The Tallest Sand Dunes in U.S. are in Colorado!

Ok, so when you think Colorado most people think of skiing, snow boarding, hiking, camping, etc...I have never run across someone who says "Oh, I think of sand dunes when I think of Colorado!" That's because in many circles, the tallest sand dunes in the U.S. are a well kept secret! 

The Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO

My husband and I had the privilege of accidentally coming across the sand dunes on our way to Durango, Colorado. A sign read as we were driving.."Great Sand Dunes National Park, turn right." What? Really? In Colorado!!...Ok...well we took that right, winded the next 10+ miles around to what we found out were the tallest sand dunes, 750 feet in some places, in the United States. 

I remember that it was slightly cool when we were there. Snow still on the ground in places...me in a sweat shirt and flip flops and hubby in a winter jacket. However, as we begin to hike up those dunes...it started to get hot...its a lot harder than it looks, hiking those dunes! I took off my flip flops and walked up bare foot. The sand on my toes felt great...our little detour was ending up to be a fabulous adventure! 


After our climb we headed to the

museum/information center/gift shop to see what else we could learn. Turns out the dunes are surrounded by two streams that continuously bring the sand back down the mountain. The wind beats up against the mountains, bringing with it the sand and dust from the desert floor that the dunes reside in. That constant pounding against the mountain side acts like sand blasting to grind down the dirt to a fine sand. The water run off from the snow bring the fine sand down to the mountain floor with the streams each spring. During the spring the streams flood the area, attracting wildlife from all over, flowers bloom and a coolness sets over the area. As spring gives way to summer. The water dries up leaving cracks along the ground and the dust begins to blow again. 

If you are ever in Colorado, check out this amazing section of our beautiful planet. 
Great Sand Dunes National Park: http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm

Monaco...the Grand Casino

Are you a gambler? Well even if you are not a gambler...this casino is one that you should visit....if you are in the area :)

  

Monaco stretches a short distance along the French Riviera. Its one of the smallest countries in the world, nestled up along the hill side with majestic views of the yachts anchored in the harbor along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. 

The Grand Casino is the green topped roof, surrounded by blossoming gardens and lines of people waiting to get a glimpse of the gold filigree, granite staircases, oil paintings, crystal fixtures, and furniture that represent a time in history almost forgotten. 

The Casino was built in the mid 1800's as a way for the local royal family to stay financially a float. It was added onto, expanded time and time again over the last few hundred years...yet it has seemed to keep its original charm with all the decorations, small details and intimate lighting.  

I am told that the casino opens to gamblers at 2pm most days and goes on through the night.

However, you must wear a suit and depending on the day and occasion, a tux just to be allowed in! 

Feeling lucky? Book a room, and take a chance at one of the oldest casinos in the world!! 
http://www.casinomontecarlo.com/

Mayan Clay Massage

I know that many of you out there enjoy a good massage. The relaxation, the quite, the tranquility...well this is the ultimate massage experience. Let me set the stage...

Tulum, Mexico...a quiet Thursday afternoon, my girlfriend Donna and I decide to book a Mayan Clay Couples Massage. We do this all the time, book the couples room, so we can  chat, giggle, laugh or whatever. Upon arrival we are taken back to a wooden palapa with no walls but only a mosquito net all the way around and told to get naked, wrap with a towel and sit on the edge of the table....they are going to wash our feet before beginning the massage...ok, sounds great to us! 

With freshly washed feet we reposition on the table and relax face down. I can hear the birds signing, the trees blowing in the slight breeze and someone in the distance humming or signing, I can't quite tell. Either way it is heaven. 

The massage begins with the back, the mayan clay and a little water. Its cool to the touch and slides easily. In 2 minutes I am so at peace I totally forgot Donna is right next to me. We haven't said a word...usually we are chatty cats, but today there is something in the air, like time has frozen still and all worries are gone away and we are just there in the moment. 

As the the massage continues down the body, I notice that the clay is starting to harden in places. The encasing feels good, locking in the moisture. Still Donna and I have not spoken and I think to myself...I'm not sure I could talk if I wanted to - application of the clay on my face has prevented me from moving a whole lot. I start to giggle and Donna confirms through tight lips that she too can't move. The clay is dry but feels amazing on the skin. 

After we pull ourselves off the tables, we rinsed off in fabulous outdoor showers. Unter the tree tops, out in the open (well not quite OPEN open but you get the drift)...we feel refreshed, relaxed and fabulous! 

 I'd have to say...I've had many massages in my life...this one was one of the most amazing. I think Donna and I will make a regular habit of visiting the Mayan Clay Spa...a new tradition begins!! You can check it out here: http://www.mayanclayspa.com/

MAYAN CLAY MASSAGE

This comprehensive treatment begins with our rejuvenating Mayan clay body massage in which, a deep state of relaxation is obtained as the clay detoxifies& remineralizes the body’s organs. It is a unique sensation to be massaged from top to toe  with clay; it grounds both body and mind. After removing the mask in the ocean or on site with a warm shower  the body is reawakened with a deep tissue or Swedish massage on your back, using a special blend of oils. You can visible see a change in the clients who experience a mayan clay treatment, it is outstanding.