Friday, December 21, 2007 (Pat)

Winter solstice! A good day to honor the shortest day of the year in the sun - so that's what we did by the pool at the Mayan Palace. Our first day at the resort! After breakfast we gathered up or stuff for our trek to the pool and found some chairs on the far side next to the pool in the sun. It didn't take long reading in the sun before it got how so... in for a nice dip in the pool. Cool and refreshing. The Mayan Palace pool is made up of all these inter-connecting, multi-level pools that are all about three to three and a half feet deep. I waded around two sections during on cooling off session and got some exercise as well. By the afternoon we changed to a couple of chairs in the shade and had a chicken wrap with crunchy ranch fries for lunch. We moved onto the beach when the temperature started decreasing a bit and enjoyed watching beach volleyball, checking out the tide pools, taking photos and stayed until the sun was going down. A nice, relaxing day. We showered and decided to try another restaurant- the Havana Moon. It was a stylish restaurant with the Casablanca look - tall ceiling, colorful aqua curtains, white tables and chairs, a dance floor and big ceiling fans. It took a while for the waiter to take our order. The waiters kept cutting through between Ron and a big support beam that was annoying and we had to wait a long time trying to get some more butter for the bread. I had coconut shrimp and Ron had the roast duck. Neither were very good. When the waiter asked if everything was OK, Ron told him that the duck wasn't very good and about trying to get his attention to get the butter. He (the waiter) may have been new. Next thing we knew, the manager is there and took the duck off the bill. We left and went over to the deli to get an ice cream treat for dessert. The internet cafe was upstairs so we went up there. It was a number of slots with tables, a computer and a chair and dark - a light separate from the computer. We paid for thirty minutes each and did our e-mail. It was loud, occasionally opera music, other times rock or Spanish. Not very conducive to spending much time on the computer. Ron wanted to upload some photos but everything was taking time and the thirty minutes was up. So we left dissatisfied again. For the nice day the evening was rather disappointing. Oh well - it's still vacation time! So we had a quiet rest of the evening in the room and went to bed.

Thursday, December 20, 2007 (Ron)

Today is the day for Xel-Ha (Shell Ha). We bargained with Alfredo for two free passes and two two-tank scuba dives in return for attending the time-share presentation at Sandos. Xel-Ha is an all-inclusive park that has swimming, snorkeling, bicycle riding, and lots of other fun stuff - plus free food and drinks. For an additional charge you can swim with the dolphins.

Since we had to get up early and the park has all meals included with the price of admission, we skipped breakfast. We rode to Xel-Ha in a large van, the ride took about an hour and a half. The first thing we did when we got there was have breakfast. It was a buffet and actually pretty good. We ate too much so we walked around for a while to work it off. There were toucans and macaws that were very colorful, tropical plants and flowers, and plenty of nice paths for strolling around the park. The weather was clear and sunny, great for walking and looking. Pretty soon we had warmed up, so we went over to do some snorkeling. The park supplied the mask, fins, and snorkel. The visibility was fairly good, the water was comfortable, and there were lots of fish to see. We snorkeled around for quite a while, it was very enjoyable. After getting out of the water we walked around some more to get warmed up.

I saw the dolphins performing and stopped to take some pictures. There were twelve to fifteen people in the water with about six dolphins. The people loved it and the dolphins appeared to having fun as well. It was fascinating to watch the humans and dolphins interacting, and it looked so enjoyable that Pat and I decided to do it. We paid our money and got signed up for an hour in the water with the dolphins, starting at 1pm. We were kinda hungry, and knew we'd be a whole lot hungrier by 2pm, so we walked around a little and found a place to grab a quick bite.

Just before 1pm we returned to the dolphin palapa for some brief instructions. We had to take off all jewelry and then we were off to meet the dolphins. The dolphins had a large inlet from the sea. During the shows it was divided into smaller sections to accommodate two or three groups of people/dolphins. A sort of dock stretched from side to side in several places to create the separate areas and for the trainers to work from while we were in the water. Next to the dock, in the water, was a platform about three feet deep for us to stand on. First we were introduced to the dolphins and them to us. Our dolphins were two males named Kanab and Itzman. They were both sixteen years old and weighed between 300 and 400 lbs. The larger one was from the west coast of Mexico, the other from Cuba. There were six people in our group - we formed a sort-of circle and the dolphins swan around among us and we petted them. They seemed to enjoy it and I know we did! It's hard to describe, but we all felt a bond between human and dolphin. Then the trainers had the dolphins do a photo op with each of us. During the course of the hour pictures were taken of each of us petting a dolphins, rubbing his belly, getting 'kissed' on each cheek by the two dolphins, plus several 'action' shots. Between photos we would go out in the deeper water and perform tricks with the dolphins. We all would tread water in a line and splash the water and a dolphin would swim by and gently splash us back. Another time we were in a line and the trainer had us wave our fingers around like a musical conductor. The dolphin would swim up in front of us and 'sing'. There were several other interactive tricks that we performed for the dolphin's entertainment, but there were two that were special. In one, we got in a straight line like we had done before. The trainer had both dolphins swim up one side of the pool to the far end, then turn and swim straight towards us. We were facing the other way, our backs to the dolphins. When they got just a few feet away they would both leap out of the water at the same time and fly over our heads about twelve to fifteen feet high, then land ten feet in front of us without hardly making a splash. They did that several times then more photo ops. But the best performance, the one they charged a whole lot extra for (and worth every penny) was when the pair of dolphins propelled us thru the water and into the air. We would each individually get at the far end of the pool and the dolphins would swim up behind us and each one would put his nose under a foot, then swim, with us being pushed thru the water. We quickly straightened our legs so that we'd be standing up on the dolphins' noses. It was such a great experience - I can't even begin to describe how amazing it was.

When the hour was up we all reluctantly said good-by to our new friends and got out of the pool. Then, like lambs to slaughter, they took us back to the dolphin palapa to view the pictures - no obligation to buy. How could you not buy some?? There were several packages, starting at just over $100 for a few 8x10 prints and going up from there. There was no way we could narrow it down to just a few pictures, plus we wanted the DVD of the experience, so we ended up getting the big package - El Grande. It included seven 5x7 prints, all 92 pictures on a CD, and the DVD. That really blew our budget, but we both wanted the proof in case we woke up the next day and thought it was all a dream. It was an unforgettable experience, but it's good to have the pictures and DVD to jog our memories.

After our dolphin experience we walked around a little, got a bite to eat, couple of beers, and then walked back towards the exit in order to get on the bus by 5pm. After dropping off some of the other families at their resorts, we got back to Mayan Palace around 7pm and just had a little to eat in our suite, and hung out there until bed time. What an incredible day!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007 (Pat)

Tour day! Up early to get ready and meet at the 19th hole golf snack bar to get on the bus at 8:30am. Shortly after we arrived our name was called out and we were assigned to the van. It sat about ten passengers plus the driver and guide (Francisco Mack). He was of Mayan descent and full of information about Mayan culture, their calendar, etc. Ron and I got in the back of the van and off to Tulum and then a nature preserve in the afternoon. It was about an hour drive to Tulum. Shortly before arriving there we stopped for a pit stop at a cultural trade place full of Mayan crafts. We spent a few minutes looking at some stone mask carvings. Ron saw one about three inches tall made of Obsidian. It was nicely carved and turned out to be the face of the god of health. It had a gold shimmer from gold flakes when held at a certain angle. It was beautiful, but unfortunately it was $200USD. The sales person started to come down but not very much. We were saved by having to leave on the van. Off to Tulum.

We stopped at a spot in the entry complex that had info about the Mayan calendar, a model of the site and a map of Mayan territory. Francisco led us into the Tulum walled-in complex of ancient Mayan buildings. It was an elite living area by the sea edge. In the center near the cliffs were the prominent ruins with 120 steps to the top of the pyramid. On top were the remains of the sacrificial platform. It would have been pretty intimidating to the masses down at the bottom. The center area was where the upper class had their buildings. There were several good sized building ruins with columns, masks of their gods carved into the corners, and sleeping platforms. Francisco told us lots about the significance of various things. We made our way up to the cliffs overlooking the beach below. Lots of people were enjoying the sand and water. At that point we were on our own and told to be back at Frosty’s restaurant in the entrance complex by 1pm. Ron and I walked along the cliffs to see the gorgeous, dramatic view with the tower, turquoise sea, and palms. Scattered everywhere were the resident iguanas, lounging around the ruins, ground rocks, and bushes. They were two to three feet long and fun to watch and photograph. Ron had read about a nice beach nearby and we headed south along the border of the complex, but the gate through the wall was blocked off. We walked along the upper wall to the west side and enjoyed the view from the slightly raised elevation across the ruins to the big tower. More photo ops. Finally we left ancient civilization behind and went thru the west entrance and grabbed a couple of Cokes from a vendor. Boy it tasted good. Ron wanted to see the beach at El Mirador restaurant to the south and found out it was just a ten minute walk. Sure! It felt like miles walking at high noon in the sun with minimal shade from the trees along the road. About the time we were ready to give up we came across a driveway headed towards the beach. Darn, private property! We passed by one other driveway and by the third one we said the hell with private – lets just go. The beach was beautiful with soft white sand, wide and not too many people. There was a small cabana bar so we grabbed a beer and water then headed up the beach so we could make it back by 1pm. We walked fast and I was getting overheated when we finally got to Frosty’s. We grabbed a water and headed over to the meeting place for the van – which had returned from taking part of our group to Coba – another Mayan ruin. We waited for ten to twenty minutes – enough time for Ron to order some chicken taquitos to keep the restaurant guy happy that Ron used his bathroom.

Just as we finished the lunch the van returned and we piled in. After about a ten to fifteen minute drive north we pulled off the highway onto this dirt track that headed into the jungle. The jungle was thick on both sides. Occasionally there would be a small clearing or other track. It was bumpy and jerky going. Finally we pulled off into a small clearing with some other vans and stopped. This was Lang-Ha, the nature reserve. Several biologists were here studying the jungle and this was their base. Several huts with large tables and a big grill with some great smelling food. This was a genuine Mayan meal cooked over wood. Grilled chicken wings, sausage, and beans. A dense, Mayan bread/tortilla and some salad. There was a natural red juice drink and a rice/coconut drink as well. We all chowed down. The bathroom was a composting out-house and not too bad. After lunch we got our group together with several of the biologists and Francisco and had a tour down a jungle path. We came across a giant grasshopper on a plant – five to six inches long! More walking thru a variety of trees and we came up to the top of the zip line entrance to a large cenote – underground river cave. We got into our harnesses and waited, watching the others zip down and disappear into the cave entrance – like a narrow canyon. Ron and I were near the end. You stand on the platform and they clip you in to a wheel on the cable. Then they hand you a thick Y-shaped stick – the brake. You place it over the cable and pull down to go slower. Then you move to the edge of the platform and off you go. Wow! Less than fifteen seconds and you are inside a cave chamber and they help you brake and then unhook you. Very cool. I went first, then Ron. Then he climbed back up and went again. Next we went into the underground cave system walking on a wooden platform over running and quiet water areas. Lights highlighted the cavern depths and the stalagmites and stalactites. Bats flew around silently. It was amazing. We came out on the side of the cavern and climbed up a trail to the top. Some howler monkeys were swinging from tree to tree heading for the warmth of the cave for the night. Hard to see clearly with the thick canopy. Then the path led us to where we started. Next it was off to go swim in a big, deep cenote. We walked along a short path and they pointed out a fenced off hole in the ground about two feet across. Below was the cenote. We got into our swimming suits and took some winding stairs down to a platform in this big cavern. It was sixty to seventy feet across, the water was ten feet deep. With our life vests on we went into the water. It was cool water but tolerable. We could kick around check out the cave. Occasionally you’d come across a stalagmite coming up from the floor. By the river exit tree roots came down from the surface to the water. After twenty minutes or so cooling off we came out and headed back up. Changed clothes, gathered our stuff, last pit stop, thanked them for a wonderful day, and piled into the van. I ended up in the second to last row and it didn’t take long on the bumpy road to get me queasy. I grabbed a plastic bag to use as a possible barf bag and concentrated on not getting sick. After a long time we got back on the hiway and headed for Mayan Palace. We said our good-byes to Francisco and back to the room. We showered, I ate some ginger, and we headed for the poolside restaurant for dinner. A very fun day!! Off to bed early for our next big day.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007 (Ron)

There was some confusion (on my part) on the meeting time, but we made it out to the front gate by 9am to meet Alfredo. He rode with us to Sandos, the resort. It is located just north of Playa del Carmen. Alfredo introduced us to a girl who took our information and introduced us to our sales rep, Gregg. Gregg is a gringo who grew up in Wisconsin. He’s very friendly and talkative.

Gregg took us to the restaurant for breakfast. It’s a buffet similar to the one yesterday at Mayan Palace. After breakfast we did the usual song and dance – we were shown around the resort, told how wonderful it was, blah, blah, blah. Then Gregg took us in for the kill. It was a different program than any we’d seen before so it took a while to explain and then we had some questions. We finally got out of there after five hours! It took a lot of our day but hopefully it will be worth the time when we go on our excursions.

After getting out we went into Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen is a nice little town. With a population of about one hundred and fifty thousand, it’s a lot smaller than Cancun and much less developed. The main tourist area has a street that has only pedestrian access so it’s easy to wander from shop to shop, or just look around. We headed for the beach to start with though; we needed some time to relax after that sales presentation. The place yesterday was good and that’s where we ended up again today. We hung out there for a few hours, then walked the two or three blocks up to the pedestrians-only street for some more looking around. When we got to the north end we hailed a taxi back to Mayan Palace. Relaxed a little, then off to bed.

Monday, December 17, 2007 (Pat)

Ron got up and showered close to 6:30am and I fell back asleep until after 7. The bed is a nice king size bed but very firm and we both tossed and turned some. I showered and read a bit, drinking some coffee, then got dressed and ready for our morning Mayan Palace update presentation at 9:30. We walked to the sales building next to the pool. We started in the upstairs area and were told we needed to be downstairs. We checked in, showed our ID’s, confirmed we were members and were doing the presentation for $100USD off and 10% off our Mayan Palace bill. Jeff was introduced as our sales person. He was an American who has lived here for five years. Initially he made some comment that we were in the wrong place since we were members – not renters – but he would see if it was OK with his boss if he showed us around. Okay – sounds good. So he starts asking the usual questions about vacationing, etc. I let Ron so most of the talking since we always seem to tell a new story about how much we own at each presentation. Finally we headed off for breakfast in the big, round, giant palapa. It was the breakfast buffet for the entire place so lots of people all over. It was hard to get breakfast as there was always another body to move around or bump into. The food was good – I had an omelet plus a bunch of fruit and other food on a separate plate. Ron had a big plateful as well. Since we didn’t really have dinner last night we were hungry. We chatted with Jeff while we finished off our food. He gave us the tour of the Grand Mayan pool area, large new pool structure being built and then showed us the suite – a lock-off design. The biggest difference between the two units was a patio and hot-tub vs. what is present in the Mayan Palace suite. Of course with the Grand Mayan you get amenities included such as the fitness center, day beds at the pool, etc. There are fewer Grand Mayan rooms so fewer people in the Grand Mayan only areas. Today our Mayan Palace was worth $29,000USD equity on a one-time chance to trade up for a Grand Mayan ownership worth $69,000USD. So for $40,000 we get a few more amenities and a few less people. I don’t think so!! By now it was almost 11:30am and we told Jeff we really just didn’t like the whole deal – rather than wasting more of anyone’s time it’s a definite no. Jeff got his supervisor who double checked – still no – and signed off our sheet so we were done. Back to the suite. It is a beautiful blue sky day, perfect temperature. Ron wants to go into Playa del Carmen to get the shopping done and check out the city so we head out to the lobby. At the concierge we learn that the shuttle leaves at 9am, 11am, 1pm, and 4pm and the 1pm was already full, next one is at 4pm. Nope! So over to the travel area. We check out the Tulum trip with the nature preserve at Tankah as well and decide that will be a nice excursion for Wednesday and got signed up. The only other way to get into town is taxi. Seventeen dollars US each way. Okay – we decide that’s what we need to do so we get our taxi and head off to the south. The highway is very good. It’s about a twenty to thirty minute drive. Mostly trees along the highway with occasional large fancy entrances for various resorts on the beach side. The driver took us down to the main walkway (5th Avenue) and Constitution. I gave him $20USD and we headed down 5th Ave which was blocked off as a pedestrian walkway. Both sides of the street were lined with nice looking stores of all types, restaurants, etc. We stopped in one tequila store to check prices. Lots of different tequilas. Very crowded though. More walking, picture taking of the colorful buildings and store fronts. We stopped at another Tequilaria. The store guys spoke good English and were very friendly. They had a bunch of flavored tequilas and offered little cups to sample. Ron tasted about each flavor. I liked the chocolate crème and the café the best – they were like liqueurs – so we wanted those two. They also had a number of other tequilas – some in very decorative bottles. Ron started looking at those and I mentioned I liked the one with the iguana if he wasn’t particular so we got a fancy bottle too. $104USD! Then they wanted to wheel and deal – oh, if you want to save money… - and made a presentation offer. I didn’t want to spend more time hearing about another vacation deal that we weren’t going to buy, cash if fine. Ron didn’t have enough so one of the guys escorted us around the corner to the Banamex so we could use the ATM. Back to the store – now with 2.25L of tequila packed in Ron’s backpack. We walked up the street some more then decided it was time to get something to drink so we headed down Calle 4 to the beach. On the corner was a bar/restaurant with tables on the sand. Looked good! So we took our shoes off, ordered some cervezas and enjoyed the beach scene. Some Mexican musicians came and played for some of the other patrons. Kayakers were coming in, fighting the surf. The ferries to Cozumel were coming and going to the south of us. People were constantly walking by. A pleasant rest.

Sunday, December 16, 2007 (Ron)

Today is moving day. I got up before Pat, grabbed my camera, and went to the restaurant to get some coffee. It was a very nice morning and I just walked around the resort enjoying our last morning here.

After a couple cups of coffee I went back to the suite and Pat was up so we started Packing. By 9:30 we had everything packed, so we went for breakfast, then checked out. We left our bags there and sat by the pool, talking, reading, and relaxing until our shuttle arrived at 2pm.

The shuttle driver didn’t speak very good English, but he was very friendly and he helped Pat and me practice our Spanish. The time passed quickly and soon we were at Mayan Palace. It’s a big place – the lobby area is about the size of the whole resort at Laguna Suites. Our driver Beer (When Pat and I first got on the shuttle the driver asked our names. I told him ‘my name is Ron’ which means rum in Spanish. He laughingly said his name was Beer.) so Beer and a bellhop unloaded our bags onto a cart and the bellhop took us to a lady who took us up to the front desk to get checked in. The lady at the front desk said they had a very nice room for us but it wasn’t quite ready. (We were a little early.) She suggested we might want to enjoy the pool area or get something to eat. OK, that sounds good.

We left the front desk and another lady, Michelle, met us and explained all about Mayan Palace. She was very friendly and helpful. We got on the little shuttle and went to the pool area and restaurant where we sat by the pool and had a very nice lunch. We finished eating and took the shuttle back to the lobby where we picked up our key cards. Then I found another nice lady to help us get our bags and find our room. She took us out front to the head bellhop who called another bellhop to help us. He got our bags and took us to our room. Number 1086, again on the ground floor.

Our suite is large and very nice. There is a kitchen/dining/living area, a large bedroom, bathroom, and a separate little area with another bathroom sink and mirror. Cool, separate sinks. There are two closets, a large dresser, and two nightstands so there is plenty of storage.

After getting everything put away we walked down to the resort’s store for some cereal, milk, juice, etc. The store was a big, fancy building – lots of glass and metal and wood. Two stories, big entryway, store on the left has groceries and stuff, store on the right has t-shirts and other apparel. Don’t know what was upstairs – didn’t go up there. The grocery store was big and bright and shiny. We found some bottled water – 47 pesos for a two liter bottle. That’s about $4.70USD! Over $9 a gallon! We got a one liter bottle, I forget how much it was. They didn’t have any Raisin Bran, but we also got a liter of mango juice and some bananas. Only one register was open and there was a long line, but whatta ya gonna do? We waited and waited but the line didn’t seem to be moving so we set our items down and left. I don’t need my mango juice that bad. Got back to the suite, read and worked on the journal, then went to bed.

There is such a contrast between Laguna Suites and Mayan Palace. Laguna suites is very small, quiet, friendly, relaxing. No activities and not as fancy. But we got to know a lot of the staff by name and they knew us. Mayan Palace is very big, lots of people, lots of activities, more impersonal. Pat and I both prefer the smaller, more personal type of resort but Mayan Palace will be fine for a week. We are certainly looking forward to the coming week with the Mayan ruins and diving.

Saturday, December 15, 2007 (Pat)

We got up and showered and while Ron worked on the computer, I read and got ready for the day. Ron went off for a deep tissue massage at 10am so I sat outside and read some more. It was cloudy but not raining and comfortable outside. Ron returned from his massage and off to breakfast at Laguna Suites. I had Huevos al Gusto and Ron had his Huevos Motuleños again. After breakfast we gathered our stuff and caught the 1pm shuttle for the Sunset Royale.

The clouds were starting to break up and when we got to the beach there was some nice sunshine and a good stiff breeze. We moved some chairs onto a sunny area of the beach and changed into our swim suits. We were able to read and enjoy the beach for several hours. Ron took some pictures & video and had some nachos – I ate the box lunch sandwich and banana. The sun went behind the building some so we moved up to the pool deck area which was still sunny and we read some more. The sun was getting lower in the sky so we changed clothes and watched the clouds to the east change color with the setting sun. We weren’t really hungry yet so we headed north, up the main drag to the Plaza. They had a Hard Rock Café, Chili’s, Starbucks, Hagen Daz, and many other stores. We stopped in one t-shirt store and found some t-shirts for the grandkids and Christine, and a white-sand turtle for our turtle collection. I picked out a $5USD t-shirt as well. Found a bathroom and wandered around a bit more then decided to head back to the Sunset Royale. When we got there the lobby was full of people and some Mexican musicians were playing music and dancing. We found out tonight was Fiesta night where a big dinner was being served with entertainment in the outdoor restaurant we had seen on the way in. We decided we didn’t really want a ‘loud’ dinner so we checked the time and had a drink at the bar. Later we noticed the restaurant was now serving as well – however just the buffet which we had already had yesterday. So we just headed back to Laguna Suites. Caught the shuttle and dumped our stuff in the room. Off to the outdoor, quiet, peaceful palapa restaurant. Much nicer. We both had the stuffed chicken dinner. Ron had the tortilla soup and it was very spicy – almost lost his voice! We had some cocktails and then shared a piece of chocolate cake. Sipping our Mayan Dream cocktails we wandered around for a while checking out coconut trees, then headed back to the room. Our last night here in the suites.

(Ron) – I had a massage this morning. It was a good massage but started out a little shaky. The lady who was to do the massage took me into a changing room. The massage rooms were down the hall from this room.

Now, I’ve had massages before and know that you don’t get them with all your clothes on. In fact, you have on little to nothing except a sheet to cover various body parts. Anyway, she took me into the changing room, said she would leave, and I was to take off my clothes and put them in the locker. I knew the massage rooms were down the hall. I also knew that often things are done differently in Mexico, but c’mon. I stood there for a few seconds, then started stuttering and stammering about how I would have to walk bare-ass naked down the hall. I think the only words I actually got our were “But…, but…” Her English wasn’t that good, maybe I misunderstood her, but she told me again, and again I ‘rebutted’ with “But…, but…” She instructed me again and I somehow understood that in the locker there was a robe that I was to put on before exiting the changing room. By now she had me pretty well rattled, but the remainder of the time was uneventful and I did get a great massage.

Friday, December 14, 2007 (Ron)

Looks like it rained overnight, but it’s nice this morning. I went out to enjoy the morning with my coffee while Pat slept. After about a half hour I came back in and Pat was up. I got the camera and went back out while Pat did whatever women do in the morning to get themselves ready for the day.

I walked around the neighborhood, taking pictures and talking to anybody who was out there.

When I got back to the suite it was time for breakfast. But by now it had started raining and it was coming down pretty good. The restaurant is only about fifty feet from our front door but we decided to wait it out. It wasn’t long before the rain had just about stopped and we went out for breakfast. Pat had the Omeleta Florentina and I had Huevos Motuleños. Both were very good. The eggs that I had were on corn tortillas with beans, cheese, sauce, and I don’t know what all. It was so good.

A lot of the food here has a strong Mayan influence so it’s different from what we are used to on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It’s pretty cool to be able to sample different local flavors.
We came back to the suite after breakfast and tried to plan out our day. It wasn’t easy. We wanted to go to the beach, but then it started raining, so we’d go to Plan B which was going downtown. Then the reain would stop and the sky would clear. The sun was out and it was a beautiful day to go to the beach. Then it would start raining…. We finally decided to go to the beach anyway.

The resort has a bus that runs between the three ‘sister’ resorts so we used it. We went to the resort with the best beach and got all situated with our beach chairs, towels, drinks (free), and something to read. After a while I decided to walk up the beach with the video camera and soon came to a spot where six or eight people were out on surfboards. The waves were pretty big but the guys weren’t trying too hard to surf. Once in a while one of them would get up and last about two seconds. The waves were so big (for the Caribbean) and the water was so turquoise that I sat and watched ‘em for a while.

I felt just a couple of tiny sprinkles and decided to head back. By the time I got there it was raining and Pat and just about everyone else had headed for shelter. I found Pat in the lobby, right next to the restaurant. Cool! The restaurant at this resort, just like ours, is free for the guests of the three affiliated resorts. They had a buffet going so we got our plates and started looking things over. We tried a little bit of a lot of it and it was all good. We stopped before totally stuffed (at least Pat did) in order to save room for dessert. We had both spotted some papaya pie on the dessert table and we both wanted to try it. We sat and let our lunch settle while watching the weather outside and the people inside. The rain was on-again, off again showers. We had our papaya pie which was very good, and went out to the sidewalk to walk around a little before catching the shuttle back to our resort. When we first stepped out of the resort’s lobby it wasn’t raining but by the time we got to the sidewalk it was sprinkling. By the time we had gone two or three blocks it was raining pretty good so we went into a OXXO store to get out of the rain. OXXO is a chain of convenience-type stores in Mexico and not really a place to hang out. The rain slowed way down so we went out to try to come up with a plan. It started raining again and we quickly came up with a plan – run across the street to Señor Frog’s.

So we’re in Señor Frog’s – we looked around a little and the rain didn’t let up at all. In fact by now it was pouring! OK, now our plan was to try to not get totally soaked going back to our resort. We got a taxi and the driver held the door open for us while we ran for it. We did get pretty wet but not drenched. Back to the resort for $9USD, and to our suite to put on some dry clothes.

Around 7pm I started getting hungry. Pat wasn’t ready for dinner so I went over to get a beer and a snack. Got the beer, then went over to talk to one of the waiters about a snack. He suggested nachos – that sounded pretty good so I said sure. He said he’d bring it to the room and asked if my wife wanted a beer. I replied that I wasn’t sure, but bring one anyway – if she doesn’t want it, I’ll drink it. Five or ten minutes later he knocked on the door. He had four glasses of beer, a plate full of nachos with beef and chicken, and another plate with guacamole and salsa. That was my snack! I worked on the beer and nachos for a couple of hours while writing today’s journal.

Still not finished with the nachos, I went in the bedroom where Pat was reading. She asked if I was ready for dinner. My stomach felt like I’d just eaten my dinner and half of hers. We didn’t go out for dinner. We stayed in the suite, read, finished the journal for today, watched a little TV, then went to bed.

Thursday, December 13 (Pat)

We woke up just before the alarm went off after a good night’s sleep. We showered and got ready for ‘The 90 minute presentation.’ We met a couple in the van on the way to Sunset Lagoon. They were from San Diego and had been traveling in Florida before coming to Cancun and had traveled to Peru and other areas – three months each year! Now that’s a great lifestyle. So we got set up with our presentation host. Alma – a talkative Mexicana. Very nice, and interesting. We got a tour of the resort. A huge, marble floored condo with a big living area, a separate two bed bedroom and then upstairs to the master bedroom. Very luxurious! We had breakfast – a very nice buffet with lots of food – then went outside to see the pool and the pool and the yachts. As an owner at the resort, for seventy-five dollars an hour you could tool around on the yacht. A nice sitting area, small bed area and a larger sleeping area. Very posh! Fishing in style. Then we took the water taxi over to Sunset Plaza on the beach. The suite there was a lock-off suite with a beautiful view of the beach and Caribbean sea. Then the ‘fun’ began. Alma explained how vacation ‘ownership’ was a good deal for developing equity. There was the usual start high with the $149,000 option, but maybe the $89,000 version would fit our budget better. Give the extra weeks to marketing and make money ‘cause they will rent the suite for $1500 per week. Where have we heard that before! We had told them that we just owned at the Mayan Palace. Alma kept putting down the timeshares, showing how much money we were going to be losing, etc. They even offered to give us $7500 off if we gave them the Mayan Palace. No! Then it was down to $10,900. Then $7,500, then $4,500, then $2,500 and some final offer I wasn’t even listening to. We kept saying now was not the time we wanted to take on anymore debt. If we didn’t own 6 timeshares already and this was the first presentation we had heard ti would have been easy to cave in. I started zoning out after a while. When they finally gave up and signed off our sheet so we could leave it was 2pm. The couple we had met in the van ride over had ‘escaped’ as well. They are regular presentation goers and said this was one of the hardest sales presentations they had been to. So I’m glad we got out of there without signing on for more lies and promises that don’t come about.

We spent what was left of the afternoon having lunch at the Laguna Suites. Ron had the Aracherra Padilla and I had the Fajitas con Pollo. Both good and filling. Finally a chance to sit in the sun and read. We asked to have some chairs brought out to the patch of sun on the west side by the golf course. Fortunately we didn’t get hit by an errant golf ball. We moved into the pool area when the sun was stuck behind some low clouds. We chatted with a couple from Medicine Hat, Alberta about their presentation adventures. More reading until it was too dim to read and back into the room. I worked on the laptop – sorting some dentistry photos into groups for my next project. We played music since Ron brought the hard drive loaded up with lots of music. There is internet wireless but you have to pay for two days so I will wait until Friday. About 8pm we decided we were getting hungry. The Laguna Suites dining area was full so we had a drink and sat by the pool. A very pleasant evening temperature, no breeze – starting to unwind and relax more. Pretty soon we got seated at a double table where a woman and her daughter were that came in right before us. “Can we separate the tables” she asked the waiter. Ron and I looked at each other and separated the tables a bit. Later on in the dinner she was scrutinizing the bill and making comments and coming across as a NY bitch. We enjoyed dinner. I had only the green salad so I could enjoy some dessert. Pastel con queso. The older waiter enjoys it when we speak Spanish. Ron had Kukulcan soup, chicken tacos, and pastel de coco. (That’s cheesecake for Pat, coconut pie for Ron.) Then off to the room. More reading and log writing. Then I started working on the log in the bedroom and turned on the TV. I found the Jim Carey movie “Liar, Liar” with Spanish subtitles. The movie is very funny and it was a good way to learn various Spanish ‘bad’ words. Cretino! Maldito! Merida! for a few. It was after midnight when we crawled into bed. Ron found the E! channel so we watched the Playboy’s three girlfriends and went to sleep.

(Note from Ron: The E! channel on cable in the states blurs out any chances of nudity and beeps any bad language. In Mexico they don’t seem to do that so it was kind of interesting!)

Cancun, Mexico

Wednesday, December 12, 2007 (Ron)

As usual we had to get up way early to make our 6:30am flight. Everything was packed and in the van last night so just a few last-minute things to do, say good-by to the ‘kids’, and we’re on our way. It’s cold! Around freezing, but we are headed south. It’s all good.

We’re flying Portland to Dallas, forty minute layover, then on to Cancun. Coming in to Dallas (a very busy airport) it was totally foggy – we could barely see past the wing tips. I got to wondering how many other planes were flying around in this fog and how close they might be and what our pilot’s reaction time might be in an emergency. Just before we landed the fog cleared and everything was cool.

The second leg of the flight was over quickly and before long we were landing in what appeared to be a tropical forest. Sure hope there’s a landing strip under the plane. Turned out there was. We got our bags (three large checked bags plus the four carry-ons) and loaded them onto two carts. We pushed our loaded-down carts to the Customs line. It moved pretty fast and soon we were almost to the front. When you go thru Customs each person has to push a button and you either get a green light or a red light. Green light means go on thru. Red light means stop while we search thru all of your bags. I noticed that the line we were in, several people in a row got a red light. That’s good for us, because you seldom see a red light and they were getting them all used up before we got up there. Then the next few people got the red light as well. Everybody in this line is getting the red light. Pat and I got up there and I got the red light. Pat, right behind me, got the red light too. So we put our bags (all seven of them) up on the table and they searched thru them. No contraband of any kind except for two bananas that Pat was trying to smuggle into the country. She had to throw them in the trash and they sent us on our way.

The driver from the resort met us outside the airport and took us to Laguna Suites resort. Check-in was quick and we were taken to our room, suite uno, dos, tres. One twenty-three, ground level, right by the pool and not far from the bar/restaurant. Nice resort, very small – only thirty two units. So there are no crowds, very quiet and relaxing.

The condo is nice, plenty of room for two people and lots of storage for clothes and stuff. We didn’t unpack everything but we did get settled in and relaxed for a while inside, then went out and laid by the pool and had a couple of beers each. This resort is all-inclusive so all drinks and meals are free (or at least pre-paid). That’s a great deal for us, but the beers are served in a small glass so two beers here are equal to about one bottle or can. Still, the price is right, the location is great, and the weather is beautiful. Hard to beat!

After finishing our drinks we went to the restaurant for dinner. Pat had fish and I had fish. Prepared differently, but both were presented well and tasted very good. Again free.

I don’t remember where I initially heard about this whole deal, but it was not something that filled me with confidence. Five days, four nights in Cancun at an all-inclusive resort. Free condo, free meals, free drinks. All we had to do was attend a short sales presentation. I was prepared for something much worse, but right now it’s looking pretty good.

After dinner we went back to our suite, relaxed just a little, and got to bed early – about 9:30pm. Long day but a wonderful finish.

Sedona, Arizona – June, 2007

Friday, June 15 (Ron)

We had packed the night before so all we had to do was get up, try to wake up, load up the van, and head out. Getting up was relatively easy, waking up at 3am was a little tough but knowing our destination and the beautiful clear blue skies and warm temperatures helped get us charged. It was raining as we drove to the airport but we left all that behind as we climbed up to 30,000 feet.

Great flight, got our bags and the rental car, a little Dodge Caliber, and got on the North-bound freeway. Lots of traffic but everybody moved along pretty good. We took the Hiway 179 exit to Sedona. Still a fair amount of traffic, Hiway 179 is a 4-lane hiway like a freeway, but everything went well until about twenty miles south of our exit. Traffic came to a stand-still. We inched along for about ten miles, huge backup. When we finally got to the site of the accident, we saw debris all over the road and a flat-bed tow truck off to the side. On the bed of the truck was what appeared to be a car, possibly a 4-door sedan, make impossible to tell. The back half was flattened and the front half was not much better. Don’t know what happened but it couldn’t have been good.

We came into Sedona from the east with towering red rock formations guiding our way. It’s pretty desolate country, but beautiful. Sedona is a small town, just one main road, running east and west. Our resort is on the west side, just outside the city limits so we saw most of the town on our way to the resort.

Sedona Pines Resort has about 125 individual units. The resort is sorta like a trailer park, similar layout, each unit separated from the next. Don’t think trailer-trash resort, this place is nothing like that. The landscaping is beautiful, large trees, immaculate grounds, adobe/stucco buildings. Each unit is similar to the rest but the resort does not have a cookie-cutter appearance. The units are about 400 square feet, living room/dining area, full kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Outside is a deck with a table and two chairs. Just off the deck is a grill for cooking. Separating the rows of houses, opposite the street side is a man-made stream with a water feature at each end. Large trees and shrubs between each home. Very peaceful and relaxing.

We got settled in, went over to the resort restaurant for an early supper, relaxed a bit and went to bed.

Saturday, June 16 (Pat)

We woke up to the morning light about 6am. Showered and enjoyed some coffee and juice sitting on our deck. Due to the angle of the cottage the deck is shaded in the morning and a large pine next to it shades it for most of the afternoon. About 8:15 we walked a short ways to the restaurant for the introductory breakfast. Juice, cereal, and some breads and pastries. Various vendors talked about their tours and in between Peggy – the concierge and Jake the RCI rep had raffle drawings for various gifts. Our number came up for a Sedona calendar so we are off to a good start! After breakfast we go over to the “big” building for our “update” talk. Jake is our sales person. Turns out he is a retired banker, owns a nearby cattle ranch and does timeshare sales for fun. He chatted with us for a while before going into the sales room. He was non-pressure, looking to see if there was something to enhance our timeshare situation and we found a fit. No starting high and wearing us down with new deals. We decided the time was right and the opportunity right to trade in the Oak Plantation week towards 33,000 RCI points every other year based on the Sedona Pines Resort and the sister resort soon to be completed. We also were enrolled in the points program so we can choose to get points for the Mayan Palace week and the Marina del Rey week. We should have more flexibility now and some bonus time in Sedona!

It was about 1pm when we wound up the paperwork. We headed into town and had lunch at Picazzo’s. We sat outside in the shade and enjoyed a salad and lunch combo (pizza and salad). A stop at the UPS store and Safeway for a cooler and off to Tlaquelpaque! We checked out a few galleries I knew about, got some ice cream and headed for the Oak Creek Brewery for a couple of beers. Back to the cottage to relax and read for a while, catch up on e-mail – the resort has WiFi.

After 7pm we got out to check out the Red Rock loop and Red Rocks Crossing – the picturesque view of Cathedral Rock from Oak Creek. The sun was going down faster than we anticipated so we stopped at a couple of view point stops off the upper Red Rock loop and took some photos. Cathedral Rock was glowing red in the setting sunlight and the rising shadow of the hills we were on moved up the base. Very scenic. Also some nice views across the way as well. It was almost 8pm when we got to the Red Rock Crossing Park so we decided not to stop and continued around the loop. I noticed a nice view of Cathedral Rock showing each rock spire separately at a new house-lot location. We stopped and got out to enjoy the view in the fading sunlight. It was a nice lot with big pine trees framing the rocks. Every few minutes the appearance would change subtly as the light faded. It was quiet and peaceful. A few bats flitted around for insects. We opened our champagne bottles from the morning congratulations to new members and toasted Sedona. As the light faded we completed the loop and headed into town for some dinner. We thought we would have a beer and dinner at the West Sedona Oak Creek Brewery. We found the place and went in and sat outside in the beer garden. The ‘live’ music was some cross between ‘new age’ and jazz – not very entertaining. No food either! We had a beer each and decided to call it a night. We stopped at McDonald’s and I got a salad and back to the cottage. We had our light dinner and off to bed.

Sunday, June 17 (Ron)

Got up early again, just after sunrise. It is so cool to be able to get up in the morning and have a beautiful, clear, blue sky; very comfortable temperature; and a quiet, peaceful setting. I sat out on the deck and read for a bit after taking a quick walk. Pat joined me on the deck and we enjoyed the wonderful morning together.

After breakfast on the deck we got loaded up and drove north of town for a hike before it got too hot. A few miles up Dry Creek Road was a park in Boynton Canyon. Looks like an easy hike with beautiful scenery. We took the Boynton Canyon Trail and after hiking a ways along the bottom of the canyon we came to a ‘Y’. We could follow along Boynton Canyon Trail or turn off onto Vista Trail. Vista Trail – I imagined beautiful vistas, looking across the valley for miles. We could stay on the nice level trail or take the one going uphill with promises of spectacular views at the end. I convinced Pat that we should take the scenic route and we started climbing. It was a little strenuous, not bad, but we worked up a pretty good sweat.

We made it to the top and had a pretty good view across the canyon. Took some pictures and just sat on a rock and enjoyed the moment. Along the trail were century plants, lots of prickly pear cactus, juniper trees, yucca, agave, and others. Very cool.

Back to the resort for a little R & R at the pool. Some friends that live in the area met us for dinner. We went to the Javelina Cantina and had a great meal with wonderful conversation. A very enjoyable evening to end another beautiful day in Sedona.

Monday, June 18 (Pat)

We were up by 6am to get ready for our Grand Canyon tour today. At 7:30 we walked over to the office and met our other five members of the group from Utah, a brother, sister, and mother, plus spouses. A small bus/van pulled up with big side windows – our tour guide for the day was Dave. With only seven of us we could all sit on the scenic left side to start out. A quick stop at ‘Starbucks with a view’ and up Oak Creek Canyon. Dave enlightened us on history tidbits about the area while driving up the scenic, narrow canyon. In an hour we were in Flagstaff. Heading past the tallest peaks in Arizona (San Francisco Peaks), an old volcano on Interstate 80, we drove through ponderosa forests on the Colorado plateau to more sage, juniper, and pinion pine forests the closer we got to the National Park. The first stop was the IMAX theater outside the park. A close up, spectacular view of the canyon, the Indian history, and explorer history. Rafting the river rapids with Powell was amazing to watch. You expected to get wet. Got to see a lot of smaller canyons and other areas in the movie that you wouldn’t see otherwise. In the van we also watched a movie about the mules in Grand Canyon – everything tat is in to bottom was hauled in by a mule. Some great shots of what it must be like riding the mules down the Bright Angel Trail.

Next stop was lunch at the Village Cafeteria. You could pick your entrée, soup or salad, a drink, and dessert. It was a good feed. Dave joined us and we headed over to the El Tovar Lodge/Hopi House stop. It was blue sky, good visibility, and comfortable warm to enjoy the awe-inspiring views. The canyon is ten miles wide – rim to rim. From this vantage point you can’t see the river – just the gorge where it runs. You can look down on the lower plateau and Indian Gardens where the main trail down is. Then it is just appreciating the various striated rock masses, caused by time, layered between the rims. All shades of rust to cream. Overhead ravens and turkey vultures cruise the updrafts. Ron and I walk north along the rim, viewing and taking photos, then turn around and walk south past our starting point and continue on the rim trail. Near the Bright Angel lodge is a view point out on the white rock point. Below this was another white, flat, rocky outcrop. This is where some of the released California Condors were hanging out. Several times we got to see them fly around with their huge wing-span and red heads – pretty cool. Unfortunately it was time to head back to the van so we said good-by to the condors and joined the others.

We went a little further south along the rim to the Yavapai outlook/museum. More awesome views. Now you could see the green water of the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch. More photos, checking out the museum exhibits, and back to the van to head to Desert View on the east side of the loop. Here they have constructed a 70 foot tower with a viewing platform outside and then you can climb to the top to look out the enclosed upper level. Along the walls were replica cave/rock paintings to give an idea what they would be like as seen in the canyon. This view also looked onto the Painted Desert to the east – all shades of pink, mauve, and red. We could also see more of the river at the bottom as well.

We said good-by to the canyon views and headed east to Cameron on Hiway 64. The Little Colorado River/Canyon runs along here through the Navajo reservation. We leave the pine and juniper and pretty much just have sage and cactus at the lower level. At Cameron is a huge trading post. Lots of stuff/people. A woman was weaving a rug inside to watch. We got our souvenir turtle then homeward bound – snacks and water, and watched The Princess Bride on the DVD on the way back. We were dropped off right in front of our cottage.

A long and very enjoyable day. We had cereal and yogurt for dinner, downloaded our photos onto the laptop, and went to bed early to be ready for our next Sedona adventure!

Tuesday, June 19 (Ron)

This is the day for our new adventure. Today we will float above Sedona with spectacular views of the Red Rocks, Verde Valley, Boynton Canyon, and other natural landmarks. All good things come at a price and the price we paid (other than monetary) was getting up at 3:45am.

The anticipation helped energize us and we walked to the resort’s office to be picked up at 4:50. It’s another beautiful day – comfortable temperature, wonderful clear blue skies that allow you to see forever, quiet and peaceful as a monastery.

After a five minute ride we were at the launch site. There were four or five other groups there in various stages of preparation so it was interesting to watch the whole process. We chatted, took pictures, and just watched as a wicker basket and large nylon bag became an instrument to allow man to float thru the air like dust in the wind.

Soon our balloon was ready, raised high above us, tugging at the basket as if to say “C’mon, let’s go.” We all climbed into the basket, Pat and I, two other couples, and the pilot, Scott. The ground crew released the tethers and with a blast of hot air we rose into the morning sky. There was almost no sense of movement other than the ground falling away from us.

We rose up, not into the stratosphere, but just high enough to be able to view the entire area and still pick out details below us. We went higher or lower as Scott caught just the right air current to take us where he wanted. We dropped down into a dry creek bed, below the tree tops (and trees don’t grow very tall in this climate!) Then we rose up catching a different current, just brushing the top of a tree with the bottom of the basket.

Scott pointed out landmarks and various areas, talked about what he was doing and what effect that would have on our flight, and what the air currents were doing, but much of the time he just kept quiet, allowing each of us to experience the flight in our own way.

We touched down with a bump and a bounce. The balloon was aloft for an hour and twenty minutes and traveled seven miles. After all balloons, passengers, and crew were back on solid ground we had a champagne toast with strawberries and a pastry. It was a great flight and a wonderful experience for both Pat and me.

We were back at the resort by 8 or 8:30. Pat took a nap and I was on the computer for a while. Around 11am we went to the pool to get some sun before it got too hot. We didn’t make it – not the pool, we made it to the pool OK. But it was hot! I checked the temp at 12:30 and it was 104 degrees and 8% humidity. We stayed out till a little after 1pm, then came in to cool down.

Mid-afternoon we drove out to Cottonwood to meet some friends. They drove us up to Jerome – an old mining town built on the side of a mountain. There are a lot of old homes and businesses, some restored, some pretty run down, but a very interesting place.

We got back to their house at 6pm and said our good-bys. Pat and I then drove back to Sedona, thru town, and out to a hiking trail northeast of town called Margs Draw Trail. It was a nice, easy hike in a neat area. Great scenery as always, plus lots of plant life. Lots of small pine trees, prickly pear and other cactus, century plants, and many other (unknown) desert flora. We watched the sun go down then back to the resort to chill out for a while before going to bed. A very enjoyable day!

Wednesday, June 20 (Pat)

Originally today was going to be taking a tour to the Hopi Indian Reservation. The tour ended up being cancelled when one couple backed out. Before we went to Jerome we stopped in at the concierge to look at another option – since the Hopi tour had been our gift for attending the RCI presentation.

They offered a helicopter tour. Having just experienced one form of air travel (balloon) we thought it would be fun. So at 8:30am we were getting weighed-in for our flight. One other couple, Ron and I, and the pilot, Steve. Maverik Helicopter tours had a new two million dollar fancy helicopter. The Sedona airport is up on a flat mesa so you can look around and see the surrounding red rocks. We drove out to the helipad, took photos with the pilot in front of the helicopter and loaded up. Ron and I next to the pilot in front, the other woman beside me and the husband had the back to himself. The front of the helicopter was all window, even down low by our feet. Once the rotor was going we put on our headphones and it was surprisingly quiet. We hovered above the ground for a few minutes then took off to the east off the mesa. With the huge visibility in front it was like the IMAX movie watching the ground, canyons, rocks come below us. The tour flew by Cathedral Rock – level with its big rock spires, then past Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock, and headed north. It was awesome! The birds-eye view of the red rock formations up close!! There was so much to take in! We flew along the formations while Steve talked about what we were seeing. We would fly right over notches in the rock walls – up past where we hiked last night and across Oak Creek. We flew over the burn area from last summer and a flat plateau area before entering into more high walled canyon terrain – Secret Canyon. It was gorgeous. Narrow, lots of pines, sheer red rock walls. After coming out the west end of the canyon we banked south with a good view of the mesa lands, back towards Cottonwood and Jerome. Turning east it was behind some more rock walls into Boynton Canyon. Tall red rock walls, logs of rock spires in the distance, hardly treed – it was beautiful. As we flew along the canyon walls Steve pointed out the ancient Indian ruins in the crevices of the rock. In the helicopter you are close, looking straight on at them and getting a sense of the panoramic view at the same time. An exceptional way to experience this area. Coming out the canyon we flew over West Sedona, the Sedona Pines Resort and angled back to the mesa and helipad. WOW! I would take another tour in a minute. It is difficult to take it all in – there is so much to see. Ron felt the same way – the ride was very smooth and comfortable. They also do tours up to Grand Canyon as well – two and a half to three hour trips. Maybe someday. Afterwards we decided to purchase a photo on a plaque and DVD of our flight with narration and our voices. Very cool!

After the helicopter ride we stopped and took pictures from the mesa lookout point viewing Sedona and the colorful backdrops. Back at the resort we relaxed, read, sunned, sat at the pool, and worked on the computer for a leisurely afternoon. We decided to head off for an early evening hike and initially started out for the Soldier Pass trailhead. Turns out the trailhead is closed at 6pm and we were just that. So we headed back. On the way a quail with four tiny chicks ran across the road in front of us. So cute! We headed up Coffee Pot Road to Sugar Loaf trail head. We wanted an easy trail and the Thunder Mountain trail was listed as easy. As we headed up the canyon taking photos of the rock spires making up the Coffee Pot Ridge we decided to head east so we could see the spires better and see where the sun was still hitting the rocks. Pretty soon there was a branch-off trail that headed up this large mound. Intrigued by the opportunity for a grand vista we opted for the climb. It was well worth it. On top was a 360 degree view. Down into Sedona, we could see our parked car just below us. Cathedral Rock and Courthouse Butte peaked above the airport mesa glowing in the setting-sun rays. The rock ridges around uptown Sedona were lit up and gradually darkened as the sun set. We stayed on top, soaking in the view as long as we dared, still allowing time to descend before the dusk became too dark. We met up with a couple walking their little dog and chatted with them a bit about the local coyotes. We enjoyed a beer at the car in the twilight and headed for the resort and a light dinner. A spectacular day start to finish!

Thursday, June 21 (Ron)

It was a day like any other day. Sunny, beautiful clear blue sky, comfortable temperature. I got up first, made coffee, and did some stuff on the computer, then went out on the deck to read and enjoy the day. Before long Pat came out and we talked and planned our last full day in Sedona.

We decided to go out to Slide Rock. That’s a park outside of Sedona where Oak Creek flows over some rocks and makes a water slide and some pools for diving, swimming, and splashing around. It’s a beautiful area. There are rock formations to dive off, lay out, or run around and play.

There were a lot of people there – lots of kids and families, couples, old, and young. Kids of all ages were enjoying the water slide. It didn’t have much of a vertical drop, but t he water had cut a channel in the rock about thirty feet long and a couple of feet wide so it created enough water pressure to push you through the channel into a wide, deeper pool. Lots of fun. We stayed there for four or five hours, had lunch, played in the water, sat on the rocks to warm up, watched the fun, and had a great time.

We left about 4:30 and drove back to the resort. Went to the restaurant for a free margarita and chips/salsa. Pat and I sat at our table and talked about what a fun week we had. At the table next to us the activity director was teaching a group of five kids aged 4 -9 how to play poker.

We were starting to get hungry so we went back to our unit, got cleaned up, and walked back to the restaurant for supper. Pat had nopalitos (fried Prickly Pear cactus) and a shrimp salad. I had rattlesnake bites and a chicken quesadilla. Very good. A nice finish to another very enjoyable day.

Friday, June 22 (Pat)

Our last morning in Sedona. We enjoyed our routine of coffee and breakfast on the deck while reading. It was another beautiful blue-sky day. We eventually packed, gathered all our stuff, left the food and drinks we didn’t want to take, and loaded up the car. We were off by 10:30am. We headed south to Phoenix and had an uneventful drive. We munched our lunch at a stop along the way. We found the car rental place, then remembered we needed to get gas so had to circle around until we found a station. At the airport we finished off our lunch stuff and drinks before heading through security.

I had a window seat and enjoyed the scenery as the flight path went past Sedona, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks passed below. It was a beautiful completion to our trip.

A smooth flight home and we joined the four-legged family in a perfect Northwest evening.

Mazatlan 2007

Saturday, February 10 (Ron)

We finished our packing, had breakfast, and took the bags down to the lobby. We paid our bill and left the bags behind the desk until we had to leave for the airport. It’s another beautiful day in Mazatlan, so we went out by the pool to watch the ocean and soak up as much sun as possible.

By noon we were getting hungry, so we went to the Playa Maria restaurant and had lunch. Felipe was our waiter and he brought us a very nice lunch. Not anxious to leave, we took our time and enjoyed lunch and the beautiful setting. By one o’clock we knew we’d better get going so we paid the bill and went to the lobby to collect our bags and catch the taxi that they had called for us.

We arrived at the airport, checked in, and sat at a table to people-watch and do our best to prepare to leave Paradise. I had hoped that the plane was over-booked, but it was not so we knew our time was up for now.

Our flight was from Mazatlan to L.A., clear customs with a short layover, then on to Portland. I will do my very best to never fly international thru LAX again! It was a complete madhouse, totally disorganized, no signage, no airport employees to help us. I was about to go ballistic but knew better after getting 86’d from Chicago O’Hare on our last vacation. (Don’t ask.) We eventually made our way thru the madhouse and got on the plane to Portland. At least it was not packed and Pat and I had three seats for the two of us.

By shortly after midnight we were driving home in the rain, already planning our next trip to the greatest, friendliest place on earth.