Sam And Saundra's Year Long Adventure - Part 51

Sam And Saundra’s Year Long Adventure – Part 51

Mexico 

2/21/09  - Cozumel

Sam and I get up early.  We pack and rush to Brutus. We want to get on the earliest ferry to Cozumel.  We plan to spend the entire day doing everything.  We make it to the ferry dock, then on to the ferry on time. The wind is blowing pretty hard.  We find seats on the upper deck.  I am surprised at the size of the ferry.  It is huge!  This is the only way (by water) any supplies get to the island and the island is pretty big.  We have a rollercoaster ride to the island and even the most boisterous passenger was conquered by the distance of the trip multiplied by the size of the swell action.  We all were happy to touch down at the dock.  Of course, as soon as we step onto the very large dock, we are bombarded by offers of diving, fishing or sight-seeing tours to various parts of the island.  Sam and I defer action until after we visit a little establishment for café y leche and a waffle.  Afterwards, Sam negotiates in his usual “OLA” fashion, and we set off on a snorkeling tour in a glass bottom boat.

Choices

We get to stop at three coral reef sites to snorkel and those of us who are not snorkel-ing, can see the action in the bottom of the glass bottom panga.  I am just a scoonch amazed that water doesn’t gush out from around the glass part of the glass bottom boat – but it doesn’t.  By the time we are gassed and all aboard, there are eight passengers, one captain and one lead diver on the panga.  We travel back out towards Paamul, but veer left and go a couple miles.  Sam and several others go overboard. I am still leery of my new full ear mold waterproof ear plugs, since the first time I used them, some water got through.  I opt to go over and just swim, but not put my head to the test.  Watching the fish and diver though the glass was mesmerizing.  The fish are so bright colored and water so jewel-like.  I shook myself out of my daze, walked to the back of the boat, near the ladder, and stepped down into the water.  I went in at this location at the recommendation of the captain.  I am glad I listened, because the current was very strong.  The water was cool, not cold, and I was able to see a lot of fish without sticking my head under water.  Sam saw a big barracuda at one site.  He could have gone on forever, if it weren’t so tiring with the wave action and current.  There were massive schools of fish.  We were both enthralled. I swam close to the boat.  When Sam and the others got too far from us, I climbed in and the boat picked them up so we could get closer to them, pick them up and go on to the next site.  The late morning and early afternoon went too fast.  Soon, it was time to decide what next.  It was refreshing to be on our own with no itinerary.

Leaving The Dock

We took a cab to a beautiful beach covered with clean, white sand.  Lounge chairs were available to all who wanted them.  Various restaurants and beverage servers were there if you wanted them.  We chose a sunny space, with a palapa close by if we got too hot – then made for the water to swim.  We swam out and lolled in the water until we decided to rest.  Beautiful weather, sandy beaches, snorkeling sites, swimming sites, touristy things for all ages in and out of the water.  Conservation area for bird/animal sanctuary. Codes for all building, boating, commercial activities in order to try and preserve the feel of the island, the animals and habitats. The coral reefs which have been dying due to all the heavy use by ships (ferry, cruise, fishing) and pollution are struggling to be saved. Many are now trying to help them.  I hope it works.

Lounging

We stay as long as we can.  Loving this experience.  We get back to the ferry and get a seat inside this time for the ride back to the mainland. I would love to come again and see much more of Cozumel. 

Leaving Island

We return to camp in time for our ‘paid’ hamburger dinner and birthday celebration for Barbara.  I do like the 3 leche cakes made here – so moist and nummy. We both like Barbara, enjoy being around her and wish her a fabulous birthday.  Wish Joe was here to celebrate as well.  Happy Birthday Joe! Hey! Did you see me in the water?