Over the holiday break, I declared the urgent need for a beach vacation. I was desperate. Happily this time, Dave joined me! He found a nice-sounding resort 16 miles south of Puerto Vallarta.
We flew in, through Salt Lake City (???) and arrive in PV with lots of daylight to spare.
I didn't realize it initially, but we were heading to the place (western Sierra Madre) where Henri was born! Very cool to think that his family used to fly in the area.
After a 40 minute cab ride, we arrived to Barcelo. We were escorted to the "Club Premium" room were top-shelf liquor and really amazing food was served to us as we checked in.
Dave was a bit suspicious about whether he'd like the vacation...he'd not done an all-inclusive before. Almost immediately he warmed up to it!
Our room on the top floor had an amazing view of the Bahia Banderas (Bay of the flags) and the jungle. Here the mountains rise steeply right out of the ocean. It is gorgeous.
The next morning revealed the awesome pool network and general seclusion of the place. Way across the bay we could see Puerto Vallarta.
Sparkling wine, tequila, and all one could eat mini-bar, room service and multiple restaurants were there for the taking.
Funny how I still felt guilty grabbing stuff out of the mini-bar fridge.
It was indeed the case going "Club Premium" was worth it! :)
There was many dining options. Inside. Outside. Buffet. Italian. American. Tequila bar. One could get super fat here.
The resort also had a really nice gym we spent time in each afternoon.
Dave no longer recalled being a bit concerned about such a vacation. :)
Fun dinner photo.
Breakfast view.
We headed out to walk on the beach and out to the point you can see in the distance. Here it was clear how awesome it was that Dave brought the binos. I felt like I drug myself across the finish line with enough energy to pack bikinis. I'd not even considered the birding.
And there was awesome birding everywhere!
Dave on the beach. Behind him is Puerto Vallarta.
This is looking back from the near the point at our resort.
LOTS of Great Kiskadees! These are really comical birds and the first we saw. They were quite the opening to seeing lots of awesome birds.
The only bummer about the trip is that Dave did not bring the bazooka (the big bird lens). We knew by this moment we should have brought it. Next time!
Look at me NOT WORKING!
At the point, Dave chasing a snack.
Heading back to the resort.
Playing on rocks on the beach.
The roof of the resort was home to 1000s of what I initially thought were Purple Martins. They were not. These are their neo-tropical cousins the Gray-breasted Martins. Really beautiful to watch and they sound just like Purple Martins.
This is "Roca" He lived on an island in the middle of what was my favorite pool.
Long distance shot of Roca.
Dave hanging on the beach after the fresh water feed had rerouted itself.
Lots of Snowy Egrets
Another crazy looking lizard/iguana.
Perfect weather the whole trip!
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