Worldmark Marina Dunes – Marina, California 4/22/2014

APRIL 22, 2014 (Tuesday)

Woke up to sunshine and beautiful views. Michael headed out to Santa Clara area for a few hours. Before he left, however, he made sure I had coffee and food (as I had no wheels to go anywhere). Also, he left a little money in case I needed anything. Such a great husband.

I just putzed around until about 11:00 AM. I walked out to the beach area and discovered where the resort has their nightly bonfire (weather permitting). It’s a lovely area, with a few beach chairs, overlooking the ocean. It is a very short walk from our room.

Fire pit for evening vespers and a bonfire.

Also walked by the pool. It was so fun because there were three ducks in the pool. Apparently they tried to get them out but the ducks were really enjoying it and had no intention of leaving. The pool was nice and warm. Looking forward to the hot tub and pool tonight. We’re hoping Lexi, Jennifer, Belinda and Amber come by to take a dip for awhile, and maybe enjoy the bonfire.

Lexi came by around 12:30 PM for lunch. We ended up going to Cafe Mia in Marina. Love that place. It has such great food and Horace and his daughter, Alley, are really nice. Lexi said she went to school with Alley. Small world. Anyway, Lexi had a chicken sandwich and I had a cobb salad. Great, as usual.

They’re painting the outside of the unit we’re in at the resort so it’s a little noisy but so enjoying the sound of the ocean and the beautiful blue skies. Marina is normally fogged in so this is a real treat to actually have some warmth and sunshine.

My personal favorite flower, The Bird of Paradise.

They had signs identifying the plants that were growing.

I kept the card key in my wallet and just held it to the lock. Some kind of wi fi thing.

When Michael got “home,” around 5:30 PM, we walked over to Kula Ranch Restaurant for dinner. They had a 2fer Tuesday special that we got – filet mignon with potatoes, broccoli, salad, and a dessert. Delicious. The filet was so tender and moist – and was on some very tasty and spicy beans. I also got a lemon drop martini, which was also excellent.

Edie had a Lemon Drop and said it was excellent.

The steak was excellent and served over a gravy bean paste that was so flavorful and echoed the flavors of the meat.

On the way out I had Edie photograph this chest, the palm leaves were so well carved, a real artist.

Edie got a good fill of blossoms. — Edie got a good fill of color.

Around 6:30 PM, Lexi, her friend Jennifer, Belinda, and Amber came by to swim. It was really windy and cold but the pool was warm, and the hot tub (where Michael and I stayed) was very enjoyable. We got to talking to some people in the hot tub area. They were staying at the Sanctuary Spa buildings (a little more upscale than Worldmark, I think, but same buildings and resort). They said they get chocolates, robes, etc. – but they were being charged around $300.00 a night. We paid a little over $60.00 a night. I think I can live without robes and chocolate for the price difference. Really enjoy the Marina Dunes Resort, especially when the weather is decent.

When we got back “home,” the girls left and Michael and I watched NCIS. That was our day. Hope yours was great!