Skywatching in 2013


It comes to the time when blogs are featuring their year-end posts. This blog had begun as a photography blog and somehow transitioned into more of a travel documentary blog. It does not aim to guide the traveler, it simply features what I experienced and where I experienced it.


This year though the traveling was kept to a minimum. Just one major trip and 2 small ones (1-2 nites).


My first one didn't happen until the end of May where we enjoyed a 3d2n stay in beautiful foggy Mendocino in the northern part of the state. The trip coincided with our wedding anniversary.


Sky over Mendocino Botanical Garden.


The second one was a camping trip in the eastern part of the state. We stayed in a cabin in the middle of nowhere for a short 2 nights where we spent our days exploring the vicinity and most of all enjoying the river. Before heading back home, we took a side trip to pay homage to the majestic sequoias.


Spent soaking in Kings River and looking up at beautiful sky.


Went to visit the giant sequoia trees.


My first slow travel vacation happened in the summer in beautiful Cancun. This would be my second time to visit this bustling beach town. We rented a beautiful studio suite condo inside a resort for a very reasonable price and we have the beach right in our backyard. How fabulous. We stayed in Cancun for 10 days, rented a car, went to places where tourists don't normally go and learned to love and appreciate Cancun. The reason behind this trip is medical in nature and the slow pace of the travel was suitable for doctor visits and procedures. On this trip we shopped at Walmart, Costco and local grocery stores, cooked our food, sipped coffee at Starbucks, dined at roadside carenderia where no English is spoken and fellow diners were blue collar workers, and made frequent trips to OXXO, counterpart to our 7-11 here.


Scored a fantastic deal with a rental inside a resort in Cancun at Punta Juarez area. Our balcony is a few yards away from the beach and water.


And because the doctor said I had to take it easy, I took it easy.


We went on roadtrips too and this one time we spent some time in a local beach Xpuha. Apparently only locals know about this.


Originally I was supposed to take a cruise in September but for so many reasons, to name one I'm really physically tired, I cancelled the trip. A Hawaii trip in December also went pffft, hopefully rescheduled in February.


2013 was a tough year if I'm being very honest. It's the year when my spirits sagged, my emotions were turned upside down, my happy days were few and far between, my pain was constant, my desire to photograph was low.


I stayed in the area most of the time where I did most of my skywatching.


And when schedule allows, we went for hikes. This one is in Point Reyes National Seashore.

Next year with a big trip already planned in the 4th quarter of the year and 2 trips, one the rescheduled Hawaii trip and an already booked Vegas week I think my travel groove will be back. With the grace of God I'm hoping all these trips go without glitch.

That's how my year of traveling and skywatching went. Here's to a better, brighter, and healthier 2014. Safe travels everyone and choose to be happy!

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Comments

  1. The clear water of the river and the woods, how wonderful it must have been to stay away from the city even for just a couple of nights ….

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  2. Hi Maria,

    Great Blog! Could you contact me? I have a question for you.

    Cheers,
    Martin

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  3. Beautiful sky shots and scenes. I hope 2014 will be a better year for you.

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  4. Wow !Wonderful photos of your travels!Happy New Year 2014!All the best to you and your family!

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  5. Wonderful captures, does look like fun!! Wishing you all the good things for you and your family in 2014!! Enjoy!

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  6. Great skies. Looks like a good holiday.

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  7. Great post, a lot to study closer!
    Happy New Year to you!

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  8. Happy New Year, Maria! Wishing you and your family a blessed 2014!

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  9. Oh my dear I had no idea that the year had been such a rough one for you and I wish you health and happiness in 2014. One good thing was getting to see in Cancun the way the locals do! I think that's a big plus (although your underlying reason for being there wasn't so great obviously).

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  10. Excellent weather to sky watch. Beautiful blue skies and lovely surroundings.

    Have a wonderful weekend and a Happy New Year 2014.

    Alex's World! - http://www.kakinan.com/alex

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  11. The Mendocino Gardens is very beautiful! I had been there years ago and clicked 100s of flower pics, every picture turned out to be great!

    Wish you a Happy New Year!

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  12. Wonderful photos from wonderful trips.
    Wish u better year and health.
    www.womenandperspectives.com/2014/01/sky-watch-last-afternoon-in-2013.html

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  13. Lovely shots, I'd love to spend time on that beach. Have a wonderful 2014!

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  14. Looks like sour sear was much like mine with constant pain. I also lost my husband so no travel at all.
    Glad zou had those trips with splendid scenery and possibilities for walking.
    Hope this New Year sees you well and fighting fit!

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  15. Beautiful summary of your travel, and I like those Cancun shots! Happy New Year!!

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  16. Beautiful presentation of your travels.Great pictures!. Have a better 2014!

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  17. A fine travel series of your adventures. Here's to more trips and photo series!

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  18. Wonderful series! Happy 2014.

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  19. What a nice way to take it easy at Cancun,Happy New Year!

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  20. Have a wonderful new year. I hope you get to take all the trips you missed in 2013 and that you will feel better soon.

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  21. Lovely skies all around. Wish you a very happy 2014.

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  22. Those beach shots look very inviting. The year 2013 sucked big time for me! Worst year ever. I too had to cancel more than one trip. I hope that 2014 brings us more happiness and good health! Cheers!

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  23. I love that peering into the sea while on the shade photo. Makes me dream! :)

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