Mexico was so bright, and beautiful. And the water. In the shallow parts a crystal clear blue green, and then as you got deeper the most brilliant blue imaginable, then fading to even a more perfect dark blue. The palm trees and sand matched perfectly.

We spent a lot more time outside of hotel California (the all-inclusive resort) this year. We took a jaunt to Cozumel, where I went on two SCUBA dives and Byron road around the island on a scooter while I was gone (earning him the title "scooter boy" from my new dive buddies).

We hung out in the little resort town of Akumal. I really liked that part. It was still a resort town. But somehow it just feels smaller, more genuine... There were palm trees growing on the public beach with people sitting under them. Fishing boats heading out for the day (though mostly on charter). Locals were eating whole fish in the beach bar next to the touristas and their fajitas while everyone's children splashed around in the water. And of course there were lots of snorkelers looking for the herd of sea turtles that hang out on the beach. Sure felt stupid that last year we paid the resort $40 to bring us over to these same sea turtles just a 5 minute drive up the road...

I caught myself a giant barracuda while deep sea fishing, otherwise we struck out. I feel bad, Byron really wanted to catch a pescadaro grande! Maybe next year...

I spent a lot of time on the beach. I love the beach. Its very peaceful. I read two books while listening to the waves.