2026 April 28-30 Mystery Trip with Travel Lady (Greenville, Kingsport, Bristol, Tusculum, & Gull's Gap, Tennessee)

 April 28-30 Mystery Trip with Travel Lady  

(Greenville,  Kingsport, Bristol, Tusculum, & Gull's Gap, Tennessee) 

Day 1: Tuesday, April 28, travel Day to Mystery location

Hubby and I drove to Lawrenceburg and parked in the church lot.

We were on the bus by 6:45 A.M.(Bus driver Steve) (Bus Starship Dream Line Journey, Excelsior.)(Group leader Krystal)

After everyone was loaded onto the bus & we were on the road, our leader passed out a breakfast tray that included two chicken minis, a fruit cup with strawberries, blueberries,  & grapes, two sweet pretzels, cheddar cheese chunks, and a muffin from Sister Sweets. 

Our first stop was at a pilot in Columbia, TN, to use the restroom.

We stopped for lunch at Wendy's, @ Wendy' s1618 S Roanne ST, Harriman, TN 

Hubby and I both ordered a junior cheeseburger deluxe, large fries, and two Frostys.

We arrived at Burlay Bunny Antiques Home Decor and More in Greeneville. Here we met our guide, Vera Ann Myers, and the owner and employee, who were waiting to greet us. A table full of treats, cookies, dip, crackers, fruit punch, and more was waiting for us. Everyone used the restrooms and enjoyed the snacks. When we returned to the bus, everyone was given a surprise gift. 

We returned to the bus and rode to the General Morgan Inn, 111 N Main St, Greeneville, TN, room 213, where we spent two nights. 

We were given some free time after the bus was unloaded and our luggage was taken to our rooms.

Hubby and I walked through downtown, where we saw several churches, the courthouse, historic markers, and much more. 

We returned to the hotel for dinner in the Grand Ballroom at 5:30 P.M.

We were served a salad, rolls, butter, green beans, baked chicken, creamed potatoes, and banana pudding for dessert. 

At 7:30 P.M., we walked to the Capitol Theatre, where we were greeted by the Friends of Crockett before watching the Disney movie, David Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier.

After the movie, everyone walked back to the hotel.

Photos 

5828 Breakfast served on the bus at 7:08 A.M.

5829 Wendy's Harriman, TN @12:) 1 P.M.

5830-5841 Greeneville, TN @ 2:20 P.M. 

5842-5843 Burlap Bunny, Greeneville, TN @ 3:16 P.M.

5844-5849 Greeneville, TN 3:35 P.M.

5850-5857 General Morgan Inn @3:38 PM 

5858-5898 Walking around Greeneville, TN @ 4:21 P.M.

5899-5902 Dinner @ 5:33 P.M.

iPad 3627-3661 Greeneville, TN @4:07 PM

Day 2: Wednesday, April 29:

We were served a buffet breakfast in the Grand Ballroom. 

I got bacon, fruit, scrambled eggs, biscuits, jelly, and cranberry juice.

Everyone went to Catalyst Coffee Co. for coffee, a pastry, or a muffin. Hubby and I both ordered a raspberry chocolate scone, which was included with our hotel stay. 

After breakfast, everyone walked to the Dickson-Williams Mansion, which was behind the hotel. 

We were given a brief history of the mansion and allowed to tour it. 

We then boarded the bus for our next mystery location: the Kingsport Carousel, Kingsport, TN.

It is located inside the Pal's Roundhouse on East Center St and Clinchfield.

The 30 hand-carved and hand-painted animals by volunteers, which include dogs, cats, dragons, tigers, zebras, and horses, can be enjoyed for just one dollar. For children and children at heart. 

Everyone enjoyed riding the carousel at least two times. 

Our next stop was Riverfront Seafood Company, where we enjoyed lunch. 

I ordered a baked potato and fried codfish. Hubby ordered fried shrimp and a 

baked potato. 

After lunch, we rode to the birth home of Tennessee Ernie Ford in Bristol, TN. We were greeted by the very informative curator. 

Our next stop was Bristol, where one side of the town was in Tennessee and the other in Virginia. 

We did a little shopping at Cranberry Lane, on the Virginia side. Here I bought a mixed package of raspberry and chocolate Scones and a mat. Spent $19.95.

Our next stop was Bristol Motor Speedway. We were led to the Dome seating, where we had a great view of the speedway. Our guide gave us a history of the speedway, and everyone had the opportunity to use the restrooms.

Next, we loaded back onto the bus and headed to the Motor Speedway, where we drove around the track. What fun!

We stopped at the gift shop, where I bought a speedway bag.

We once again loaded onto the bus and rode to the state park where David Crockett was born. All the buildings, including David's birth home, were washed away by a flood just a few years ago. 

The only thing left standing was the chimney. The park intends to rebuild because of the site's importance.

Our last stop was Whistle Stop Restaurant in Tusculum, TN, for dinner. 

Here we were served broccoli soup, a salad, rolls, dip and crackers, baked salmon, a baked potato, tea, and cheesecake.

We returned to the hotel and packed because we are leaving tomorrow.

Photos

5903-5906 Walking on the balcony of the hotel @6:46 AM

5907 Breakfast @ 7:25 AM

iPad 3662-3697  Dikson Williams Mansion 

5908-5994 Kingsport Carousel & Park @ 9:47 A.M. 

iPad 3698-3715 Riverfront Seafood Lunch Kingsport, TN @10:50 AM 

iPad 3816-3721 Riverfront Seafood Kingsport 12:11 P.M.

iPad 3722 Travel @1:01 PM 

iPad 3723-3730 Tennessee Ernie Ford Birthhome @1:15 PM

5958-5981 Tennessee Ernie Ford Birthhome @1:24 PM

5982-6014 Bristol, Tennessee, Virginia 

6015-6110 Bristol Motor Speedway  @3:00 PM

6111-6119 David Crockett birthhome  @5:36 PM

6120-6122 Welcome to Tusculum, TN @5:58 PM

6123-6124 Dinner at Whistle Stop @6:43PM

6125-6130 Tusculum @7:49 PM 

Day 3: Thursday, April 30, Travel Home with surprise stops

Walked to Catalyst Coffee Co for another raspberry and chocolate scone. 

Buffet breakfast at the hotel ballroom. I got gravy biscuits, eggs, sausage, and fruit. 

After breakfast, I walked a couple of blocks in the town before we began our journey home. 

Our first stop was the Maifield lilac farm at 9:18 A.M. in Bull Gap, TN. They were serving fresh lemonade for everyone. Some walked to the lilac fields and others to the greenhouse. I bought a small lilac plant, some body butter, and local honey. 

Our next stop was Myers Farm in Gulls Gap, TN. Here we all went to the greenhouses with veggies and flowers. I purchased a sweet potato vine, some herbs, basil, thyme, and a Mosquito plant. 

We were served ham, turkey, chips, tomatoes, lettuce, iced tea, and a dessert for lunch. I got coconut pie.

We loaded onto the bus and began our final journey home. I fell asleep for about 1 1/2 hours and missed our first rest stop. I slept right through it. 

Our final stop was at Loves in Columbia, TN, where I bought two double cheeseburgers and fries at Wendy's, which we ate on the bus.

We arrived in Lawrenceburg around 6 P.M. Everything was unloaded for the people getting off here. 

The next stops were Loretto and Florence. We got off at Lawrenceburg and were home by 6:30 P.M.

Had a great trip. 

Photos 

6131- Breakfast at the hotel @7:33 AM

6132-6142 General Morgan Inn @7:59 AM

6143-6203 Walking up Main Street @8:07 AM

6204-6238 Leaving Greeneville, TN @8:37 AM

6239-6244 Midfield Farms, Bulls Gap, TN @9:18 A.M.

6245=6251 Myers Farm, Bulls Gap, TN @11 with lunch 

2026 April 3, Gibbs Gardens Buc ee's, and Stone Garden with Backroads Tours LLC

 We were up by 4 and on the road by 4:30 A.M. We stopped at Jack's in Athens for a restroom break. 

Ava spent the night so she could go with us. 

Our next stop was McDonald's in Scottsboro. 

Ava and I both ordered sausage biscuits and Coke.

Hibby ordered a big breakfast, and we spent $12.55 in cash.

We arrived at Patches Merchant Emporium around 7 A.M. and boarded bus 3010, Eagle Christian Tours, Rome, GA, driven by Donna, with Susan Black as our Guide. 

We had to make a stop at around 8:10 at the Walmart in Fort Payne to pick up additional passengers. 

Our first restroom stop was in Adairsville City, GA, at about 11:03 A.M.

We arrived at Gibbs Garden around 12:30 P.M.

Gibbs Gardens 

A 376-acre (152 ha) privately owned botanical Garden located in Cherokee County, Georgia. 

The Garden started on 200 acres (81 ha) of farmland and woodland along Yellow Creek Road in Cherokee County. Jim Gibbs purchased the land from Broughton Banister in September 1980. Over the years, Mr. Gibbs purchased additional adjacent parcels, bringing the total to 376 acres, including 40 acres in Pickens County.

The Garden opened in 2012 and has 6 feature gardens and 18 seasonal color gardens.

We ate lunch and used the restrooms before entering the gardens.

For lunch, Ave ordered a hot dog, a chocolate chip cookie, and a drink.

Hubby and I split a Rosemary Chicken Salad, Cheetos, and a drink. 

We had around three hours to cover the grounds. We walked through the buttercups, tulips, and the Japanese Gardens. By this time, Hubby's hip was hurting, so we walked back to the welcome center, where he talked to one of the guards.

Ava and I walked to the Gibbs Home, which was up a steep hill. We had to stop a couple of times to get our breath. 

It was well worth the trip. The grounds around the home were breathtaking. 

We began our descent down the steep hill, taking our time. 

We stopped at the restrooms and gift shop before heading to the bus. We saw two snakes in the gardens. 

Neither a black snake nor a light brown snake was poisonous.

We stopped at Buc-ee's in Calhoun for a restroom break and dinner, which we ate on the bus. 

Ava got chicken fingers, fries, and Coke. Hubby got a club sandwich and banana pudding, which we shared. 

I was not very hungry, so I ate a few of Ava's fries, a couple of bites of club sandwich, and some of the banana pudding.

We loaded onto the bus and rode to the Rock Garden, located at 1411 Rome Rd, Calhoun, GA. 

Rock Garden:

This volunteer-built, folk art pleasure is a must-see! In addition to the acre of flowers and greenery, there is the captivating artistry of more than 50 diminutive buildings. The structures, all crafted from tiny stones, pebbles, shells, odd pieces of broken glass and china, rocks, ceramic tile, cement, wire, and other materials, are designed to imitate their larger counterparts. There are wee-sized churches, houses, castles, a monastery, cathedrals modeled after the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, with stained-glass windows, and minikin porcelain figures of people and animals, some as small as 2 inches. A real-people-sized music pavilion towers over it all, added to serve as a venue for music performances. Open daily from dawn to dusk.

We played bingo on the bus. Hubby won the first game. I tied with someone in one game and won a chocolate chip cookie. 

We dropped off the group in Fort Payne and headed to Scottsboro.

We stopped at McDonald's in Scottsboro for a restroom break before heading home. 

We arrived home around 9:30 P.M.

It was a great trip, but a long day. Everyone fell right into bed. 

4538 Bus 3010 Adairsville, GA @11:03 AM

4539 Reinhart University, GA @11:54 AM

4540-4656 Gibbs Gardens Ball, GA 12:45–3:47 P.M.

4657-4678 Travel 3:48–3:57 P.M.

4679-4686 Buc ee's @4:49-5 P.M.

4687-4737 The Rock Garden Calhoun, GA 

4752-4758 Moon 9:49 P.M.

2026 Mar 22-30 NCL SKY CRUISE TO Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Oranjestad, Aruba, Willemstad, Kralendijk, Netherlands Antilles, St Lucia, Basseterre, Saint Kitts & Tortola, British Virgin Islands

 Day 1: March 22, Sunday Flight & Hotel Stay

We were up early, showered, dressed, loaded our luggage into the car, and headed to the Huntsville International Airport. We arrived a little early due to a shortage of TSA agents.

We didn't have a problem. We met up with fellow travelers Shelia, Mickey, David, and Cindy.

We boarded Delta Airlines flight 3009 to Atlanta, GA, around 6:30 A.M. We arrived in Atlanta about 30 minutes early but had to wait on the plane while it unloaded passengers. 

We unlocked the plane and went to our next gate. We had to take the Metro to Gate F. Once we reached the gate area, I looked for something to eat. I stopped at Atlanta Bread Company, where I bought a Chicken Salad Sandwich cut in half, a bag of chips, and a Diet Coke, which Hubby and I shared. 

🛩At 10:05, we boarded Delta Airlines flight 1990, seats 25E and 25F, from Atlanta, GA to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

We were served cookies, chips, and Coke. This flight took about 2 1/2 hours. We watched our flight on-screen. We arrived in the Dominican Republic, disembarked, and went through customs.

We said goodbye to our friends, who are staying at a different hotel. We looked for our ride and finally found it. We met a couple from Hartselle, AL, on the ride to the hotel.

We arrived at the Hilton Garden Inn, room 418, La Romana, Dominican Republic, where we stayed one night. 

We checked in, took our luggage to room 418, then went to dinner.

We ordered Caesar salad, cheeseburger, fries, and two waters. 

After dinner, we strolled outside to watch the sunset. 

3546 Airport 11:08 A.M.

3549-3561 Punta Cana Airport 2:14-2:43 PM Terminal B

3562 Hampton Garden Inn Punta Cana Room 418 @ 4:57 P.M.

3563-3565  Walking outside 

3566-3567 Dinner @5:30 PM

3568-3605 Walking around the hotel and sunset 6:09–6:57 P.M. 

Day 2: March 23, Monday, Traveling to Port and boarding the ship 

Breakfast at the hotel, where we ate from the buffet. I got sausage, egg, fruit, cheese, and juice. 

We stayed in our room until around 9 A.M., when the NCL Rep would be downstairs to take us to our ride. 

Hubby stayed in the room while I walked around the hotel and down to the ocean. 

We loaded onto the van that took us to the port where the ship was docked. 

We had to fill out immigration papers and then go through immigration.  

We got our key cards and loaded onto the ship. Room 9039, Muster Station K

We were hungry by this time, so we went to the ship's buffet. We looked for somewhere to sit and finally found seating outside near the swimming pool. 

We watched the ship leave port, and all the workers on the island stood on the pier, waving goodbye.

I took a long nap and got up around 8 P.M., and we went to dinner in the Palace Dining Room. 

3606 Breakfast @6:57 AM

3607-3620 outside hotel 8:25-8:41

3621-3640 Traveling to Ship @10:57-11:16 A.M.

3641-3651 Port  @11:20-12:06 P.M.

3652 Lunch @ 12:34 P.M. Watermelon, fish, cake, and Ice cream.

3558-3661 Dinner @ 8 P.M. Caesar Salad, Fish, Crème Brûlée

Day 3: March 24, Oranjestad, Aruba (Sunset Cruise) 1–10:30 P.M.

Breakfast in the Crossing Dining Room. I ordered an omelet with sausage and French Toast. We ate with our friends Shelia, Mickey, Cindy, and David.

We ate lunch in the Crossing Dining Room. I ordered a hamburger, fries, and a chocolate cake.

When we docked, around 1 P.M., our friends went to the beach, but we decided to walk around Aruba. 

We took everything with us because we were taking a sunset cruise from 4:30 to 7:30 P.M.

After our cruise, we returned to the ship, showered, and dressed for our specialty dinner at Cagney's.

I ordered shrimp skewers, creamed potatoes, salad, and Raspberry Crème Brûlée.

3662 Sunrise @6:27 AM

3663 Replica Ship @7:23

3664-3665 Breakfast at Crossings 

3666 Walking outside on the ship

3666-3670 Lunch 1212:47–1:05 P.M. Crossings 

3671 Tickets (Excursion)

3672-3676 Sunset Cruise 5:37–6:52 P.M. 

3677-3695 Sunset Cruise Aruba. Meet on the pier ashore, next to the ship 

Day 4: March 25, Wednesday, Willemstad, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles 8–5 P.M.M

Breakfast: Crossing Parfi, Patries, scrambled eggs, and sausage. 

Lunch: 5 O'clock Somewhere Curacao 

Dinner: Crossings Fish Hoki, Green beans, Potatoes 

We slept late and did not leave the ship until 10 A.M. 

We ate breakfast in Crossings, then returned to our cabin to collect our belongings and proceeded to the port. 

We walked along the beachfront, stopping at Diamonds International to pick up two free bracelets and charms. We stopped at what was left of the historic RIF FORT, built in 1828 to protect the entrance to St. Anna Bay and the outer part of Otrobanda.

We walked across the bridge and stopped at the Maritime History Museum. We walked back to the ship, stopping at 5 O'Clock Somewhere for lunch. We ordered 3 soft chicken tacos, chips, salsa, and drinks. 

Hubby bought 3 shirts for $20. 

We returned to the ship and went to our room, which had not been cleaned, so we went to deck 11 by the pool to write in my journal.

Hubby ordered a margarita, Angry Orchard, and Piña Colada. 

We ate dinner around 6 with our friends, then went to see a show around 7:30 with Juggler Dave Rave. 

We went to Effie's store for a talk and charm.

3701-3704 View from room @8:26 AM

3705-3706 Breakfast 9:17 A.M.

3707-3752 Port at 10:18 A.M. 

3753-3814 Maritime History Museum @11:19 AM

3815-3847 Walking back to the ship 11:48 A.M.

3839 Lunch at 5 O'clock Somewhere

3848-3849 Ice Cream Rocky Road & Drinks @2:34 PM

3850-3855 Tickets Room @3:52 

3856-3857 Dinner 

Day 5, March 26, Thursday, Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles 6–1 P.M.

Breakfast Buffet, level 11, Juice, French toast, Sausage, and Peaches

Lunch: Crossings Shrimp Fritters, Fish Tacos, Raspberry Custard 

Dinner: Palace, Bresheta, Shrimp Dinner, Carrot Cake

We were on the bus by 8:30 for our excursion, with our first stop at the Salt Flats. 

Our guide was Sylvia, and our bus driver was Andy. 

We saw the town beaches, two museums, a couple of restrooms, and a Diet Coke (12:3.0). We had a great time. I talked to a woman from Canada and told her I had done some genealogy on my family line. That grandmother was Canadian. She said her family was from Europe and her mother was Russian. She said her brothers were born in Canada and had no memory of the old country or relatives living there. 

Excursion: Highlights & Culture Explore. Meet on the pier ashore next to the ship at 8:45 A.M.

After dinner, we went to the theater to watch Showdown. 

3858-3879 sunrise @6:37-6:46 A.M.

3880 copy of Effie @7:30

3881-3913 Riding through Bonaire @9:36 AM

3914 Sea Shells @9:23 AM

3915-3950 Riding through Bonaire @ 9:36

3951-3954 First Stop @10:33 AM

3955-3963 Flamingo Sanctuary @10:46 AM

3964-3965 Tourist Tree @10:54

3966-3975 Traveling Bonaire @10:57

3976-3981 Washington Slagbaai National Park & Museum @11:00 AM

3982 -3992 Museum Location Shop @11:35 AM

3993-3996 Seashells & Birds Chart @12:01 

3997-4002 Lunch @12:48 PM

4003 Walking @ 2:47PM

4005-4008 Sunset @ 66:29 P.M.4009-4012 Dinner @ Palace with friends

4013-4014  Group Photo 

4015 Showdown @ 8:30 PM 

Day 6: March 27, Friday, Saint Lucia Volcanic mud bath 22–8 P.M.Breakfast: Parfait Sausage, open-face smoked salmon on cream cheese bagel.

Lunch: Tuna sandwich with fries with friends

Dinner: Meal on Shore

Excursion: Volcanic Mud Bath Experience, meet at Stardust Theater, Deck 6 & 7 Aft, meet at 2 P.M. 

We departed at 2:30 in a van for two hours, going around very curvy roads up and down hills. 

We arrived at a quaint area filled with sulfurous hot water and volcanic ash. We were there for a short time. The showers barely worked, so most of the ash stayed on our clothes and our bodies.

We stopped for a buffet-style meal, which was included. The restaurant was located on a mountain overlooking the town and the water below, with beautiful views. 

After dinner, we began our journey back to the ship. The sun was setting, and it was dark by the time we reached the ship. It was getting close to time for the ship to depart when we finally boarded the ship.

We ate breakfast with friends at 8:30 A.M. We went to the Effie store for charms.

We watched the cruise director's chief and a member of the audience decorate a three-layer chocolate cake with Cool Whip icing, then top it with cherries.

@11:30, we went to an excursion gathering where we met our cruise's next team at the Spinner Launch, Deck 11 FWD. 

At 9:30 P.M., we went to the Palace Theatre to watch Showdown, where American Idols meet Motown X Factor, and the audience chose the winner.

4016-4017 Breakfast @9:02 AM with friends

4018-4021 Cake Decorating @10:43 AM

4022 Lunch: salmon sandwich with fries

4023-4177  St Lucia @2:46 Riding the van

4125 Dinner @5:41 St Luica

4179-4180 Pier @7:27 PM

4181 -4190 Leaving the Port @7:50 PM

Day 7: March 28, Saint Kit9–6 P.M. 

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, Nevis 9–6 P.M.

Day 7: March 28, Saturday: Saint Kitts 9-6

Breakfast: Ham & Cheese Omelet, French toast, cranberry juice 

Lunch: Coke, chips, muffin, coconut candy

Dinner: Cagney's Shrimp Skewers, creamed potatoes, mushrooms, lobster tail, and Raspberry Crème Brûlée for dessert.

Excursion: Rail and Sail meet at the pier @10:15 AM.

We ate breakfast at Crossings Restaurant: ham-and-cheese omelet, two sausage links, French Toast, and cranberry juice.

We got off the ship around 9:30 A.M. and walked around the town area.  

We waited for our group and the excursion rail-and-sail. We were on Van #7, driven by Devin.

Devin took us to the train station, met us at the end of the ride, and took us to the boat.

Our guide on the train ride was Jackie, and our server was Camille. Camille served us drinks and a sweet snack. 

We had a couple of young men perform for each car at least two times during the ride.

The boat ride took us back to our ship. 

We were served sodas, chips, and a muffin (banana bread)  on the boat. 

We disembarked from the boat ride and walked through the shops, where Hubby stopped to buy three Island shirts for $20.

We walked through the guarded area, where we had to show our ID and ship card.

We showered and rested before dinner.

We ate dinner at Cagney's with our friends.

After dinner, we went to the Palace Theatre to see Women of Rock: Music from Women of Rock Legends while gaining insight into life on the road.

4191-4197 Breakfast @ 8:26 A.M.

4198-4199 St Kitts on ship @8:54 AM

4200-4212 Off ship at St Kitts @ 9:09–9:43 A.M.

4213-4214 Excursion @ 10:23 A.M.

4215-4234 Train Ride @ 10:26–12:46 P.M.

4235-4241 Boat Ride @ 1:08–2:42 P.M.

4242-4246 Dinner @6:06-7:09 P.M.

4247- 4264 Meet the Crew @ 8:18–8:21 P.M.

4265 Group Photo 

Day 8: March 29, Sunday: 7–2:30 P.M. Tortola, British Virgin Islands 

Breakfast: Parfi, Sausage, French Toast

Lunch: Shrimp Fritters, Ice Cream 

Dinner: Crossings Lobster Tail, Creamed Potatoes, Shrimp, Chocolate Melt Cake with ice cream.

 with friends

We did not book an excursion; we just got off the boat and walked around.

Almost everything in town was closed because it was Sunday. 

We met a woman (Kitti) selling seats on a Taxi 613 Truck for $20 per person for two hours. 

So we hopped on for an exciting ride up the mountain. 

We stopped at several overlooks of the city and the Virgin Islands.

We stopped for a restroom break and snacks at Stoutt's Lookout 000 Bar & Restaurant.

Every time we went around a bend in the road where the driver couldn't see oncoming traffic, she honked her horn. This was being courteous.

We stopped for a selfie in front of the Colorful Tortola sign with our ship in the background.

We stopped at the British Virgin Islands Callwood Rum Distillery for a rum tasting.

We passed several buildings: Spice BVI Trading, Historic Social Inn, Pusser's to-go Pizza, chicken and wings, Police Headquarters, Sabals Law, Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, & Tortola Elements Island Sign. 

We passed CG Insurance, Latitude 18, Prime Restaurant, Red Cross Shop, and Althea. 

Scatliff Primary School,  House of Assembly, a Cemetery, Cane Garden Bay Methodist Church.

We passed the Royal Shop, Burgers and Creeps, Goodfellows, Hers & Mine, and arrived back at port, where we boarded our boat. 

Music was playing, and a limb stick was raised or lowered as we walked to the ship.

It was still daylight as we left port. I stood outside watching the island disappear out of sight. 

I bought shorts and a top at one of the shops and spent $63.50 

We ate dinner in Crossing Restaurant with our friends. After dinner, we went to the theatre to watch several crew members perform, all of whom were from the Philippines. Some sang, danced, or juggled. 

We returned to our cabin, packed our luggage, and set it outside our room for pickup. 

4267-4271 View of British Virgin Islands from the ship @7:57 AM

4272 Breakfast @ 9:04 AM

4273-4274 Virgin Islands @9:45 AM

4275-4399 Bus Tour @10:26-12:48 P.M.

4400 Receipts 

4401-4453 Walking on deck five as we were leaving port 2:13–2:43 P.M.

4456-4460 Dinner 

Talent Show @ *;30 PM Stardust Theatre 

Day 9: Monday, March 30: Dock and Travel home 

Breakfast at Crossing Restaurant with friends. French toast, sausage, and a Diet Coke. 

Lunch: Carl JR's airport cheeseburger and Coke $18.75.

Dinner: Blue Moon Brewhouse, Atlanta Airport, Turkey Club Sandwich, two Cokes, fries, $26.41.

Went to breakfast with friends. We went through immigration, got our luggage loaded onto the bus, and headed to the airport. We stopped for a restroom break and bought a Coke for $1.

Loaded back onto the bus and headed to the airport. We were dropped off and headed through customs.

We were stopped and had to fill out more paperwork. I finished mine and went through customs, but Hubby had to fill out more paperwork. He finally got through.

We settled in long enough to have lunch before flying to Atlanta. 

I didn't take any photos.

🛩Flight: SDQ SANTO DOMINGO DL1803 AT 1:42 SEAT 23 A& B TO ATLANTA, GA

ATL TO HSV ON DL3065 AT 8:38 P.M. SEATS 23A & B.

We arrived home around 10 P.M.

 

2026 March 16-20, Trip to New Orleans with the Club, Diamonds in the Rough, Diamond Tours

 Day 1: Monday, March 16: Travel Day 

For breakfast, we ate Sausage and biscuits at home.

We rode to the Club, met inside to pick up our name tags, and had a brief talk about the trip.

We loaded onto the bus by 8:30 and were on our way. 

Our driver's name was Jerome, on bus 334, Graylines Tennessee, with a mural of Nashville wrapped on the side. 

Our first stop was Love's in West Point, MS. Hubby bought a Diet Coke and some Sweet & salty trail mix; he spent $7.01.

For lunch, we stopped at Burger King, where we bought one Steakhouse Whopper, fries, and two Cokes, and spent $15.98

We stopped at Love's West Point, MS, for a restroom break. 

For dinner, we stopped at Golden Corral in Hattiesburg, MS, for a buffet. 

I got fish, okra, blueberry pie, corn on the cob, a Diet Coke, and seafood salad. 

We traveled through Heidelberg and Laurel, MS, into Slidell and New Orleans, LA. 

We arrived at our hotel, Sonesta ES Suites New Orleans,212 Loyal Ave, around 6 P.M.

Room 905.

Took a shower, worked on this journal, watched some TV, and went to bed. 

3257-3261 Love's West Point, MS @10:32 AM

3264- Macon, MS 

3265-3268 Burger King Meridian, MS 

3269-3272 Laurel and Heideburg, MS Loves

3273-3275 Golden Corral Hattiesburg, MS @5:15 PM

3277-3281 Traveling through Slidell, LA @6:28

3282-3299 Traveling through New Orleans, LA @6:48

3300-3301 Room at Sonesta ES Suites, room 905 

Day 2: Tuesday, March 17: New Orleans 

Breakfast at the hotel, where I ate eggs, bacon, waffles, and cranberry juice.

We were on the bus by 8:15. 

Our first stop was to pick up our rep and head to Mardi Gras World. We arrived a little before 9 and stayed until 11. 

We watched a video, then toured the warehouse where Mardi Gras floats are made and repaired. 

We got back on the bus at 11 and rode to Riverwalk Mall, where we shopped and had lunch.

Hubby and I shared lunch we bought at Pei Wei Asian Kitchen: orange chicken, Seaweed Chicken, and steak, with a Diet Coke.  

We took a group photo before boarding the Creole Paddlewheeler for a cruise to the Chalmette Battlefield and returning to the Riverwalk. 2-4:40 P.M.

We loaded onto the bus and rode to Landry's Seafood House, 620 Decatur St. 

We enjoyed fried shrimp, salad, fries, red velvet cake, and iced tea. Tim bought appetizers: crawfish bites and spinach-and-asparagus dip with chips. 

After dinner, we got back on the bus and headed for our hotel, but ended up getting caught up in the St. Patrick's Day Parade for 2 1/2 hours. We sat on the bus waiting for the parade to end. 

We sang and danced on the bus while we waited. 

It was late when we got back to the hotel, and everyone was exhausted 

3304 Breakfast at the hotel @ 7:15

3305-3357 Mardi Gras World @9:19-9:39 A.M. 

3358 Mural Mall 

3359 Lunch @11:18 AM

3360-3365 Riverwalk 

3366 Riverwalk Jester @4:38

3371-3377 Walking to Landry's @5:07 PM

3378-3383 Dinner at Landry's @ 5:13 

Big Camera

7221-7307 Mardi Gras World @8:59-8:55

7308-7311 Riverwalk @11;3-1:28

7312-7360 Chammette Battlefield @2:46-3:36

Bought two Mardi Gras T-shirts at Puma for 18.01

Day 3: Wednesday, March 18: New Orleans 

Breakfast at the hotel: I ate an egg, a sausage link, French Toast, and water. 

We were on the bus by 8:15 and picked up our guide, Wanda. We toured New Orleans, stopping at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Everyone got out to listen to our guided talk about the cemetery.

One of the Crypts was built like a castle and cost several thousand dollars. I guess she took her money to her grave. 

Our next stop was at New Orleans City Park Restaurant (Benya's Café Du Monde), where we enjoyed a beignet and Coke. I took a few photos. 

We boarded the bus, dropped off our guide (8:30-11), and rode to the French Quarter, where we shopped and had lunch.

We ate lunch at Frank's Restaurant, where Hubby and I shared a shrimp po' boy and a Coke. 

I ate the shrimp because the bread was very dry. (11-1:30).

Our next stop was the WWI Museum, 1:30–5 P.M.

Our next stop was for dinner at Crescent City Brewhouse, 527 Decatur Street. Here we enjoyed pork chops, green beans, spring salad, rolls, mac & cheese, bread pudding, and iced tea.  

When we were walking through the French Quarter, an Oriental woman approached us, put a couple of bracelets on our wrists, then asked for money. She also handed me a necklace, and I handed it back. She told Hubby that she wanted $40, and he said no. He gave her $5; she said $10; Hubby said no and gave her another dollar. I tried to give back the bracelets, but she said no. As she walked away, Hubby heard her say, " Cheap ashole. 

3384-3391 Park @ 8:48 

3392-3415 St Louis Cemetery #5 @9:20-2:38 

3416-3420 City Park & Restaurant @10:17

3421-3424 French Quarter Park Jackson Square 

3425-3443 French Quarter @11:33-11:48

3444 Lunch at Frank's 12:10 

3445-3451 French Quarter12:33-12:55

3452-3473 WWII Museum 1:44–2:30 P.M. 

3474-3480 New Orleans H: Headed to restaurant 5:-5 

3481-3483 Restaurant @5:24-6:15 P.M.

3484-3492 Hotel Receipts Room #905

Big Camera 

7361-7366  French QQuarter@8:54-9:14

7357-7371 Cemetery @9:26

7372-7381 New Orleans City Park @9:56-11:25

7382-7428 WWII National Museum @2:4:36 P.M. PM

Day 4: Thursday, March 19: 

Breakfast at the hotel. I ate eggs, French toast, and juice.

After breakfast, we rode to Caesar's Casino, where several people gambled. We decided to walk over to the Riverfront Mall. 8:30-11

Hubby sat on the steps outside while I walked along the riverfront, taking pictures.

When we got back, we went inside the mall, bought a beignet, and walked around.  

Lunch: at the French Quarter Market Bowl of Gumbo. World-famous N'awlins on N Peter St: sspent$12.32. 11:30-3

We also got a scoop of cookies-and-cream ice cream in a cone at Southern Candy Makers and spent $4.35 in cash. 

At 3, we headed back to the hotel to rest.6 P.M.6 PM, we loaded onto the bus for dinner at Boomtown Casino & Hotel in Harvey, LA

At each table, we had a spring salad, rolls, butter, and water. 

One table at a time went to the buffet. There I got fish, green beans, beans and rice, gumbo, and bread pudding.

There was dancing and music, and we stayed until 8 P.M. 

Rode back to the hotel and packed, as we are leaving tomorrow. 

3493 Breakfast @7:35

3495-3519 Riverwalk @9:08-11:07

3520-3527 Jackson Square @11:47-12:14

3528-3529- Dinner at Boomtown Casino 6:01

Back to the hotel by 8:30.

Day 5: Friday, March 20:

Breakfast at the hotel: eggs, bacon, and a muffin.

We were on the bus by 8:30, headed home. 

We stopped at Arby's in Tuscaloosa for lunch. Hubby ordered their $8 lunch special, which included a sandwich, curly fries, cheese sticks, a pie, and a drink. 

I ordered a roast beef slider and a drink; we spent $14.05

We stopped at Love's in Poplarville, MS, to fuel up.

We stopped at Walmart in Russellville for a restroom break

We arrived back at the Club around 6 P.M.

Hubby helped clean out the bus, and we loaded our luggage into our car and headed for home. 

We stopped at Hugo's for a Shrimp Fajita for dinner. 

Washed clothes, uploaded some of my photos, and went to bed around 12.