Mexico Fun at The Valentin Imperial Maya

Hello again!
This time we are going in the way back machine back to Sept of 2008


This place was so amazing we decided to add it in ,
This time we are in Mexico, Playa Del Carmen on 1/2 mile of private beach called "Playa Del Secreto" (the secret beach) at the "Valentin Imperial Maya" a newer hotel that just finished being built in 2008.
The Hotel was beautiful and romantic , The pool huge and wonderful The staff friendly , the food plentiful and if you like cocktails your in heaven!

The entire resort is clean from the public restrooms to every place you can go in the resort great care is
taken to make it exactly what you would think it should be . The beach is cleaned every day , your fridge is stocked and everything you could want is included in the price you pay .

There are 9 restaurants and over 7 bars , one for whatever you would like to do , from sports to reading they have a space for you .

We got a swim up suite and boy is it worth it ! 10 feet out your door and your in the blue clear water it was hard to decide to stay by our room or hit the beach .
We have two words for you "Off Season!" we went in September the water was warm the sun was hot and the resort was only at 30% capacity . The greatest thing was if your like us and just want to be alone you could be, virtually any time you want, we had the beach to ourselves most of the morning except for the occasion bird and passing boat.
A little waring if its not your thing the beaches are topless optional .

Another nice thing is this is an
adult only resort , but not the ADULT ONLY you need to worry about.

Over by the swim up suites there is a self serve bar that they set up and leave for you , plus the restaurants are full service with many choices from Italian to french the food was great , the room service is 24 hours a day but the menu is limited , you don't have to tip but they do earn it!

Bring tipping money a insulated cup for the beach the ice melts super fast , it doesn't have to be the 64OZ big gulp type any one will do , the water is filtered and there is plenty to do, the main pool is huge you can float all day and hang at the swim up bar.

Some things to bring - Nice clothes you have to dress for dinner all though they didn't appear to enforce that rule, The insulated cup , Tons of sunscreen , Water socks - the beach is a little rocky getting in the water , a great book , band aids the ones they have at the resort turn your wound red, and get ready to be on vacation without worry . We would recommend this resort for the first timer to Mexico . Wander the trails hold hands , watch the late night shows in the out door theater, or have a coffee in the coffee bar , this resort is romantic safe and clean .


http://www.valentinmaya.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotos-g150812-Playa_del_Carmen_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

Cascade Head Preserve

Hello It's Tim& April Again,
This time time we explored Cascade Head Preserve a 4 to 6 mile round trip trail just out side of Lincoln City, Oregon.

The trail head is only 47 miles from McMinnville and just a mile or two from Lincoln City, go North on Hwy 101 and turn on Three Rocks Road and follow it to the Parking area.

The trail is clearly marked and runs through some private land as well as forest land, There are bathrooms and paved parking at the trail head and a very nice view of the Salmon River Estuary and a cute little dock, the view from the dock alone is worth the drive even if you don't want to hike the trail, if you have a fishing boat you can launch it at the boat ramp and do some fishing too.

If you do want to see the view from the top but aren't up to the 2 1/2 mile trek you can drive up to an alternate starting point on Cascade Head Road and its a short walk without to much uphill.

What can we say about this trail? View View View! You will start out at sea level and depending on how far you want to hike you will go up as high 1200 feet, There are no dogs or bikes allowed on the trails. The trail is very well maintained and has a complete view of Lincoln City, The Salmon River and on a clear day the ocean as far as your eyes can see, you will see moss covered trees, thick forest, streams, grass land and more.

The trail will get you warmed up very fast with a heart pounding dirt and wood staircase not far from the trail head, those hours on your stair master will pay off here, they seem to go up forever before having you meander always gradually uphill through moss covered trees with the occasional view of the ocean .

You will keep going through a more dense forest pack like they cut the trail right through the brush till you break out on an amazing grass land that overlooks the Ocean.

Its not to much further to the lower lookout where you overlook 3 rocks and the Point.

The trail continues on if you wish up another mile to the end of the trail but its only 1/2 mile to the top view point at the 1200 feet elevation , totally worth the extra hike , bring lunch and pick a spot in the grassland and enjoy the view the hike back feels like a breeze because its pretty much down hill.

It is a little rough on the knees and would be considered a moderate hike but take your time and you will make it just fine, the hikers you meet along the way are all friendly and never seem to pass with out friendly hello, Bring lunch, water and your camera at the end of the day you will be happy you came and your heart will thank you for the workout.
Happy Hiking Tim & April.

http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/oregon/preserves/art6796.html

Drift Creek Falls Oregon

Hello this is our first post.
We thought what a great way to see and really get to know our Oregon together.
We hope to give an idea or two, enjoy!

This hike is definitely worth the drive!

Drift Creek Falls, Oregon
It's not too far from McMinnville, Oregon turn at Rose Lodge and make sure you look for and follow the Drift Creek Camp signs. It's only 9 miles from Highway 18 but feels like it's further due to the curvy road.

On your way, make sure you take time to stop and see
Oregon's oldest Covered Bridge. It's before your turn from Highway 18 and has a great story.

This hike is an easy stroll and ends with crossing a 200Ft suspension bridge 100ft above the creek. The bridge is an adventure in itself and quite a fun crossing even tough it does sway!
The bridge was flown in piece by piece by chopper. The view of the falls from the bridge is awesome! If you continue on, it goes to the bottom of the falls where water polished rocks and cool water awaits.

You'll see some great flora and a beautiful horsetail fall,
a relaxing easy hike and your their.

The trail is a bit muddy so bring shoes to change in to and lunch at the bottom of the falls is a must! It is $5 to hike but the donation station is broken at the time of this blog.

This 3 mile round trip hike in the woods of the northwest is a great way to start or end your day when visiting Lincoln City , Oregon.

looking where to hike? use this tool from the Portland Monthly
http://www.portlandmonthlymag.com/travel-and-outdoors/find-a-trail/

Happy Travels
Tim & April

http://www.traveloregon.com/Explore-Oregon/Oregon-Coast/Outdoor-Recreation/Hike-Oregon/Hiking-and-Walking/Drift-Creek-Falls-Trail.aspx