11Mile Day

Yes we walked a little over 11 miles today, and some not easy miles and it was hot and the humidity is around 80%. Started out this morning to walk around the Botanical Gardens, just beautiful. Got a little lost on the way there, but backtracked to get on course (this city is sooooo confusing, I don't know if I'm going East, West or around in a circle). Here I am at the entrance.

We strolled around this beautiful area, taking in all the different kinds of plants. We even came upon some bamboo.

Here is an unusual flower, the plant grows in a pond.

After finding our way through the gardens, we ended up at the Opera House, so we took a closeup look. As you can see, we are not experienced at taking selfies!

Ever wonder what the roof looks like up close? Well here it is. It's not all white like I thought it would be.

We proceeded from there to take the ferry over to Manly to see Manly Beach and walk around. It's about an 1/2 hour trip and saw more of the harbor. Round trip was a little over $30 AUD which computes to about $21 US . Manly is a typical beach city.

But the beaches are just packed.

On the map it showed a path or route around an area to get back to the ferry, so off we went. At first it was quite obvious where to go, but after a while it took off on a path that kept climbing up, hot and humid.

It was pretty, but there was no signs on which direction to go or which path to go on. We made several wrong turns, asked other hikers the way, which no one seemed to know. Through a real difficult area, we luckily joined several others to find the way. Finally got back to the ferry 5 minutes before it took off. The area was beautiful though.

OK, now we're back in Sydney, hot and tired, so we proceed to the oldest Pub in Sydney for a pint (175 years). 

Bars here, you don't sit at the bar, you order at the bar and serve yourself. Also they don't expect tips, even in restaurants where they serve you. It's great. We ended up at a restaurant on the harbor for dinner. So at the end of the day we walked 11.25 miles. Now we are quite tired and heading for bed to rest up for another big day tomorrow.

A Little Aussie Holiday

Boy, but aren't we just the International travelers, Mexico last month now we're in Sydney, Australia. We arrived Saturday morning at 8 after a 14 hour flight (not a pleasure trip), picked up our rental car and proceeded having an experience of driving on the wrong side of the road (more to follow on future experiences) and missing our turns and having to get turned around and get heading in the correct direction. But finally made it to the hotel, Four Points by Sheraton on the harbor.

Changed into our shorts and went discovering. Instead of paying big bucks for a harbor cruise, we took the ferry for a little over $6 each. This is what the ferries look like.

Here are some pictures of the famous harbor bridge where they give tours to walk over the top (quite expensive over $200) and of course Opera House. 

After the ferry, we walked over the harbor bridge, beautiful scenery.

The day was absolutely beautiful, in the 80s light breeze and sunshine. We proceeded to walk back towards the hotel and when we got back to the harbor by the hotel, we just had to stop for a pint. But we were running out of energy. After a bite to eat, went back to our room and hit the sack at 6pm. Woke up this morning at 3:30 after a good sleep and we're ready to hit it again today.

Leaving Paradise

Yesterday was a relaxing day by the pool, leisurely lunch at the beach, afternoon walk and evening dinner at a roadside cafe. It's been a most enjoyable getaway to some pretty great weather.

Wanted to bring a pet home, but Jim didn't think we could get him on our flight home.

All in all our trip has been great for a minimal cost (it's great to use points for flight and hotel), so far out of pocket only about $150 for taxis, bus, food, drink and tips, otherwise it's the cost of our whole trip. Our flight is at 2:30 today, so heading for the airport around 11 to make sure we have enough time for customs and security. Hate to leave this beautiful place.

Experiencing the Culture

Yesterday we took the bus to El Centro and it was an experience. First, I'm surprised that the bus even ran because it was so old, second the ride was quite jarring as it went over the cobble roads, third you just closed your eyes as the driver speeds through city. The fare for both of us was 15 pesos ($.84). See the up to date money changer!  Trying to figure out where to get off was a bit tricky but did figure it out.

We walked along the shore where there is several miles of walkways enjoying the sights.

Things are quite colorful.

Here is a typical street.

This is a real person, I don't know how he stood like this so long. There wasn't anything propping him up.

Since we were walking in the direction of the hotel we just kept walking and walked all the way back, probably over 7 miles. My phone registered over 24,000 steps and 11 miles total yesterday, our tootsies are a bit sore today.

Ended up at the same restaurant last evening for dinner overlooking the marina.

Don't have anything planned for today yet except enjoying this beautiful weather.

Mission ... Warm Weather...If We Choose to Accept

We choose to accept this mission and expect to experience warm tropical weather at our destination.

Mission Accomplished-we are now sitting on our room's patio watching boats, cruise ships and the glimmering waters of Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta with warm breezes and wonderful sunshine.

After a cold last weekend of being stuck inside, Jim suggested we go somewhere where it is warm - so found that Puerto Vallarta had the best weather and fairly easy to fly to, so here we are.

We are staying at The Westin, our room has a private balcony overlooking the bay and Pacific Ocean. So far I'm quite impressed with the accommodations. After unstressing at the beach bar upon arrival yesterday we walked around for awhile. Then last evening we took a stroll down by the marina and found a street market all along the docks.

In strolling around we came upon a restaurant that looked authentic Mexican food, so we were persuaded to indulge.

After a fish taco and a shrimp burrito, two margaritas they topped it off with a shot of their homemade tequila all for $20.

So far a great trip. Today we plan to take the bus to downtown. I can only imagine what this bus experience will be like.

Most Beautiful Day

Yesterday was such a beautiful day, temps in the mid 70s, no wind and abundance of sunshine.

The days leading up to yesterday were not as nice, overcast and dreary, and only in the 60s. We've been playing golf everyday except for Monday we went and bowled 6 games (I finally remembered to bring our bowling balls along). 

The day being so nice, Jim uncovered the boat and cleaned it up a bit.

Nope, he didn't fall in the water. After a round of golf, we took the clean boat out for a spin around the canal.

Rounding out the beautiful day we enjoyed pasta night at the restaurant. Today promises to be another great day, albeit a bit cooler.

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Annual Holiday Trip

We pulled out of Tucson Thursday at 11 a.m on our trek over to Indio for the holidays. We had a wonderful family dinner Wednesday evening for our Christmas gathering, and it was great that the whole family was able to be there. 

Arrived at our lot just after sunset on Thursday, but the sun sets here at early at 4:30 PST, got set up and headed directly to the restaurant for a prime rib dinner.  Friday the motor home got washed and boy was it dirty after close to 5,000 miles. Got the lot set up for occupation on the patio as we grilled chicken at home and watched basketball Friday evening.

The temps here are in the mid to high 60s, so not too bad but the nights get cold. The refrigerator in the casita is having a bit of a problem, so we had a repair person look at it. They need to order parts which will take longer than we are here for, so will need to call ahead of the next time we come to order before we get here. As for now, it will limp along. Saturday after watching the UA football game, we went out for our first round of golf, then headed up to the restaurant for dinner.

The restaurant is nicely decorated for the holidays.

Jim goes for his 6+ mile walk in the mornings while I go for my bike ride. This is the only way we can keep the weight from creeping up to much with all the good food. We just got off the golf course and enjoying a beer before we head up to the restaurant again tonight.