Today we are going to Aruba on a 4x4 adventure. The company picked us up from the cruise terminal and took us a short distance where we had a short safety course and then loaded into these 12 person jeeps/safari vehicles. Then we went through town toward the northwest side of the island where it was basically a rock mountain. Despite having a tiny trail, the vehicle sort of had to make it's own way over the very rough terrain. It was a thrilling, jarring ride to the top and then a slippery slidy ride to the rest point on the other side. Glenn had a bad back, so stayed on the ship with Michelle to get some medical attention - it's a good thing - he would have been in major pain if he had gone. On the way, we blew out TWO tires on the vehicle and just kept going. They repaired the tires at the rest stop while we made our way down some stairs to a beach area with a natural tide pool. Getting in the pool was a little tricky climbing over the rocks, but once inside, it was nice. The pool is a about 50 feet across and the wave slam into it from the other side and you can get sprayed. You can also jump off some of the rocks into the pool. We had a great time there.
After we climbed back up the steps and the vehicle was repaired, we made our way to the Natural bridge - a rock bridge formation that was nearby. We stayed there for a few minutes and got refreshments. It started raining a little, mostly just sprinkles and we got back in the 4x4 and went to the abandoned gold factory. This is a ruined mill for gold processing - you basically just climb around in the ruins in the rain and that's about it - 10 min tops. Then we drove through the rest of the island looking at the narrated sights including a unique rock formation and then headed back to the depot. 
Once we got back to the cruise port, the kids went back on the ship to find friends and Shellie and I went to buy souvenirs at the shops. We spotted a Casino and went in to try our luck. As usual, Shellie hit a jackpot in the first five minutes - like $300 - and then we took our winnings and went home. The next two days are just at sea heading back to Miami.
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