Jake's Resort-Treasure Beach, Jamaica-July, 2008

Our last resort in Jamaica was on the south coast in the sleepy town of Treasure Beach. It turned out to be our favorite place. It is called Jake's and is run by the Henzell family, but now owned by Chris Blackwell. Perry Henzell wrote and directed the reggae classic "The Harder They Come" starring Jimmy Cliff. His wife, Sally, who was the art director on the movie, has designed all the cottages and has her imprint on everything there. We had great food and enjoyed swimming in the ocean right out the back door of our cottage and their salt water pool. It was a wonderful way to end a memorable vacation in Jamaica.


Lydia catching the last few rays of sun before heading back to the northwest.

Trenchtown Rock-Jamaica, July, 2008

After the jungle, the four of us decided that we needed a little R & R before going any further in our travels, so we headed to Jamica for three weeks. The first stop was Kingston for our Bob Marley fix. We visited his home (now a museum), his recording studio, and Trenchtown where his spent much of his early recording life. We then headed to the Blue Mountains above Kingston where we stayed at the first of three of Chris Blackwell's (started Island Records and brought Bob Marley to an international audience) boutique hotels, Strawberry Hill. The infinity pool was well used. From there we headed to Port Antonio where one of the top 5 beaches in the world is located, Frenchman's Cove.

Heidi gazing at Frenchman's Cove.





We then headed to Montego Bay where we stayed at a resort called Round Hill. Carl spent one night at Reggae Sumfest leaving at midnight for the festival and arriving home at 6:45 the next morning. The highlights were Lil Wayne and watching the sun come up to John Holt.

We also got a little waterskiing in.

Ecuador's Jungle-Sani Lodge, Early July, 2008

After school got out we took Brendan and Heidi deep into the jungle of Ecuador (half hour plane ride to Coca and a 3 1/2 hour motorized canoe trip to the lodge. It was a trip of a lifetime, but a lot of work. They had us up at 6:00 AM every morning either going on a hike or canoe trip. We saw many types of monkeys and many species of birds. The animal highlights included a black caiman and a harpy eagle (the largest eagle in the world with a wingspan of over 3 meters) which our guide hadn't seen in two years.







Our mode of transportation in the jungle.









We caught this pirahna on one of our canoe trips and ate it for dinner one night. Needless to say, a little bony.

Summer Solstice Party

Heidi and Brendan came to visit in mid June on their way to Europe. We talked Brendan into cooking for our year-end and summer solstice party. The food was fabulous! It's going to be hard to go to any teacher potluck parties next year after this one.

Spring Break in Peru

Huasquila Lodge, February, 2008

This is our hut for the duration of our stay at Huasquila. Very nice accommodations!
We are on our way down the Rio Napo to visit a local village, complete with their own shaman. Carl is looking forward to it, but Jessie isn't sure.




This was a local tribe who came to dance for us. The little girl is learning the steps, so that she can continue the tradition.

The Galapagos Islands

Welcome to another world!!!

Baby sea lion with sand in its eyes, a family with baby nursing, and a beautiful mug.The famous Galapagos turtlesA male frigate sitting on the nest with baby bird underneath. Their red waddle inflates when mating.Red, green marine iquanas get their color from the algae they eat.The beautiful flamingo gets its color from the shrimp larva they eat.  We were very honored to visit this magical and majestic land and its unique creatures.

Machalilla Reserve - beach,island, & ruins

Boat to Isla de la Plata - the poor man's Galapagos -    2 hr boat ride, 3 hr hike, and a snorkel. Blue footed boobies above and frigate birds with baby   below.

This is considered the most beautiful beach in Ecuador - Los Frailes. Funeral urns below.  Sacred sulphur pool with partial steam hut below. Go to www.alandaluz.com to see the eco-resort we stayed in.

Casa Mojanda - 9800ft

Go to www.casamojanda.com to check this place out. Very environmental and dedicated to the people in the region.The lodge is beautiful. Only a decade old but built with all the traditional techniques.Waiting for lunch from the organic garden.

Ecuador's Andean Condor with its 8 ft wing span. Seen at the new Condor Park above Otavalo. Dedicated to saving the Condor from extinction.

Carl's Class Grado Tercero

looks just like at home !

Weekend at the Beach

Here are a couple of the food specialties at the beach. This is a delicious restaurant in the small beach town of Sua. Calamari ceviche and fried plantains (green bananas). 

Another specialty - the amazing fruit drinks. Very creative with or without alcohol.The accommodations were rustic. Yes that is a pet chicken and no we didn't have hot water.We were on a little spit or island. Fisherman left from behind our lodge to the abundant fishing in the Pacific.