Aruba, Dutch West Indies

Aruba was a beautiful, arid island along with being "One Happy Island."  It was like a desert out in the middle of the Caribbean - cactus everywhere except the resort beaches.  The resort beaches boasted huge luscious palm trees, which are not indigenous to the island. Those palm trees did a little traveling of their own to be planted on the little desert island.

All in all I really enjoyed Aruba - snorkeling, shipwreck excursions, sailing, spending time in the casinos, lazing on the beach.  The water is the most incredible pale aquamarine and so clear that you can still see clear to the white sand ocean floor for several feet.

I probably won't choose Aruba again for a couple of reasons: first, it was just too dry. I really enjoy humid tropics.  Second, our hotel experience was horrid. Right off the bat we were in a cheaper room with no air conditioning and no chance of getting what we had already paid for since they were sold out. Maybe we would have better luck at a different hotel but I think I would rather gamble on a different destination than make the same mistake twice.

Durango, Colorado

My first time to Durango was in 2008 with my husband and son so we could ride the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The little guy loves him some trains!

We planned the trip solely for his entertainment but it ended up being fantastic for all of us. Before we went I had grumbled about the $200 for tickets for the round-trip ride for the 3 of us.  Believe me.  It was worth every cent!  As a four-year-old with endless energy, that kid pretty much did not move a muscle or say a word during the entire ride up to Silverton and then back down to Durango. He was completely enthralled.  I loved seeing him so spellbound by riding a train just like the little ones he played with at home every day.  And his pure joy was very infectious!

The ride is fun, the scenery is incredible so absolutely do not forget your camera or you will regret it, and lunch in Silverton at a converted 19th century whorehouse was pretty delicious.  Silverton was enjoyable because it seems to have retained much of its historical appearance and everyone there is very proud of the history of their little town.

We are definitely going back!

Red River, New Mexico

My first location blog is going to be my favorite destination.

I can remember many summer vacations spent with my family in Red River.  Maybe it's because we were all so happy during those times. Work and home and bills and life in general didn't get to take the trip with us so it was all good.

We usually took our dirtbikes with us so we could explore further into the mountains than just hiking. I think one time we went my parents had a square dancing get-together at the Red River Community Building. I was about 6 or 7 that time.  We had a blast.

I think the last time we went as a family I was about 13 or 14, shortly before my parents' separation.  I didn't go again until I was 21 with some friends during Memorial Day weekend.  You know, when 15,000 motorcycles arrive in that little bitty mountain town.  All I can say is it was cRaZy and "Hi, Vinnie!!"

I went a few times with friends while I was single and then, in 2008, I took the very best trip to Red River that I have ever had.  It was with my husband and my little boy (4 at the time).  We had such a terrific time. We rode four-wheelers around and explored. We hiked. We shopped. We ate at the very good restaurants. The Wine & Art Festival was at the same time so we go to enjoy that event, too.  And I had a chance to fall in love with Red River all over again. I couldn't help it. It's the one place that holds very dear memories for me and my heart was bursting to see my husband and son love it as much as I do.

We're planning our annual Red River trip this year.  Can't wait!