Sat Feb 20

Today is the big day for the wedding, and I had a list of things I wanted to do. The first thing was to see the whales. WE walked down to the beach and bargained to get a ride out to where they would be. Armed with my new camera and ready to take movie pictures and capture the moment. There were at least 10 boats out there and all of a sudden the whales started appearing. To my disapointment the battery on the camera went dead. I was on the bow of the boat looking around when in front of the boat not more than 10 feet away the whale came out of the water. I cannot describe the feeling in my gut, I was shocked and scared. Not having a camera in my hand was a good thing.

The wedding was the best setting overlooking the ocean with about 70 people in attendance. Aaron looked so hansome and Andrea looked absolutley gorgeous. The ceremony went off without a hitch and all the guests had a fabulous time. The dinner was served at one of the restraunts in the hotel called the Steak House it was very nice and the food was excellant. Not being at the buffet and having all the food brought to the table was a nice treat. Sunday we say goodbye once again to new and old friends and head to San Jose. The quiet little hut on the beach. This will be a culture shock for both Bob and I. I may not be able to blog until our return to US because of limited internet.

Friday Feb 19

It was a typical day in paradise. The weather has been more than perfect, light breezes and temperatures in the 80's. We started our day with the stretch class then on to water aerobics and then the favorite time of the day being a lounge lizard. Paul and Cheryl were much more energetic and went parasailing I just could not get the courage up to join them.

Once again at night we chose to leave the compund and seek food other than the resort food. Bob, myself, Kelly and Amanda walked about 1 mile or more to a restraunt called the "Office". The place was packed and we had no reservations. I had emailed the restraunt before I left thinking we could get right in. To my amazement we did get a table we told them we were at the Riu Palace and somehow talked our way in. The seating is all outside not cheap but good food. We chose to take the taxi back no way we were going to do the walk again. The night ended at the show and off to bed to rest up for the big day.

Thursday Feb 18

What a great day today was. Bob and I opted to explore the city of Cabo. We left the compund with our wrist bands still intact. The water taxi seemed to be the best way to go so for $10.00 we could get a scenic tour. The biggest challenge was getting into the boat. The waves were crashing and there are no docks so like a beeched whale I flopped into the bow of the boat and away we went. The arches are a big attraction here this is where the sean lions lounge on the rocks. The guide Julio took us right in the arch very cool to see them. We then made our way along the shore to where people were snorkeling and I might add water taxis were everywhere. Best as we could tell no one had been run over but how they hadn't was beyond me.

After arriving at the marina we toured the streets and did some shopping, there is the word that dosen't fit with Bob but he was a great sport. This was our first meal away from the resort and it was quite unique, lobster tails something we haven't at the Palace. Returning to the resort was much easier as there was a pier to step off onto the boat. Today is the last days before the wedding can hardly wait is is going to be so much fun. Great day was had by all.

Wed. Feb 17

The weather is just the best. We spent the day doing strech class, brisk walk on the beach and water aerobics. Then a siesta by the pool in the afternoon. The room saga has ended. A quick email to Tammy the travel agent and the problems was resolved.She has done an unbeliveable job.We will be moving into a room with a view, and closer to our friends.

Last night Paul, Cheryl, Andrea, Aaron, Amanda, Kelly and all there friends hooked up. The show in the theatre was the Mexicanna show. Great fun they even had a mariuchi band otherwise known as a marachi band. Today we are hoping to hook up with Geoff and Beth and see the city.

Tuesday Feb. 16
The eagle has landed. Our flight from Vegas left at 6:45 we were up at 4:00 then
flew to Phoenix then on to Los Cabos. The flight was uneventflul and arrived about 12:30. Upon checking into the hotel there were some gliches. Our travel agent Tammy did a great job but the Palace did not do such a great job. Tammy had upgraded everyone to an ocean view room and when we got there they said we were in a garden view room. After discussing the problem they said they had a solution ground floor with ocean view that is a lie but they tell me they are all booked up. The front desk was not very accomadating I only hope we are close to all the people in the wedding the reason we are here. Time will tell. The weather is very nice, we were able to hang out at the pool for alittle while and now I am in the common area where there is internet access. Tonight it looks like buffet we are unable to get into the restaurants. Tomorrow I am sure will be much better.

Monday Feb. 15

Bob and I left Kingman and a few hours later after stopping at Hoover Dam for construction we arrive at George and Phyl's. It was so good to see them and they werre happy to see us, we went out for lunch (thank you George and Phyl) then spent some time visiting with them. They appear to be doing really good. We should all be in a place like this 3-4 meals a day activites every day and happy hour at leat 3 days a week. Life is good.
We finish our stay in Vegas staying at the Excalibur on the strip. After walking about a mile or so and going to some really strange bars we settled on an Italian restauraunt Pam Dieters recommended "B" something. The food was great and you also get a crafe of wine a peice with your meal. Our flight to mexico is at 6:45am so 4:00 am wake up call will come early.

Sunday Feb 14

We Left Florence after doing laundry and packing for the next big part of our trip. Our goal was to get as far as Kingman, Az then on to Las Vegas the next day. Kingman, Az is located on historic Route 66 so with the GPS(greta) and AAA book we start searching for the perfect place. After looking at several places we stop at the Day's Inn . The room is clean freshly painted as looks fine.

I forgot to mention I spent Super Bowl Sunday in a Days Inn in Gallup, New Mexico and know I am spending Valentines Day in another Days Inn.

Valentines dinner was at a restaurant called Dambar steakhouse kind of a strange place with wood chips on the floor and decorated like a barn. The meal and service was good.

Once back in the hotel we realize the only draw back is the paper I mean paper thin walls. I swear the people next door snored more than Bob and the barking dog was almost more than I could take. It sounds like 2 men and they are continually talking. My friends wouldn't be able to get that many words in so early in the morning. We pack up and head to Vegas.

Saturday Feb. 13
We are saying goodbye to friends Sandra and Erv. What a great time we had. Yesterday Sandie and I started our day with a lovely hike while the boys went golfing. After the hike the golf course was waiting for Sandie and I to play. Pusch Ridge the course located where Sandie and Erv live is a 9 hole course with many of obstacles and big challenges. I had a 60 and Sandie had a 52, her golf game just keeps getting better and my is improving.
They paired us with another couple and on the last hole I pitched into a tree the ball bounced back and tapped the man in the arm. In spite of that I manged to get a 4 on a par 3 the man was ok and I was really happy about the score.
We all ended the day with a fabulous valentine dinner prepared by Sandie, steaks, wine and all the fixings. So much to do and so little time.