Steve and I just returned from our best anniversary celebration ever. This year marked our 10th wedding anniversary, and we had an absolutely amazing weekend at a beach resort - while the kids enjoyed some bonding time with Uncle Terry and Aunt Michaelle. :) The drive there ended up being much longer than we had anticipated over some incredibly rough roads, but the views along the way were spectacular. We rounded the corner at one point to see Mt. Mayon across the bay.
We were glad for our 4-wheel drive vehicle several times along the way. 
The drive got long (6 hours each way over bouncy roads!), but we so enjoyed the scenery together.
When we finally arrived, we were awe-struck by the beauty of the little resort village nestled at the base of some cliffs on the beach. Phenomenal.
This one is taken from the adjacent cove - you can see just a sliver of Gota beach.
A perfect place to grab a book and relax to the sound of the waves.
Here is the walkway between the two coves.
Steve had fun trying some impromptu rock climbing.
There were some HUGE hermit crabs scurrying around the beach at night. We wanted to try to bring one back to the kids, but it wasn't doing so well so we let it go before we left.
It was so cool how the cove was surrounded by tiny deserted islands. Gorgeous.
We actually swam out to the one straight out from Gota beach 2 different times - Steve figures it was about a mile away. We enjoyed the swim together, and found some great snorkeling over there besides.
We actually found several amazing snorkeling spots that had both great coral and sea life. Some of the creatures we saw were lots of star fish and brightly-colored fish, a sea horse, a sting ray, several jelly fish (1 large one), and an octopus!
We stayed for 2 nights, and God provided some beautiful sunsets both nights (guessing the sunrises were pretty too, but I can't speak from experience on those!).
The service was excellent, and they even set up a romantic dinner on the beach for us both nights - without being asked! There was hardly anyone else at the resort while we were there, and we so enjoyed the peace and quiet.
We are so thankful that we were able to enjoy this past weekend together, celebrating the fact that God has blessed us with the joy of being married for 10 years now. We made some great memories and came home truly refreshed.
5 comments:
Wowza, this place looks so magical! Ya'll are adorable! carrie
This looks like the perfect place for you guys!! I'm so thankful you had this time together. The table set up on the beach looks like something out of a movie!! Was this place really in Bicol??
looks kind of familiar I guess I have been there as well. You really deserved to spend some time there. you're stuck in my mind as an example of commitment as missionaries. I hope you guys are doing great. I love reading your blog. Always remembers me of the sweet time I spent overseas.
Johannes
The german guy form the YWAM guys who visted you in Mai.
Happy you were able to get time away. Looks like a nice place, maybe you can share details so someday we can post some great pics of the two of us enjoying a getaway there. Although we don't have any family nearby for our four to stay with.
Oh Jen, you were so right! We WOULD love it!!!! I'm so glad you could get away and do this together, and who knows...maybe one day we'll go back with ya. ;-) Beautiful pictures of you and Steve, btw!
Post a Comment