Tag Archives: birds

The Home of the Bighorn Sheep, Anza-Borrego

The Anza-Borrego Desert is one of my favorite places in Southern California to hike.  Located about two hours east of San Diego, the Anza-Borrego is a perfect location to experience geological diversity as well as explore the flora and fauna of a desert environment.

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First stop in Julian, CA prior to entering the Anza Borrego Park

Before reaching the entrance into the state park, I couldn’t resist a stop in charming Julian.  This “one-horse” town is a welcome oasis from the long, uneventful drive from the city.  Designated as a California Historical Landmark, it was once a thriving gold rush settlement in the early 1800s.  My favorite place to stop is Julian Pie Company on Main Street and bring home a pie or two.

Apple trees were first brought to Julian when settlers arrived hoping to strike it rich with the gold rush.  The fruit crops thrived in the fresh mountain air and Julian has since been known for its world-famous apple pies.

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The origin of the park’s name, Anza-Borrego, is Spanish.  Anza represents an 18th century Spanish explorer who roamed the desert area and the word Borrego means bighorn sheep.  It is the largest park in the state of California and I  found myself a little lost at times, not only in its beauty, but within its wide open spaces.

3 Rocks against the Rental CarThere are close to 500 miles of dirt roads and over 100 miles of hiking trails.  Since I was coming from San Diego, I entered the park from state route 79, passing through the Laguna Mountains.

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My favorite part of the drive was watching the landscape appear in the twists and turns of my route.  I pulled over to capture multiple peaks framed by the rocky hills rising up on each side of the road.  The desert landscape showed only a hint of green even during my spring visit in March and I imagined that it would be extremely hot and unbearable during the summer months.

6 Interesting Trees in the Desert, March 2012

Because the park is named after the bighorn sheep, I was desperately hoping to see one.  I imagined watching them climb the steep cliffs sure-footed and quick, but unfortunately, they were nowhere to be found.   The park is home to animals such as the kit fox, mule deer, coyotes, red diamond rattlesnakes, roadrunners as well as jackrabbits.

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Approaching the exit of the park, I wondered what types of animals lived here during prehistoric times.  With a little research, I learned that paleontologists and archaeologists have uncovered evidence of large birds, sloths and cheetahs, saber-toothed cats and camels.

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I could spend hours at Anza Borrego and often found myself wanting to return for a weekend camping trip.   I imagined the park full of exotic animals that once roamed these desert mountains.  I was somewhat disappointed that during all of the times I have visited, I had not seen any of its spectacular wildlife.  There was plenty of brown vegetation and it was such a welcome site to pass the red blooming ocotillo plant.  Proof that life could have actually survived here.

Is there a location that gives you the opportunity to reflect and escape?  Have you visited the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park?  I would love to hear about your experience here if you would kindly leave you comment in the section below!  Many thanks for reading about my lovely day at Anza and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Anza-Borrego State Park
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Telephone: 760 767 4205

  • Admission Fee:  There is no charge for visiting Anza Borrego Desert State Park
  • Hours:  Open daily from dawn to dusk;  The visitor center is open seven days a week from 9AM to 5PM.
  • Amenities:  Camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, historical/cultural site, picnic areas, parking
  • Scenic View:  The vista point provides scenic views of the park.
  • Length of Visit:  Over 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  February and March are the best times to visit to see the spring flowers. Cellular and internet service may be limited at times. Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks and that you fuel up your vehicle before entering the park. Because this is the desert, make sure you have plenty of sunscreen as temperatures can be very warm.

Where to Stay:

 Julian Gold Rush Hotel
2032 Main Street, PO Box 1856
Julian, CA  92036
Telephone: 760 765 0201

Where to Eat:

Julian Pie Company
2225 Main Street
Julian, CA 92036
Telephone:  760 765 2449

What to Eat: 

  • Pie, lots of pie….

What to Read: 

  • The Anza-Borrego Desert Region: A Guide to State Park and Adjacent Areas of the Western Colorado Desert, by Diana Lindsay and Lowell Lindsay
  • Anza-Borrego A to Z, by Diana Lindsay
  • Hiking Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, by Bill Cunningham and Polly Cunningham
  • House of the Fox: An Art Mystery Set in California’s Anza-Borrego Desert, by Cornelia Feye

Photo Guide for the Anza-Borrego Desert: 

  • Font’s Point for a scenic overlook of the badlands
  • Borrego Palm Canyon for a lovely group of palms which can be reached by A-Z’s most famous hike.
  • Borrego Springs, a small town located inside of the park for the stars and unusual artwork by Ricardo Breceda
  • Native American artwork can be seen throughout the park and it is estimated that there are over 50 major art rock sites to include Pictograph Trail in Little Blair Valley.
  • Ghost Mountain to see writer Marshal South’s homestead ruins.
  • The wildflowers of spring

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Julian Lodge, Bed & Breakfast

10 Burnt trees in the mountains

Evidence of Fire at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

A Visit to Pinellas County, Florida and Busch Gardens

I woke early to make the four and a half hour journey to St. Petersburg, Florida.  I was picking up my friend Shawna to take her back to Miami.  In the meantime, I was excited to meet up with another friend of mine Bill for a visit to Busch Gardens and then karaoke.

The weather was absolutely beautiful as I crossed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.  Years ago, working for the cruise lines, our ship would pass under the bridge on its way to Key West.  Later, while living in Tampa, I always looked forward to driving over the bridge when visiting Sarasota, Fort Myers or Sanibel Island.

Arriving in Pinellas County, I made my pilgrimage to The Frog Pond, a breakfast restaurant where I worked with my friend Theresa.  We would bus tables, arriving as early as 6AM but finish the day by 2PM.  Our favorite days were when Hulk Hogan would stop by with Linda for breakfast, driving up on his Hulkster.  We still laugh about it to this day. 

The condo where Theresa and I lived was at Gull Harbor, conveniently close to the The Frog Pond.  Her father had just met his girlfriend, so when he moved in with her, he allowed us to stay at his place paying a small monthly fee.  The property was beautiful with a gorgeous pool and spectacular views of  North Redington Beach.   I had no idea how lucky we were to live here and love to stop by each time I visit.

I had made arrangements to meet my friend Bill at Busch Gardens.  We had both worked together at the Tampa Airport and he was now taking tickets at the park.  When I arrived, he had a couple of additional hours to work and then we would hang out at the park riding rides and visiting the animals.

One of my favorite rides at Busch Gardens is the Skyride where I can see many of the animals in the safari park.

I remember when the Kumba first opened in 1993.  There was so much hype and press covering its opening and having friends who worked at the park was the best advantage.

The SheiKra climbs 200 that slowly reaches the top the stops.  The pause seems endless as you wait before diving down at 70 miles per hour.  There is an Immelmann loop, a second dive into an underground tunnel and the splashdown finale where those that are waiting in line are sure to be drenched.

The Cheetah Hunt was my favorite ride as it shoots immediately out of the gate at an incredible speed.  The coaster makes its way to the top only to plunge down through a rocky gorge.  It is the longest roller coaster at the park.

One of my favorite attractions at Busch Gardens was the Animal Care Center where I could watch the medical team work on an eagle’s wing.

Busch Gardens opened its animal care facility in 2012 at an estimated cost of $5 million.  From nutrition to treatments, X-rays to surgeries, visitors are able to watch the animal care team take on some animal science’s major challenges in their state of the art facility while guests watch the team care for over 200 species of animals.

The day was amazing with so many rides, animals and incredible experiences, but it wouldn’t have been complete without a photo with Big Bird!

Have you visited Busch Gardens in Tampa?  What was your favorite activity at the park?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my amazing day on the west coast of Florida and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Busch Gardens Tampa
10165 N McKinley Dr
Tampa, FL 33612
Telephone:  1 813 884 4FUN (4386)

  • Admission Fee:  There are several entrance pass options (i.e., single day, two-day pass, annual pass, any day ticket and four-park passes) ranging from $43.33 per day.  The website outlines each option along pricing.
  • Hours:  Open daily from 10AM but closing time may change throughout the season, so confirm with the park prior to visiting.
  • Amenities:  Rides and Attractions, Entertainment, Restaurants, Baggage storage area, Gift Shop, Private Tours, Safaris, Kid-Friendly and Educational Events
  • Length of Visit:  With so much to do at the park, try to arrive when the park opens and stay until it closes.  Check the Busch Gardens website for additional activities.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Reservations are highly recommended especially during high season.  Wear comfortable shoes for the park and book additional experiences in advance as they sell out quickly.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge (I-275 South from St. Petersburg, Florida to Sarasota, Florida)

Where to Stay:

Don Cesar Hotel
3400 Gulf Beach Boulevard
St. Petersburg, FL  33706
Telephone:  884 338 1501

Where to Eat:

The Frog Pond
16909 Gulf Blvd.
North Redington Beach, FL
Telephone:  727 392 4117

What to Read:

  • The Florida Explorer’s Guide To Busch Gardens Tampa
  • Dreamland, by Nicholas Sparks
  • St. Petersburg Florida, by Sandra Rooks

Photo Guide:

  • The Sunshine Skyway Bridge
  • The Pinellas County Beaches
  • Busch Gardens
  • Don Cesar Hotel

The First Metro Park in Columbus, Blacklick Woods Metro Park

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Buttonbush Swamp

It was a sunny mid-March morning and I decided to hike Blacklick Woods Metro Park in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.  With six trails, I wanted to hike back to the Nature Center that would eventually lead me to the Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve.

I began by parking near the Ashton pond where I picked up the Beech trail, a half a mile loop.  I found a trail head for the 4.1 mile multipurpose trail a few minutes into the hike, leading me to a connector trail at the nature preserve.  Once I met up with the half mile Buttonbush Trail, I was heading in the right direction towards the nature center.

The forests here are primarily made up of beech-maple trees and are perfect for bird-watching.  There are a couple of swamps where boardwalks were created to bring an up-close, personal look at the plant and animal life in this type of environment.  In addition to birds, deer and fox, other wildlife make their home in this fascinating preserve.

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Blacklick Woods was the first of Columbus’ MetroParks, opening in 1948.  First set among 113 acres, the park has grown to include picnic areas, a lodge and an 18-hole regulations course, making it, today, a 643-acre park.  This is a perfect place to bring your family for an afternoon of animal watching.

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At the nature center, I spent a few moments inside, watching the animals and birds enjoying an afternoon lunch of seeds provided by the park personnel.  It felt warm and cozy inside as the temperature outdoors was still cool during the early spring months.  The sun shone into the lodge casting shadows on the floor.  Squirrels and chipmunks entertained us as they chased away the birds attempting to reach the feeders.  I was taken back to my childhood when my family would visit the parks, the trails and the campgrounds throughout Ohio.  I remembered the spring smells and the sounds of birds filling the air as I began my walk back to the pond and vowed to continue our family tradition.  Such fond memories….

Do you have a favorite metro, state or national park that you love to visit?  I would love to hear about it in the comments below!  Many Thanks for reading about my afternoon spent at Blacklick Woods Metro Park and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Blacklick Woods Metro Park
6975 Livingston Avenue
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Telephone:  614 208 4247

  • Hours:  The  park is open from 6AM to 10PM April through September and from 6AM to 8PM, October through March.
  • Amenities:   Trails, shelter and lodge rentals, biking, golfing, picnicking, nature centers and sledding
  • Scenic View:  Views of wildlife from the nature centers
  • Length of Visit:   Determined by the activities
  • Tips for Your Visit:  During the winter months, the park offers sledding as well as cross-country skiing.  Visit the Columbus Metro Parks website for information about the many parks in the area.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus Airport East
6305 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH  43213
Telephone:  614 322 8000

Where to Eat:

Barrel & Boar
8 N. State Street
Westerville, OH  43081
Telephone:  614 300 5014

I started my meal by ordering the Carolina Hush Puppies served with honey butter.  The pulled pork came with garlic toast and a choice of two sides, so I ordered the Mac & Cheese and the Creamy Cole Slaw which were phenomenal.  I look forward to returning for brunch to experience the Bloody Mary Bar and another future visit for the Brisket Cubano.

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream:  Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
  • North Market:  A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
  • The Thurman Cafe:  The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village.  There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant:  While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read: 

  • Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
  • Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
  • Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
  • Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus: 

  • Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
  • Columbus Museum of Art:  the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
  • Everal Barn and Homestead:  landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
  • Frank Fetch Park:  gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
  • Franklin Park Conservatory:  beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
  • Gantz Park:  barn, beautiful trees,
  • German Village:  brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
  • Grove City:  brick roads, small town, shopping area
  • Hayden Falls – wooden walking path, waterfall
  • Historical Village of Hilliard:  a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
  • Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
  • Inniswood Metro Gardens:  gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
  • Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
  • Ohio State University:  campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
  • Park of Roses in Clintonville:  various types of rose gardens
  • Riverfront Park:  city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Schiller Park:  gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
  • Scioto Mile:  city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Scioto Park in Dublin:  statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
  • Short North:  restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
  • Topiary Park:  depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

A Sunday Along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Michigan

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The 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located off of M-109.   The road was built by Pierce Stocking, a local lumberman who spent his childhood exploring the area.  Great for driving or biking, the scenic route’s first stop is the Covered Bridge, which was also constructed by Stocking,  adding additional charm to the drive.

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Along the route are designated numbers that coordinate with the guided tour.

Stop number two is the scenic overlook of Glen Lake.  The lake, divided in half by the M-22 bridge, is known as Little Glen to the south and Big Glen Lake to the north.  The ridge that runs along the north side of Little Glen is appropriately named Alligator Hill as the outline of the alligator’s long snout can be seen near the bridge, to the right.  Can you see it?

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The Dune Overlook is our next stop and we exited the car to enjoy the scenic view.  Stepping onto the platform, we were surrounded by water and sand.   The beautiful blue of Lake Michigan could be mistaken for a Caribbean shoreline endlessly disappearing out into the horizon.

The nearby Cottonwood Trail is a 1.5 mile loop through the sand.

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Checkpoint five explains the ecological traits of the dunes including the flora and fauna, the effect of the weather and its soil.

Leaving the sand dunes, we entered the Beech-Maple Forest and an amazing panoramic view greeted us at marker number eight.

The landscape was created by glaciers carving their way through the land, leaving behind scenic inlets and incredible coves.

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As our scenic drive was coming to an end, we approached our ninth stop and exited the car.  Heading towards the platform, we learned that we were approximately 450 feet above Lake Michigan.  Excellent visibility allowed us a gorgeous panoramic view of  Sleeping Bear Dune.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive was a great way to spend our Sunday afternoon.  In addition to exploring our surroundings, we learned so much about Sleeping Bear Dunes and its beautiful lakeshore.

Have you visited Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?  What activities did you enjoy?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my experience on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sleeping Bear Dunes
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Empire, MI 49630
Telephone:  231 326 4700

Where to Eat:

Joe’s Friendly Tavern
11015 W. Front Street
Empire, MI  49630
Telephone:  231 326 5506

Michigan is known for its cherries, and this restaurant offered Empire wings sweetened with dark sweet cherries, so I had to try them!

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Trailhead for the Cottonwood Trail

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Nolan in the sand

Glacier Ridge Metro Park, Plain City, Ohio

DSC_0786A couple of months ago, I decided to take afternoon walks after my busy days at work.   A great way to wind down, I started searching local parks close by to get a little fresh air and some exercise.  I happened to find Glacier Ridge Metro Park one afternoon after hiking through Battelle Darby Creek and decided to check it out.  Located in rural Plain City, Ohio outside of Columbus, I found the Honda Wetland Education Area and shared the walking path with a young man and his German Shepherd.

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Returning from the hike, I noticed the park’s office was closed, but it was swarming with a flock of swallows circling overhead.  A nearby nest was on the rooftop where a mother bird guarded her nest.

Glacier Ridge is one of the newer parks in the Columbus Metro Parks center, opening with 1,000 acres in 2002.   The park system took an interest in restoring Glacier Ridge to its natural habitat after it had been agricultural land for years.

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Wildflowers flourish along the nearby stretch of land as fragile blooms push forward through the wild, grassy underbrush.  As a result of the park’s conservation efforts, there are now several species of plants and animals, with a large population of birds.

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The clouds started breaking up, so it was the perfect time to climb the observation tower.  I reached the top for a beautiful view of the wetlands and surrounding area.  From here I could see herons and geese and sound of bullfrogs in the distance.  I waited long enough to enjoy the quiet sunset in hopes of seeing more wildlife.

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I decided to return to Glacier Ridge during the winter, excited of what I may find in the snow.  I once again strolled the Wetland Education Area and hiked the Ironweed Trail to explore the north end of the park.

Leaving the wetlands, I passed over a creek where the trail opened up into a large field.  There was a clear view with little obstruction from trees and the water seemed to continue to ice over as the temperature continued to drop.  Dedicated runners and hikers walking their dogs slipped past me while I took photos.  Footprints quickly disappeared with the new fallen snow and the silence continued until another visitor appeared on the trail.

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Crossing the bridge, I noticed a weathered barn that reminded me of a scene in an Amish painting.  Glacier Ridge seems so different in the winter months, so naked and exposed compared to the spring when life begins to flourish with bugs, birds and wild beasts.   The crunch of snow under my feet and the swishing of my ski pants are the only sounds I heard as I continued deeper into the park.

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There were no signs of life, only snow covered shells of plants that once thrived in the spring and summer months.   The thistles grew fat as the snow broadened their core, creating little snow monsters protecting the prairie.  I enjoyed the feeling of the sting of cold on my face and the light touch of snow as it fell from the sky.

The hike would total 5.6 miles round trip, but it was worth the experience to see in the winter.  Besides feeling a sense of accomplishment for completing the Ironwood Trail, I was also reminded that parks are not only for the summer, but can be a great way to exercise all year around.

Have you hiked Glacier Ridge Metro Park?  When is your favorite time to visit?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading my blog post about Glacier Ridge Metro Park!  Happy Trails!

Make sure you visit Glacier Ridge during their interpretive programs, which cater to all families and individuals of all ages. There are four trails that range from .8 to five miles, cross-country skiing trails and trails for horseback riding.  In addition to picnic areas, there is also a wind and solar learning center and disc golf course.

What to See and What to Do:

Glacier Ridge MetroPark
9801 Hyland Croy Avenue
Plain City, OH 43064
Telephone:  614 891 0700

  • Hours:  The park is open daily from 6:30AM until dark
  • Length of Visit:  1 to 2 hours, or additional time depending on the activity
  • Scenic View:  There is an observation tower for beautiful views of the surrounding area
  • Amenities:  Trails,  cross country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, disc golf course, wind and solar learning center, dog park, Honda wetland education area, observation tower, picnic shelter, restrooms, playground and
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Ensure that you have visited the website to confirm the latest information about the park.   Pick up the Metro Parks magazine, ParkScope, which is published on a quarterly basis.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Garden Inn Columbus/Dublin
500 Metro Place North
Dublin, OH  43017
Telephone:  614 766 9900

Where to Eat:

Matt the Miller’s Tavern
6725 Avery-Muirfield Drive
Dublin, OH  43016
Telephone:   614 799 9100

I started out with the Bavarian Bites, warm and soft pretzels served with roasted garlic sauce (my favorite) and sweet & tangy mustard sauce.  For my main course, I chose the Miller Salad with the addition of sesame crusted Ahi Tuna.  The restaurant has an extensive drink menu to include several types of bourbon.

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Our Port Day in Puerto Vallarta

It was our final day cruising along the Mexican Riviera as the Carnival Splendor brought us into the port of Puerto Vallarta.  This cruise ship stop on the Pacific Coast rests on the edge of Banderas Bay, protected by the tropical forests of the Sierra Madre Mountains.  My friend Dani and I were so excited for this day because we had booked the dolphin excursion from the ship.  We would have plenty of time after our tour to explore this popular port town and enjoy an authentic meal of tacos, nachos and quesadillas.

As soon as we disembarked the ship, we boarded the ferry that shipped us off to the Dolphin Rescue and Reserve.  It was a short ride but the scenery was beautiful as we took in the bay and watched the ship fade into the distance.  Our group size totaled twenty, which included not only adults but several children.  The kids were so happy to see the dolphins and their energy made us just as excited as well.

Once we arrived, we followed a path through dense brush where our tour guide pointed out several native birds.  The iguanas were difficult to find, camouflaged against the green foliage so we were thrilled to point them out to our fellow travelers the moment we spotted them.

It wasn’t long until we had arrived at the pool and distracted by wanting a glimpse of the dolphins, we strayed away for a minute or two in hopes of seeing these amazing creatures.   The research team led us to a covered space providing us with a safety briefing as well as instructions on how to interact with the dolphins.

We were asked to remove our jewelry so that we did not scratch the dolphins’ delicate skin.  It was also important that we allowed the dolphins to take their time to get comfortable with us once we entered the pool.  The trainers would be looking for any signs of distress by the dolphin(s) and our interaction could cease at any time should the caretakers feel the dolphins were not comfortable.  Cameras were not allowed in the pool area, but we could purchase our photos from the reserve.

Prior to hearing the rules, Dani and I happened to take a photo of the dolphins as they were let out during our educational session.  I was happy that they allowed us to keep the photos, but of course, reminded us not to take any additional photographs.

Once we finished our dolphin swim, we followed our guide to an observational deck below where we could catch a better glimpse of the dolphins underwater.  A highlight of my trip was to watch a seven month calf swimming side by side with her mother.

I would have loved to have had more time watching the dolphins, but our group was preparing to leave as another tour began.  Dani and I had decided to stop by a local restaurant to enjoy a couple of margaritas before boarding the ship.

We selected a cozy, open-air café where we could people watch and place an order for an authentic Mexican meal.

We started by requesting a Pacifico, the local beer.

An order of chips and salsa….

and guacamole.

After finishing our snacks, we decided to return to the ship a little early and hang out by the pool.  The excitement of swimming with dolphins lasted throughout the evening and I wished I would have purchased the photo.  Removing “Swimming with Dolphins” from my bucket list, I was ready to relax for the rest of the evening.

Have you had the opportunity to explore Puerto Vallarta?  Or have you recently marked off one of your bucket list items?   I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my day at the Dolphin Reserve and Rescue and I wish you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Dolphin Discovery Vallarta
Tepic Km 155
63732, Nuevo Vallarta, Nay Mexico
Telephone:  866 393 5158

Where to Stay:

Fiesta Inn Puerto Vallarta Isla
Blvd. San Francisco Medina Ascencio 2477
Puerto Vallarta, JAL 48333, Mexico
Telephone:  888 734 8507

Ranked 9.2 out of 10

Where to Eat:  (our restaurant has closed, but the following comes highly recommended)

Azul Vallarta
Playa de Oro #126,
Zona Hotelera, Zona Hotelera Nte.,
48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Telephone:  52 322 221 9606

What to Eat:

  • Birria is made of goat or lamb boiled in local spices and prepared spice. It is served with lime, onion and tortillas.
  • Fish roasted on a stick or “pescado embarazado”
  • Tamales are corn meal stuffed with meat, tomatoes, chilis, while some have pineapple without chiles. The corn meal is then wrapped by a corn husk and steamed.  A favorite during the Christmas holiday.
  • Tequila, mescal and raicilla are alcoholic drinks. While most are familiar with the tequila and mescal (with the worm), raicilla is much stronger and has a smoky taste.

What to Read:

  • Knock Until the Dog Barks, by D. E. Brobst
  • Getaway, by Lisa Brackmann
  • Puerto Vallarta Squeeze, by Robert James Walter
  • Boomers in Paradise: Boomers in Puerto Vallarta, by Robert Nelson
  • Tomorrow There will be Sun. by Dana Reinhardt

Photo Guide for Puerto Vallarta:

  • Bay of Banderas
    • Cultural sights
  • Beaches of Puerto Vallarta
  • Cuale River Island
    • Stairway to heaven
  • Local Hotels
    • Pool shots
  • Los Muertos Beach
    • Brightly colored architecture
  • Old Town
    • Angel Wings in Old Town Puerto Vallarta
    • Beautiful Murals
  • Sayulita
    • Charming alleys
    • Iguanas
    • Murals
    • Restaurants
    • Wall art and art vendors

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