Hammock and Dune Fence Set by Christine Triebert 20"x20" Art Print Poster

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Adventures in North Florida

Adventures in North Florida


North Florida is a completely different region than south Florida. For those who want a more authentic old Florida experience, with less crowds, more small towns, and more space, this is the place!

Adventures in North Florida

Adventures in North Florida

Adventures in North Florida


Adventures in North Florida



Adventures in North Florida

Day 1

Withlacoochee River Park, Dade City, is an inviting scenic area. As part of the green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, the park offers nature trails, picnic area, playground, Fishing, canoe launch, birding, and whimsical wood carvings. As we walked over a bridge, we spotted an alligator taking a swim! We did some bird Watching, but only saw buzzards, ducks, and geese. The oak trees and Spanish moss were beautiful! We tried to visit the Dade City Depot, but found it closed. We did enjoy looking around the outside, with the 1950s style station wagon loaded with family andcitrus, and the old truck with the driver.

Brooksville, Hernando County, is another of Florida's Main Street, u.s.a. towns. It was the Florida's Outstanding Rural Community of 2000. We browsed through the 5 buildings of Rogers ' Christmas Shop! Rooms are arranged to show living rooms in a holiday setting. Decorations for any taste and budget are available. Perusing the decorations was fun! We came away with ideas for Christmas dancing in our heads. The town is full of old fashioned homes and stores. We ate at the Main Street Eatery. We had the best Cajun Hamburger Bean Soup! Service and atmosphere was friendly! Our meals included a half sandwich for MaryJo and a Cuban for Greg, and 2 iced teas. Cost before tip was $ 19.

What has 6 mounds archeological site and is the longestcontinuously inhabited pre-Columbian Indian site? If you answered Crystal River, you're correct! The population may have been as high as 7.500. Today, the history of the Native Americans is highlighted in the Visitor Center, with a timeline, displays of tools and a diorama. A midden (a heap of discarded household goods), burial mounds, and a ceremonial stone on which offerings were placed help us to understand more of the lifestyle that began about 500B.C. The site was used until about 1300 A.D. Whys did they build here? It's one of History's Mysteries. Excavations were begun in 1903 by Clarence Moore. Tours and Ranger Programs are available. Visitors may also Fish in the waters, and bird Watch. This is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Allow about 45 minutes, more if you plan topicnic. Admission is only $ 3 per carload. The park is off RT. 19 near the town of Crystal River. Florida State Parks have been awarded the Best Parks in America. We enjoyed our visit!

A train display surprised us along RT. 98, near Gulf Hammock in Levy County. It recalls the Patterson-McInnis Railroad, prominent in the area in the early 1900s, and part of the Patterson-McInnis Sawmill. The engine often pulled 30 or 40 cars piled high with logs. Logging was an important Florida industry. A small stream just behind offers shade and a moMent of tranquility. This is an example of the surprises just ahead when traveling the back roads.

Another surprise was to scenes of giant sea creatures in front of a lawn ornaMent or business ornaMent shop. Huge sharks, crabs and Fish hungin the Air or climbed on the fence. Right across the street was a lighthouse representing a church.

The end of The day was coming, with dinner at Bill's BBQ in Chiefland. MaryJo couldn't resist the sampler platter, a delicious combo of chicken, ribs, beef, and Pork. Leftovers provided the next day's picnic lunch!!! Greg had a taste for a porterhouse steak, also scrumptious. Three sauces were all tasty, although Greg preferred the spicy one. Two soft drinks with refills completed the meal. Our waitress was cheerful and efficient. Total before tip was $ 34.

Day 2

We fell in love today--with Cedar Key! It was a great start to the day! Cedar Key is a fishing village, clam farm community, historical area, and artist colony. It's a place where the pace slows and visitors canenjoy the important things in life. Fishing, birding, swimming, boating, hiking, camping, shopping, eating, and sightseeing are all activities visitors can enjoy. The village is located in the Gulf of Mexico, among barrier islands with beautiful trees and shrubs and old Florida buildings. It was once a major supplier of seaFood and timber products. We loved the colors of the houses and stores, the whimsy-like the monkey in the tree, the tiny beach, the shopping, the history, the Curdmudgeonalia Bookstore, and the myriad of choices for activities. We love Key West, and this is like Key West, minus the crowds, the high prices, and the long trek to get there. We'll be coming back for a long week end ASAP! It's about 45 minutes from Chiefland. Allow plenty of time! This is ajewel!

Down the road, we knew Dakotah Winery was waiting! The grounds say that this is a special place. An old Spanish cannon, a windmill, and antique wine making equipMent are among the eclectic assortment of décor. Inside, the owners, Rob Rittgers and Max are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and welcoming! We enjoyed meeting both gentlemen. Tasting is free, without pressure, and we enjoyed the wines so much, we bought several bottles. But wait, there's more! A duck pond is in the back, with Food to feed our feathered friends and the koi who share the pond. A shady grape arbor beckons. Inside, the winery is visible, and a well appointed gift shop might be calling your name. By the way, the name "Dakotah" is a Lakota Native American word meaning friend. Allow 30 minutes. We foundanother jewel!

"Florida's Last Frontier" is Horseshoe Beach. A ride through mostly scrub brings the inquisitive visitor here. We sojourned at the park for our picnic lunch. The view was very pretty, with pelicans and islands in view. There are some attractive homes, and boats with interesting names like "Hell on Reels." Our leftovers provided us with lunch. However, there is no swimming beach. Near town is Jackson Trail Park, a picnic area named for President Andrew Jackson, who has the dubious honor of executing 2 British subjects near there and almost causing a war, before he even became President.

By the time we reached Perry, we were ready to call it a day. Days Inn offered a good deal-3 for a 2 night stay. They had a pool. Old Mexico on Byron Butler Parkway was anice restaurant with good Food. We did have a slight language problem and Greg ended up with a fishbowl sized drink and MaryJo was served sherry instead of chardonnay. Dinner was $ 40 before the tip.

Day 3

A good Southern breakFast can be found at Hill's Country Kitchen in Perry. Grits, biscuits, and even catfish can be had. Caution: Southern, tasty as it is implies, fried and lots of carbs. Our room was $ 14: A 3 egg omelet with grits and biscuit and hash brown, 2eggs, and bacon, with 2 coffee.

The Forest Capital Museum and Cracker Homestead is worth a look! Did you know that turpentine was an important Florida industry? The pine tree contributes to about 5.000 other products. Wow! The self guiding museum spotlights the timber industry and native wildlife. Next dooris an 1864 Cracker Homestead, complete with house, barn, outhouse, chicken house, and other farm buildings. Cracker is a term that refers to native Floridians and came from the crack of the Florida cowboy's whip! Garden produces Foods all year. Sugar cane was growing when we were there. Grapes are grown, too, for fresh fruit, jelly, and wine. The smoke house was used to preserve meat so the family could eat it all year. Take your time, and imagine life as it was then. Women washed Clothes outside, pounding them on a workbench. They cooked in a detached kitchen, to lessen the risk of a house fire. Men hunted and farmed to provide food. We think it would be an adventure to try this life for a few days, but are glad we live in the 21st century. Allow an hour. Admission is $ 2 per person. ATpicnic area and playground are adjacent.

Poppa Jim's is a good lunch spot. Fresh oysters are shucked right in front of you. Our server is the originator's grand-daughter. She explained that the lunch counter is so wide because "Poop," a reTired teacher, wanted to have room to keep the waiting oyster trays. Greg had the fresh oyster and the oyster stew! MaryJo had the Greek Salad with fresh crab bits and tiny shrimp. It was all good, although the salad seemed to take awhile. Our bill was $ 19. Other items include gumbo, fried seafood, swamp cabbage (an old Florida classic), and little boys. We asked about swimming beaches, and were told there are no swimming beaches in the area. Most locals go up to the "handle" to swim.

Downtown is historic and attractive, but small. There didn'tseem to be any eateries open after five. It is a good area for fishing, hunting, and hiking.

Day 4

We breakFasted at Hardees. Yes, it's a chain, but Southern to the core, bless their hearts. Featured on the breakFast menu were fried bologna biscuit and gravy, Pork chop, biscuit and smothered potatoes. We each chose the tasty and more sensible breakFast wrap. Greg added hash browns, and MaryJo, grits. With 2 coffee, the tab was $ 10. One of our better deals! Nourished, we aimed our trusty car towards the north and the "handle" of Florida.

St. Mark's Lighthouse, part of the Lighthouse Tour of Florida's Forgotten Coast, was a priority for us. We really wanted to climb the lighthouse, but sadly for us, it's closed to the public. However, we did do some hiking, birding andbutterfly Watchers. We were rewarded with some gorgeous butterflies, a few birds, and a chat with the lighthouse keeper.

The lighthouse was built around 1829. The first lighthouse was built with hollow walls, for moisture control. However, the plans called for solid walls, so the lighthouse was torn down and rebuilt! The lighthouse keeper had 15 whale oil to light lamps every night, and then extinguish them every morning and clean all the glass! This took hours!

We took the Lighthouse Levee Trail, just in front of the lighthouse. On the way, we saw gulls, pelicans, herons, and egrets. Monarchs, Common Sulphurs, Viceroys, and Gulf Fritillaries danced by. Prickly Pear Cacti had just bloomed and were ready to be harvested by anybody who knows how to prepare the purplish fruit.This was used by American Indians. Sabal Palm, also known as Cabbage palm, grows on the trail. Natives used the palm for roofing weaving Cloth, and ate the berries. Other plants included Red Cedar, Wax myrtle, and Bee Balm.

An appealing park, St. Mark's offers hiking and biking trails, a Visitor Center, and public boat launch. Admission is only $ 5 per carload! Visitors could spend anywhere from an hour to a day.
Driving the Coast Road gave us ample scenery. The Gulf of Mexico was often within sight. At the Wakulla Visitor Center, we learned that some of the "Tarzan" movies of the 1930 's and 40 's featuring Johnny Weissmuller were filmed at Wakulla Springs. Just across the street from the center, was a park with springs that was once very popular. The belief that the water wouldcure anything from headaches to serious illnesses brought many people to the area. Today the springs are there, but all the bath houses are gone.

Further on, after more scenic driving, at Bald Point Park, we stopped for our picnic lunch. The view was splendid! The sand dunes, sea oats, birds and butterflies were so beautiful! We saw a myrtle tree covered with monarch butterflies! A stroll on the bright white sands was exhilarating! A few people were surf fishing. Driftwood was on the beach and cypress knobs straddled the shoreline.

There are many settlements along the coast road, including Panacea and Carrabelle. Carrabelle is a small town with an emphasis on fishing. It boasts the world's smallest police station. The station is a phone booth! Often the squad car willsit next to the booth waiting for a call. "It must be wonderful to live in such a low crime area!

Crooked River Lighthouse, another of the Lighthouse Tour lighthouses, is only open to the public on Saturday, but visitors are free to tour the lighthouse keeper's home anytime. It is a replica of the 1895 four room house. The exceptions are Air conditioning and modern plumbing. The lighthouse in made of iron and steel, and during renovation, the structure only had to be sandblasted and repainted-it was in that excellent repair! On the grounds is a picnic area with a 70 ft. pirate ship for children, called the "Carabella." There are native plants and many bird species to observe. Admission is free. If it's not Saturday, allow 15 minutes, unless children are with you. Then allow enoughplay time!

Home for the next 2 nights is St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. It's in the gulf, and is miles from any town. There are no concessions, restrooms and showers are clean and modern. Two nights camping was $ 53 for our tent. For $ 5 we had firewood, and for $ 2 a bag of ice. Our site at Sandy Pines Campground is very pretty, and secluded. However, it's on the edge of a swamp, and so rather damp. We heard an owl hooting while we ate our meal of homemade chili! Another campground is Gulf Breeze.

The BP Station is the center of commerce. Rentals at the Scallop Cove b. p. includes canoes, kayaks, bikes, beach chairs and fishing equipment. Bait, groceries, ice cream, lunch, Clothes, and souvenirs are available. They also have charter fishing trips. They do have the corner onthe market!

Day 5

A quick camp breakfast of coffee, fruit, toast and started us on our day. The owl was hooting during breakfast! Biking along the beach roads, renting of course from the B.P., provided an opportunity for us to get close-up views of some of the pretty beach houses, see butterflies and birds, observe the plants, and get exercise. Cute names like Jamaica, Summer, and Bay Breeze were some of the street names. Houses were named Coquina, Almost There and Haven. We saw two dead snakes and remembered how the ranger had told us rattlesnakes are protected now because so many people had deliberately kill them! Rattlesnakes have their uses-killing rats is one! Cost was $ 7 for an hour for bikers.

The exercise had us ready for lunch, so we headed to Cone Heads, one of theonly places to eat. We found a ship shaped building, painted bright blue, with tiki umbrellas covering the patio tables and an outdoor pool table. They sell produce, too! We each had a grilled fish sandwich with a side of fries and a glass of wine. Delicious! Our tab was $ 30 before tip. Other food items include burgers, salads, chowder, and desserts. There are some vegetarian items! Prices range from $ 3.99 to $ 13.99.

The beaches here are beautiful white powdered sugar sand! The dunes are protected, so don't walk on them! Trees are magnificent, with Spanish Moss draped over the branches as decoration. There were very few people here when we were here, in early November. Most of the few business that are in the area are closed for the season. Boating, fishing, birding,swimming, and hiking are some of the outdoor activities to enjoy. History is rich in the area. Natives were here long before Europeans, as evidenced in tool and pottery remnants. Spanish explorers were here in the 1500s. Settlers began moving here in the 1800s. The American government bought much of the land in 1940 for military training.

Jellyfish, sea turtles, rays, and sharks are among the marine life. On land, rats, snakes, and mice might be seen. While we were registering, a woman called the ranger and said a snake was in her camper! There are many birds: terns, sandpipers, woodpeckers, wrens, woodpeckers, hawks, and ducks. Please heed the warnings alligator on the bay side and central areas. Always be careful in a wilderness area or preserve!
One of the local crittersdecided to check out our Cooking bin during the night. It was closed and contained no food, but a crash woke us up to discover the contents spilled on the ground.

Greg decided to catch our dinner, and enjoy surf fishing. The Whiting were biting, and within an hour, he had 6 of them and a flounder to prepare. He had so much fun! MaryJo guarded the bait and fish from incursive sea gulls and plovers! A swim in the cool water was nice, too. Nothing like fresh fish, grilled over a campfire! The owl hooting in the swamp was a nice accent to the meal.

Day 6

Taking down the tent and breaking camp is an easy undertaking when the weather is fine! We are partial to this area, although it is remote. Port St. Joe is a picturesque little town which we passed through on the way out ofthe Panhandle.

Continuing on past pasture, homestead, small settlements, little towns, wood, and water, we eventually reached Suwannee River State Park near the pretty little town of Live Oak. Live Oaks, Red Cedar, and pines dominate the park. Bathrooms and showers are modern and well kept. There weren't many campers when we were here, so we had plenty of privacy. Also, we were one of the only tents! Wood and ice are available at the Ranger Station, as are canoe rentals. The ranger told us that the nearest place to replenish Supplies is the Wal-Mart in Live Oak, about 9 miles away.

At nightfall, after a pretty sunset, we had our campfire blazing and enjoyed our hearty sandwiches. The air got much cooler.

Day 7

The 40-something temperatures had us hightailin ' eninto town for breakfast! Just too cold for us to be standing around Cooking if we don't have to. Fortunately, we found Dixie Diner, a good southern cuisine eatery that offers Pork chops and eggs, grits, biscuits and sawmill gravy, hot cakes, and good hot coffee. MaryJo had the chops and eggs, while Greg chose the manly Paul Bunyan Breakfast, sawmill gravy and biscuits, bacon, home fries, and eggs. Total for us both before tip was $ 17-a good deal for a good meal with good service.

An after meal stroll around Live Oak was entertaining and informative. The Suwannee County Historical Museum, though small, is attractive, fun, and enlightening. Exhibits include a 192-s country kitchen, moonshine still, 195-0s phone switchboard, and a pony cart belonging to Florida's first governor,Charles Drew. Admission is free. Randy Torrance, the curator, gave us some history of the town, and chatted about the current activities the museum sponsors. Allow at least a quarter of an hour. While in town, check out the courthouse, old court house, Methodist Church, and McHale's Gifts, fairy, dragon, and wizard store, and more!

Not more than a short drive away in White Springs is the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. Activities there include camping, hiking, shopping, fishing, and horseback riding. The center is dedicated to the memory of Stephen Foster, writer of approximately 200 songs mostly in the 1850s and 1860s. Titles include "I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair", "Camptown Races," and of course, "Swanee River." Oddly, Stephen Foster was not aSoutherner, but was born in Pittsburgh, PA. He never visited Florida, and was only in the South once. He died in 1864 at the age of 37. He has become something of a legend since. In the auditorium, exquisite handmade dioramas of some of his songs are shown. Pianos and organs of the time are on exhibit, including the von J ' anko Keyboard. This is an extremely unusual keyboard, featuring 6 different rows of keys, invented in 1882. It is an impressive looking piece! On the grounds is the Stephen Foster Memorial Carillon, holding 97 bells, one of the largest in the world. Music is played on a regular basis. In addition there is a craft shopping area and a restaurant. Special events, such as the Florida Folk Life Festival are held on the grounds. Snapping turtle, alligators, Gulf sturgeon, andother wildlife call the park home. In the spring, Florida Folk life Festival is held on the grounds. Admission to the park is only $ 5. Allow an hour, minimum.

White Springs itself was once a tourist town; known for the healing properties of the mineral waters. Before that, Native Americans held the area as sacred, because of the supposedly curing springs.
A warm afternoon called for a canoe ride on the Suwannee River. We paddled upstream, basking in the sun, and the rock formations, trees, and sandy banks of the river. At one point, sturgeon, stirred the waters! The surroundings are enchanting, the water cool, and the ride back easy! Going upstream first allowed us to drift back. Don't forget to bring water to drink, and put on sunscreen ahead of time. For 2 hrs, the fee was$ 10.

A supper of chicken with peppers, scallions, and baked yams on the fire was delicious! Sitting close to the campfire kept us cozy! A glass of wine added to the atmosphere!

There is plenty to see and plenty to do here in North Florida! We recommend this trip to anyone wanting to get off the trails!

Adventures in North Florida

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Top Benefits of a Beach House Investment in Nags Head Real Estate

Top Benefits of a Beach House Investment in Nags Head Real Estate


Are you dreaming lately of having a vacation at the beach? Or, acquiring a beachfront house by the time you reTire? Or, merely having it on the side as a rental property? Many are dreaming with you. But before you proceed with your home buying plunge, some key notes on beach house investMents. If you're buying it for financial reasons alone; then you're better off dreaming or buying an ordinary home instead. Buy in a convenient location, say, in Nags Head real estate, where there are more than just the beach to enjoy like restaurants, stores, parks, outdoor adventures, among others. Nags Head, the first ever resort on the Outer Banks beaches, has all these and Bodie Island Lighthouse and six others scattered all over the outer banks of North Carolina, museums, natural wonders likesand dunes of Jockey's Ridge State Park, wildlife preservations, myriad sea life, and other notable attractions to offer its patrons, locals, and visitors alike.

You should remember though what's an estate worth in the most recognizable town in the whole of the Outer Banks in North Carolina is like. Considered as one of the largest towns in the area, this town offers a wide array of residences, from small adorable cotTAGes to luxurious homes; beach lodges here are not only comfortable but offers the best views and aMenities as well. Outside, you can dine in fine restaurants and shop in its line of stores selling interesting souvenirs, beach items, surf boards, handcrafted jewelry, to create-your-own clogs. The town has two Fishing piers, and the third, which is still underconstruction that will be open in May-North Carolina Aquariums ' splendid Jeanette's Pier is also something to look forward to.

With today's current flooded market, in which homes for sale are on the low, many home buyers now are realizing their dreams, and yes, even having beach houses. Here are a few reasons why a beachfront property still is, and may be the best decision and investment home buyers will ever make.

Top Benefits of a Beach House Investment in Nags Head Real Estate

Top Benefits of a Beach House Investment in Nags Head Real Estate

Top Benefits of a Beach House Investment in Nags Head Real Estate


Top Benefits of a Beach House Investment in Nags Head Real Estate



Top Benefits of a Beach House Investment in Nags Head Real Estate

You're not just buying the property
While the beach house itself is already a prized possession, owners of beach houses has the scenic view, the long stretch of the beach, and a variety of activities along with it to enjoy the whole year. From snorkeling, kiting, biking or walking the town bike path, hang gliding, sailing, kayaking or surfing, Nags Headseasoned beguiles not just locals but everyday visitors as well.

Income-generating property
There are many oceanfront houses in Nags Head real estate that are rental properties. You can add yours to the list, never worrying about patrons or renters as they shall come as they please whole year round. Who wouldn't be excited to spend a relaxing vacation in a good-looking rental property in the Outer Banks? Rental fees can start from $ 750-$ 2,000 per week and $ 2,500-$ 4,000 per month, still depending on type and amenities of the property. Your property not only serves as a holiday property, but it can also provide significant tax benefits as well.

Let's go to the beach now!
Having a beachfront property, one can easily schedule for a vacation, either for a few weeks ormonths, or even the whole year. Having a beachfront property in your luxury, you will never think about rental expenses and what to bring for that needed vacation of yours. The beach house is at your expense, anytime!

A reTirement getaway-Beach houses are appropriate reTirement homes, not only of its convenient makeup but also of its benefits-health-wise. Health benefits includes the obvious relaxing scenic ocean view, known healing effects of salt water, enough amount of sun to boost immune system and strengthen bones, among others. Long walks either at the beach or bike trails of Nags Head real estate, reTirees have a home here in its outer banks.

Top Benefits of a Beach House Investment in Nags Head Real Estate

Thursday, January 26, 2012

The Sun, the Moon and the Stars-Newport Beach's Fabulous Balboa Peninsula

The Sun, the Moon and the Stars-Newport Beach's Fabulous Balboa Peninsula


Well, they always say that happiness exists in our own backyards. This is certainly true for those living in Southern California's Orange County. In about 30 minutes or less you can reach the beach, and in this particular case, we are talking about the beautiful Newport Beach Peninsula that runs about five miles in length. On one side is the amazing Newport Beach boating marina and on the other side is the Pacific Ocean. Along the beach is a four-mile long sidewalk, wide enough for walkers, runners, bicyclists, unicyclists, segues (pronounced segways, the new motorized two wheelers that you stand up on), roller bladers, baby carriages, and dog walkers.

The Sun, the Moon and the Stars-Newport Beach's Fabulous Balboa Peninsula

The Sun, the Moon and the Stars-Newport Beach's Fabulous Balboa Peninsula

The Sun, the Moon and the Stars-Newport Beach's Fabulous Balboa Peninsula


The Sun, the Moon and the Stars-Newport Beach's Fabulous Balboa Peninsula



The Sun, the Moon and the Stars-Newport Beach's Fabulous Balboa Peninsula

The sidewalk is a wondrous place. As you begin the walk you will pass a wide variety of beach houses, cafes,restaurants, two different piers about two miles apart from each other, wide expanses of sandy beach, and an amazing array of people and activities. Depending on what time of day you choose to walk you will see and enjoy many different slices of life. The walk is particularly good for looking into houses, which householders at the beach seem to be quite used to, frankly you're looking in, but they're looking out and seeing the endless stream of entertaining passersby. It's interesting from both sides of the fence so to speak and nobody really seems to mind. It's like an ongoing movie show, sometimes rowdy with music, something good Cooking on the grill, parties, hammocks and snoozers, lots of get-togethers, bikinis, bellies and beer drinkers, kids, dogs and Cats. In general it's a pretty relaxed and happy place.

Every time you walk whether day or night there is always something to discover that is new, different and wonderful. Try this list for example:

-sunshine with blue waters and Japanese kites

-orange sunset with Catalina Island with colors so bright it rivals a volcano

-Il Gelato and Bella Luna hot Panini sandwiches

-Small carved dunes and pounding waves

-magnificent beach homes with porches and decks on top

-the Stuft Surfer at the 15th St

-the piers with sound of pounding waves

-benches to sit and rest along the walk

-Il Farro Italian restaurant bread dunked in garlic and olive oil

-little succulents and flowers and roses

-Slugger the kitty cat

-those two big ol' dogs that walk with their owner every night

-surfers in their wetsuits with boards and blonde hAir

-high school girls in their skirts luau at a beach Party

-this one place that always has a group of people sitting around the dinner table with a few good bottles of wine

-actually there are quite of few of those wine dinners on back porches

-outside grills and Cooking guys

-Fun zone with mochi chocolate ice cream

-walking in a light rain and spray of fine mist

-looking for my shooting star and instead I get the Vandenberg AFB rocket launch # 603 taking off high in the sky with a big powerful orange streak behind it.

-taking a blanket to the beach to lay down on and look up at shooting stars (which we find out later is a meteor shower)

-romantic dinnerfor two with tableCloth set up on the beach

-night winds coming off the ocean

-stillness and quiet like you are the only person there

-fog out to sea

-egrets running along the edge of the water

-people that beep their bike horns and pass on the left

-yachts and sailboats out to sea

-Sunday football on big screens

-Cantina noise and street lit orange and pink in the night

-planes coming in from the Ocean to Los Angeles, at first they look like stars, and then the lights move and get bigger

One night walking late, we discover something very wonderful. Amateur astromer (although he seems like a pro to me), Bruce Butler, has set up three telescopes at the 15th St. location on the peninsula walk. Looking into the telescope we see Jupiter and its four Galilean moons circling the planet. Bruce explains to us that Jupiter has some sixty moons, but we can see four of them that are approximately the same size as Earth's moon. They are Callisto, Io, Europa and Ganymede. Watching Jupiter through the scope, its size is overwhelming to comprehend with the moons that seem so small circling its big body. Jupiter is a giant planet, but when you stand back and look at it without the scope, it looks like a big shiny star. Of course it's a planet reflecting the light of the sun. My brain tries to grasp the scale of it. This video gif by Mike Salway produced for Nasa, shows the moons and the giant size of Jupiter the way I saw them through Bruce's telescope. (video) Bruce has been coming down to the beach to Watch the stars forover thirteen years. Standing there in awe of what I have just seen, I understand why. We come another night happy to find Bruce out on our walk. Two of Jupiter's moons are eclipsing and we see two distinct yet small dots on the surface of Jupiter. Bruce comes to the beach at optimal viewing times and notifies us on twitter.com/yousneak. It is such a treat to find him at the beach when we are out and about.

On another night Bruce brings out a special telescope to show us a close up of the Pleides. The rock country club of stars and their placeMent in the heavens overwhelms me. It is so beautiful I cannot speak. I think of Jody Foster's character in the movie "Contact," she takes a ride through the heavens, "I had no idea."

Bruce's passion has spread to us and other beach goers. THEcan now locate Cassiopeia and find the North Star. I look deep into space and my eye adjusts to the scope showing the light from billions of stars from our nearest galaxy, the Andromeda. My brain once again tries to realize what it has just been shown. Just like the universe we live in my head is expanding. Some time goes by, we find Bruce again at the beach, a beautiful clear night. We walk, star gaze and then come back later to see more celestial activities. Bruce is excited. The Orion Constellation is making its way up and over the horizon. Looking through the scope, Bruce has framed the center stars of Orion's belt, the Orion nebula. Once again, I can hardly breathe, I have never seen anything so majestic, the beautiful grouping of stars in the center of the Orion constellation. I amso hooked, even as I write remembering, the majesty of it overwhelms me.

Every walk is an amazing surprise at Newport Peninsula. The walks are fun, relaxing and invigorating at the same time. They calm the mind and build the body. It's like being on vacation and coming home from a really good trip.

The Sun, the Moon and the Stars-Newport Beach's Fabulous Balboa Peninsula

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Keys to Contentment

Keys to Contentment


Most of us take vacations for the express purpose of getting
away from it all. The desks piled high with paperwork,
unmanageable schedules, unbearable bosses, traffic
gridlocks and all things necessary but at times unwanted.
Cabo San Lucas is the ultimate great escape but it isn't all
that easy to find peace and quiet in a town known for it's
Party atmosphere and large, impersonal hotels and resorts.
Or is it?

Keys to Contentment

Keys to Contentment

Keys to Contentment


Keys to Contentment



Keys to Contentment

The good news is that a trip to the end of the world's longest
peninsula offers the life-weary a charming oasis of
tranquility just a few minutes away from the action and
exciteMent that is Cabo. Find your way down the
transpenninsular highway south towards Land's End, look
for the new CostCo and just a short distance past, turn right
and head for the hills. At the top of a well-maintained dirt
road you'll come to discover what we've decided is one of
the best little known secrets in Los Cabos... the Casa
Contenta Bed & BreakFast Inn.

Casa Contenta is a fine example of just what can be
accomplished once you've found what it is you love to do.
The owners, Craig and Lori Harrison, are natural-born hosts
whose charm and warmth make guests like us feel most
welcome. From the moMent you enter the gated compound
with it's myriad gardens awash in color from countless
flowers and cacti, you start to feel the weight of the world
slide off your shoulders. Unlike arriving at a large hotel or
resort, this feels like coming home. Venture forth to the front
door and chances are that you'll find it unlocked and for
some unknown reason, you feel perfectly comfortable
walking right in.

Once inside you're greeted by unending curves and levels,
eye-grabbing artwork from Mexico and around the world and
by members of the staff that don't walk upright. Enter Solo
and Luna, 2 of the original "family" members who, save for
the fur and paws, think they are human, albeit canine
versions. Solo and Luna are the protectors of the casa who
love guests but dislike ATV's, loud automobiles, birds that
try to take the Airspace above the terrace and not being
taken along on walks in the hills above. Recently, a new
addition to the family has entered the picture. Oso (Spanish
for bear) is his name and he owes his life to Lori who saved
him from certain death. Lori found Oso very ill and
malnourished hiding beneath a car in an area of Colonias,
small houses built for the lower income families of Cabo.
Since his discovery by Lori, Oso has been given a new
lease on life, medical attention, and the love it takes to sTAGe
a major comeback. Such is the nature of our hosts.

Craig and Lori Harrison know what travelers want and need,
in fact, that knowledge comes from being avid travelers who
have ventured around the world to such destinations as Bali
and Morocco. The two met while on vacation at a Bed &
BreakFast in Maui and then parted ways as friends only to
meet again four years later at a meeting arranged by a
business associate and friend of Lori's in Toronto, Canada.
Call it Kismet, call it fate, it would be unfAir and completely
unromantic to call it coincidence that Lori's friend was also
Craig's friend. The chance re-meeting led to a wedding.

Craig had already discovered Los Cabos and was and still
is active in the sale of property at some of the most
exclusive residential developMents in the area including
Montecristo, a decidedly upscale fractional ownership
development headed by Ernesto Coppell of the Pueblo
Bonito Group. Craig's extensive knowledge of real estate in
Cabo gave the couple an edge in finding the right property
for their B & B project. Originally a single family home, Casa
Contenta is still just that, a home. Guests here enjoy all of
the comforts of a large, spacious and architecturally stylish
home with the benefit of having a full-time staff and hosts
on-site. Privacy is not an issue regardless of which of the
four guest bedrooms you choose for your stay. Lori even
devises little ways of letting them know if you'd like early
morning coffee delivered to your room or if you'd prefer to
sleep in.

While a comfortable and roomy bedroom and a daily
breakFast are part of the package, calling this place a B & B
just doesn't do it justice. This is B & B2! While staying at the
casa, we were often surprised with little treats like sweet
iced tea while lounging by the pool and larger surprises like
steamed shrimp with drawn butter and cocktail sauce to
accompany a few glasses of wine on the terrace at sunset.
Craig spent a great deal of his earlier life in the wine
business and wine is still one of his passions. Being
treated so well was all the inspiration we needed to venture
into town and pick up a few bottles of wine and some treats
to share with our hosts and fellow guests. There are few
things more enjoyable than good Food, good wine and good
conversation with what was soon becoming good friends. If
there is anything that adds to that mix, it has to be the view
from the terrace at Casa Contenta. Land's End seems close
enough to touch, dawn brings the sounds of Baja
awakening and the sunsets cast a colorful orange and red
glow upon everything in view. The terrace captures the
cooling breeze borne off the Pacific coast of the cape and
even though we're in the desert, it's cool and comfortable
under the shaded palapa.

If, as they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the
day, then it should also be the best, right? Well thanks to
Dora, Casa Contenta's senior employee, it is. The fare here
is mostly light featuring fresh fruits, tasty smoothies and a
variety of egg dishes all served up with a smile by Dora.
Choose to dine outside on the second level on a shaded
patio covered with lush green growth, or inside at a large
stone table fit for a king. Whichever you choose, the meal
provides you with the fuel to power a day of sightseeing,
golfing, water sports or other activities readily found in Cabo.
For those more inclined to spend a lazy day relaxing, you're
just a few steps away from a nap in a hammock, a
comfortable padded chaise lounge, or a float in the pool. If a
good book is what your after, the casa has a wide selection
just waiting for a reader.

Wander through the casa and you'll be treated to a wide
variety of art, some from Mexico, many from all around the
globe. Interested in learning a little about where the art
came from or what it signifies? Lori is ready to tell you a tale.
For instance, a wooden sculpture that rests on the dining
table on the second level depicts a Balinese Yogi kneeling
in the fetal position with his head held low in his hands
completely hiding his face. This melancholy figure is said to
absorb the troubles that can plague us all thereby allowing
us to find peace and tranquility. We're not sure if the Yogi
had anything to do with our state of mind, but both of us
seemed unburdened while we tooled about the casa
marveling at pieces small and large, each with it's own
unique personality and significance.

Visit the gardens where you'll find a wide variety of cacti,
vines, flowering shrubs and trees. The curved surfaces of
the casa and the paths around it blend into the surrounding
environment beautifully inviting you to walk the property
where one will find even more sculptures ranging from
children cast in bronze to ducks carved from the root end of
palm trees. Breath in the fragrance of myriad flowers, listen
for the sounds of the local birds from Red Cardinals to
Hummingbirds to Turkey Vultures... in short, just take the
time to enjoy where you are.

Craig and Lori also arrange activities at the casa. From
parties atop the terrace complete with catering and live
music to yoga, golf and horseback riding and more. Lori
enjoys riding her horse, Hurricane, along the beach and in
the dunes just a short drive away from the casa and is
always eager to take guests on an informal guided trip
aboard gentle, rider-friendly horses located at the same
stable where Hurricane resides. Craig is a self-proclaimed
golf nut and can arrange tee times at many of the
world-class golf clubs that line the coast of Los Cabos. Not
only can he arrange the tee time, he can also save you on
the normal rates at some of those courses. If your looking
for some of the best dining that Cabo has to offer, they'll
make recommendations from inexpensive local fare to
gourmet international cuisine. Menus and maps to many of
their favorite eateries are available in a book put together by
Craig. Whatever your desire, just ask and they will most
likely have tips and recommendations to fulfill your needs.

In closing, Casa Contenta Bed & Breakfast was a true
pleasure, a delight for all the senses and a bargain to boot.
The hosts truly enjoy what they do and plans are for an
expansion of the property on two adjacent lots owned by the
Harrison's. If all goes as planned, there will soon be two
private, fully contained casitas separated by another pool, a
large palapa with a bar, grill and seating areas. All we can
say is the more of this wonderful oasis, the better! Rates are
remarkably low and we think that they can't possibly remain
at their current level so book now. We so enjoyed our stay
that we left the casa without returning our keys! Keys that
brought us a sense of contentment that stayed with us long
after our departure.

For more information about Casa Contenta - please visit
[http://www.casacontenta.com]

For more information about Los Cabos, please visit
http://www.cabosbest.com

Copyright 2005, CabosBest.com

Keys to Contentment