Port Aransas, Texas (2023)

       The girls wanted a beach holiday before returning to school ... I found a cheap motel suite near the ocean in Port Aransas, Texas, rented a motor cart to kick around the island, and off we went for six days of sun, sand, and surf on the Gulf Coast.

       These little ladies are becoming great travel companions:  funny and intelligent, polite and conscientious, playful and observant ... My heart is full!

California Wine Country

Jules and my appetite for California was only teased last year when we visited San Francisco & Big Sur.  A return trip was top of our agenda for 2016, and another "Babymoon" it became (Iyla's little sister is due in July) ... Visits to Sonoma, Napa, the Russian River Valley and other wine-country destinations left us with a greater appreciation for this lovely state and her wines that grace our dinner table.  Until we meet again, California:  Cheers!

 

Calistoga hiking

 

Napa Valley Wine Train

 

Inglenook Winery

 

 Castello di Amorosa

 

California Friends

 

 

To your health...

 

Mustang Island

Our daughter, Iyla, is a creature at home in the water (as is her Papa).  We have spoken many times about the ocean – she believes it's where the mermaids live.  Jules and I wanted to arrange an introduction, so the family vacationed this summer on Mustang Island near Port Aransas, Texas.  Iyla delighted in the sun, sand and surf.  What a joy to observe!  No mermaid sightings, though.  Perhaps, next year.