A few observations from our stay here on the island of Vieques, just off the east coast of Puerto Rico You know you're on an island when: *A horse stampede runs wild through your property *We're going to the beach...again. *Taking a nap is easy *Catching up on our reading; books and blogs. *Watching the horse, or chicken cross the road while driving *We can pick fresh limes and papayas on our property *A power outage can follow a heavy rainstorm *and is the reason we unplug the phone and laptop during a storm and monitor hurricane weather sites *Interesting dining options *Another day, something else breaks down, and Dennis repairs it (today, it's our landline!) ... read more

Happy Holidays to all our friends and family Our travel break is almost over as planned, 3 months in South America and 3 months in Mexico. Had we the chance to do it over again, we would have spent all our time in South America, exploring more of Peru, Chile and a visit to Patagonia in southern Argentina. We found the diversity of cultures, history and landscapes so stimulating, along with great food and wine. We've had some great experiences and met some wonderful people along the way. During the holiday season is when I miss seeing friends and family. We're ready to get back to the States and settle down. We'll start making our way north by the end of January or earlier, if possble. Our first choice is Portland, but that may be open ... read more

First off, we’d like to thank our many friends who hosted us in Sunriver, Bend, Sisters, Vancouver and Tucson in September while we made the transition from our travels in South America to Mexico. We couldn’t have done it without you. We’re just sorry we couldn’t make time for everyone. What a long, long trip it’s been! We drove from Bend to Tucson in two and a half days, driving through Yosemite National Park. Spectacular scenery, but a bit crowded in the park and overpriced concessionares. While we were in Tucson visitng Rick and Anne, we finalized one of the two requirements to drive our car into Mexico - we purchased Mexican car insurance from a local agent. It’s not inexpensive, but it’s a legal requirement in Mexico. For the second requirement, a temporary import license ... read more

Pardon the dated material as we finished this trip the 8th of August and have since traveled into Argentina. The one hour flight from La Paz to Rurrenabaque was spectacular. Departing La Paz at altitude and flying by Mt. Illampu was impressive. Landing on the grass strip and opening the cabin door to the warmth of the jungle was a welcome relief. We were booked in a local hotel just off the square, so we were able to wander around the one horse river town until our ride up river was the following morning. Passing through the square after dinner I noticed some activity near a temporary stage. What we didn´t realize was that it was the national Independence day, and the band played all night long. I mean all night long. We were met at ... read more

My last entry mentioned that we were planning a mountain biking trip from La Paz. What I failed to mention was that the route would venture down the so-called "World´s Most Dangerous Road". Yes, there is some validity to that well earned title a we heard that 3 vehicles had gone off the cliff in the last week. And if I´m so afraid of heights why would I even consider this trip? For one, I feel less fear when I'm in control, for another, I enjoy a good a good thrill now and then, and finally, we chose the safest tour operator on the route (one guide per seven riders;our group of 16 had 3 guides) The route is 40 miles of which the first 10 are paved and the balance is dusty gravel, made even ... read more