Loopy Road Leads to Landmark

(L post)
Please click to enlarge and see the loopy road beneath this overlook.  Look real carefully, you can see long away in the distance a car!  We drove this loopy road with all it's switchbacks and scenery from Palm Desert up the mountain, and back down on the other side to Temecula.

See what I mean about loopy roads, long away.  (Hey, it's another L word).

Aside from a photo opt with Hubby, it was a good to get out of the car a bit in order not to feel too dizzy.

AND...tadah, here we are at the Historic Landmark.   It's a bit hard to read, but tells us Lake Hemet Dam and Reservoir were built in 1895 to irrigate the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley.  It goes on to say this gravity arch masonary dam was the highest in the United States.  Must have been quite a marvel when it was built with granite from the canyon valley below.  You can spend time there camping, boating, and fishing.  There are 2 camp grounds and also rentals available.  AND if you want to do something really unique, you can go Rattle Snake Hunting....don't count me in for that adventure. 

It's a fun, loopy, bit long drive with lots of long away vistas.  But, hubby loves driving those types of roads.  If you're one to get car sick, take the freeway and arrive in the wine valley of Temecula without being dizzy.  We've taken this route twice; but after wine tasting it is not recommended you return by the same route.

It's a good day trip if you're staying in Palm Springs, Palm Desert. 

Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.
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What to do With the Kids

 (A-Z challenge K post)
Bon Bini to Aruba
Not all resorts or vacation destination are a good spot to bring the kids.  When you travel as a family, vs a couple, or adult group; you really need to think about what the kids are going to do when you want to relax and read by the pool or ocean ..or go out in the evening.  It's ok that not everywhere is kid friendly, we adults like our time too.  But, you do yourself, your children and everyone around you a disservice not to know the answer to the question, "What do the Kids Do?"........BEFORE you plan your trip.  This fun picture was taken poolside at Marriott's Surb Club Time Share in Aruba.  Knowing the cost of flights out of the country, I'm always surprised by the number of families with small children doing the beach thing here vs a place closer to home, and cheaper. 

 However, the resort does offer fun activities for kids.  These native type dancers kept the kids entertained for close to hour.  Parents and adults enjoyed watching and taking pictures.  AND...the music was fun too.  However, this isn't a baby sitting service giving adults an hour free and most of the activities scheduled at Marriott Time Shares aren't either.  Most offer choices of indoor and outdoor activities, but parents need to be present.  It does give you an excuse to get them out of the sun for awhile if you sign them up for an activity at The Maze, which all Marriott Time Shares have.  There's face painting, jewelry making, tie-dye shirts, balloon animals, and other craft type projects.  Some activities are free, some require a fee.  The only activity that gives you, the adult time would be movie night.  Most time shares offer a movie night where the kids get popcorn, pizza and watch movies; but check the age for this activity as it's not for the wee ones.

Please also check and be aware that your children can not be in the pool without your supervision at most resorts; so don't plan on sending them out while you read your book on the balcony.  Some resorts have adult only pools, quiet pools, or pools with restricted hours for children.  Don't assume the pool closest to your room/condo/villa will be the one you'll use with your children.  Read the signs at the pool, and or the book available in every room. 

Kids want to have a good time, and so do adults.  Everyone can if they know what's what.  Always give thought to who wants to do what during vacation before hand, a bit of pre-planning make the whole trip so much more enjoyable.

Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.

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