I will begin my description of our trip with the image that will never leave Chad's memory - or my wall for that matter! We decided to try deep sea fishing again after the boring trip we had in Aruba last year. This time it was far from boring. The waves were HUGE - like 12 feet and it was rough and rainy on the boat. We drove 1 hour from shore. It was the first time in my life that land was not in sight! The results were terrific. Each of the three guys on board caught beautiful sailfish. Chad's measured 100 in. and probably weighted close to 100 lbs.
The Mexican captain and 2 Mexican deckhands were amazing. They did not stop working the whole time we were on board. (much different from our Aruban experience where lines were tossed out and ignored) I do not know how they managed to stay on their feet on the rough rainy boat, but they were in constant motion either checking rods, catching bait, getting us drinks, or filling the livewell with fresh salt water.
It took Chad about 25 min to reel in the beast. The crew was very helpful and the captain cut the time a little by backing the boat towards the fighting fish. Chad was shocked at how much work it was. His buddy helped him hold his rod for a while, but the deckhands shooed him away! "You will catch your own fish!" In mid-fight they ask Chad if he wants to keep the fish and stuff it or throw it back. "Lots of money to stuff or throw it back?!?" He looks to me for permission. OK tell me what woman in her right mind tells a boat full of fishermen to throw back a 100lb fish? So guess what will arrive in our mailbox in about 4 months? A really huge, really expensive, new wall decoration! Happy Valentine's Day to me!
Chad did spend a part of every day in meetings with Chief people or his employees at home. He did a really good job of balancing the stressful project at home with a relaxing vacation. He was also elected as Vice President to the Builder's Advisory Council for the metal building manufacturer our company buys from (Chief). They were very excited to have him in that position because he self-performs some of the work our company does. Most of the companies represented on the board are much larger than our is and they do not have office staffers that ever put on a tool belt, so Chad's hands-on knowledge in both office and building erection is particularly helpful. We are proud to sell Chief buildings. They offer a quality product and are a relationship centered company. We are treated like royalty on their trips, spouses included. When one receives an award the spouse is always dually recognized. Chad's position on this board pretty much ensures we will be going to the Grand Caymen Islands with Chief next February. We will have to see how ready Joshua is for us to travel without him... we may have company on next years trip!
We had a beautiful hotel room. I enjoyed many naps and sleeping late! Good thing it was a nice room as we both got a dose of stomach problems. We are blaming the lunch we had one day but who knows. We were pretty miserable for a day or so and we are still eating carefully.
This is the hotel gym. I worked out in a grass hut! It was fun! It was also hot and humid with no A/C or fans.
The hotel was probably the nicest we have ever stayed at, although Chief always puts us up at beautiful places. There were fountains and water ways between each building and walkway. They had a French, Japanese, Mediterranean, and Mexican restaurant. The food was amazing and presented as beautifully as it was delicious. They also had a grill and an all day buffet. It was all-inclusive even the mini bar and room service. They also had lots of different classes you could go to - like fitness, cooking, dance, snorkeling. They had lots of fun activities like water polo, sand volleyball, sailing. In the evenings they had a show each night ad live entertainment after 9:00. (Because we were just worn down and experiencing some stomach issues we did not take part in many of these activities - but they were there!) We did catch teh evening show twice. They last night they featured "Michael Jackson" and the dancers were very impressive. All this was included, the only thing we paid for was one pay per view movie.
We went into Playa del Carmen 1 day to shop. We were both feeling pretty rotten, but did manage to find some things for our kids.
The beach was very clean and pretty. It was cloudy and breezy most of the time we were there, so not the best for tanning and swimming but nice for strolls.
Chad walked about 3 miles with me one day and took a brief run with me another. The kids always get a kick out of seeing him barefoot. Our sand is not as soft as the Caribbean and he would never do that at home with his tender feet.We arrived home last night about midnight and have been trying to catch up today. My parents and Chad's mom did an amazing job of preparing our kids, home, laundry, and fridge for our return. My house was spotless, fridge full, laundry hampers empty - I am very spoiled! So I just have work, mail, and e-mail to worry about.
