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Vintage VW camper trip- 5 days along the Pacific Coast Hwy

For a very long time it has been on our "bucket List" to drive a vintage VW camper along the California coast.  After a little searching  we found a company that rents out vintage buses!  Happy Day!!! 

Vintage Surfari Wagons offers nostalgic VW camper buses for rent/hire from our Los Angeles area location. 

Our little green bus/tardy turtle  was a perfect little ride for us.... it came with everything you would need to camp.  We stayed in hotels along the way....but it would be totally do-able to camp....we just like our soft bed and nice shower. (smile)

We rented tardy turtle for five days....starting in Costa Mesa, driving up hwy 1 to Big Sur and back.

Knowing what I know now...I would opt to start closer to Big sur, like around Cambria or even Malibu.   It took us 4 hours just to get out of town and close to coastal views.

 We jotted down tons of things to do, places to see and eat, and everything else based on recommendations we’d received, however, didn’t pre-book anything except the vintage van. ( we were able to use our SPG points to stay at half of the hotels)

It was just a stop and go as you please kind of trip.

Our Trip at a glance-

Day 1 morning picked up VW in Costa Mesa
–  Manhattan Beach
– Santa Monica Pier
– Spent the night in Ventura Ca. 
Day 2:
- Solvang Ca.
– Stop off at a beach
– Morro Bay

Day 3 and 4 stayed in Cambria
–  Big Sur
– McWay Falls
– Bixby Bridge

Day 4- Venice beach

Day 5- Los Angles area returned Van

This is just a glance at what we did....we stopped and looked at so many different places along the coast.....hard to list them all.

 The van was fun to drive.....well, I didn't drive, Dan did all the driving.  The no power brakes, no power steering, and stick shift....kind of made the decision for me. 

But the "vintage" of the van made it all the more fun to drive/ for Danny. 

Nice and slow

Here is a pictorial look at our trip.

 

 

 

 

 

In Cambria we shopped the downtown area for a little bit.  This shop is awesome, stop in to taste test best  gourmet olive oil and Balsamic vinegar . They also have an on line store Montello Fine foods check them out!  

 

Big Sur with Bixby bridge in the background 

McWay Falls

Watching the whales at sunset.

Venice Canals 

Vintage meets modern .... we stayed at hotels along our way (smile)

 

We had a wonderful relaxing time! 

For more pictures check out my Instagram account; teresaandersen1 

Happy Day!

Waiting for our flight to leave-

We found our-self with time to kill last Saturday waiting for our flight to leave San Diego.... just enough time to check out the USS midway  and a few other shops around the area.

The USS Midway Museum is a maritime museum located in downtown San Diego.

Just a little date...before heading home.   (wait we are empty "nesters"....we are always on a date.)

Happy Day

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The Island and the Cirque- Cancun Mexico

To get to the Isla Mujeres we decided to take a boat tour . The boat ride takes just 20 minutes from the end of the hotel zone in Cancun to the main dock on the island.

We thought we were going to have rain ...but it turned out beautiful.  Part of this tour was to do a little snorkeling...when they stopped to do that...the sea was a little ruff....I think it will be some time before I snorkel again; plus, note to self...never get lost at sea you wouldn't last long.  

It was a beautiful ride to the island. 

First things you see 

Lots of colorful shopping- 

Don't have a store...no problem, just us the closest tree.

Once on the island they only gave us about 90 minutes to explore....so we rented a golf cart and heading to the furthest point on the island.

Isla Mujeres has beautiful beaches....but the town is pretty old world. =) 

(Note- if you go there...bring plenty of pesos....restrooms are not free)

Zip line to the beach

Years ago we took our children here and rode scooters all over the island...sorry Denver.

(I crashed twice, he was my riding buddy.)

Once back on the boat they took us to a different part of the island where we had lunch and took a nap.

Then it was back on the boat and head for home.

Just a little travel note.   Dan and I have never been big fans of " group tour" outings....and after this trip....it just reaffirmed why we don't like "tours".  

Top 3 reasons why we don't like group tours-

1. Cattle- we always feel like cattle...move here, stand in line here, make sure to be back, find your buddy.
2. Alcohol-  we don't drink, and on these tours....everyone drinks and by the end of the tour...yep, we are the only adults left on the boat. Plus we pay the same price ...we get water and orange crush...but not a discount on the price of the ticket.
3. No creativity- and no we are not 5.

I would recommend...and if we go again we will be doing this- pick up a ferry that goes to Isla Mujeres....for around $19  (way, way cheaper then what we paid) rent a golf cart and just explore.  

 

One evening we purchased tickets to go see "Joya" Cirque Du Soleil.   It was about  45 min. from our resort. Our resort lined up a very nice coach bus to take us there.

Inspired by the migratory journey of the monarch butterfly, JOYÀ is a tale of a teenage girl, Joyà, and her alchemist grandfather, unraveling the mysteries of a fantastical jungle... 70-minute show includes troops of mythical half-human, half-animal creatures; music and theatrics inspired by Mexico’s rich history and heritage; and unbelievable contortions and acrobatics.

The place truly is very magical at night- the show was good. Better than the last cirque De Soleil show we saw in Vegas.

A small intimate setting with amazing performances.  We had center seats and they were perfect....but really there isn't a bad seat in the theater. (they also offer a dinner before the show....we came just for the show.)

If you go to Cancun...I highly recommend you see this show...the magical surroundings where reason enough for me to go again. ....plus after days of  beach wear...it's nice to get all dressed up. 

Fun, creative show.

We had a wonderful, relaxing stay in Cancun...thanks my love for spending time with me.

 One last beach picture- Cancun you were fun....Happy Day

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The Food- Cancun Mexico

 Not all the food we found  in Cancun is what you would consider typical.  Here are a few of our favorites.

1. Cup of Fruit- Mostly mango, pineapple, coconut  and watermelon. You can find these everywhere....mostly sold by street vendors.
2. The chocolate cake at our resort...to die for!  Probably the best chocolate cake I have ever had.
3. Puffed Potatoes-  Very interesting....taste like potatoes chips that have been puffed up.   We were told that it takes the chef a couple of days to prepare this appetizer.  It wasn't my favorite dish...but top awards for presentation.    (we ate this at an Argentinian Steak house called Cambalache- wonderful service and great stakes.)
4. This was the typical way they would bring chips to us....and always with a plate or bowl of limes.  Most restaurants would also serve a avocado  and lime dip.
5. Tacos at  La Distillery Restaurant- we enjoyed the food....lots of energy.    

 

This was one of our favorite places...honest, simple good Mexican food.   We ate here a couple of times, nothing fancy but good. 

El fish Fritanga

It is always an adventure trying new food.

A bit tired of Mexican food, we sought out a change of pace, so  we treated ourselves to a private hut for

Thai food. 

 A nice place hidden among the green foliage of a botanical garden.

 The ambiance was amazing, literally amazing. It was like a sophisticated Swiss Family Robinson-type structure with beautiful lighting....it felt like a paradise....The cliche is that it's part of a huge mall but once inside you're by the lagoon.  Very quite romantic dinner.

 It was a nice to have quite dinning....we found that most of our meals out were so loud that it was hard to carry on a conversation.  So, this place was awesome just for that.  The food was good...not the best I've had, but good.... The sticky mango rice was fabulous!

 

 

 

Breakfast was almost always in our villa.......a smoothie beach side was our favorite thing for lunch.  

Almost finished...one more post about our trip.

Happy Day

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Cancun Mexico- On the Street

Cancun Mexico- On the Street

One day we decided to take the bus way into town- pass all the tourist areas- just to check things out.  Danny speaks fluent Spanish so we felt pretty good about doing this.  As we were leaving the tourist areas....the locals on the bus looked at us like are you lost?....  The bus driver kept asking... off here? 

But once Danny would talk to them...they were all surprised ...okay, great and then comment- you speak wonderful Spanish, are you from Argentina? 

Once Danny spoke Spanish, the locals would warm up to us and show great kindness.  I think  It is always a sign of respect no matter what country you are in- to try and speak  the native tongue of that country.

(Argentina is where Danny learned to speak Spanish.  He lived there for 2 years serving a mission for our Church.)

Just a note- everyone we talked to in the Hotel Zone spoke both Spanish and very good English.  Once we left that area....English was not spoken as much...but most everyone we talked to knew some.

Here is a little look at Cancun pass the tourist area-

 

We were on the hunt for simple/authentic Mexican food.

We didn't find what we were looking for- just a word of caution.  If you go there and don't speak Spanish don't go way downtown. 

.... you become very popular  (Most people there are so poor and are just fighting to make a living.)

I think we looked like a good target. 

We should of known better...because just the day before when we went to Church ....a few of the members were worried that we had even ventured out to find the Chapel.

The Church is strong in Cancun- 4 stakes  (with about 12 wards per stake) There is also a  mission in Cancun.

The ward we visited on Sunday was brand new...this was their second week.  They filled the Chapel and part of the cultural hall.  (we had at least 30 families welcome us with hugs)

They were awesome!  They were strong in their testimonies and such great leaders.

(fun note- there were also a few young couples from BYU on their honeymoon that attended Church...so wonderful to see that they would seek out Church. =)

downtown... is bright colors and loud!

 

This is what a typical residential street looks like.  Everyone has a walled or gated  courtyard. 

Scooters are the way to get around. 

Everywhere you walked:  The smell of Mexican spices...lots of horns going off , music and talking!

Interesting day exploring

Came home just in time for sunset on the bay.

Next up food-

Happy Day 

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Westin lagunamar Cancun Mexico- Our part of the beach in Cancun

The Westin Lagunamar was our home for this stay in Cancun Mexico-  Quite often when we travel we stay at Westins because we have a vacation ownership through them, and this particular resort is our "Home" resort.

(meaning we purchased our membership for Lagunamar.  This is our first visit, we have sent our kids there...but the first time for us to visit this particular resort.

 The nice thing about the Westin vacation ownership....you can stay at anyone of their resorts, regardless of where you bought, but with your home resort there are a few more perks.)

 

 

 Like ocean front rooms- view from our room.

We stayed in a one bedroom suite, with living room, kitchen and laundry.

The beach right outside our room-

 

 The water is warm and you can walk waist deep for around 200 yards.

The resort is centrally located...so, we really didn't  need to rent a car. (although, we did one day, to do a little site seeing outside the resort zone.)

The resort is across the street from  La Isla Shopping Mall with plenty of interesting places to eat....and the buses stop right in front and will take you anywhere on the resort zone for about .80 cents. (they are really dependable and stop every few minutes...we never had to wait for a bus. They are the same buses that all the locals use.)

We have visited Cancun before....but it had been a really long time since our last visit...like 15 years.  Things have changed a lot!  For the Better!  but we were still visiting a 3rd world country....and with that comes some interesting adventures. (but that's why we travel...if we wanted it to be just like home....we would stay home)

 My hair was a total mess the whole time...curly hair and humidity...well, they don't mix.  

 My breakfast view-

 It was a beautiful place to stay...the staff were always kind and friendly and they kept the place spotless. (I think they had a "leaf pickup crew" the minute one fell someone swept it up.  Super clean place.)

Well, enough about that....

I have a few more post coming about - the food and fun.

Happy Day.

PS. sorry if this sounds like a travel blog...just recording for my journal.

 

 

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Rio Secreto- Our Cancun Mexico trip

Rio Secreto- Our Cancun Mexico trip

We are back from our trip to Cancun Mexico-  over the next few posts I will be documenting our trip...I thought about posting in order ...but decided to go totally random. (smile)

This time while in Mexico we wanted to do a few things we have never done before.....this is one of those things!

(for my journal...and as a little travel post.)

Natural Reserve Rio Secreto-  just a few mile pass center main in Playa Del Carmen 

( we were staying at the Westin Lagunamar ocean resort and villa which happens to be about an hour from Playa Del Carmen)

We rented a car from Westin and headed out for the day...for a little exploring / "cave swimming" at Rio Secreto.

Rio Secreto entrance is right off the main freeway ( we had no problems traveling in Mexico...it did help a little that Danny speaks fluent Spanish- but most everyone we talked to also spoke English)

At the entrance they show a little 5 minute video about the place along with the rules- from there we got in a van for a 5-6 mile ride to the site ( a very bumpy and dusty dirt road...but it just added to the adventure.)

Once at the cave site- they gave us helmets and wet suits- we then walked about 1/2 mile to the cave entrance

the water in the cave is cold...but once you are in the water within one minute I was very comfortable, thanks to the wet suits.

 

The water is very calm....and without the lights that were on our helmets it would be pitch black!  I thought I would be uncomfortable about being underground in a small place....but never once did I feel any panic. (well, maybe once when the tour guide had us turn off our helmet lights....creepy quiet and dark)

(Danny and I kept saying to each other...they would never let us do this in the States)

We were in the caves about  90 minutes.

(walking and swimming in the river....and a little diving/kissing. =)

They don't let you take your camera in with you...the cave pictures are from our guide.

( If you want at the end of the tour you can buy a CD with the picture from your tour on it...kind of pricey)

 After the cave tour...they took us back to the center where we changed into dry clothes and had lunch...don't expect much....kind of a so/so lunch....but the cave tour was so magical, floating in crystal clear fresh water was beyond awesome!  and talk about beautiful!

I want to do this again!  

After lunch we headed back to Playa Del Carmen...more on that later.

Happy Day-

(I documented a lot about our trip on my Instagram feed....our resort gave us a coupon to use at picaboo for a complimentary custom photo book...I plan to use all the picture from Instagram.) 

 Rio Secreto

 

 

Travel Hwy 1 from Half Moon bay- Santa Cruz

Tuesday was our 37th Anniversary- we had  planned to be driving the coast in a VW van, but  due to tons of stuff happening at work...we had to cancel our trip....but not to worry we plan on still going later this summer.

Danny was feeling a little bad that he had to cancel...so he put together a one day quick trip.

We headed to San Francisco to check out Exquisite Surfaces   a place I have been wanting to visit for some time.   We  found a few treasures.

Thinking these tiles will make their way to the floor in our guest bath.  (smile) and I spy some black and white tiles that may end up somewhere.  We were  so drooling over their stone fireplaces... (most of the tile and stone are imported from France.)

 

 

 

 

 

Kind of in love with the stone from Exquisite surfaces 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So much fun dreaming-

After leaving there we decided it would be fun to take Hwy 1.  The round about way to home.  We have never driven from Half Moon bay to Santa Cruz before .... so, here we go.

(a little warning...tons of pictures coming your way....sorry, this is my journal too)

 First stop- Half Moon Bay....beautiful drive from SF.  We drove around town...quirky but fun.

Had lunch at It's Italia- best lunch I've had for a long time!  If you ever go- order the Broiled  Brussel sprouts with pear and bacon...to die for!

After lunch it was hit the road time-

 Pomponio State beach was our first stop where we got -out -and- walked around- (up to this point it was just -pull over and look =)

Pomponio State Beach was beautiful-  Caves and drift wood 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pomponio State Beach 

The next stop was Bean Hollow State Beach

This beach was so different than any other beach I have ever been to....almost "unreal" ....the main reason-  

Tafoni- stones that have  been sculpted by the weather-

On The beach there are tiny little stones...that look like beans.

You could spend hours here looking at all the shapes in the stones-

Looked a little like a dragon fly to me.

I think this is a great little beach to bring kids to....not only are there amazing stone sculptures but also the mother load of tide pools.

 

and so easy to get to...right off Hwy 1...down a few stairs.

After a little exploring...we were back on the road.

Made a little detour off Hwy 1 to visit Pescadero....tiny, tiny but they do have a goat farm and awesome fresh berry pies.

Back to Hwy 1

Pigeon Point Light House was our next stop-

There is even a Hostel there....if you up for that kind of adventure =)

I kind of love light houses. (smile)

We had a beautiful day...driving Hwy 1  it really isn't too long a drive from SF to Santa Cruz, I would so do it again!

We ended the day with dinner in Gilroy and wait for it.....

A trip to Lowes.   What would a date be without visiting Lowes or Home Depot.

The only picture I got of us together,I love this man!   (and I truly do not like taking pictures of myself.)

 

Beautiful day

 

Planning our Anniversary Trip- In a 1978 VW van

Danny put me in charge of coming up with something fun to do for our Anniversary Trip-  His only request....lets stay close to home. 

Here is my idea-

Drive Hwy 1 along the coast in a VW van.... come what may!

This will be our ride for our little Anniversary getaway.   We were married  in April of 1978....and how fun that our rented ride is a 1978 VW camper van.

and she also has a name Nalu lm'i.

We are planning a trip from LA to Big Sur and back on HWY 1....I've been pinning away so we don't miss anything.  (if you know of any place that we shouldn't miss, please let me know)

Here is my "Adventure" list of things to do

1. visit a lighthouse
2. fly a kite and send off sky lanterns over the beach at night. 
3. Camp next to the beach
4. Find Pirates tower
5. build a bonfire on the beach
6. bike on the coastal pathways 
7. Moonstone beach
8. glass beach
9. McWay falls
10. Eat at Miracle burgers / our goal is to eat at only restaurants we have never heard of before. 

Our little vintage VW has an ice box and stove....so I see us using that a lot.

I also plan to bring back a little 70's style- (wish I had saved some of my things...oh, wait....maybe not, I was a lot smaller back then =)

I want to dress the part, I mean really, if you are driving around in a 1978 VW van you don't want to miss that opportunity ... I don't want to go all 1970 hippy crazy....more of a chic 2015 boho style

(by the way I have these pieces to wear =)

See the links on my pinterest board here    

Plus I ordered a few maxi skirts from my Daughter.  Lularoe by Shannon 

Yep, I'm pretty excited.  

Half the fun is in the planning, right?!

hoping to see our VW parked there.  =)

 So tell me...where should we stop, what should we do?

Share your favorite places.

 

 

Note to our son Kent- We will not do drugs =)

 

 

 

A Buffet and a Concert-

We just got back from a super quick trip to NV-  For Christmas Danny got tickets to go see Jackie Evancho in NV at the Smith Center- Thinking we would see the show and then visit with the kids....but what he didn't realize when he purchased the tickets....was...that...

1. Nut Season would still be happening
2. That Payton  would be turning 12 the very next week (today, Happy Birthday Payton!) and that we would be coming to NV to be there when he receives the Aaronic Priesthood.

So, we arrived late Friday night; slept in... like until 6:30 am... we are usually up by 4:30 am... thank you very much Nut season. 

We meet up with Shannon and the kids at the the Bellagio for their Buffet....To tour the gardens and watch the fountains.  (but the fountains were a no go...not sure why}

But it was wonderful to see Shannon and the kids...even for just a few hours.

That evening-

We attended the Jackie Evancho concert at the Smith center.   Beautiful building- 

Like I said...As part of our Christmas gift to each other we attended 14 year old Jackie Evanchos concert at the Smith Center in NV.  Her voice is amazing! She sang such songs as “The Rains of Castamere”  from a hit series called Game of Thrones.  She also sang a U2 song  “With or Without You.” Along with several original songs including the anthem “Take Me There” and “Open Fields of Grace”  and “Think of me from Phantom of the opera”

She has a wonderful gift- it was so refreshing to be entertained by someone as young as she….with sweetness, modesty and grace. 

What a wonderful way to spend an evening.

 

The next morning 4:30 am we headed home.   Quick but awesome!

Can't wait until this coming weekend....to be back for a truly wonderful event!  

Happy Birthday Payton!