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Exploring Ibiza at Night: The Blinding Lights will Show You the Way

Exploring Ibiza at night might help you discover hidden gems and locations away from prying eyes. Spain’s white island undoubtedly resembles a slice of heaven… CONTINUE READING >> 

Each person on this earth sneaks outside after dark to enjoy the silence and the emptiness. During the day, some places are so crowded that you no longer feel your own presence. You become a detail, a spot, you become meaningless, but everything changes at night. You can walk on the same street that leads to your workplace and that you know like the palm of your hand, but you still find inspiration in the air. Such magical walks have the potential of becoming meaningful and unforgettable memories. They give you the opportunity to rediscover yourself and the physical space around you.

The lack of late night transport forced people to explore the city on their own in the past, but nowadays, insomniacs eagerly wait for the sun to set and the moon to rise so that they can embrace the alternate world slowly revealing in front of their eyes. Whether you enjoy night walks because they represent a break from your digital life, because they help you control your anxieties, because they stimulate your imagination or because they give you a sense of calm, you should definitely explore Ibiza at night.

Visit the old side of Ibiza at night, you will love it

Just think about, if you like those old walks in your neighborhood, imagine how you would feel exploring an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Most people associate Ibiza with non-stop clubbing, but in fact, there are so many undiscovered and quiet places waiting for someone like you to admire and appreciate them. For instance, if you are passionate about history, the old part of Ibiza with Roman ruins, city walls, considered a National Monument and the Ibiza Castle are the perfect side of the island for a visitor like you.

However, during the night, lighting creates a completely different atmosphere giving you the opportunity to contemplate striking scenery. If notorious parties are not to your liking, then we recommend visiting the subtler, more authentic side of Ibiza. Another famous tourist attraction that you cannot miss is the rock of Es Vedra with a height of approximately 400 meters. The myths behind this fascinating natural reserve have the potential to impress any history enthusiast or curious mind. Whether or not you believe in sirens or gods, the pure beauty of this landscape feature is worth your time and attention.

Watch the sunset and the sunrise with a delicious cocktail in your hand

If you decide to spend the entire night admiring the historical sights and getting lost in the labyrinth of medieval streets, you will have the chance to experience the silent morning, visit the nearest beach and view the breathtaking sunrise. Then you can drink the most aromatic café while listening to chill-out music and eat the most delicious breakfast at one of the most popular restaurants in Ibiza. When it comes to food, this unique island has everything you could possibly desire. From lobster stew, exquisite rice dishes and oysters to fish croquets and squid risotto, even those pretentious people can find something to tickle their fancy.

In what concerns the drinks, cocktails with zingy flavors represent the perfect addition to each menu. Sipping them at dusk gives you that feeling of being the richest person in the world probably because you are living a moment that most people will never experience in their entire life. Once you arrive to Ibiza, you cannot help but feeling the luckiest human being in the world. Since we are talking about food, we have to suggest the traditional Spanish Paella, a dish based on seafood, but you can also find rabbit and chicken paellas.

Become familiar with the unique architecture in Ibiza

Exploring Ibiza at night might help you discover hidden gems and locations away from prying eyes. If you are a Gothic architecture or art enthusiast, then you can trade beaches and oceans for chapels, cathedrals, statues, museums and Ibiza Spain villas, at least for one day or even better, one night. Spain’s white island undoubtedly resembles a slice of heaven and you would be a fool not examining every detail, every corner, every nook and cranny. If you start walking through the town, you will inevitably run into the Contemporary Art Museum where you can witness amazing exhibitions including a vast collection of drawings, a part of them coming from Japanese artists.

If you thought that Ibiza and Japan have nothing in common, then you have not been attentive enough when exploring the island. Of course, we are not referring to the out of this world nightlife, but to art, which seems to unite different nations. Returning to architecture, the traditional rural house has been an object of study for many people over the years. It mainly consists of thick walls and horizontal ceilings. Apart from this “rustic house, you will also discover other typical architectural styles like modern classic, minimalist chic, mountain hideaway, village vanguard and spiritual seeker.

Nightlife in Ibiza is amazing; do not miss the chance of dancing in the club

The great thing about all these attraction points is that you can visit them during the day and return after dark to experience a different ambiance. Lastly, since this article focuses on Ibiza, known as the most popular destination for youngsters and clubbing lovers, we cannot overlook nightlife and entertainment. The truth is that you cannot leave this gorgeous island without dancing in the legendary dance clubs hosting special events and universally renowned DJ’s like Martin Garrix, Armin Van Buren and Steve Aoki.

The most spectacular nightclubs include Amnesia, which is a converted farmhouse where you can become familiar with the Balearic beat, Pacha, which relies on house and techno music, but also plays other genres including funk, disco and hip-hop, DC-10, which made its appearance on the party scene later brought something new, namely the minimal-techno genre. Other popular clubs in Ibiza are Privilege and Sankeys. Our advice is to choose the nearest club from your location and enjoy at least one night dancing with your friends and being part of the new generation.

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Important Things You Need To Know in Renting A Jet Ski

There are essential things that you need to keep in mind before hiring a jet ski to ensure your safety and know what to expect when riding… CONTINUE READING >> 

Jet skiing is a fun game for those who would want to try out some sports that involve water. Well, aside from having fun for a beginner, there are essential things that you need to keep in mind before hiring the device to ensure your safety and know what to expect when riding the invention as well.

Below are some of the essential things that you have to know about jet ski before hiring it.

Check Out the Seat

The jet skis are designed in different sized seats for people to choose from depending on the number of people riding on it. There are those devices intended for two people ride, while others are for single riders. Therefore, if you are riding with another person, make sure to choose the jet ski with a large sitting area, but for those riding alone, a single sitting area would be ideal for you.

The Payment Terms

All the renting stations offer rules when it comes to renting the jet skis. There are those who ask for a deposit of the whole amount plus an added amount to cater for damages that may occur on the device, and there are those who only charge for the deposit of the entire amount. So, if you don’t have the extra amount for paying for insurance terms, consider hiring from a station that has friendly terms.

The Gas Policy

Some jet ski renting companies usually refill their jets with the gas ones you rent it since people have different demands when it comes to the amount of gas they want in their jets skis while others charge for the gas already filled on the devices. Note that in the case where you are refilling the gas upfront, you will have to pay for the full amount required for refilling the jet ski of you choice. So, if you would want to make sure the gas refilled is the right amount or if you don’t trust that particular company, choose a device that charges the refilling upfront. If you are in Lauderdale, check out the available jet ski rentals fort lauderdale and select a company that charges at a reasonable price.

Always Check the Device before Renting it

The renting station will not tell you in case the jet ski has any issues before you hire it. On the other hand, these devices are prone to get damaged quickly since one individual does not operate them, therefore make sure to check for any damages no matter how minor it may seem from the jet ski and notify the owner so you can mark them together for your safety. Inspecting is also crucial since you can identify in case the device is found with a technical hitch for your safety.

After checking out the above crucial factors from the jet ski renting station, then you can hire it for your fun times. You can pay upfront or pay after you are done with your session although again this depends on the company that you are hiring from.

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Romance on an Island

Bali Island is an internationally renowned luxury destination and is most famous among the Indonesian archipelago. With its sandy beaches and rich cultural stock, the island definitely owns up to this praise… CONTINUE READING >> 

The question of what a perfect romantic destination entails will often have varied responses. Exclusivity and uniqueness among other descriptions come up to answer it. The saying ‘one man’s meat…’ rings true with the various descriptions of romance. The perfect romantic getaway, therefore, accommodates a large variety of tastes. Sprinkle this with a surprise or two and one as their perfect romantic experience. Bali Island is an internationally renowned luxury destination and is most famous among the Indonesian archipelago. With its sandy beaches and rich cultural stock, the island definitely owns up to this praise.

Luxurious accommodations

The island’s charms are accented by the five-star experience in the various hotels around the island, giving you highly memorable experiences. The five-star hotels in Bali Indonesia offer a variety of accommodation options for the guest. The offers range to accommodate the budgetary needs of the guests. Accommodating options may include beach resorts, which offer the perfect sunset views over the Indian Ocean horizon. One may even stay at the villas that offer a unique blend of romance sure to make a memorable stay. The infusion of Balinese cultural essence in the rooms is both elegant and unique. The Balinese culture also influences the architecture and decor in the rooms.

Passion and the spa 

The spa should offer a release of stress for the mind and body. The healing qualities of a good massage therapy will put the mind and body in perfect harmony. Bali is an island famed for its rejuvenating spa. This is not empty praise and those who have partaken in the spa treatments will back this claim. The five-star hotels in Bali Indonesia have the perfect romantic spa treatments for the couples. This may include the “His and hers” romantic spa packages which are exclusive for couples. The spa treatments offer an experience that entrenches the bonds between the couple and a memory to cherish.

Dining in a romantic hideaway

It would be hard to list the charms of Bali in order of their uniqueness but culinary experiences definitely range amongst the top. The Balinese cuisine is made of a rich blend that many guests deem as unique. In the five star hotels, the guest has an option for the exclusive Balinese cuisine or a fusion of Balinese and other exquisite cuisines for the perfect dining. Its native qualities like the way to dine and the food itself make the dining experience in Bali a marvel. The five star hotels in Bali Indonesia offer the perfect dining experiences for any guest, romantics included. The private dine overlooking the beach or private affair in a cabana surrounded by a white sandy beach is only a highlight of what the experience entails.

Make memories in Bali

No one wants a dreary romantic getaway, which he or she files away and only remembers it with a cringe. A vacation is often a promise of adventure and the perfect destination often provided this and more. The memorable adventure is always unique and remembered with a  smile. Sharing this experience with someone you hold dear assures a memory that lasts for a lifetime. On Bali Island, the romantics can create these very memories in the various indulgences. The island is a hub of activity and a guest will never lack a way to indulge their fancies. The island also offers jungles and wildlife to explore and watch. The beach, however, offers the bulk of experiences for the guests to indulge. The beach offers private spots for romantics to take a dip in privacy. The surfers can catch a wave or simply take time admiring the sunsets on a private cabana beside the beach. In all the island offers myriad of chances for the guests to create their apply memories.

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Instilling a Passion for Nature in Your Kids

Nature. It’s all around us. Even in busy cities, we can still observe hopping sparrows, soaring clouds, and chattering thunderstorms. While it may seem like, in the age of technology, getting kids interested in nature is a daunting task, nothing could be further from the truth… CONTINUE READING >> 

Nature. It’s all around us. Even in busy cities, we can still observe hopping sparrows, soaring clouds, and chattering thunderstorms. While it may seem like, in the age of technology, getting kids interested in nature is a daunting task, nothing could be further from the truth. No matter what generation we belong to, an appreciation of nature is in our DNA. Anne Frank said, “The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be.” Nature has the power to sooth. It’s no wonder we listen to rain or jungle sound effects when we want to relax. A passion for nature is in your kids, just waiting to be unlocked.

It’s clear that nature is important. It’s also increasingly clear that we’re important to nature–we have a planet to protect. How, then, do we instill a love of nature in our kids? We might complain about how their noses are buried in their phones, but there are plenty of ways we can get our kids to look up and fall in love with the world around them.

Go for Family Hikes

Kids tend to love the things they do with their family. If you want to instill a love of nature in your kids, one of the easiest ways is to just experience nature as a family. When they grow up, they’ll associate hikes along the beach, across meadows, and through the woods with family togetherness. They’ll come to love nature, because they’ll love the outdoor experiences they have with you.

Go to the Zoo

One of the best ways to create a love of nature in your kids, especially younger ones, is to take them to the zoo. Toddlers won’t be able to stop talking about the different animals they saw, and older kids will still get a thrill out of seeing the animals. Some zoos, like the Lake Tobias Wildlife Park in Halifax, PA, even have baby animals that tour around the zoo grounds, and your kids can pet and get up close to their animal-world peer. That kind of excitement and up-close experience is sure to give your kids a passion for all things wild and help foster a love of the planet.

Go Camping

The best thing about camping is that nature is all there is to do. Since there’s no electricity, and probably no cellphone reception, the entire week or weekend that your family camps has to be about nature. Kids can visit the campground’s nature center (sometimes also called the visitors’ center), where you can usually find scavenger hunts and other fun activities for kids to do outside. Swimming, hiking, biking, campfires, and other outdoor activities are part of what make camping so great for kids, and every day kids spend camping is a day spent closer to a love of nature.

Glamping

Camping may not be for everyone. There are plenty of people who love nature but just aren’t on board with sleeping on the cold ground and not having running water. For these folks, “glamping” is an option. Glamping happens by staying RVs and campers or even furnished cabins that you can rent out. There are resorts and getaways that focus on these kinds of forays. These are also good options if you are an urban family that has to travel quite a ways to be in “real” nature. Be sure to consult a source like Welk resorts review to get a good feel  for places you can stay where you and your family will be comfortable but still within easy access of all the natural wonders you could want.

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Secluded Vacation Spots

Anyone can take a vacation to a bustling place like New York City or Paris, but sometimes it’s nice to find a place that’s more out of the way or under the radar… CONTINUE READING >> 

Anyone can take a vacation to a bustling place like New York City, Paris, or Toronto. In fact, those are popular tourists spots because there’s always something to do in major cities, whether it’s going to see a play on Broadway or eating at a hot new ramen restaurant at midnight on a Tuesday. One major downside to visiting those places, though? The crowds. It’s not exactly a secret that places like New York have a lot to do. No one is going to be surprised if you tell them you’re taking a vacation in Paris, either. Travel can be so much fun, but it can be tiring to maneuver around a lot of people every waking minute. Sometimes it’s nice to find a place that’s more out of the way or under the radar. There are places that are interesting and exciting even if they’re 100 miles or more from the nearest major airport. Visiting such places tends to take a bit more planning, but such trips can be incredibly rewarding.

Cooperstown

Cooperstown, New York, is located about 75 miles from the state capital of Albany. It’s a small town of about 2,000 people, but it’s still a pretty popular tourist spot. That’s because it’s the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. If you’re a fan of America’s pastime, then you have to visit the Hall of Fame. It’s an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Depending on when you go, you may have to deal with crowds at the museum, but at least you won’t also have to share space with a million or so other residents of the town. Out-of-towners sometimes find New York City residents to be cranky, but that’s partly because New Yorkers don’t like sharing their space with tourists.

Don’t just expect to land the Albany airport and get an Uber, though. Don’t expect to do the same when you’re leaving Cooperstown, either. Plan to find a taxi from Cooperstown to Albany International Airport, or you risk scrambling to make your flight on time.

Mackinac Island

How secluded is Mackinac Island, Michigan? So secluded that there are no cars. That’s right; if you want to get around the island, plan to use a bicycle, horse drawn carriage, or your own two feet. It’s a purposefully slower pace that visitors usually love once they give themselves a bit of time to adjust. In fact, the place is reachable only by ferry or airplane. The island is old-fashioned in many regards, but you’ll still have plenty of lodging options to pick from (there are only about 500 permanent residents). There are no franchise hotels, but you won’t miss them once you experience the family-owned luxury lodging that exists here. A Mackinac Island hotel is unlike any other. If you do visit the island and someone calls you a “fudgie,” it’s not an old-timey insult. It’s a fond term for tourists, many of whom buy some of the island’s legendary fudge while they’re visiting. There’s also plenty of restaurants and shopping to keep you occupied when you aren’t taking in the beautiful scenery in the self-proclaimed “jewel of the Great Lakes.”

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Smart Traveling

Almost everyone loves to travel. If you, too, have caught the travel bug, then it’s time to start looking at trips. Whether you’re fresh out of college and wanting to see the world, or a long-time professional who desperately needs a break, travel provides of one the most valuable experiences life can offer… CONTINUE READING >> 

Almost everyone loves to travel. If you, too, have caught the travel bug, then it’s time to start looking at trips. Whether you’re fresh out of college and wanting to see the world, or a long-time professional who desperately needs a break, travel provides of one the most valuable experiences life can offer: adventure. Rather than spending your time and money on knick-knacks or streaming services, take time to actually live the life you’ve got. Travel to the other side of your country, or to the other side of the world. No matter where you go, you’ll make memories to last a lifetime.

The idea of traveling is great, and just about everyone would travel if they could. The problem is–traveling is expensive. If you travel smart, however, you can save hundreds of dollars, and trips you thought weren’t affordable might be in reach after all. Without further ado, check out this list of tricks for saving travel money.

Airfare

The biggest cost in just about any trip, airfare can cost double, or even triple, the rest of your traveling expenses. While tickets to some countries is a lot cheaper than others, a trip across a major ocean will probably cost you at least a thousand dollars. If you can get cheap tickets, on the other hand, you’ve halved your traveling expensive, and the trip starts looking a lot more affordable. When trying to find cheap tickets online, be sure to keep signing out of your internet browser. Websites will track your history, and once they know you’re looking, they’ll jack airfare prices up. Another trick for buying cheaper tickets is to change your country on Google. If your browser knows you live in an affluent country like the US, they’ll try to charge you more for tickets. Last but not least, try to buy tickets on Sunday, since that’s currently the best day of the week to look for airfare. 

Transportation

Getting to and fro on your trip can also be expensive. You might have no choice but to rent a car, but renting a vehicle while on vacation can be stressful and costly. Rather than being tied down to a rented vehicle, try to take advantage of subways, taxis, and good old fashioned walking. You can get from the airport to your accommodations with car service, such as Car service to JFK in New York, that will provide you with options for getting picked up and dropped off by a reliable transportation service.

Accommodation

One of the best ways to save money while traveling is to get creative with your accommodations. Hotels can be incredibly costly, and rather than spending hundreds on a room during your stay, try staying at a hostel or VRBO instead. Much cheaper, and often more personal, hostels and VRBOs can save you hundreds on your overnight accommodations.

Travel Insurance

While it might initially appear as nothing more than an added expense, travel insurance is a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re going on a long trip. Perhaps you don’t need to buy flight insurance on a puddle-jumper from Chicago to Indianapolis, but you will definitely want to buy it for that $1400 flight to Sydney. And if you’re going to be spending a lot of time abroad, it is essential to have travel insurance to cover any emergency medical costs, flight cancellations, or other issues. If you break your arm while backpacking through Europe, it will be much easier–and affordable–to simply use your insurer’s claims management software than it would be to try to figure it all out on your own from scratch.

Whether you travel near, or travel far, a great trip is a lot more affordable than you might think. Employ some of these suggestions for success, and you’re sure to have an easier time saving money on vacations.

Software to manage insurance claims – reference to business travel? Traveling smart?

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The Ballard Inn, a California Hinterland Hideaway

This is the Santa Ynez Valley, a wondrous land of mountains and valleys, vineyards, miniature livestock, exotic birds, old west storefronts, and even some windmills to tilt at…

CONTINUE READING >> 

A big thank you to the Ballard Inn & The Gathering Table and Select Registry hotels for providing this adventure, as always, all opinions are our own.

Say California and images of sun drenched seashores spring to mind. We think of surfers catching a wave while the Beach Boys blast in the background.

Nothing wrong with that, but just two hours up the coast highway, and a short turn inland, we came upon an unexpected surprise, a horse of a different color so to speak. Or size to be more accurate.

This is the Santa Ynez Valley, a wondrous land of mountains and valleys, vineyards, miniature livestock, exotic birds, old west storefronts, and even some windmills to tilt at.

Located right in the middle of it all, we found a perfect lodge to base our operations, rest and rejuvenate, and sup on sustenance to gather strength for our explorations, the Ballard Inn & The Gathering Table.

The award-winning bed and breakfast, along with gourmet cuisine, made for a practically perfect weekend getaway.

After a drive through the town of Ballard, and a quick stop at its historic schoolhouse that has been in continuous service since 1883, we arrived just in time for the complimentary wine and cheese cocktail hour that happens every afternoon.

This is wine country after all, but we soon discovered so much more. Our first stop the next morning was just a stone’s throw away from the inn at the Seein’ Spots Farm.

This rescue farm provides a home to a menagerie of goats, sheep, pigs, turkeys, ducks, chickens, geese, and tortoises that have been injured or abandoned.

While these guys are all hunky-dory, it’s the miniature donkeys that are the stars of Seein’ Spots. They are specially bred to be precise mini versions of the burros we are used to seeing.

The fuzzy little fellahs (shall we call them burritos?) wander freely among the other animals and we were allowed to walk right up to them. Veronica grabbed one of the many brushes provided and proceeded to make some new friends.

There is one resident of the farm not allowed to hang out with the rest, Zeeyore the Zonkey. No matter that he looked almost as cool as his name, by all accounts when zebras breed with donkeys the resulting offspring tend to pick up much of the zebra’s ornery nature. That’s why we were only introduced to with a stout fence between us.

Just in case we hadn’t had our fill of itty-bitty animals, we found another farm featuring diminutive duplicates of large equine originals less than a mile away. Maybe there is something in the water here in the hinterlands

Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch is more of a real working ranch though, since their one and only goal is to sell these little horses. And they are horses, don’t call them ponies. Great care is taken to produce anatomically correct replicas of their full-sized cousins.

Another thing in the water around here is the ability to turn it into wine, so we could hardly spend the day without a stop at one of the local vineyards. The nearby town of Los Olivos has plenty to choose from and we popped in to the Stolpman Vineyard’s tasting room for a sip or two.

After sampling several we selected a bottle of their silky Syrah, Para Maria, which has as an added bonus we really liked. The proceeds from this particular wine go into a profit sharing program that is divided among all of the vineyard’s crew.

From Los Olivos, we drove a short stretch up the road to Los Alamos for a look at an amazing antique outlet. Along with wine, antiques are definitely big in this area, and The Depot Antique Mall is the biggest.

Housed in the last remaining station of the old Pacific Coast Railway, the sheer volume of historic memorabilia was staggering. We weren’t in the market for anything, but this was like visiting a museum of kitschy Americana.

On our way back to Ballard, we made one more quick stop at the town of Santa Ynez and felt like we had stepped back in time. The main street looks like an old West cow town right down to the horseshoes embedded in the crosswalks.

We had to hurry back for our reservation at The Gathering Table because there was no way we were going to miss this dinner. Chef Budi Kazali creatively blends Asian and French influences using locally sourced produce, seafood, and meats to deliver outstanding dishes as small plates meant to be shared.

That is right up our alley; we can’t help but share even when the plates aren’t intended to be, so we ordered several. For a starter we chose the Kabocha Squash Soup, which certainly hit the spot on an evening that had a bit of a chill in the air.

Additional dishes arrived leasurly as we dined on Pork Belly with Napa Cabbage Fondue, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Seared Spanish Octopus with squid ink, Pork & Shrimp Shumai, and a finally of salted caramel topped with crème fresh.

Everything was beyond our expectations, truly gourmet dishes served in a rustic farmhouse kitchen setting made for an evening to remember.

We awoke to another gorgeous California morning and thought, Gee, this would be a good day to see some ostriches. Lucky for us OstrichLand USA was right up the road in the incredibly quaint Danish style village of Solvang.

Even though we had visited Solvang before (see that adventure here), we couldn’t help but pause for a few well-placed windmill shots before pulling up to the bird land.

Hidden behind high wooden fences (no free viewing of the big birds) we found more ostriches and emus than we ever could have imagined. They roam the range like cattle but, just like those little doggies, they come a’runnin’ when it’s supper time.

Feeding these colossal flightless feathered fowl is the main event, and they know it. We bought a pan of giant bird chow and immediately drew a crowd. A tight grip was required to maintain control while they greedily pecked and grabbed every last pellet.

We laughed the entire time at these bird brains because their goofy heads flopping around on those spindly necks was hilarious in a three stooges sort of way. Goes to show that weird notion or not, this was a good idea.

Before leaving the Santa Ynez Valley we had one more site to see, one that contributed greatly to the history of the region, Mission Santa Inés.

For over two hundred years it has served as a spiritual center for the community, but originally provided government and protection as well while Spain spread its influence northward from Mexico. The missions were used as a way of claiming territory, so were a combination of fortress, courthouse, and church.

Santa Inés is one of twenty-one such outposts established between 1769 and 1833 in what is now California, along with scores more throughout the Southwest, and we could say that we are on a mission to see as many as possible.

Wait, is that a mission impossible?

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com