chickens running around. We all agreed that this was the best excursion. Just a good time and a chance to see things that we would not have seen otherwise.
Back on the ship we went, cleaning up and getting ready for dinner shortly after arrival. It was a pretty low key night. Ben was feeling a little ill this night, so he went up to the room and went to sleep. I stayed out and had a martini with Lindsay, Heidi, Lawson, Chauntelle, Greg and Stacy. I went to bed shortly thereafter so that I would be 100% to survive a full day at sea!
The boat left Aruba around 7:30pm and we sailed for just shy of 36 hours!
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