A few clouds this morning… And a low haze over the Caribbean and into the nearby mountains (part of the Dry Harbour Mountain Range). Forecasting here hasn’t actually been accurate, as there were multiple predictions of showers and even thunder storms earlier in the week. We’ve had nothing but sunny skies. Perhaps today will be the day… Beware the “Ides of March”! We’re not quite concerned one way or the other, as we’ve become creatures of the outdoor veranda here. Let it rain!
We talked this morning about things “flora & fauna”… Life abounds here on land and in the water. Janie has been consistently posting her plant and flower pics to iNaturalist for feedback. It’s a fun process as experts chime in on what we’re seeing. The land is “lush” from the coastline facing north to the crest of the mountains out our back window to the south. In the water, we’ve encountered a rainbow of fish colours near the shoreline and, although not as varied, there is much under water plant life that seems to sustain them. Birds have ranged from larger, coastal species to songbirds feeding under the planters hanging about the villas. And of course, a bevy of small amphibians/reptiles, from the peepers we hear at night to the tiny lizards that scoot about the trees and across the walkways.
We’ve been working through the stores in the fridge and keep finding a breakfast. Today we managed some fried egg sandwiches and “yams” for hash browns 😉. Still picking away at the cut fruit from the market as well. So nice to be eating outside! Slow morning here except for several workers doing some maintenance on the adjacent villa… Keeping an eye on how they are approaching a leak in the veranda roof next door. At Tikal (Moksha) some chores are also getting settled and a little bit of laundry happening. Pretty easy to take morning!
Having an outing planned for Friday, we kept Thursday close to “home”. The girls had an excellent swim, and I actually pulled off a handsome siesta through the hottest part of the day. I’d been hoping to follow the StFX playoff game on Twitter and almost missed the entire thing (nice 6-2 Win)! Here’s the view I woke up looking at this afternoon post nap… The home is beautifully laid out and a careful mix of wood, stone and glass. The views command the property and overlook the ocean. Further, the owners were environmentally conscious when remodelling, including such Eco-friendly amenities as heat pumps, low water use toilets and low wattage bulbs. Unfortunately, nothing much in regards to waste diversion and home recycling but, all in, a well planned operation!
When it gets really hot here we head out to snorkel. Janie and Monica found a nearby sweet spot with all kinds of underwater creatures! There is, just inside of where I found yesterday’s fish, a shallow cove with lots of plant life (the most colourful we’ve seen to date). Today’s stand out fish… The Bluehead Wrasse. These little guys were quite distinct and easy to identify. Another bright hook on the bottom were a clump of Yellow Tube Coral near the ladder up the cliff! Very good swim today… And I’d guess we’re averaging an hour and a half in the water each day.
Supper tonight had some “zing”! Marcia found the scotch bonnet peppers and created a very nice shrimp dinner for us. Feeling a tad spoiled in regards to meals… We’ve done well getting the chance to experiment with a new, home cooked dish each evening. So proudly Jamaican in ingredients and preparation. How the in-house service would look was a real question for us when we rented… As we’re no fuss, no muss kind of travellers. Marcia has adapted well, reading our needs and helping us along (as we apologize for everything as good Canadians do)!
Enjoying following the adventure folks. You really make us feel like we are there with your descriptions… and then we look out the window and the end of winter here. The food is looking amazing, so much variety and so many new things… and jerk chicken. Mmmmm. I think the only thing I’d choose over the jerk chicken would be to have been a fly on the wall watching you ride the horse. Danny Boy seems like a perfect choice for you Chris. Enjoy your last couple of days, and remember… it’ll almost be April when you get home.
Hey Mike… Thnx for the peek at the link in Prague. Once again you have a major trip on the go! We are really enjoying our time here… The pace is just what the Dr ordered this year. Just one day left… That little bit of oh no kicking in as reality rears its ugly head. We’ll get every ounce out of the rest of our stay! Thanks so much for the note… Always love your commenting. Take care…