San Carlos

 Several years ago, my husband and I started a Memorial Day tradition of packing up then-small children and a carload of beach gear and heading across the border to San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico. It was always a relatively easy trip.  No time deadlines (except for the widely accepted rule of not driving in Mexico at night) no need for anything resembling fancy clothes. We packed a few swimsuits, flip flops and a sundress and that was it. When the drug violence in Mexico escalated a few years ago we sadly abandoned our yearly trip and wondered if we would be able to visit that friendly place again. This year we returned with teenagers and new friends and had a fantastic time. Our favorite place had not changed much-- simple accommodations, miles of unoccupied beach, sea kayaking, warm water, cool breezes and absolutely nothing to do but enjoy the quiet. Take a look:

 It looks just like Tucson, with an ocean pulled up to the Foothills.....

 A fun necklace carved from coconut shell....

Colorful beach rocks.