 |
|
As planned we all got up early for our trip to Punta Sur. Michael drove me on the back of his motorcycle to Rentadora ISIS where I rented a small Nissan March from Margarita (always smiling and friendly), then headed home to pack our gear. It was a little less than an hour drive south and I was forever in the debt of whoever would call out "Topes!" before bumping over them in our tiny car. After purchasing our entry tickets on arrival we pulled to the side of the sandy road after a few minutes to check out Laguna X'tacun, home of a few lethargic crocodiles and the odd mangrove tree currently under restoration. Marie climbed up to the observation tower with the guide on hand to learn more about this ecological park, its flora, fauna and lagoon systems. The beach was beautiful, the sand white and clean and there were not too many people about to make it feel too touristy. We swam and snorkeled in the warm Caribbean water while Carolyn and Michael enjoyed the shade and some cold cervezas. I was confronted with schools of nibbling fish wherever I went so didn't quite make it out to the reef, about 300 feet from shore. But floating about with Marie I did have time though to think we could certainly live like this for six months of the year as well. Before leaving the park we climbed up to the Celarain Lighthouse, sitting on the Punta Sur promontory and were rewarded with a fine view of the turquoise blue sea and surrounding lagoons. Inside is a nautical museum which was interesting and well laid out with photos of the history of the area. Outside nearby a small Maya building, the Caracol, stood in ruins, erected during the post-classic period. We followed a guide a short distance to a small pond to check out the local iguanas before heading back home. That night we went to the Casa Mission for dinner - yes, it is usually cheaper to eat out than cook at home. The Mission is probably one of the best restaurants on the island, specializing in seafood and, of course, Mexican food. It also had a pleasant setting and wonderful ambiance, a mariachi band playing off to one side, a luxurious garden and all within a grand hacienda that dates back to the colonial era. Before returning the car the next morning it was decided we would go out to one of Carolyn's favorite spots to watch the sun rise, playa Mezcalito, a half hour drive on the cross-island road (Carr. Transversal). We had the beach to ourselves and waited patiently as the sun showed itself as a pink glow in the east, reflecting on the waves, until after about another fifteen minutes another day began on this special place. After dropping the car off Carolyn, Marie and I walked a few blocks from her casa to La Cocina de Silvia for breakfast. Then it was time to catch the noon ferry and head over to Playa del Carmen, take the ADO bus to Cancun airport, and find the shuttle for the 'Marriot' hotel where we would spend a night before catching our flight to Puebla. Again thanks Carolyn and Michael for a wonderful week! See you in 2027! gws
 |
| Marie at entrance to Laguna X'tacun |
 |
| Marie atop the lookout tower |
 |
| on the beach (Playa Chunchacab) |
 |
| Carolyn and Marie, observation deck atop 'Celarain' lighthouse |
 |
| Michael and us, Celarain lighthouse |
 |
| green iguana |
 |
| Casa Mission restaurant |
 |
| a wood nymph, gardens of Casa Mission |
 |
| Playa Mezcalito |
 |
| La Cocina de Silvia |
 |
Ultramar ferry to Playa del Carmen
|
