Todd's Cancun Vacation

Carol Freshley December 18, 2017

Rick sent this along with the photographs. "Just returned from an 8-day visit to Cancun, Mexico. We stayed at the all-inclusive Barcelo Maya Resort, which is about 1 ½ hours south of Cancun. Took a one day trip to Cozumel by ferry where we visited the Chankanaab Park for some snorkeling in amazingly clear waters then down to Punta Sur lighthouse on the southern coast. The most amazing part of the trip was the visit to the Tulum Archeological ruins of the Mayan Indians."

This was the view from their hotel room.  Why was I not invited?  Magical! — This was the view from their hotel room. Why was I not invited? Magical!

Whoa!  Drips, water droplets, stopped action . . . this is the dolphin show at the resort.  I went back and checked the metadata.  He took this at 1/1000. — Whoa! Drips, water droplets, stopped action . . . this is the dolphin show at the resort. I went back and checked the metadata. He took this at 1/1000.

This is the Chankanaab Resort Park in Cozumel.

View from top of Punta Sur Lighthouse in Cozumel

"The walled city of Tulum was one of the last to be built by the Mayans, and its archaeological sites are incredibly well preserved. The ruins are situated on 12-meter (39 ft) tall cliffs along the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya around the 6th century and was at its height between the 13th and 15th centuries. During the peak it’s population was around 1600 occupants. The Tulum site was formally known by the name Zama, meaning City of Dawn, because it faces the sunrise. Tulum is also the Yucatan Mayan word for fence, wall or trench. The walls surrounding the site allowed the Tulum fort to be defended against invasions. Tulum had access to both land and sea trade routes, making it an important trade hub, especially for obsidian (volcanic glass)."

Christmas lights at Barcelo Maya Palace Resort

Wow! What a vacation. Now I want to go. Thanks so very much for sharing.

Treasure Island Park

Carol Freshley August 22, 2016

Jon and Phyllis sent these photos with a message: "Spent a week with the grand kids, yet still found time to visit Treasure Island Park in Laguna Beach. We enjoyed the cooler weather and time at the beach."

That is gorgeous.  Spider webs are difficult to capture!  Looks like lace. — That is gorgeous. Spider webs are difficult to capture! Looks like lace.

Thanks so much for sharing. The beaches there are more interesting than the ones between here and Monterrey. Even better than the 17 Mile Drive. You represented them well!

17 Mile Drive

Carol Freshley August 19, 2016

This is the iconic scenic drive on the Monterey Peninsula. It is even advertised as being the 'most' scenic drive in the world!!! Hmmm . . . . I am thinking that it is not quite that but a great drive nonetheless. The 17 Mile Drive winds through private residential streets, resorts and golf courses. You are never too far away from the ocean and some form of beach. There are a number of specific pull-out parking areas with names like 'Huckleberry Hill', 'Spanish Bay', 'Restless Sea' and 'Bird Rock'. The most important stop is at the Lone Cypress site, one of California's most treasured landmarks. This cypress tree has been on its rocky perch for more than 250 years.