La Isla Bonita

We're at the end, you guys! Exactly one week ago today, Scott and I were enjoying our last full day in Cancun.  We decided to finish the vacation off with a day trip to Isla Mujeres and took the first ferry over last Friday morning, rented a golf cart for the day, then drove around the island enjoying the beautiful views and swimming at one more beach. And attempting to get my long run in for the week.  Which, in theory, should have been a PERFECT plan.  In actuality, it was HOT. 

Ferry ride over.

{I was tickled to see that the golf cart we got had Scott's lucky number on it.}

Map of the Island.

Knowing I needed to run 8 miles, I thought the island would be the perfect place to get it done -- the views would be gorgeous, Scott could keep me company while following beside me in the golf cart, and (most importantly) I'd be able to say that I had run 8 miles around Isla Mujeres.  Unfortunately, the first ferry over didn't leave until 9 and by the time we had gotten our cart and were ready to go it was 9:30 or quarter to 10.  This shouldn't have been THAT big of a problem, but it was REALLY hot.  It seemed as though the sun was already directly overhead and beaming right on me the whole entire time.  It was probably 90 something degrees already, and with 90% humidity I realized I probably wouldn't last for very long.  Especially since it wasn't really working out for Scott to follow along beside me and keep me company.  I powered it out as best I could, taking lots and lots of walking breaks, but in the end decided 4 miles would have to do.  Any longer and I was worried I was going to pass out.  And that's not a very fun way to spend the last day of vacation!  Hahaha.

Scott snapped a picture to document the insanity.

Almost to the other end of the island.  I had to stop and take a picture of the view here -- it was so beautiful!

Look at the color of that water!  SO gorgeous.  There was a zip line here, too, that we almost decided to do, but in the end thought it was too expensive for what it was.

I finished my 4 miles in a truly abysmal time which I was able to forget all about once I saw the breathtaking view at the finish.  Scott joined me for a snapshot or two and a walk around Punta Sur before we loaded up in the golf cart and went in search of some food.  

Punta Sur

After circling the island, we found a spot for a bite to eat and enjoyed the best food of our trip!  Even if it did involve the most incompetent service ever.  Seriously, each time a part of our order was brought out, the waiter brought it to the table right next to us.  Hahaha.  We finally got our smoothies and our belgian waffles on and enjoyed every bit of it before heading out for another loop around the island and a search for the perfect beach.

Strawberry Smoothie.

Mango Smoothie.

Chocolate chip, strawberry, and banana belgian waffles.  Seriously, the most delicious food I ate all week.

A bit rocky in patches.

But we found a stretch of sand!

By mid-afternoon, we had gotten our fill of the sun and surf and decided to head on back to the mainland.  By this point, the island was teeming with people and the streets and shops were crowded and overwhelming and we were just ready to go back.  We stopped at an OXXO {a chain of convenience stores that we saw all over the place} to pick up some water and gatorade, and Scott picked out a couple of bags of chips.  Hahaha.  Apparently, they like their chips with hot sauce over there and in Scott's bag of Ruffles he had not one, not even two, but FIVE packets of hot sauce at his disposal.  I'm pretty sure it was a fluke, but it was funny nonetheless.

We had to wait a bit for the next ferry back, and while biding our time at the dock, we knocked out another crossword puzzle or two.  I think I can say with confidence that we have officially become smarter over the course of the last week.  Hahahaha. 

The views on the ferry ride back were just as beautiful as they were from the island.  I probably took WAY too many pictures, but I just had to capture the color of the water -- it was so incredible. And don't forget, I was still trying to make up for no pictures from our original honeymoon.  :)

Look at the blue!

And the turquoise!

I mean come on!

I think I would love a painting of this scene.  :)

It was sad to see our trip come to a close, but at the same time we were ready to come back.  I don't know when we'll be able to get away again, but hopefully the rest and relaxation this trip brought will last us for a good long while.  Or at least until the kids start school again.  Hahahaha.    

Have a happy weekend.  :)  We're prepping for a cousin swap -- Ethan and Hannah will be traded at our CVS meet-up spot tomorrow!  Hasta la vista, baby!