A Big Winter Rain!

I'll never forget, years ago, when I was scuba diving here in Cozumel, the dive master said..."I don't know why you guys come here in winter to dive...it's so cold".  Hmmmm....

It is easy to forget that Mexico is part of North America, and that it's winter here also, in January.  And to locals, it's kinda cold.  Including the ocean.  Apparently, it warms up quite a bit in the summer.  For diving that would be nice.  It's easy to get cold deep down when you're not moving much.

But I like the Nortes (winds from the north) that come here in January.  I even like the big rain they can bring.  Don't get me wrong. I'm grateful for being able to wear a skirt, tank top, and sandals throughout my second summer.  But I do very much like a great big rainy day! And the cooler nights that come with the Nortes!

Pictures

1) The rain drops were so big at times, they look like snow flakes in this picture!

2-4) Some parts of the streets accumulate lots of water! There is a storm water sewer system, but you can see in picture 3, where the water is bubbling UP, they can get overwhelmed.  And like at home, sometimes leaves and other debris block them

5) I really biking down towards the water on Calle 3.  It just has a nice feel to it. The best part is always seeing the ocean as I get close to that part of the road.  It was especially striking on this cloudy rainy day!

6) This sculpture, which represents the coral reefs and aquatic life, also looked so much more dramatic with the cloudy sky.

 

Junk Bugs

"Junk Bugs are cute, but the load they carry are gruesome."  That was the title of the article I found when I googled "Bugs that look like little piles of dirt".

A few times now, I've found on various surfaces, a little pyramid shaped pile of dirt. About the size of a pencil eraser.  These little things just seemed kinda out of place.  Surprisingly well attached.  And, were they moving?  Ever so slightly?  Turns out, probably yes.

When I arrived, I found one on the top tip of a chair back.  I looked at it fairly closely.  But I had lots to do, so didn't think too much about it. But when I found one on my Sudoku book.  That was really weird, and prompted me to ask Google.

The article says that, at the base of the pile is a Junk Bug, the larval stage of what will become "a green lacewing, a delicate and lovely flying insect".  Google says the Junk Bug is a voracious predator, common around the world.  They feed by stabbing their hollow horn-like mouth parts into other insects, and sucking out their innards.  Then they pile the dead bug carcasses onto their back, to create a portable camouflage that protects them from other predators.  Very clever!!!

Pictures

1) The Junk Bug on my Sudoku book.  Apparently, you can see eyes and legs at the bottom of the pile. I'll have to look more closely next time

2) A green lacewing, courtesy of google

3) A ridiculously cute tricycle!  I saw it, the little kid and dad in a local park.  I asked dad for permission to take a picture, when the kid was close to the bike.  dad said yes.  The kid walked away.

4) A piece of sargasso sea weed on the ground near a sculpture.  I love the texture of both.

5&6) While visiting friends, in their super nice house!  On the second floor of a building. This cat came in for a visit. He was actually one of 4 that come a go.  Fun! 

7) A tree dropping its beautiful flowers! 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

The Critters Say Welcome Back

I'm back in Cozumel! How many years & times now?  7 as it turns out.  As usual, friends here gave me a warm welcome.  But this time, I think some of the critters went out of the way to say hello.

I'm staying at the same apartment, deep in the hood as last year.  With the beautiful terrace and pool.  

On my second day back, while doing yoga by the pool, I heard a soft fast drumming behind me, very close to my right ear.  I'm so glad I didn't move!  It was a hummingbird!  Did it think my ear was a flower???  I'll never know for sure.  But it was delightful!

The next day while swimming in the ocean, near a favourite restaurant, La Monina, I saw an eagle ray!!!  I've seen them be fore while swimming.  But rarely, and never in that area.  Pat, and the other Canuck / Cozumel folk on the beach, said the ray was welcoming me back to the island.  What a nice thought!

Pictures

1-2) My view towards my terrace from the pool deck. And a view from the terrace.  I think there's a parrot!!!  in the tree that looks dead.  

3) Google lent me this picture of an eagle ray.  I wish my view of it was as good as this one. Such amazing creatures!!

 4, 5, 7) La Monina.  A great little water front place.  Pretty. Sun or shade. Chill. Not pushy. 

6 &8 Pelicans often fish in the little pool of water, and off the dock at LaMonina. I love how they don't seem to care about the humans around

Canoe Trips with the Canoe Gang!

....Are my first summers!!!  I think it's time to mention them a little.

In each of the last 3 summers at home, I've had the pleasure of joining a wonderful group of people for canoe trips: to Lady Evelyn lake in Temagamie, the French River in Georgian Bay, and what lake??? In Algonquin Park.  

How did this come about?  My longtime friend Vadim! We've been talking about paddling together for a long time.  When someone had to bow out of a trip close to last minute, he asked if I was able & willing to join. I love retirement!  Yep!!! I was available!  

Each trip had highs and lows, of course.  Some notable highs....so much skinny dipping!  That memorable moment with Nicki's thigh.  Fresh sushi and cinnamon buns. Animal poo with other smaller animal bits in it. Hundreds of tiny frogs on a portage path!  The incredible scenery!  Especially on the French River trip. 

And of course, making new friends!!  I am so grateful to have been welcomed into their lively, kind, fun circle.    

This last summer, I also went on my first canoe camping trip with Toby, with Miss Mango, the canoe I now share with me friend Melissa.  The waves on Crotch Lake were a bit scary on our way to our campsite.  But the view from from there made every tense minute so worthwhile!  I'm still very glad we left our camp though. Mostly set up, to paddle then drive home and stay warm and dry on that chilly very rainy day! It was fun to get back to our site the next day, all set up, like our very own mini cottage! 

I desire to remember too...I've had lotsa time floating on my beloved Ottawa River. Fixing furniture. And plenty of smaller delightful moments too.

Pictures..

1- The canoe gang, and our flotilla of gear!

2 &3 - The view from our Crotch Lake campsite.  Beautiful!

4- I love the irony of this picture!  The Travelodge included a buffet breakfast.  Nice.  But there was a Goldwing Convention in town, so the seating inside was full.  We ate our breakfast perched on rocks outside.  Practice for days to come!

5&7 The cinnamon buns and sushi.  The sushi was perfect!  The cinnamon buns were super yummy too, just a little singed.

11- I love setting up my tent close to the water.  But Susanna and Vadim sometimes take it to an extreme level!  

12- This was how Christine greeted us on one of the trips, as we gathered at her place for our group departure.  I love this picture!!!

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