The weather continues to be glorious! The strip of land where we are and where all these beautiful homes and condos are occupied is like a small peninsula along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The ocean is in front and directly behind us across the road is a marsh, which is probably about five or six kilometers wide. It is an important wetland for birds, especially flamingoes. On Wednesday we saw hundreds of these magnificent birds just behind our condo.
We had gone into Chicxulub where I had my hair cut, then on to Progresso where Gail had a manicure. There was a cruise ship in town so the streets were crowded and lively. The coast is so shallow that the longest pier in the world was built to accommodate the oil tankers and freighters that stop here. It’s 7 kilometers long and unfortunately because of the high security walking it is not permitted. Nowadays, cruise ships stop a couple of times a week. It’s perfect because as soon as the buses that pick up the passenger’s get to shore there is a fantastic warm sandy beach. I can’t remember anywhere else that a cruise ship docks in a place where passengers can just get off and play in the surf and sun. It’s also great for the people in the town who desperately need the tourist money.
On the way home we stopped for groceries and ran into an American couple, Jim and Sharon, from Minnesota. They are the only American’s we have met here. They don’t know of any other Americans here either-just Canadians! Sharon is a nursing professor at the University of Minnesota and Jim owns and runs a dairy farm. We met them last week and they stopped over for a drink one day. They offered us a ride home and took us to their rental for an hour or so. They have the most fabulous place with a private pool and beach. The master bedroom is on the top floor and is completely under a very romantic palapa. The home is magnificent.
Thursday we planned to take it easy and spend the day on the beach and beside the pool. We’ve learned in Mexico you cannot really make firm plans but need to go with the flow. Sure enough, we did go for a long walk on the beach first thing in the morning and then sat by the pool. Pat and Paddy came by and asked us if we would like to join them for an afternoon trip to Dzibilchaltun, which is a Mayan ruin about 45 minutes from here. Of course we jumped at the chance to go. What a fabulous afternoon we had. The ruins were quite spectacular but the best part was the cenote in the middle. It was so hot touring around- and I have to say it was not overcrowded with tourists- that when we saw this magnificent crystal clear emerald green water we knew we had to take a dip. I was a bit hesitant because the sides were a little steep but there were lots of Mayan kids and families there so I figured it had to be ok! Pat, Paddy and Gail hopped in and harassed me to come in. I’m so glad I did- the water was fantastic! Afterwards, we stood in the sun and dried off before heading back to Progresso where we stopped on the Malacon for a cerveza before coming home.
High season for snowbirds is finally starting. On the weekend at least five other apartments became occupied. It’s nice to have lots of other people to meet and talk to around the pool. More and more people are walking the beach and the towns of Chicxulub and Progresso seem to be more lively.
We’ve been told to expect another Norte in a few days. Hopefully it won’t happen but just in case we are trying to soak up as much sunshine as possible!
