mojave desert + joshua tree | personal

On our way to Palm Springs and back we chose to drive through the Mojave Desert (Mojave National Preserve).  We did this drive a few years ago and it was one of our favorites because you skip the highway and go on an open road and practically don't ever see another car for miles upon miles.  They warn you to have a full tank of gas and water in your car because it is the desert and can get "extremely" hot.  Also, look out for roadrunners and turtles crossing the road!    You eventually come across the Historic Route 66 in Amboy, CA and Roy's Motel and Cafe where it is a must to get out and snap a few photos while stretching your legs.  

When getting close to Palm Desert you will know it because of all the windmills or I should say wind turbines.  Palm Springs is home to the oldest wind farm in the US and at present time there are approximately 2,700 of them surrounding the area.  It is quite an amazing site to see.

On our way back we drove through the Joshua Tree National Park which is full of spectacular views, incredible plants/trees and "very" windy roads. 

palm springs, ca | personal

Back in April we returned to Palm Springs.  Something about the dry heat, palm trees, architecture and beautiful views makes me very happy. We've stayed at this property a couple of times before and each time I'm there I can't stop photographing the grounds and all of the beauty.  I recently read someones review on how Palm Springs is luxurious yet quirky.  That explains it to a T and maybe why I love it so much.

neon boneyard, las vegas | personal

A few years ago when we were in Las Vegas I wanted to check out the Neon Boneyard but didn't realize you had to book in advance.  This time I got organized and booked the tour a few weeks before we arrived.  The museum is about a 10 minute drive outside of the strip and is housed inside the former La Concha Motel lobby.  The tour is an hour long and a guide takes you around and explains where each of the signs came from and their history.  Its an amazing site to see and interesting to learn how the Neon Museum is collecting, preserving and exhibiting these iconic Las Vegas signs.

mexico | travel scrapbook

The time we got away for a little Vitamin D re-charge.  We chased iguanas, marveled at the Ancient Mayan Ruins of Chinchen Itza (say that 10 times), swam in a Cenote (aka sinkhole) where we learned Mayan human sacrifices used to be performed hundreds of years ago (egads!).  We ate far too many chips & salsa, drank cervezas and lots of pina coladas.  My 7 year-old won for the second year in a row a bottle of tequila at Bingo, had dinner with a crocodile just inches away, developed some new freckles and over all had an amazing relaxing time.  

weekend | personal

You know that saying that the best camera to have is the one that's with you. Well I proved that point this weekend while down in DC with the family. I didn't have it in me to carry my big camera around all weekend so I kept it in the hotel and instead just went throughout the day with my trusty iphone while Instagramming a few favorites. I'm so glad I did because I got some great "real" shots that I probably wouldn't have captured with my other camera.