Santa Maria del Oro, Mexico

Santa Maria del Oro is the name of a town and the name of a lake in the state of Nayarit.

The lake, which is a crater lake, is sunk deep into a range of mountains just beyond the border of the town.

All along the shore of the lake are restaurants and camp grounds. There is also a hotel by the name of -- what else? -- Santa Maria del Oro.

The journey down the mountain to the crater lake and the hotel is a stomach churning one. I was very glad I wasn't the one steering the car, but watching our decent from the back seat knowing I was completely out of control wasn't comforting either.

Once we arrived at the hotel, though, I forgot all about the harrowing ride down and just enjoyed the views.

The water reflects the color of the sky. When the clouds parted, the water shone crystal blue. When the clouds filtered overhead, the water turned muddled.

The lake was lovely with its steep green-covered banks rising steeply above it.

And the hotel grounds were so well manicured. I had fun posing with this jackfruit tree. Look ma! It's bigger than my head!