West Texas

I have lived in Texas my whole life.  I have had Big Bend National Park on my list of places to see for years, but I've never made it a priority.  This was the year.  Big Bend's peek is Thanksgiving and Spring.  I have to say, I pretty much had the park to myself on this visit (we were the ONLY group at all the stops and lunch).  It is, in fact, the desert, so it was pretty toasty, but....it's pretty toasty back in Dallas right now too, and I loved getting to see the sites without a crowd.  The mountains really felt nice, even midday, the canyon area was hot, and I don't think I'd do too many hikes (that's what this park is known for) during the summer, but I really just don't think there is a bad time to see the park.  I put it on my list to check off, but I definitely feel like I need to add it back to explore in a different season.  

 On the way down to Big Bend, I stopped in Big Spring at the historic Hotel Settles.  I stopped here last year.  It's about half way, the rooms are great, the restaurant is delicious, and they have a great pool and hot tub.

 Day 2, I headed to Fort Davis, home of the McDonald Observatory.  This is a trip unto itself.  They have night star parties, but I wasn't there on the right night, so I took part in a sun watch where we got to see solar flares and dark spots.  This is one of only 6 'dark sky' areas in the US, and this one has places that are close enough to stay to make this star gazing more convenient.

 As a bonus, we stopped at For Davis National Historic Site.  It's an old army encampment.

 We also had a lot of tasty meals, despite the less than promising sign....or maybe the sign overselling the sheer number of items available, I can't tell you there was a bad meal anywhere on the road.  Just ask a local.  They are friendly, helpful, and full of great tips.

 We also swung through Marfa.  Marfa has housed some pretty swanky movie stars throughout the years and is a stop on it's own.  This is also home of the famous "Marfa Lights."  Aliens or highway lights?  Regardless, there is a spot to watch and discern the truth along the road.

 I spent several nights in the CUTEST hotel.  The Gage Hotel is in Marathon, Texas.  These towns are LITERALLY in the middle of nowhere and I just can't believe how much they have to offer.  The closest Walmart is 60 miles away.  Most things are closed on Monday (and Tuesday), and there isn't much TO be closed, but what is open (stores and a restaurant at the hotel) far exceeded expectations.

 I don't know that I could do this hotel justice in this post.  Every little nook and cranny is filled with adorable, personalized, and unique details.

 Our rooms overlooked the courtyard with great seating in front of the room, and behind the room on a private patio.

 There are so many flowers and decorations all throughout the grounds.  Look it up, I don't want to fill up *your* device with too many pictures, but this is as much as I can narrow down hotel details for now to even give a taste of what it was like to get to hang out here for a few days!

 There are several entrances to Big Bend.  This one was about 40 miles from our hotel.  Some of the visitor centers were closed for the season, so it was probably an hour or more before we encountered some of the larger visitor centers.

 We only had a day, so the goal was to hit up one of the mountain views (Window View).  This is also where they have a restaurant overlooking this view and lodging for folks staying in the park.

 We took a 40 mile scenic drive called Ross Maxwell.  You wind through the dessert with overlooks at nearby canyons and mountains.

 The final destination on the drive was Santa Elena Canyon.  There is a short walk on a boardwalk to where you can go and stand at the mouth of the canyon where the river runs.

 Big Bend is a birders paradise and we saw our fair share of road runners and all their friends throughout the park (I'd need to do some real studying up to do them justice).  There are a lot of really unique cactus,  friendly looking trails, and again-great star gazing throughout the area.

It was just enough of a preview to let me know I'd definitely love to go do it again now that I know what I'm doing.  Above is a little quirky building I passed halfway between Alpine and Marathon.  It didn't appear to be open for business, but there is apparently the world's smallest Prada store with actual items for sale nearby....so....something for everyone!

New York City is always a good idea...

...even in the rain.

 Last spring, when the new school calendar went online and I saw I Columbus day off again, I looked up New York City flights on a whim.  It turns out Virgin Airlines was running an amazing deal on flights and I couldn't help but book one.

 This was my fifth trip to the big apple, but it never ceases to reveal new corners for me to explore.  It also never fails to rain when I visit, which means my camera isn't quite as useful as it is in other locations.  I love her still.  This go 'round I went to the Met.  I only had a little bit of time, and there is a lot of museum, so....I'll save that for another trip, but I did get to explore the American Art corner of the Met.

 ...and my teammate told me not to miss the rooftop garden with amazing views of Central Park and NYC skyline.  She didn't lie.  It was stunning!

 When I was talking to my friend Maurine, who lives in Florida, I mentioned I was heading there and it just so happened she and her husband were coming in from a cruise the very same weekend.  I can't tell you how excited I was to hear that b/c we get very few days to spend together due to distance and schedules.  We met up in the evening and she was on board for taking a train to Brooklyn and walking back across the bridge.  The walk was about a mile, and even in the clouds and drizzle it was worth every minute.  We snapped photos of the skyline, the Manhattan bridge, and the Statue of Liberty and chatted and laughed.

 We also snagged dinner at Katz's and it was far too little time, but precious all the same.
On Sunday, the rain did not give up so I stuck near the hotel and then when it cleared (at least the rain, if not the clouds) I went down to the Staten Island Ferry.  It's a free trip across the water....and back (you do have to get off one ferry and hop on the other at the opposite end of about a thirty minute ride), BUT it takes you right past the Statue of Liberty and you get a great view of the skyline.

 Monday morning I got up to sunny skies and cooler weather (of course, this is insurance that I'll be back b/c I know how beautiful it can be with that sun....though I already knew that rain or shine I love New York).  I decided to catch the subway to 81st and walk to Levain Bakery (and Central Park).  I had read about the hour(s) long line and the divine cookies.

 There was a short line when I arrive (maybe ten minutes), so I got the culinary experience without the wait.  They have humongous cookies that are really good.  I can tell they use only the best, but....it's a little less sweet that I'm used to-it was a good cookie, and what impressed me most were how sweet all the employees were.  I'd go again, but...I probably wouldn't wait two hours.

I said hello and goodbye to the park and New York after a brief weekend.  I'm sure I'll be back...it would be too heart breaking to think of any alternative to that situation.

Hawaii 2016

 My Mom and I went to Hawaii over my spring break.  It was the last celebration lined up to celebrate her retirement.  Any excuse to go to Hawaii.  I know I'm in a minority, but Oahu is my favorite island.  We said last time that we would go to Maui next time....and then when it came time to book the trip...we booked Oahu.  I guess I'm a city girl at heart and you get the best of both worlds here.  Maybe next time, Maui, maybe next time.

 I love all the people.  I love the lines of surfboards where there would be bikes on the mainland.

 We did take a day trip to Kauai.  I had NOT visited Kauai, but I agree it's beautiful, and quiet.

 A grand canyon in the pacific, who knew?

 And the fern grotto, I love the personality of each island-so different and distinct.
Then it was back to Oahu.  Mostly we spent the week doing nothing, but we did rent a car and head to the North Shore one day.  A few weeks before they had 50 foot waves and the Eddie (thank you, El Nino).  They were about 15 feet the day we were there, but they never fail to impress in the winter, but...you just can't capture that sort of power on film.  But...check out how big they are AT the shoreline.

 I had enough points on American to fly for free, so we carried over our savings and stayed at some fun places.  We couldn't pick which hotel was our favorite, so half the week we stayed at the Outrigger Main, with a hot tub overlooking the beach.  The last half of the week we stayed at the Moana Surfrider with an unobstructed view of Diamond Head, those great rocking chairs, and a banyon tree covered back patio.  I can't pick a favorite.

 But, here's the view from Moana at sunset with the banyan tree below and my favorite view ahead.

 This year I tried out the Hula Pie at Dukes, better than it even looks.  If you are visiting, I really like Duke's for casual food, they have a great breakfast buffet, we discovered the Hula Hut this year (yum), and my all time favorite is the Shorebird at Outrigger Reef with a grill where you grill your own food in the evening with an unobstructed view of Diamond Head.

 I also love that there is a breaker wall built on part of the beach where you can swim without the currents and waves.

All I can think about is going back.  It will be Maui next time.  Or Oahu.

Walt Disney World Princess Run

 I'm going to write this out of order.  I'm starting with my experience with the Disney World Princess run and then I'll move on to the other stuff...just in case someone is out there googling and trying to figure out if this is the race for them.  I did it and looked for any info I could find to define the experience, so first....my quest for the medal!  This was my 6th half marathon-my 7th 13+.  I made a wish list several years back and this was the third in my personal series,but my only Disney.  Conveniently, one of my childhood friends lives nearby, so I was able to make a good excuse to get out there!  I needed this medal because of the crown with the jewel...duh.
First, and foremost, if you want to run Disney-you really need to sign up the day the race opens (sometime in the summer-July this last year)... because it sells out FAST.  20,000 of your closest friends also want to run Disney.  It's also really...really pricey, but....did I mention the medal has a tiara?  Anyway, the thing everyone talks about are the 'balloon ladies.'  They release the runners in waves.  To be in one of the earlier corals, you have to prove how fast you can go by sending in earlier times from other races.  If you can't prove your time, they put you in a later coral based on your best guess of how long it will take you.  The balloon ladies start last and they keep at 15 minute pace.  If you can't keep up with them, at certain intervals they will 'sweep you' off the road.  Which means, they will stick you on a bus and take you to the finish line.  The corals started (this year) every 2-3 minutes, so the further ahead of them you get...the better.  BUT...having said that-I had plenty of time to go really slow.  I walked a lot of it.  I tried running the first 7 I did OK, but the one that I found over and over again was that the roads got really narrow a LOT and most people were there to walk and they walked in masses across the entire road.  Serious runners had to go off on the grass at a slope.  I am not, nor will I ever bet a serious runner.  I tried passing on larger highways....and when I'm passing, you know the pace is slow.  The point being, everyone was really relaxed.  At mile 7 I got a royal blister and I just let the crowd take me along from this point.  Looking back there were tons of people behind me, so I knew I was safe. There is also a certain point where they will let you finish (when you are off the main roads they need to open to get the parks going).
A few things to know:  The easiest way to go is to stay at one of the Disney hotels.  They provide buses to and from the start/finish line for all the runners, and the folks wanting to come watch the runners.  BUT....you start boarding buses at 3 am, and can't board any later than 4 am.  The walk to the start line is quite far (at least 20 minutes).  They drop you off in the Epcot parking lot and I thought that was it...nope-that was where you drop your gear and then all the sudden-about 5 I noticed this flow of people moving....it turns out the start was down a long road.  You go into your coral and then you wait.  They release the first runners at 5:30 (all women).  Men can participate, there were not that many, but some brave men-mostly in couples, but the first coral is all women.  Each release gets a firework send off.
Another thing...a lot of the run is actually along the highway.  You go from Epcot towards Magic Kingdom.  There are five or so miles of highway.  There are characters you can stop and take pictures with along the way (though there are lines, so....keep that in mind if you have your heart set on that).  Finally about mile 6-7 you are in the Magic Kingdom.  You run down Main Street towards the castle, off into Tomorrow Land and then back around and through the castle doors (so fun).

 At this point they had some more characters (the Frozen Cast) on top of the castle with 'snow' blowing down on us.  We exited and then were off towards Epcot.

 You run past this and finally...finish.  It was a pretty easy course.  Easy, but still 13.1 miles, so...don't take that word too seriously!   There were some hills and bridges, but it was pretty flat.  You never know what the weather will bring.  We had a beautiful morning, but the humidity was a little difficult later on as the day wore on.  There was plenty of water stops, and everything ran really smoothly.  It's not a run I'd do if I wanted to PR, but if you love Disney, and want a relaxed atmosphere with a ton of people out to have a good time-go.  On a side note, my Mom and cousin came too and they bought something called the ChEAR Squad Gold package.  It was about 50 dollars and we weren't sure if it would be worth it, but they loved it!  It came with a high quality shirt, a really nice weather proof blanket, some mouse ear clappers, a band for unlimited drinks (hot chocolate, waters, sodas), and seats on the grand stand right on the finish line.  They said they announcers were amazing (my Mom has heard a lot of them with my brother and I keeping her at race finish lines).  I agree with that-the entertainment was really top notch.  So, if you have family members-they won't be disappointed.  Watching all the characters finish-the outfits are what made the race so fun.   And now...out of order to the rest of my trip.

 I flew out Friday night.  My flight got delayed and by the time I go to the hotel and to bed it was almost 4 am.  Yikes!  I woke up on Saturday and caught a bus from the hotel to the expo.  The buses were pretty crowded (the buses the morning of the race were much better).

 The expo went smoothly.

 There were lots of opportunities to buy sparkle tutus and head bands fit for a princess.
After the expo my friend Maurine and her family drove up to see me.  She brought my godson, Carter and his brothers Donovan and Bennett.

 She also brought her husband and Mom-such a sweet surprise to have so much support.

 I try to see them every year-year and a half.  So the last time I saw Bennett I held him.  He was such a quiet, laid back, silly kid this time I loved seeing how his personality expands.

 We spend all of Saturday enjoying Disney Springs, Legoland, and then they took me to Olive Garden (the 'mint' place according to my godson) for dinner before dropping me off at ten.
I got up at 2:15 and you know the race story, but....after the race I headed to the Magic Kingdom.

 I question my sanity.  By the end of the day I had gone 24 miles, but it was worth it.  I do love Disney and it's been YEARS since I've been to the Magic Kingdom.

 My very favorite place is Main Street overlooking the castle with the balloon folks holding Disney balloons.  I remember this from 25+ years ago on my first visit

 I also get sucked into all the mickey shaped dessert.  Don't think I won't be attempting some of these on my own time soon!

 We didn't have a lot of time b/c the race took up my morning, and by the time I changed and showered and convinced my legs to move it was almost 1.  BUT we hit some highlights-The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbeans, Peter Pan, It's a Small World.  There was a point my legs were done, so I sat on a curb and let the light parade pass (another childhood memory).

 And then...the fireworks.

 Seriously, I could never do it justice.

 But, it's Disney, so you know it was amazing.

 To say goodbye-I headed to Disney Springs one last time to grab a few souvenirs.

 I hit up Lego Land, sure we have one near Dallas, but....it's not the same.

 I'll be back.  I have a godson nearby, and his Mom knows what's up.

It sure is nice that my friends chose to plant themselves near fun locations!