Going Out in Style
Em's Last Dual Slalom Run Emily Brydon finished off her impressive career in Nakiska at Nationals this March, winning her tenth National Championship, skiing the Dual Slalom in "style", and celebrating alongside her teammates with BC/DC at COP and onto Ceili's Pub for the evening. To say she was exhausted is an understatement, to say she was excited about what the future holds equally so...particularly the immediate future.
Boogie Boarding, Playa Casa Rubia It all started when Emily sent us a link to a house just outside of Puerto Escondido - www.casarubia.com - for her retirement party. I perused the site, instantly fell in love, and then began what I thought was an inevitable retreat. I mean, the last beach vacation I went on to Mexico took place in huts by the "river" where I indulged in $1 tacos after attempting to surf, and played dominoes in the evenings with plenty of Pacifico - both cheaper than water. Casa Rubia was this beautiful piece of paradise on its own stretch of beach, six private suites that slept up to 26, came with its own staff...and was minutes from what is aptly entitled the Mexican Pipeline. Not only did this seem completely unattainable, any small accomplishments in the surf department were not going to help out on these expert breaks, and how could we (meaning me) possibly afford this trip?
So, it just so happens that Casa Rubia is owned by former ski racer Cary Mullen and that he wanted to make sure Emily and crew had the Mexican/retirement trip of a lifetime. Prices negotiated, cheap flights found, intermediate breaks researched, we locked 'er in! As the day of departure approached we were in disbelief and every step that brought us closer translated into a wider and wider smile. Upon arrival, the sun having set, we walked into Casa Rubia and couldn't hide the awe written all over our faces. The white crests of the waves crashing on the beach glistened in the moonlight. The pool was lit and calling our names. And the "round table" glowing and set for three. Clint and Yvette gave us a tour, ensuring cocktails were in hand, and Emily and I quickly claimed the master suites...one on either side of the pool equipped with their own sitting rooms, patios, full washrooms, walk in closets and king sized beds. Not surprisingly larger than either of our current apartments, and since we were the two staying from beginning to end it seemed only fitting. After margaritas, fresh fish, rice and vegetables, salsa verde (I'm taking some to go), and a lemon dessert that melted in our mouths, we tucked into bed early anticipating awakening to the view and the days to follow.
Sunset, Playa Casa Rubia Walks in the soft sand without a soul in sight, body surfing and boogie boarding on "our" beach, dips in the pool between chapters of our current books, and the most unbelievable food that just keeps on coming kept us more than satisfied as one by one the troops trickled in. 
Diana and Serge at Poolside Happy Hour Five days in, what was three is now seven, the days are filled to the rim with activity and highly regarded siestas (particularly for those not used to training hours on end - once again meaning me), and our only need to leave Casa Rubia comes when we're looking to catch some morning or sunset waves. Ahhh, life is good!
Playa Carrizalillo By Friday the remainder of the crew will be on hand, and we'll be ready for more adventures! Let's see what unfolds...until then, a cold cerveza is calling, the beach volleyball net is set and ready for match two with Alexandro (chef) and Serge (driver), and I've reached my quota of computer time.