Sunday, July 9, 2023

Punta Cana, Stuart, Biloxi, Friends

Here is a look at what we have been up to the last couple months in Stuart and on a couple of trips. The first trip was to Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana. This is the fifth time we have been there and this trip just confirmed it is a great place to visit. The second trip was a road trip to Biloxi to meet our friend Betty. 
One reason we love Royal Beach is the food. Everyday there is something to eat at the pool. Here is a big pan of paella.
There are six restaurants to choose from at Secerts and a few more next door at Dreams. This is at Hitmitsu.
How about a boat load of sushi, very yummy.
Something else that keeps us coming back is the people. This is Reynair at the Preferred Club bar.
We have had a different butler on each visit and they have all been great. This time we had Albert, who was there for whatever we requested..
Edwauny was our favorite bartender on our last visit in November and we were happy to see him again. Great seeing pictures of his beautiful family and how his kids are growing up.
If you prefer the beach, like the name says, this is a Royal Beach. 
Great wide strip of sand and no seaweed. That has been a problem this year in many places.
Music, music, music, even a violinist playing the violin on a floating violin.
Music on the main stage every evening....
.....followed by a live show with dance and music.....
.....and circus acts. The shows were very good, but a couple were the same ones we saw in November. Time for an upgrade.
The entertainment team always has something to do. Here's Nanc refining her bartender skills. 
Another day she aqua cycled.
Yoga on a board in the pool. All participants did end up in the water.
Yoga on the beach. No one got wet.
My favorite activity. I like being able to get in the shade.
There were several Brits and Canadians there so the coronation was a big deal for some.
While there were a lot of people none of the five pools were ever packed. You can find a quiet spot or one with music all day.
We did a spa day getting massages and doing the hydro-cycle, my favorite.
The preferred pool at night. This was the fifth time we have been to Royal Beach and we really like it. That said after talking to other members we are thinking our next stay will in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. 
Here in Stuart we have been keeping busy while trying to stay cool. We have our weekly happy hours but we have bigger gatherings for the holidays. A big table of food for Memorial Day. 
The Stuart area has a great music scene where you can find someone performing seven days a week. We recently tried Taylor's Beach House in Hobe Sound to hear Dave Goodman and Paddy Knight.  Both the entertainment and food were very good.  
Another evening we went to Conchy Joe's in Jenson Beach to hear Burnt Biscuit. Great rockin roll and food here also.
We have gone to hear Dottie Kelly a couple times recently. This was at Crawdaddy's in Jenson Beach.
You never know what you will see in our lakes. This heron has been fishing in the same spot all week.
Look closely there is a Blue Jay facing off with this hawk to protect its nest. The jay had several friends who seemed to come out of nowhere to chase the hawk when it flew. 
We had a nice gathering for Independence Day even though it was super, sticky hot. Always fun catching up with neighbors and meeting new ones.
When we went on the road the only RV park on our must do list was Betty's in Abbeville, LA. Betty became a great friend who we missed seeing every year. We decided to met in Biloxi for a few days to catch up with each other.
The first couple days we had stormy weather that produced these unusual sun rays. Very neat. 
We picked Biloxi because there are several casinos. The good news with so many to choose from we got some free play, food and drinks. The bad news it was not enough to cover our losses. Nanc trying to win a slots contest. 
Betty's smile must be because she was happy to see us, as it was not from any winnings she collected. Oh well, it was great seeing her and spending time together.

It has been abnormally hot for the last month so we get up really early for our walk. We have not been venturing out during the heat of the day. We will be heading north in August and will be in WashPA until late September and then flying to London for an eleven day British Isles cruise and a week in France. 
Life is Good!!!