Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgivings, a day of giving thanks and blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. – Wikipedia

I have not thought of myself as someone who is very traditional, in the sense of holidays especially Thanksgiving.  That being said, today since I am not cooking I have been thinking about past Thanksgivings. I remember the first Thanksgivings George & I hosted, we were in our early 20’s, in a small apartment, & had 15 people there for a sit down dinner. There were years we were guests at friend’s parent’s houses. 

Couples Swept Away, Negril Jamaica

No matter where you go or for how long your there sooner or later it's time to say good bye and head home. Today is that day, one last morning to watch the sun rise while having coffee on the patio, one more walk down the beach, a swim, and than it's all just a memory.

Snorkeling in Jamaica

Everyday, twice a day at Couples Swept Away offers snorkeling trips which are included with your stay. We went out 3 different days to 3 different spots. They called the different reefs Bahamas, Cuba, and Mexico. There is one more but we ran out of time.

You need to sign up for the trip 24 hours in advance and each trip does get filled up.

Catamaran Sunset Sail, Couples Swept Away, Negril Jamaica

Each day I look forward to the spectacular show that's coming to mark the end of the day, the sunset. No two days are a like. Yesterday we went on catamaran sunset sail that couples has here. We left from the beach at 3:30pm and sail along the coast getting to see all of Negril beach. Couples Swept away has a great stretch of beach and very happy to be staying here.

Lots of Activities here at Couples Swept Away Jamiaca

It is hard to believe today starts day 5 of our week here at Couples Swept Away, in Negril. Everyone has been enjoying all the activities the resort has to offer along with plenty of beach time.

Couples Swept Away has a lot extra activities included that you pay extra at other resorts.
One is snorkeling trips, so far we have been out twice. The boat leaves right from the beach and takes you out to some really nice coral reefs. There were plenty of fish to see and the colors from the sun light were beautiful.  Some of the group is doing it again this morning. For those who don't like to get their face water you can go out a different time and view through the glass bottom.

Reggae Spa, Negril beach Jamaica

Couples Swept Away has a wonderful full service spa here at the resort. But one afternoon on the beach I meet Margaret. She does massages just up the beach from the resort and after getting to know her a bit, I thought it be nice to go have a relaxing beach massage.
I rounded up two others and we went to Reggae Spa at the Foote Prints Hotel, which is only 2 places past our resort. 

 They had two air conditioned rooms or beach side massages. I choose to be on the beach so I could listen to the waves but one of the other girls used the room. All 3 of us had an hours massage which was very nice and totally relaxing.

 Thank you Margaret & girls for taking good care of us. They even do couples massages & sunset massages.

Very reasonable prices too.
Walk up or for reservations -Tel -465-3539.Margaretmcld@gmail.com

Start of a wonderful getaway to Negril, Jamaica

This week I am here with a group of friends at Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica. Traveling with a group and being the travel agent can be challenging, getting everyone where they need to go and making sure everything runs smoothly. Seems even the most season traveler becomes dependent when someone else is leading the way. That being said once here in the resort, everyone happy with their rooms, a cold beverage in hand, it's time to relax. For me that's easy just get me to the beach and all is good. This is my second time here at Couples Swept Away and one of the reasons I came back is for the beach. Negril beach in my opinion is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. The beach is white powder sand with crystal clear water that is so calm you can float for hours. But my favorite part comes at the end of the day when the sunsets over the water.

Our Last Furthur Show, Sunday Sept. 22, Red Rocks, Morrison CO

There are shows and there are shows that just are magical. Last nights Furthur show at Red Rocks was just that, magical. While looking for seats we first stop along the front row but knew these must be reserved for someone. Sunshine Becker was greeting some people when we walked by. I said hello and got a great big hug. Nice way to start off the night.

They opened the first set with Samson & Delilah, always seems like a good one for a Sunday night.Foolish Heart, Black Throated Wind, Brown Eyed Women, The Music Never Stopped (always love hearing that), New Speedway Boogie, and Deal.

The runners and packers of Red Rocks, Morrison CO

While here for the shows we rented a house in Golden. It's been great, very comfortable, & with views of the mountains. It's been wonderful to just hang out and relax between shows. 

The owner has a chicken coop out back so I am able to get eggs for breakfast. 

Night #2 Furthur at Red Rocks, Morrison CO

 What do you do on a Saturday in Colorado? People get outside walk,hike,rock climb,bike,jump off of mountains,picnic,and we saw people doing all this. There are so many choices with all the parks, mountains, & trails to take advantage of the great out doors.

The first of 3 Furthur shows at Red Rocks Amphitheather, Morrison CO

   One of the places I have always wanted to go see a concert would Red Rocks amphitheater.  It is on the bucket list if you will even thought I really don't have one or not formally written.  A few months back when I first heard Furthur was doing 4 shows here we decided it was time to make the trip. The tickets were not easy to get, 4 night pass sold out in seconds, I got Friday night, mail ordered for Sunday, & got a pass word for a local pre ordered from Catfish Tyler trough twitter for Saturday night.  

The scenery around Grand Lake is simply spectacular

The town of Grand Lake is one of the most beautiful places I have seen. No matter where you look the view is just spectacular. That combined with the friendly folks who live there and all the wildlife makes this one special place. I am feel very fortunate to have gotten to stay in such a beautiful peaceful place. 

Rocky National Park finally is open!

We had just left Grand Lake, 20 minutes outside of Vail when I check Twitter and I see Rocky National Park is now open. I can't believe it, they opened it an hour after we left the area.  I really wanted to do the Trail Ridge Road so after a night in Vail we headed back to Grand Lake at 5:30am.  It was a beautiful drive with a full moon and then a sunrise over the Rocky's. 

  We get to the park and are told that it had snowed over night as we could only go 16 miles in before the road is closed.  Again Mother Nature is not cooperating one bit. 

Out Moosed

After seeing the one Moose we were determine to find more.

 We talked to some of the rangers and they suggested a few places where there have been Moose spotted. 

On Top of the World at Rocky Moutain National Park

 The sun is shining for the first time since getting here,however, Rocky Mountain National Park is still closed. The access road, trail ridge road is the only road to get to Este Park and they need it clear for emergency vehicles only.  Plus there has been many mudslides & trees down due to the wet ground.  It's disappointing but certainly understand the reasons why. There are a few trails that are open, like the trail in town to the look out at the top of Shadow Mountain.

Now if I would have thought this through I probably wouldn't have hike it. I have seen the Mountain and even through the sign said top I am not sure I fully understood just how high I was going to hike.

Grand Lake, Colorado

Like many people I spend a lot of time researching & planing my trips. This trip to Colorado was no different. I had planned what I thought was a perfect itinerary until Mother Nature had different plains. Areas of Colorado got so much rain it caused major flooding to some of the areas we were heading to so quick changes had to be made. The town of Estes Park which is located at one of the entrances to Rocky National Park sadly got hit very bad, along with Boulder, and many other communities all north of Denver. The state has never seen such flooding thousands have lost there homes. 

 I really wanted to see Rocky National Park and in doing a bit more searching decided on Grand Lake which is on the western side of Rocky National Park. I found a great townhouse on lake Granby with gorgeous views of Shadow Mountain. 

Never know what's right in your own backyard

 It's August yet the weather this morning felt more like early fall, no humidity,sky filled with white puffy clouds, & the sun just starting to warm thing up. I was having my coffee outside on the porch & Got to thinking its a perfect day for a walk. There are many parks here in Bucks Country, we thought of one where the kids used to play soccer less then a mile from the house, lower Nike field. 

It's amazing what you can find in your own backyard when you take the time to look. For 19 years I have been here and never know this park had so many nature trails. Lower Nike connects to Bradford Reservoir again an area I knew nothing about. 

  It turned out to be a beautiful 3 mile hike.

Who knew I could have my toes in the sand at the Linc?

This was my 3rd Kenny Chesney concert but the first time tailgating for it. Last year I saw him twice, once at in Philly but got there just before the concert started and in Wildwood NJ where the party was on the beach. We got there around noon and from the looks of things the party had started long before than. The parking lots were packed with folks in cowboy hats, boots, and flip flops all just having a good time. It was a cross somewhere between an Sunday Eagles tailgate, Jimmy Buffet concert, and one big family reunion.  The weather was perfect.

Snorkeling around Aruba

Queen Angelfish

I love the water and love nature it only makes sense that I would love to snorkel. The more I do it the more I am finding just how much I enjoy seeing this whole under water world. Taking pictures helps me slow down to take in all that is around me and also helps me later identify just what fish I am seeing. I got myself this reef fish identification book and I am constantly looking up the different fish. My daughter called me obsessed with it.

Kukoo Kunuku Party bus in Aruba

For those of you that know me you know I love a good party, it only made sense to book a night of fun and dancing on the Kukoo Kunuku Party bus.  The old red school bus picks you up right in front of where you are staying and takes you on a local bar crawl through Aruba. As soon as your on board the fun begins with Mama giving you your maraca, music playing, and everyone singing.

Beaches of Aruba

All around the island of Aruba are great beaches to either be by yourself or in the heart of all the action. The most popular beach is Palm Beach where most of the resorts are located. It is good for swimming and offers lots of different water sports. It is also the most crowded of the beaches. There are many beach bars and restaurants to relax and take in the views.  While we were there they were holding Soul fest on the beach at Moomba beach bar which is between the Holiday Inn and the Marriott. Lots of music and fun going on.

Celebrating 50 in Aruba

Eagle Beach

For this beach lovin toes in the sand girl spending by 50th birthday on the beaches in Aruba was perfect.

The morning was spent at Arashi Beach which is at the tip of the island by the light house.

Its a beautiful cove with calm clear water excellent for just floating around or snorkeling. Both of which I did plenty.  The snorkeling was excellent. 

I saw the biggest Atlantic Trumpet fish I have ever seen along with some very large French angel fish.

Aruba

It's hard to believe its taken 30 years to get to Aruba but its true. For years we had talked about coming now here we are in Aruba to celebrate my 50th birthday. I can't think of a better way to spend it then with my family on a beach.  

  Aruba is not a very big island and all of the resorts, hotels, and condo are mainly on the west side of the island. There is the high rise area of Palm beach & the low rise area of Eagle beach. We are staying the week at Oceania Condos on Eagle Beach. It is a wonderful location, ocean views, 4 pools, roof top deck, and beautiful beach right out front of the condo.