Tropical Storm Eileen

Math question:
When you walk a mile down a beach with dark clouds overhead, how far do you have to walk back when a tropical rain storm hits?
Answer: Just because the deck chair cushions were just put out doesn't mean that the locals can read those dark blue storm clouds any better than you can.

Psych question:
What does being caught in a tropical rainstorm feel like?
Answer (after the reception committee's laughter dies down):
Ever had a luke-warm fire hose turned on you?

Philosophical question:
Would those shells you collected before the rain still be on the beach if you hadn't gone out?

No picture of me  - just imagine a drowned rat. But the shells are pretty fabulous, don't you think?

Life's a beach....

We have adapted to living on the beach pretty well. The sun is hot and although clouds threaten most days, it is hot by mid-day - especially off the beach. It tends to be windy here this time of year and storms come up suddenly. Last night we experienced the north wind that the fishermen love and the tourists not so much. Our hotel has an oasis in the courtyard around the pool so we can always sit there.

 

The wind and high tide have revealed the most bizarre thing. Horseshoe crabs with brittle ten-inch long shells litter the tide line by the hundreds. Apparently so caught up in mating, they don't realize they are dangerously higher than they should be and end up stranded when the tide goes down.

A fishing village

Only ten years ago, Isle Holbox (pronounced Hol bosh) consisted of a small fishing village in the centre of a quiet drift of sand held together by mangrove trees. A large but shallow lagoon separates the island from the mainland at the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. Transportation still consists of a ferry to the mainland and bicycles, motor bikes and golf carts on the island. The police have a truck.

 

 

 

Whale sharks and change

Whale sharks appear off the coast of Isle Holbox for four - six months of the year. These 12-meter-long sharks were suddenly seen as having tourism potential and hotels started to appear on the beach. Now you can go on tours and swim with the gentle giants. Flocks of flamingoes also arrive to breed in the lagoon and a bird preserve has been established around much of the island.

Locals have adapted by adding store fronts to their homes. Most added restaurants but some sell sea shells and t-shirts. There are also mini super markets where the locals shop and we can buy bread, cheese and tomatoes.

 

Penguins on Holbox

Since arriving on Isle Holbox, it has taken me a few days to figure out how to send a blog in English! (Was also pretty busy reading books, sitting in the sun, walking on the beach, sleeping long hours and eating really good food!)

The wedding in the Barcelo resort was everything the bride and groom hoped for and we enjoyed spending time with their family for the four days leading up to the ceremony on the beach. We also had some really nice grandparent time - mostly on the beach and in the kiddy's pool.

Best thing about weddings is the seaweed you can find for your truck here on the beach!

Who could ask for more?