Mark has a fantastic group of tight-knit college friends. Most of them turn 50 this year. The plan was for the men to gather somewhere fun in the spring of 2021 and have a mighty good time. But, because of Covid, no such plans were made. It was up to me to throw a two-person and one-dog special birthday party! How? By renting a small casita along Bahia Concepcion, via AirBnB.
The blue casita is where we stayed for Mark’s birthday weekend
A jaunt to Mexico seems to be my go-to when it comes to quick Mexican-themed birthdays for my husband. Three years ago, we ended up in Puerto Penasco, because I couldn’t find a restaurant in the middle of the desert of Southern Arizona to treat him (he loves Mexican food). In March 2006, we found ourselves on the mainland of Mexico for Mark’s birthday celebrations.
(As always, hover over or click on photos in galleries to read the captions. My images are heavily resized for easier downloading and uploading; I apologize for their inferior quality.)
This year, we stayed at this little rental for three days and three nights, including March 1st. We enjoyed the peace, views, and toys as much as the convenience of being in a house, despite the steep road and many stairs to reach our “home away from home.” Moving our belongings back and forth was a true workout, but the rewards were more than worthwhile.
Many steps down to the casita and even more steep, uneven steps down to our beach
The casita came with its own private beach, natural hot springs, kayaks, and paddleboards. Because of the incessant winds, we only managed to use the kayaks once. But, it was pretty awesome. We set out in the morning – Maya insisted on coming along for the ride – and paddled among dolphins and around a rocky island full of birds.
On March 1st, we went to dinner, outside, on Playa Santispac and ordered whatever our hearts (and stomachs) craved: two Bloody Mary’s each, a shared appetizer of fresh ceviche, and main dishes consisting of seafood. A real splurge, but at $50 in total, still much cheaper than a celebratory meal out in the US.
Our little kitchen
What do you see here? A small kitchenette?
We see a “real” kitchen: an oven to prepare Mark’s granola – two batches! – and to bake a few sweets while being here. And, a fridge with a freezer to make ice cubes! Aaah, the small pleasure in life!
A real stove and oven to cook!
Our rented casita/studio came with a small kitchen, counter with chairs, bed, sofa chair, and bathroom with hot and cold water.
Here are a few more snaps of our one-hour kayak ride one morning.
Maya was at ease in the casita as well.
In short: it was a fun, relaxing, and special birthday “weekend.”
Sunrise over Bahia Concepcion
March 28, 2021 at 19:23
WooHoo, Mark is 50 and you celebrated in STYLE, as well you should! The word “relaxing” fits your mood exactly after such a long haul. Congrats to you both! 🙂
March 29, 2021 at 14:54
Thank you, Marian. I could get used to this relaxing thing! 🙂
March 28, 2021 at 19:47
It looks like you found a beautiful spot to celebrate. The water is so pretty, love all the birds, and an oven!
We really wanted to be there. But when you turn 50 (especially during a pandemic) you get a whole birthday year. We will celebrate when we see you again.
March 29, 2021 at 16:54
Haha! Good idea. I’ll let Mark know he has an entire birthday year. I guess at 50 that is totally deserved! Looking forward to more celebrations whenever we meet again. It looks like we should get our first shot in April, so hopefully by the middle to the end of May, we can count ourselves among the totally vaccinated…
March 28, 2021 at 20:14
Looks like a perfect place to celebrate. Happy Birthday, Mark!
March 29, 2021 at 16:55
It was a pretty sweet spot, as far as Mexican AirBnBs go. 🙂 Thank you for the wishes!
March 28, 2021 at 20:18
It looks like you picked the perfect spot to celebrate Mark’s birthday! I love that Maya wanted to kayak with you… she definitely fits in to your family of adventurers.
March 29, 2021 at 16:57
Hi Janis!
We love our adventurous dog!
I actually only found one “affordable” place to stay through AirBnB in this area, so when it was looking a bit iffy (access road too steep for Zesty, potential of other renters, cranky owner), I worried about an alternative. There wasn’t really one, so I’m glad this all worked out in the end! 🙂
March 28, 2021 at 20:24
I have been looking forward to reading about Mark’s special birthday. What fun, staying in the casita. The view is spectacular and the blues are surreal. I can see how moving your belongings was a challenge. Many dishes of seafood is one of our special treats, too. I can only imagine how ice cubes are a major treat in your lives. Definitely a “special” birthday. Happy Birthday to Mark and wishing many more healthy, fun years.💕
March 29, 2021 at 17:00
Thank you for the kind comment and the sweet wishes, Erica. Many items that other people take for granted are splurges to us. Another example of “what you need” versus “what you want,” but savoring these enhancements once in a while is super nice and special. For example, we took a hot, pressurized shower at a friend’s place in Yuma, Arizona, this morning and it felt soooooo good. The best shower in many months. 🙂
March 28, 2021 at 20:37
Mark looks younger than 50! (You can tell him that’s my gift to him … haha … but he really does.) What a special few days for a special occasion; I’m glad you three had so much fun and felt you could splurge a little.
March 29, 2021 at 17:01
That is a nice compliment for Mark, Lexie. I think he looks younger than 50 as well, especially right after he shaved (a once-a-week occurrence). I could get used to relaxing and splurging a little more. And, maybe we will. As long as we can find a healthy balance. 🙂
March 28, 2021 at 20:43
Happy 50th! We’re well past that but do remember the landmark that was in personal history. I hope you two had a wonderful celebration.
March 29, 2021 at 17:03
Thank you, Jacqui. While very mellow and friend-free, Mark and I – and Maya, of course – had a wonderful time. As always, there were a few issues looming, but we managed to set those aside (mostly) during our three-day celebration. 🙂
March 28, 2021 at 20:47
Liesbet, You picked a beautiful spot to celebrate Mark’s milestone birthday. Private beach and paddling toys that you can use to see sea life and birds sound wonderful to me. Happy birthday to Mark and wishing you both many more healthy and happy years. Thank you for linking with #WeekendCoffeeShare.
March 29, 2021 at 14:58
Hi Natalie!
Thank you for the wishes. I hoped you’d get a kick out of seeing all these water toys. I had to think about you when I first tried the paddle boarding and was proud not to fall off. What is your favorite, if you had to pick one, kayaking or paddle boarding?
To be honest, this was the first time Mark and I actually enjoyed our kayaking experience. I guess before that, it had always been too windy or too boring when we set out on borrowed kayaks…
March 28, 2021 at 21:14
Looks amazing! It isn’t about celebrating where you’re at, it’s about celebrating with someone you love. Well done! %0 is the new 40. I say at 62, I’m going to continue to move the goalposts.
March 29, 2021 at 14:59
True words, Pete! You might be 62, but I bet you feel and I’m convinced look so much younger. Celebrating life should be done every single day, one way or another. 🙂
March 28, 2021 at 21:15
Haha! 50 is the new 40! Ignore the senile man passing through your blog.
March 29, 2021 at 15:00
Haha! I figured that’s what you meant. Plus, you should just blame autocorrect. Not your ripe and mature age. 🙂
March 28, 2021 at 23:40
Wow! What a cool spot to stay for a celebration! The views were beautiful and having your own private beach sounds incredible. I’m glad the wind cooperated for long enough to get out on the water a bit and it sounds like you found a great spot for a celebratory dinner. And really, the most important thing was that Maya approved of everything and enjoyed herself. LOL. She’s such a good girl! Happy Birthday, Mark!
March 29, 2021 at 17:06
Thank you for the wishes, Laura. Of course, it’s all about Maya. You know how that goes. And, she approved of the beach, the toys, the tiled floor, the breeze porch, and … the comfy couch. I’m sure Thor would approve too. 🙂
March 28, 2021 at 23:47
Happy Birthday, Mark!
So glad that the three of you were able to celebrate it style.
Your pictures tell a wonderful story!
March 29, 2021 at 17:09
Hello Donna! One day, I should do a bit more effort and incorporate a bit more creativity with my photos, like you, instead of throwing them all “out there.” For some reason, blogging exhausts me and takes up too much time these months… Soon, I’ll adjust to a different, more productive schedule again.
March 29, 2021 at 01:53
Happy 50th to Mark! So great you had such a celebratory weekend. What a great view to wake up to. Ah the simple pleasures like fridges and stoves … I do hear you! Beautiful photos and Maya on the kayak ~ wow!
Peta
March 29, 2021 at 17:11
We often envy you and Ben – mostly the places you end up renting and that come with all those great and fun amenities! A freezer. Decent kitchen utensils. A real shower. A flushing toilet. Haha!
March 29, 2021 at 04:13
Welcome to the 50’s Mark, you are in very good company. Perfect little casita and such a beautiful place. Wishing you a very healthy new decade of life, filled with adventures 👏🏼👏🏼🎂
March 29, 2021 at 17:12
I agree Mark is in really good company right now, Gilda! 🙂 Let’s hope our adventures continue. Forever and forever!
March 29, 2021 at 07:49
Now that’s a great way to spend a birthday! Yes, welcome Mark to the fifties.
March 29, 2021 at 17:13
Thank you for the sweet reception into the fifties category, Alex. Mark appreciates it. 🙂
March 29, 2021 at 09:43
Sounds like a great way to celebrate a birthday! Happy birthday Mark.
March 29, 2021 at 17:13
Mark says “thank you,” Ingrid. And I can’t believe you are already preparing for your summer up north again. Wow. Where did the time go??
March 29, 2021 at 10:28
Man oh man, you keep tempting us to travel down to Mexico. We are going to have to arrange our plans to do this one year! Thanks for sharing! Jim @ LIB
March 29, 2021 at 17:15
Hi Jim! RVing in the US is super easy and extremely diverse, which is why we love it. But, hopping south of the border for a bit can be truly rewarding. Plus, we love Mexican food! Apparently, the Baja wine isn’t too bad either, but I can’t vouch for that. Yet. 🙂
March 29, 2021 at 11:54
Looks awesome Happy birthday to Mark.
March 29, 2021 at 17:16
Thank you, John and Susan. Let’s keep inspiring ourselves and others with our blogs!
March 29, 2021 at 12:16
Happy birthday to a special Amazon friend.. Karen and David
March 29, 2021 at 17:17
So nice to see and read you here Karen and Dave. Thanks for the wishes. We hope all is well and healthy with you both. Another Amazon season is already being recruited for. What will you do this fall???
March 29, 2021 at 17:42
Happy birthday to Mark! Glad you all had such a wonderful time.
March 29, 2021 at 19:54
Thank you, Anabel. We have been back in the US for exactly one day and already miss Mexico and want to go back…
March 29, 2021 at 20:00
Happy birthday Mark! Home is where the heart is..and partner..and doggie! Warm regards, Rona @mindfulontheroad
April 1, 2021 at 00:17
Hi Rona! Love the expression about where home really is. 🙂 Thanks for visiting and commenting!!
March 30, 2021 at 00:16
What a lovely spot to celebrate a special birthday. Happy belated birthday to Mark!
April 1, 2021 at 00:17
Thanks, Deb! I think the Sea of Cortez is an area we are bound to return to. Hopefully sooner than later! 🙂
March 30, 2021 at 03:32
What a fabulous spot you found, Liesbet! The views are beautiful and I’m glad Mark had a great celebration. So many of them have had to be reduced in scale this past year, but no way was this second best 🙂 🙂
April 1, 2021 at 00:20
Hi Jo! You and I have both been “blessed” to have been in a warmer place over the winter, which makes outdoor activities possible and enjoyable. We surely took advantage of that in Baja. It was a small celebration for Mark’s birthday, but he had a good time and that’s all that matters. 🙂
March 30, 2021 at 17:24
It looks and sounds like a lovely little getaway! A very happy 50th to Mark! 🙂
April 1, 2021 at 00:21
Thanks, Diane! We enjoyed our three-day “retreat” and are looking forward to more Baja next winter. Hopefully!
March 31, 2021 at 00:28
Happy Birthday Mark! I agree with your other friend that when you turn 50 you get to celebrate for the whole year. So while the weekend on the beach looked fabulous, it is just the beginning of a GREAT year for Mark AND you AND Maya! ~Kathy
April 1, 2021 at 00:23
Thanks, Kathy. Well, now that two people have told us that Mark has a birthday year, we better exploit that! 🙂 Let’s hope all of us get a breather and a good year around the sun in 2021! By the way, we should have brought back some tequila for you as we didn’t “stock up” on any alcohol this time…
April 2, 2021 at 01:28
I love how you can really appreciate the simple joys of things that we often take for granted. I hadn’t thought of this are having dolphins so that is a surprise, but why not?
The Casita looks lovely as does the seafood! Happy birthday to your hubby! May his next milestone be one in which the pandemic is only a distant memory!
April 4, 2021 at 12:05
Thanks a lot, Amanda. Dolphins are my favorite animal in the world, so the closer I get to them the better. 🙂 Even after sailing for eight years and often having them accompany our catamaran, I never grow tired of them. Let’s hope the pandemic will soon be a distant memory!
April 2, 2021 at 06:24
Wow, looks so idyllic and the food looks amazing!
Lovely photos. 🙂
April 4, 2021 at 12:06
Thanks, Nilla. We lost a peace of our heart in Baja. But, who knows what the next adventure brings and when… Right now, our lifestyle is totally up in the air.
April 5, 2021 at 06:18
Agree, but think that everyone’s is right now…
April 5, 2021 at 18:28
Nomads, for sure. I do believe many people’s lives have been turned upside down, but I do hope that most of them still have a roof above their head and somewhat of a routine and safety net.
April 9, 2021 at 08:01
Exactly, hope that people are coping through these tumultuous times…
April 2, 2021 at 07:29
Those steps alone would keep anyone fit, Liesbet, but what a great way to work off the extra birthday calorie intake. It looks a beautiful place, and so peaceful. Were the evenings really chilly? I can’t imagine that in Mexico, but I guess it all depends on the direction of the wind.
Happy belated birthday to Mark.
April 4, 2021 at 12:11
Hi Hugh!
It’s so interesting, the concepts we have about places in the world regarding the temperatures. I thought Mexico would always be warm and pleasant, as images of beaches come to mind when this country is discussed. But this was now the second time in fifteen years that we drove down the peninsula in search of warmer weather and didn’t find it as we stopped about 2/3 of the way (on purpose). The unusually persistent and consistent winds had something to do with that. And the fact that we didn’t want to drive all the way to the bottom of Baja California, where it is always warmer.
The nights were pleasant for sleeping. If outside, one needed a sweater but could keep wearing shorts. 🙂 Other than the winds, the temperature was pretty ideal. Seventies during the day and forties/fifties at night with bright, starry skies.
April 5, 2021 at 04:11
Sounds perfect (for me, anyway), Liesbet. At least it’s not raining. The starry skies must be an amazing site away from all the light pollution.
April 5, 2021 at 18:21
I think you’d like the temperature of Baja in winter, Hugh. Pleasant days and cool nights. And… no rain. At least during the two months we were there. I think I will be in awe the next time I see and feel rain as it has been at least four months! Yes, the night sky is magnificent in the desert, worldwide. 🙂
June 24, 2021 at 16:02
Awesome birthday weekend! Mark is lucky to have you.
Jude
June 26, 2021 at 06:36
Very sweet of you to say so, Jude. Honestly, I do think I’m a pretty good wife. Flexible, loving, respectful, and without demands. 🙂