Back to back to back
This post will not be as in depth due to a couple reasons: detail required and I am lazy. It will have photos and brief summary about my various adventures between 2022-08-17 through 2022-08-28. This post may be slow to load as well because of all the media. Just in case you want to hear nostalgia to go with the slow loading page.
tl;dr:
- 2022-08-17 -> 2022-08-20: Cedaredge, CO, USA
- 2022-08-21 -> 2022-08-26: Cancún, MX
- 2022-08-27 -> 2022-08-28: San Francisco, CA, USA
- 2022-08-29: Back to the grind
How did this happen? The word is, yes.
This is probably the busiest and most traveling I have done since my midlife crisis in May of 2021. It was interesting to prepare and pack for due to the nature of the trips. I packed for two separate trips so I could leave bags and grab the next bags to be on my way again. There was no time for downtime. I also had to buy some items for each respective trip for hiking and resort life. My closet is basically that of a cartoon character so not a lot of variety.
You may have noticed the posts are not as frequent and that is because my life is rather boring. Enough with the small talk, let us get on with the post. And here we go.
Colorado
A friend needed help transporting some items from here to there and they wanted to revisit Leon Peak. I let them know I could help out as long as we made it back before my flight to Mexico. We set the dates and coordinated our departure time. We preloaded the truck with the heavier items on the weekend and left on Wednesday afternoon after work.
It was a long tiresome drive after work that I mostly slept through. It was about (12) twelve hours to our destination and I drove for (4) four hours? We arrived around 0700 MT. We unloaded the items, went into town for breakfast, and then another nap. The rest of the day was just putzing around and preparing for the upcoming adventure. We went into town town in Delta to pickup some high quality H2O and dinner at Sonic.
We headed towards Grand Mesa, specifically to Weir & Johnson so we could hike up to Leon Peak. We grabbed our hiking gear out of the truck and went on our (not so) merry way.
The start of the hike had a nice little trail surrounded by trees. I thought to myself, this is fine and it was until it was not. Once we got to rocks is when the struggle started, and it was real. Ensuring I maintain my balance to avoid twisting my ankle or falling backwards with the weight of the backpack. I am not so sure-footed in this environment so my pace was quite slow. I did not want to worry about getting stuck in the wilderness while also missing my upcoming second vacation.
The day progressed with more rocks climbed, but no apparent end in sight. I found more muscles in my legs that I did not know existed. This was a different pain from cycling and I did not like it.
I took many breaks for photos and my safety. The last stretch of rocks seen above was not fun as I could feel a cramp coming on. I thought I was going to be stuck if it was able to take hold. Thankfully the cramp subsided so I could continue. Unfortunately due to time, terrain, and my slow pace we did not make it to Leon Peak. According to my Garmin fēnix 6X Pro this hike, one way, was 0.94 miles with an ascent of 347 feet. We started at 10,535 feet and finished at 10,949 feet. It was (3) three hours total time with (4) four hours for the elapsed time. I was destroyed and I will stick to cycling.
The hike was not over. What goes up, must come down. The hike down was not easy either. Instead of being concerned with falling backwards I was worried about tumbling downhill over the rocks now.Since it was downhill though it was less than an hour and half back to Weir & Johnson. I was so sore. We were picked up and we went back to our lodging.
We had some time before dinner with our neighbors so we visited friend's family for a bit and then watched The War Of the Roses. While we were watching the movie water started to pour from the sky. It rained quite a bit. I was thankful we were no longer up on Grand Mesa or it would have been an even more miserable experience. The neighbors hosted and prepared a delicious dinner. After dinner it was time to pack for the long drive home.
I was still sore before heading back home. I have not been this sore in a long time. Getting in and out of the truck was not pleasant. So many hours and miles later we finally made it back to Los Angeles.
Mexico
Dia Uno
Another day, another early morning. The queue for departures at Los Angeles International Airport was too long. I had my friend drop me off at arrivals and I went up to departures. I was slightly confused because the departure terminal was not part of Tom Bradley for a non-domestic flight. I made it through screening without any issues and I patiently waited for my scheduled departure.
The flight was fine, I had a great seat, and watched a couple movies. The flight staff stated they did not receive any declaration forms for the passengers, but we should expect forms upon arrival. The plane eventually landed, we deplaned, and they stamped my hand passport. I slowly walked away from the first checkpoint and I continued towards a sign that said nothing to declare. There was some law enforcement looking persons and a canine. I was either going to make it through or look suspicious because instructions unclear. Nothing happened, life is boring, and I made it outside.
The Excellence Resort emailed me instructions to follow upon my arrival to ensure a smooth arrival and transportation. I was also provided similar instructions from someone else. Do not talk to anyone, look for Seasons Tours, and get in the prearranged transport vehicle to the resort.
We kindly ask you to look for a Seasons Tours representative at platform number 2 . They wear beige pants and a green shirt with the Seasons Transfers logo on it. Our chauffeurs wear navy or black pants, with a white shirt.
If I was a paranoid person I would be worried about some other random people wearing the same attire. Remember, life is boring and it is not a movie...or is it? I found the representative and within a few minutes the Chevrolet Suburban was there to whisk me away. I stared out the window and listened to music, we eventually made it the hotel zone which had a gate check-in and then an additional gate check-in at the resort. It was more than I expected, but I guess the illusion of safety is important for guests. I was dropped off at the resort, my bags carried, and I was greeted with, welcome home. Odd, but maybe because I am not used to staying at fancy places. After my check-in process I was provided a mini-tour while being escorted to my room. Although they offered to transport all my bags, I opted to carry my backpack. Still not used to all inclusive, fancy, whatever you want to call it, and it will be a recurring theme. I finally made it to the room and settled in. I forgot about the part where I panicked before the trip and bought a whole new wardrobe to "fit in" with beach life.
Did I mention I am here to attend a wedding? I texted my friends that I had arrived but cellular service was not great. I went to grab dinner, my first meal of the day. When I was being seated they pulled out my chair, scooted it in, and even placed the napkin on my lap. All things I am capable of! Is this normal? Is this part of the experience? I do not like it. Thankfully I ordered (2) two meals at dinner because the portions are poquito. All inclusive but I want mas. Super size me!
After my dinner I met up with my friends for a (second) dinner and I met their friends as well. We had a a great evening and we went back to our rooms until the evening festivities. My friend walked back with me though and so we could continue catching up. I was very confused initially as someone was in my room, I just checked in today, what could they possibly be doing?! Apparently turndown service is a thing. So I put on the do not disturb tag. My friend went back to their room so to also get ready for the evening event. Spoilers, I passed out on the couch and I did not make back out.
Dia Dos
I spent my first night at the resort on the couch. I cleaned up and wandered around the resort. With less than a week here I started collecting quotes for various excursions. I ended up on the beach to get information for scuba diving...and they were surprised with my lack of Spanish because I am from Southern California. The beach people referred me to their building near the pool to book any water related activities. I want to be a member of the Scuba Squad! The same friends that brought us Prada advised I visit Chichen Itza while I was in the area.
I eventually met up with my friend so we could get more excursion information for our group. I let me friend know that as long as I Chichen Itza I would be good. We met with the tour person and received information for Chichen Itza and a cenote including quotes for the various options. We had the option to basically either ride economy or first class at a difference of $40 USD. This meant either riding in a bus, shared van, or our own private vehicle. It was an easy decision since we are on vacation then we should splurge a little, treat yo self. With their wedding Tuesday afternoon, I advised that we should book our excursion for Thursday jueves since it would be a full day. With the primary excursion booked we went to book the water activities. I booked scuba diving for Tuesday afternoon and and whale shark snorkeling on Wednesday. Finally we I could relax! We met up with everyone else to loiter at the pool and eventually eat a late lunch.
While at lunch we were discussing the free water activities available to resort guests, specifically going out on a catamaran. The option to take it out ourselves or have a guide take us out. We talked weighed both options, discussed how hard could it be...?, and even looked up videos on YouTube. We walked down to the beach and thankfully went with the guide or I might be stranded in Cancun still. The water was clear, warm, and not cold. It was amazing. We asked the capitan about guests opting to go solo and he said it is obvious very quickly if they do not know what they are doing. He demonstrated it adjusting the sail just a bit and we completely stopped, but also apparently some people have capsized the catamarans. So we putzed around a bit and discussed work, hobbies, and other interests. Would catamaran again. I even considered taking up sailing as my next hobby if I did not get sea sick and had sufficient funding. Perhaps in another life.
My friends wanted to go to the evening karaoke activity so went our separate ways for a bit until it was time. As most of you know I follow a very basic food pyramid, so for dinner I went to a place called: Sports Bar. It was like being stateside again! I ordered ribs, a quesoburger, and listening to music. It was a good time. I finally met up with my friends at karaoke night at the outdoor stage. Unfortunately my friends did not sign up in time and unable to particulate. While I will never have the (liquid) courage to go up there I am glad there are people that do. The annoying part about my friends not being able to go up is some people went up multiple times! It went on quite late and I eventually went back to my room to turn in for the night.
Dia Tres
Today was the big day, wedding day for my friends. I put together the things I would need for the shallow scuba dive in the afternoon and then walked over to their room. Humidity is annoying because just opening the door to the outside would instantly fog up my sunglasses. I was asked by one of the staff members if they could clean my room since it has had DND since Sunday and I let them know it would be available the following day. My friend and I walked over to the bicycle tour, but we were too late since it was filled (first come first serve). We went back to the room since there were more important things to prepare for like their wedding. This is not the first wedding I have attended so I have seen "last minute" behind the scenes preparation, but the resort was taking care of all the things. We attempted some origami patterns and I also timed their wedding vows. We all went to lunch together at the restaurant on the sand with an amazing view. I split off during lunch so I could grab my stuff and wait on the beach for our shallow dive to head out. I met some people while waiting also participating in the dive. Some local to Southern California and others not so local. We all got onto the boat and transferred onto the dive boat.
The dive boat transported us further out and we connected with another boat to pickup another dive master. The operators went over handing out weights, fins, and discussing the dive. A couple of us were certified but had not dived in a while, it certainly showed for me since I was not aware of the weights I required. We made it the start and stepped into the water. Again, amazing warm and clear water, how do I get this without moving?! I initially had difficulty submerging myself so one of the dive masters fully deflated my buoyancy control device (BCD) while I was fiddling with the control. Finally down on the floor approximately 30 feet according to the dive watch I borrowed from my roommate (mine has a dead battery). It was weird wearing a weight belt since I am using to integrated weights with my personal BCD. Once on the floor everything was coming back and off we went swimming around. It was a bigger group than I was used to from the last couple dives I have been on so I had to be mindful of other divers to my right, left, up, or down from my position as we followed the leader. The video setting I used on my action camera was too high for the micro SD card since I saw it error out a few times; however, it was able to capture some video. Since it was a shallow enough dive there was no safety stop which was weird to me. Back on the boat and back to mainland. Diving is a fun experience and I would recommend it if you have motive, means, and opportunity.
I told my friends I should have enough time to dive and attend their wedding. I had about an hour to get ready which was plenty of time...until I got back to my room without any running water. I turned on the sink so I could clean my gear used on the dive but there was no water. I did what any normal person would do and turned it off and on again. Nothing. So I walked outside and asked one of the staff members. They turned the faucet on and of course it worked, but it was discolored so some maintenance must have been done. In any case I had water again so it was time to prepare or so I thought. The water did turn off again for a few seconds and I was prepared to cleanup at an outside shower. Thankfully it all worked out and I got ready. This is the most casual I have dressed up for a wedding. My friends said to be comfortable so it was khakis, polo, and my good pair of Vans.
I walked across the resort to meetup with the groom and we were escorted to the venue on the beach. It was a small wedding and relatively short ceremony. I recorded the entire ceremony on my cellphone telephone for those that could not attend, if the live stream did not work well, and for memory purposes. The ceremony happened as it typically does: a person said words, the couple said their words, they kissed, walked, and posed for some photos. Efficiency! The wedding coordinator went back to the resort to prepare the dinner reservations and we followed after taking some group photos.
We had dinner at Spice in a private room. Some sushi was out on the table when we entered and a plate had a personalized message "<3 <3 Happy First Date <3" so I am sure you could guess this newly wed couple had their first date at a sushi restaurant. We had a wonderful evening celebrating and the restaurant acquired a non-alcoholic beverage for me. There was a small processional (similar to this) during dinner with a dragon. I had to separate after dinner from the partying since I had an early mañana with the whale shark tour.
Dia Cuatro
I woke up (clearly as you are reading an event I typed about the past), grabbed the essentials (mask, snorkel, dry bag, action camera, and cash), removed the DND tag from my door, and waited in the lobby for transportation. A driver picked me up and another couple on the way. We were dropped off at Marina Hacienda Del Mar around 0800 and introduced to our tour guide and group. Our tour guide Pilar had some educational information along with how the day would go once we arrived to the location. The boat ride was about (30) thirty minutes until we found all the other boats for the same thing. There is a system and order of operations these tour operators follow.
We were paired off and would go in and exit as pairs. It was not a good day for whale shark viewing as we all circled around for a bit. Fortunately I was ready for disappointment and experienced something similar for the manta ray night dive off The Big Island. Who knew you could not guarantee wildlife would show up? The first pair expected to go in first asked if they could go in after another group because they really wanted to see a whale shark. All I could think was: so you are prepared to screw over everyone else here for the same thing? A bit selfish in my opinion, but the tour guide said no and unless there is a whale shark they would not be instructed to go in the water. As they sat on the edge while the boat circled around with chatter on the radio, the captain exclaimed jump, go! I did not see anything but I guess that is why I am the tourist. Slowly but surely we went off in pairs into the water. Unfortunately my first round in the water was not ideal, but I was able to make out a silhouette of a whale shark. There was only (1) one that decided to come out and be harassed by humans. Either the whale shark likes the attention, lost a bet, or drew a short proverbial short straw? We were given another opportunity to jump in the water, of course as it was time to jump I was preparing the camera, and I heard do you want to see it or play with your camera?! ¡Por que no los dos! The human memory is faulty, but in the water I went while trying to orient myself in the direction of the whale shark. I had a better view this time around and captured it on video as proof once I eventually forget as life goes on. Unless I lose the video, then did it really happen? We were all back on the boat again with only one person having a bad time with sea sickness.
Our tour guide let us know our next stop was La Isla Bonita Isla Mujeras. I had no idea there was more to the trip but it was a welcome surprise. We headed towards the island with a stop or two for washroom breaks in the ocean. I chatted with one of the other persons onboard, from Michigan. They showed me whereabouts from Michigan with the hand thing. They were traveling with their friend while on break from touring. Apparently they play instruments although I can no longer remember the specifics except they have toured with Josh Groban and Michael Bublé. They told me about a parking structure back in Michigan with some artwork, possibly Z-Deck? It is one of the states I still need to visit so maybe I will see it one day. As we approached the island we were told we would have time to swim, ceviche for lunch, and if we wanted explore the island we could take a ferry back. A few of us got in the water for a bit. I mostly laid face down in the water staring at the sand playing dead with my mask and snorkel. As you have read the water is very clear I could not pull off shark boy. Back on the boat I had ceviche for the first time, not bad. Back to mainland after lunch and to the resort.
Back at the resort I went to my room to clean my gear from filthy destructive saltwater, again. The room was slightly tidier, but I really only sleep in it so it was not that messy. While I was cleaning up for dinner multiple people tried to break access the room. This full service life is annoying. I think one was a midday clean and another was an attempt to top off snacks and mini-fridge. The DND sign was added to my door again. These seemingly random interruptions to me was not necessary. Perhaps I should spend more time at the pool like the rest of the guests? I went down for a late lunch and ordered (2) two pizzas (remember portion sizes are not supersized). I tried to find my friends but had no luck while I explored the resort so I went back to my room for a bit.
I met up with my friend a couple hours later for the evening entertainment. I ordered a bacon wrapped hotdog and quesoburger both with fries for second breakfast dinner. The entertainment included a singer with band followed by live entertainment on the live stage. The refills for our beverages was never ending, excellent service. It amazes me what coordinated people are capable of performing and trust they have in each other. One of the segments was what you might see ice skaters perform but without ice on a smaller stage. After the show it was back to the band with some dancers now, a couple even on stilts! I turned in for the night early again though due to another early morning. Just Another Day in a version of paradise.
Dia Cinco
The big day, the most important part of the trip, well unless you count the wedding so maybe the second most important day. I walked over to my friends room and we sauntered over to the lobby to await our private vehicle. Other tourists were also waiting for their tour transportation. Our driver arrived around 0700 and we loaded up into a Chevrolet Suburban RST. The driver let us know they stocked the cooler with beverages and let us pair a phone via Bluetooth so we could escuchar música. It would be a few hours to our destination so my friends used the opportunity to nap. I just stared out the window and probably had some thoughts.
We arrived to Chichen Itza, a wonder of the world, around 1015 and our driver introduced us to our tour guide. Our driver let us know they would wait and we would leave around 1200. Time to learn and be educated about this Mayan location. It is fascinating that something like this could be lost and rediscovered in 1841. Taken over by nature and slowly restored over the years. It is still being restored all these years later. We walked along the basketball ball game court. Our tour guide explained the game and showed us the inscription artwork which is how they think they know how it was played. While standing there it seems like an impossible game, but later that day a video showed up on Reddit via TikTok...so not completely impossible?
We continued our tour around the accessible grounds, listened, and photographed all the things including selfies (obviously). It really is impressive seeing it in person. I can barely put together things with detailed instructions with prefabricated parts and tools. Then there is stuff from many years ago with ornate artwork/structures built in a cave jungle. SPOILER ALERT The pyramid even chirps back if you clap at the base and also some fancy shadow stuff during the equinox. More details. END SPOILER
(Un)Fortunately climbing up the pyramid is no longer allowed since 2008 due to erosion and safety concerns. If you do want to climb a pyramid I am told it is still possible in Coba. After our tour was over we had the opportunity to shop at the local merchants scattered around. Our tour guide informed us to not accept the first price but to haggle with the vendors. I do not like haggling, let me pay the sucker price. Thankfully my friend had no problem discussing price options and walking away as one does in these sort of deals. Payment with cash or card. We were still on a schedule so we did not have time to wander through all the tables, but it was similar to a swap meet setup. There was quite a bit of similarities in the products but not completely the same. We purchased some wooden masks and a few other trinkets before heading back to our chariot private transport. While completely unrelated all I could think about was Temple of Doom (I watched Indiana Jones when I returned stateside). Onward to a cenote!
We arrived at Cenote Saamal for a swim and comida. It went from a sunny clear day to rain and of course I forgot the temporary rain ponchos in my room. We changed into swim attire, locked up non-swim items in a locker, rinsed off, and jumped into the cenote. We swam around for a bit, jumped in a couple different times, and watched other people jump in or not. There were also fish swimming in the water so we did watch our steps on the way out, once it crowded. We beat the tour bus rush so private escort was definitely a good call. We changed back into dry clothes and had lunch. Lunch was buffet style and I was only bamboozled by the taquito empty shells. Similar to my other stops water, Coca-Cola products, or cerveza. We posed with a couple dressed or I guess more undressed models at the entrance before leaving.
Our last stop of the tour included a walk around the city Valladolid, but due to the inclement weather we just had the driver drive us around the city square. We opted against a formal tour to save some time and potentially avoid some traffic. We still wanted to buy some souvenirs so our driver took us to a store on the way back. We perused the goods around the store for personal souvenirs but also to take back home for friends or family. After purchasing items we were on our way. Back at the resort we went our separate ways to clean up and eventually meet up for dinner. Dinner was missing the main item and sadly more of a wait time than previous nights. Once our food arrived we hastily consumed our food so we could see the not cancelled fire show outside, but "inside" because rain. The main show this evening had performers spinning, dancing, and doing other seemingly unsafe but well practiced choreographed tricks with fire torches. I am easily impressed. The evening closed out with a DJ and it was my last night in paradise.
*Today's excursion was brought to you by the same friends that brought you Prada.
Dia Seis
My last day in paradise. I had my things packed and I was determined to ride a bicycle so off to the bicycle tour location, again. I made there to get there early to get a spot since it is first come, first served. Other people eventually trickled in and when it was time for the tour we selected a bicycle. It was only a couple miles in the resort zone with a few stops for tour guide knowledge from Andres, our tour guide. There was a couple that recently arrived and Andres asked the group to provide suggestions on activities/excursions we enjoyed. I suggested whale shark viewing and another guest concurred...that guest went the day before and claimed to have seen approximately (30) thirty ish whale sharks!? While I am still happy I saw a whale shark I am also disappoint because quantity is greater than quality, right?
After the tour I met with my friends for breakfast to have my last "free" meal. My friend had a grande (large) omelette constructed. Mas grande! I had a normal size omelette, some meats, and donuts. Once I was done with breakfast we went to back to a room and enjoyed what time I had left. My friends checkout was the following day so they received a coconut monkey looking drink as a reminder the stay was over soon too. Soon after we walked over to the resort gift shop to buy some last minute trinkets and dust collectors to bring home. It was finally time to await for my escort back to the airport. My friend waited with me until my transportation arrived and just like that vacation was essentially over. Into the vehicle, over the road, and to the airport we go.
I had a couple arrangements for transportation once I was back in California because contingency plans. My primary transport was initially not reachable to confirm but I was eventually able to confirm through another person. All that was needed now was to get on a plane to LAX. It is always a pleasure flying out of an airport that is not LAX. I finally found a non Coca-Cola beverage and I bought a Dr Pepper near my terminal. While I waited for my flight I continued to nervously check for any last minute changes to my flight details since the gate had no information. Finally airline staff arrived and displays turned on with flight information. Some official looking personnel showed up to ask some people questions and additional names were called over the intercom, including mine. This is a first for me. I approached with my passport, answered the questions, and they put a sticker on my passport. I am still not sure what it was about but maybe something to do with my flight check-in? In any case I was able to board.
Hours later I was finally back in California. I followed the signs directing people to the appropriate customs line. I approached the officer, looked at the camera, and just like that had my information. They queried if I brought anything back and my response was just souvenirs. They welcomed me back and I called my ride. Traveling with only carry-on items is the best way to travel. In theory no worry about lost luggage or waiting at the baggage carousel. We had dinner at In-N-Out and then it was time for a quick nap. I texted a friend about a quick drive up to San Francisco for a birthday party assuming I wake up early enough.
San Francisco
I woke up, quickly changed, texted my friend, and got in the car to pick them up. The birthday party scheduled for 1300 at Dolores Park for a mutual friend of ours. I would normally take the motorcycle to visit, but I had company so this was my first drive up in the car...hopefully I could avoid turning onto wrong streets with steep hills. We made good time to the city, found a flat street to park on nearby, and we arrived just before the party host! We helped carry items from the car to stake claim to a small patch of grass. It was a beautiful sunny day in the park. My friend and I just sat in folding chairs hanging out for the afternoon. We met some new people, ate food, and watched things get blown away with gusts of wind. We were fortunate our friend said we could crash at their place for the night before driving back home on Sunday. We packed up our things, walked back to the car, made a quick stop to visit some family, and sat in traffic on the way to our friend's place.
After some traffic, a missed turn, and finding parking we made it. We all went to a brewery for beverages, but we did not stay long. It was a long day so as soon as we got back I passed out on an air mattress. Best sleep ever. Perhaps all the traveling over the past week or so had something to do with that. We went out for brunch together before heading back home, again. On the road again.
I have done the drive to and from Southern California to Northern California many times. Hot, cold, bright, dark, and I usually stop at the same gas stations. It was 95+ degrees Fahrenheit going down the 5 South. The last time I made this trip was on the motorcycle and it was not a pleasant experience that time I had eventually cut over to the 101 for a less miserable experience. However, this time I had modern amenities in a car with air conditioning so no need for detours. The most confusing part of this trip was a stop in Lost Hills for petrol at $7.19/gallon for premium and a fruit vendor or something on a corner...in Lost Hills at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, who is buying out here?! The vendor with carts similar to the setups in Southern California with a colorful umbrella. There has to be a better location? Maybe? Anyways back to the drive home. We hit the usually Los Angeles traffic and to kill time we took chance making a surprise stop to visit some mutual friends. Fortunately they were home and let us in. I think I was doing everything I could to stretch out my vacation, min-max all the things. Although we still had work in the morning so I dropped my friend off and I finally went home.
Fin
I took my time working on this post and collecting my thoughts. It can be a challenge typing everything up and curating photos for a post. It is especially difficult after months have passed since the events took place; however, I usually put together a rough outline and reference photos for reminders. I was certainly more diligent about updates while on my midlife crisis ride last year. This short post has been short bursts of working on it occasionally in the evening over the past few months. Perhaps I should split it up next time over several smaller posts?
Until next year, reader.