isla mujeres

Ahhh, vacation! So about a month ago I thought that we might need to have a break...Josh has been going to school for his RN, which means school and studying during the week and working just about all weekends. We planned on going somewhere sunny for a few days for a break, and I figured that Josh would really need it. Turns out it was perfect timing because I REALLY needed it! :)
So, we found a decent price for a short Mexican vacation and headed off!

We flew into Cancun and took a boat out to a small island just north called Isla Mujeres. Yay for warm weather!

The hotel was AMAZING. Each room had a beautiful view, and of course, a shower with six shower heads. Only six? I was hoping for eight at least! Ha.

A very yummy breakfast was included, and we ate on the balcony most of the time.


The bun enjoying the sun.

The island is tiny--only about 5 miles by 0.5 miles. One small town was at the northern end, where we saw this fun performance. The skirts are amazing!

Josh testing out his snorkel gear in the pool.


We wandered the island with our rented golf cart--this is the southern end of the island that had gorgeous coastline, a sculpture garden, and a small Mayan temple to the goddess of Ixchel (she is the Mayan goddess of childbirth and medicine, appropriate, no?)

The ruins of the temple.

Sculptures!

I could have watched the waves forever...

Here's our fun little golf cart! (Or at least the shadow of said golf cart!)

Horse training?

Went to a cute little Catholic church--mass times were daily at 7pm and Sundays at 10pm. PM!!!

We did have breakfast twice at the restaurant--gorgeous views, and even a hat rack.

Side trip to Isla Contoy, which is a bird and turtle sanctuary. Beautiful!

The island has a 'pet' stingray named Marianna. She lets you pet her.


Overview of the island!

Lots of birds...

Lots of pretty views...

And hermit crabs!

Heading back to Isla Mujeres...bye Isla Contoy!

One of the other boats coming back from Isla Contoy--the guy in front couldn't have been comfortable with all the waves!!

It was such a relaxing, fun time...I wanted more like 60 days rather than the 6 we were there...
Until next time!

boundary waters

Boundary Waters, Sept 23-25, 2011!!
So when we were planning this lovely camping/canoeing trip, there were going to be 9 of us. Unfortunately, we lost a few along the way due to work issues, school issues, and incompetent cervixes. So, Kari, Josh and I were off!

Kari modeling the awesome Bogs.

Yay!

Initially we were packing quite light so that we could portage. Then we decided not to portage, so our bags got heavier and heavier....and our canoe got VERY full!

Paddle faster, Kari!

We found a great camp spot after a pleasant canoe up Sawbill. We figured we'd keep camp up and portage with just the canoe during the day. Kari and Josh were awesome and pretty much carried everything heavy. Always.

It's just the best invention ever. The oreo smore.

Prettiness at camp.

We had lots of really awesome food, which also added to our pack weight and canoe-fullness!

Just a little camp breakfast.

The good food does tend to make lots of dishes....

Ahhh, I am such a fabulous woodsman...

Shrooms!

Oooh, the sun is out and gorgeous.

More great scenery...


First we thought we were looking at the portage entrance, then we got closer...a big ole MOOSE! So we very quietly paddled as close as we dared, and stared at the big moose, and it stared back, and then after awhile it wandered back in the woods. What a great time.


Kari is a canoe carrying MONSTER!!!

One of the portages was a crazy, algae covered landmine of rocks that we had to navigate through to get to a neighboring lake. Yikes.


Back to our campsite that night--Kari and I had some fun with the self timer.




The next morning was more fantastic scenery--I love the mistiness on the water...




Heading back!

Unloading all of our stuff...at least a bit lighter without some food!

Thanks for such a fabulous time! I can't wait to do it again!