Author Archives: brantdyer6929

I had researched a dozen places I wanted to visit on the way to Moustiers, each requiring about a one hour drive. So we picked one, which was questionable to me as it seemed a bit touristy and we hate to be associated with what we are, but we went there and it was wonderful.Continue reading “The Gorges du Vernon: A camera really can’t capture it, I think I need the newest IPhone.”

We really wanted to have a car in France but we also wanted to check out the rail system and avoid backtracking with the car. Also it’s just so relaxing to be on a train…most of the time. So we boarded a train from Lyon to Grenoble where we changed to a smaller rain headedContinue reading “Leaving Lyon for Nice: More than a nice Nice time!”

Another easy flight into Lyon and a taxi ride to another donkey path and stairs. The taxi cost more than doubled between here and Lisbon so we did a bit more walking. All of this was forgotten when Fran swung around the corner (very unexpectedly) with her beautiful smile, (Fran stayed with us as anContinue reading “Lyon: Streetwalkers, Sick Workers and Silk Workers—-and LOL”

I really loved Lisbon. It had a great energy about it. And just a great variety. It also had a few less steps than Porto. And the Uber drivers were funny and informative. The driver bringing us in convinced us to go to Madeira Islands where he is from. He also gave us a greatContinue reading “Lisbon to Lyon: It has Moxie!”

So glad we got a good breakfast in Obidos because the day unfolded a bit differently than expected—-as frequently occurs with travel. Thanks to Alvaro we found a beautiful spot on the coast for a quick hike then hit the road for Sintra. We had already circumnavigated one castle and we had advance tickets toContinue reading “Sintra from Obidos: Been there and done that!”

Great roads in Portugal, but I can say that because Brant is driving. We had a hard time sorting out our stops on the way to Lisbon but opted against Coimbra (the former Capital) downtown as we felt we had enough city and downtowns are no fun to drive in. But we did make aContinue reading “To Obidos: Romans, surfers and a prisoner”

An easy flight next to to a young “portanite”who took my phone and amended and added to our list of stops. He seemed to have enjoyed climbing the bridge. And he definitely enjoyed eating! A cab driver dropped us off at the top of what he called a donkey path to our lodging . TheContinue reading “Porto: A unique city”

I am a bit reluctant to write this blog because I have a hard time not being honest. This is an extraordinarily beautiful really sort of magical place but I hate to encourage more tourism that might spoil it. We arrived after a great visit with Maris and Gabe filled with food, music, drink andContinue reading “From Brooklyn to the Azores: Trust the young people to show you a good time!”

People always ask what we do here in the summer. How do we cope with the heat, what is left to do? It’s a good question. We wondered too but we have kind of established a bit of a rhythm which seems pleasant though still a bit odd. This year we worked on lots ofContinue reading “A few summertimes pics…..”

I love Cabo Pulmo! (A big marine preserve). When we first went there about 20 years ago it was just a handful of homes and some beautiful wind sculpted beaches. There was one restaurant with a lot of stray cats and a dirt road often disappearing off a cliff or into the ocean. So niceContinue reading ““Honey, why are we so tired?””

So lucky we are to have an international airport about an hour a way with a great park and fly that changes your oil and washes your car. And lucky Brant bought the Jazz Fest tickets as soon as he saw that The Rolling Stones would be there. And lucky once again that Charlotte isContinue reading “Jazz fest!!! And a whole lot more….”

 Eight months ago, Brant starting hunting for a house in Mazatlan. He finally found one where it appeared the owner was not aware of the eclipse (or he is just a nice guy). In other words, the price had not been “eclipse adjusted “. We were worried that he might cancel as so manyContinue reading “Mazatlan: total eclipse time”

Semana Santa is a holiday that is either dreaded or kind of excitedly anticipated by Gringos. As the beer towers stack up, volley ball nets are installed and families begin staking out their encampments, everyone starts talking about their strategy for doing Semana Santa ( the Holy Week leading up to Easter). Our strategy isContinue reading “Semana Santa in LB: Holy Cow!”

The journey to “Mag Bay” is not a short one (about 5.5-6 hours) so stopping in La Paz (just an hour away) shaved off a bit of time. Plus, it gave us a chance to show off to Keith and Tammy what a great spot it is for walking, eating, etc etc. That’s right… arriveContinue reading “Another Whale of a time! (Los Barriles to Bahia De Magdalena for the gray whales)”

We feel so fortunate to live in a place people enjoy visiting, but it was also a nice treat when friends offered to share their timeshare time with us. Cabo continues to expand at an exponential rate, but it continues to have a spectacular oceanfront. Thirty seven years ago, when we first visited, I thoughtContinue reading “Cabo to Loreto: and the whales followed us!”

When we got back in October the big fundraiser for rotary seemed far away, but of course it showed up quickly! I was impressed by the expertise and hard work of the rotarians who brought together 15 restaurants, great music, and one of those irresistible silent auctions. I was even more impressed by the “tastes”.Continue reading “First the “Taste” then next: Bearing Gifts we traverse afar….”

Still seems a bit odd to be here in Mexico for Christmas. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with our daughter and boyfriend, but we are on our own for Christmas. Then of course “Fundraising season” began in earnest. Opening the Season with the Taste of East Cape (15 restaurants) followed by an art festival, aContinue reading “the 2023 Christmas Blog Card….”

We arrived back in los Barilles after a truly wonderful trip through Canada … and some great visits with friends in the states as well. Because of the early arrival of a hurricane just as we were leaving, we had tossed everything in the house and shut her up over the course of a coupleContinue reading “A hurricane? Now? @&$#?! Not again!”

I am pondering how to cover the last bit of our trip. We packed an amazing number of things into 2 weeks. Which was made feasible because of so many kind friends. We were a little nervous because we hated the idea of tampering with peoples schedules or adding a hassle to their life andContinue reading “Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle area, Shingle Springs: the final stretch”