This is the second post in a series. If you miss the first week you may want to read it here.
Walking along the beach in the morning the cruise ships are coming into Cozumel and in the evening we watch them leave.
Visiting the same island for a three-week period of time every year could make you wonder what is there left to do or see. Day by day in Cozumel, Mexico has had a different meaning each and every time we visit and this year has been no different.
There are so many wonderful sites on the island to see. There is San Gervasio an archaeological site of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, Parque Punta Sur is a 247-acre ecological park, Punta Molas lighthouse and other secrets of the north end, and, the turtle hatching on the east side just to name a few of our favorites. But we’ve experienced all those sites and some of them a couple of times.
This year we seem to be very content to just be here with the nature of the island and the local people. Oh, of course, there is Dale fishing the lagoons and snorkeling at our favorite spot, Playa Azul, every few days but for the most part, it has been low-key.
The needlefish cruises while keeping his eye on us.
A fast-moving puffer fish
A very slow moving completely camouflaged Flounder fish, as it hugs the rock. Sometimes we see them hiding in the sand. Do you see this one?
It’s exciting to see the different fish that live under the depths of the ocean but I really love the feeling of swimming in the salty water keeps you afloat effortlessly. We could be snorkeling for an hour or more but it feels like only ten minutes. The different colors and shapes and sizes of the sea life change each time. Sometimes we get photos of them and sometimes we don’t depending on how quickly moving they are.
The end of a great snorkel and lunch at Playa Azul
Another walk along the beach but this time it’s low tide and the volcanic rocks appear that weren’t there before.
Me and my shadow walking the beach.
Most days I walk along the beach discovering many things along the way. I find the sea very intriguing with its ever-changing mood coupled with the quickly changing weather. The sun’s out…. no it’s raining, and the waves are calm… no they are large and crashing with meaning and authority, all within a few minutes. Then there is the changing of the tide which causes all kinds of ups and down in Dale’s fishing experience. It’s always different never the same, I think that’s what I like about it.
The critters that I’ve come across have been fun to see too. There are the leaf-cutter ants that are amazing to watch as they carry their colorful, large loads to and from their nests. I also, came across a very large crab as I walked the path to the beach. He was moving along the fence line checking to find where that larger hole is that he had been through many times before.
Leaf cutter ant with a heavy load
The crab finally finds the hole in the fence that he fits through.
The sunsets, wow they are beautiful! Something about a sunset over the water that has a whole different beauty to it than anywhere else. We’ve had some really nice ones this visit. Especially at one of our favorite restaurants Rolando’s which is right on the water. The cloud formations are so interesting to watch. We sat there for hours just watching them. It was a clear night (no rain) with just the right amount of breeze to keep us cool.
Dale took this from Rolandi’s. It lasted for a very long time.
Rolandi’s has the best thin crust pizza with interesting toppings like carrots and asparagus with mushrooms too – it was delicious!
We were scootering along and this sunset was happening. You just have to stop and then you just have to take a photo. Photo by Dale
With a big black cloud like that you know it is bound to be raining at some point. It does make it interesting when your mode of travel is a scooter although a little rain isn’t bad if you get caught in a downpour you are quickly looking for cover. Yes, we do have rain jackets but when it’s raining and 75-80 degrees out you really don’t need a jacket but it’s nice not to get drenched.
During one rain storm that came with a lot of thunder, we looked out our windows and saw an amazing site out to the west. We quickly went to the top of our building (yes it’s like a viewing area up there) and watched the funnel clouds form and then disappear.
From the top of our building
One of the highlights of this trip and certainly a lucky one, is having the opportunity to visit with a friend who has been a long-time resident of the island but has had to move to the states for health reasons. She returned to visit the island for one week only and it was within the time period that we are here, too.
We enjoyed a potluck at her condo with many of her friends and a day at Buccanos her favorite beach resort. She is an amazing person who has done so much for the people of the island. We will hold her in our hearts forever.
Visiting our friend Corki at Buccano’s Beach Resort
beautiful orange hibiscus at Buccano’s
Leaving Buccano’s – I love the white flowers with the rock wall in front and the agave plant in the background.
Click here for week three on Cozumel.