MEXICO

One nice thing about CA is all the new places we can go. Mexico is about a 3.5 hour trip if you get on the road before the sun comes up and everyone else is asleep. Last weekend we took a trip with two other couples. It was mine and Mike's first trip to Mexico and we were glad to be with Spanish speaking friends, some from Mexico, Puerto Rico, and San Salvador.

We crossed over the border into Tijuana around nightfall, and drove to Rosarito, where we spent the night at a little place. Our balcony opened up right on the beach.

The next day we drove over to Ensenada, a touristy town, where cruise ships dock. The coastal roads high upon the cliffs were absolutely beautiful!

On the way back, we stopped at the dunes to do some ATV riding. One of the guys who works with Mike brought several, so that we could all ride. That was a nice ending to the day.

After this little excursion, me, Mike, Carlos and his wife Elvia stopped in a restaurant where we enjoyed lobster (I had fajitas) and were serenaded by a wonderful Mexican Mariachi band!

The next morning we got on the road around 5 a.m and made it back to our safe haven: USA! Mexico has some beautiful places, but we definitely take our blessings for granted.

California Wildfires

Life in CA has not been dull by any means. This past month has seen horrendous fires, many of which are still burning. I get text messages on my phone to alert me to new fire locations and warnings. I have received 3 since leaving CA Saturday morning. The closest fire to our aparmtent complex was the Porter Ranch fire. It started out quite a few miles away, but spread to just a couple miles from where we live. I packed a few personal things just in case we needed to head out with short notice. The photo above is from our apartment breezeway. I had left the apartment one morning to run a quick errand. When I returned the sky was clouded with thick smoke plumes. By that afternoon, it was a couple miles to the east of us.

It is unbelievable to see how strong the Santa Ana winds are. The best way I can describe it is hurricane winds without the rain. This fire was blown so quickly by the winds and blowing embers started up hot spots all over, which quickly spread. It certainly gives me a whole new appreciation for the tough job firefighters are up against!