Mexico

	In late Feb, 2005 my small group went to Puerto Vallarta to celebrate Brad's 40th Birthday!  Here I am with the Sheldahls & Erikssons as we depart for the airport.		The weekend was a surprise which Pam had planned for Brad.  He had no idea until we all started appearing at the airport.  I am not sure you could wipe the smiles off our faces all weekend.
	Once in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, we were taken by boat to Verana (www.verana.com).  Here we are gathering before our adventurous, bumpy boat ride to the property.		Life is Good!
	A nice chilled towel, a refreshing drink and the company of friends began our stay.  Our group of 15 took over the property.  It was great having the run of the place to ourselves!		The infiniti pool was the gathering place during the hours of sunlight.   It reminded me a little for the pool in Virgin Gorda at Little Dix Bay.  Here is the birthday boy ready to jump in!
	Fresh food for all! One night we had fresh fish that had been caught earlier in the day for our enjoyment.  The cuisine was fabulous.		Bugs are just a part of the experience.  Here a grasshopper joins me for a little fun.  I guess the shirt looked like grass!
	The simple pleasures of life.  A game of Bocci amidst the jungles.   Nice form Bradford!		Maybe not quite as spectacular as the sunsets in Hawaii, but Di & Kev made sure to enjoy the ending of the day in style!
	The boys minus Otis who have meant the world to me the last 7 years!		I guess when we are gathered to celebrate your birthday, you can do whatever you want.  That being said, I am not sure any of us knew what Brad was doing.
	The husbands and their Don Julio!		The wives waiting until they need to step in!
	Verana is a truly magical place.  A bit rustic, but a great getaway.   The flora and plant life was beautiful as shown here.		At the edge of the world.  Well, maybe not, but at least at the edge of the infiniti pool!
	More of the unique landscaping of Verana!		Though the mosquitos were not as bad in February as later in the year, we all had mosquito nets over our beds just to make sure we were not eaten alive.
	The view looking back toward Puerto Vallarta from my room.		Gathering for one final meal before we all had to get back to our varying responsibilities elsewhere.
	Every room is unique in its design.  Here is one of the rooms!		My roommates.  As the only one who was single on the trip, I shared the Jungle Suite with the Sheldahl's.
	Pam you outdid yourself in planning this one for Brad.  Thanks for inviting me to join you all.  A very worthwhile trip from Hawaii!		Piling back into the boat for the ride back toward Puerto Vallarta.   Verana is only accessible by boat.  It made the experience very unique.
	Kev & I riding shotgun on the boat.  Thankfully the boat ride back was a bit smoother.		Brad practicing his guitar skills as we awaited our time to board the plane.
	A little poker at the airport to help pass time and to try to pay for the trip.  If memory serves me correctly, the birthday boy did not finish very strong in the poker game!:)		Verana, how sweet it was!!!