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May 21, 2008 -
Costa
Maya Newsletters: of primary interest to property owners on the Costa
Maya, - Mahahual / Majahual - Rio Indio - Placer - Uvero - Punta Herrera
- Xcalak and other points along the southern coast of Quintana Roo
*******************Costa
Maya Newsletter*******************
21 - May. 2008
CONTENTS:
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Hi Costa Maya Neighbors
(turtles!!!!)
Sometimes we have experiences that feel like we are just a touch
closer to God. One of those experiences graced my path recently. You
might remember I had mentioned that there were a lot of baby turtles
washing up on the beach with some unknown malady. A couple of weeks
ago, I found one washed up on the beach during low tide, yards away
from the cooling sea water. It was small, about 6 inches from its
nose to the tip of his shell. At first I thought it was dead, but
I picked it up so that I could put it in the freezer and return it
to a laboratory.
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Photo of Marcia, courtesy of Captain Graybeard |
Baby Turtle (not sure if it was a girl of boy, but we
called him a "he") |
I stuck it in a discarded plastic cup with
some sea water and it seemed to move its flippers. Excitedly, I took it
back to Mayan Beach Garden and emailed a Turtle specialist in Akumal.
He said to put it in a large bucket and feed it fish. After a day, the
little turtle seemed to be swimming about in the water and bumping his
nose into the edge of the bucket, so we put him in a wash basin and he
livened up but wouldn't eat any fish. For two days I tried, despairing
that he might starve to death in my container. As a result of having shrimp
on the menu, I tried it, and he gobbled it up. After about 4 days, he
was eating a jumbo shrimp a day and I had fallen completely in love with
him! |
On day five, he was getting pretty strong, swimming about the wash
basin and leaping toward the shrimp. I knew it was time to release
him. About a 100 yards from shore, I let him go. At first he didn't
know where to go, zigzagging back and forth in all directions. After
a time he headed out to the reef. I was surprised at his strength.
He would dive down to the bottom and then swim up to the top for
a breath and then back down to the bottom, doing most of the swimming
down at the bottom and resting at the surface. It was one of those
close to nature experiences that leave an impact as I following
this little turtle in the huge Caribbean. He would turn around knowing
I was there and then continue to lead me to the reef. I was astounded
at his strength and ability to swim so far after being so close
to death just a few days earlier. Occasionally he would rest, floating
like a little rock on the sea surface. No wonder less that one in
a thousand actually live to adulthood - they would be so easy for
a bird to pluck them out of the water or a barracuda to chomp them
in half! At the reef line, sadly I realized I had to leave him and
turned back to Mayan Beach Garden. But when I looked over my shoulder,
there he was!!!! Following me! I knew that wasn't good, so I started
swimming faster and lost him, but not without a moment of panic
and loss! Amazingly, I have been blessed to seen a turtle every
day I have snorkeled, but none are MY baby turtle! I realized how
possessive we of the human race can become (and I don't like that
feeling one bit!)
Past newsletters can be found at NEWSLETTER
ARCHIVES
PS Christmas time reservation requests are coming in daily.
If you are planning on a Christmas time visit - please book your
accommodations soon!
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MESSAGE BOARD
DISCUSSION: One night Hotel accommodations in the Tulum/Playa del Carmen
area
It's been quite slow on the message boards lately, but I could really
use some input from you all! Does anyone know of a hotel with parking
that would be good to stay in when making the drive from Cancun to
Mahahual? Most of the flights I take come in at 3:00 which is too
late to make it all the way to Mayan Beach Garden. I also would like
something I could suggest to guests. The hotel I used to suggest has
gone up-class on me (not really, they just doubled their prices and
not their quality). I'm looking for a new one especially if I can
get as far as Tulum, but everything seems so pricey there or pretty
far off 307.
THANKS in advance for your ideas! if you have trouble posting, e-mail
me at info@mayanbeachgarden.com
This
month's topic - hotel: http://costamayalive.com/Forum/viewforum.php?f=16
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PROTESTING PRIVATIZATION OF PEMEX
MEXICO CITY, April 27 - Fifteen thousand people marched through Mexico
city protesting a Mexican energy reform proposal. Led by leftist Andres
Manuel Lopez Obrador, who narrowly lost the presidency to Calderon
in 2006, they maintain that it is a veiled attempt to privatize the
state-run industry. Mexico is the world's sixth-largest producer of
crude oil, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration,
and the No. 3 supplier of oil to the United States. The leftist Party
of the Democratic Revolution and some smaller allies disrupted the
upper and lower houses with round-the-clock protests this month to
block Calderon's plan. They lifted the protest last week after the
ruling National Action Party agreed to a broad debate on the issue.
Calderon wants to partner with international oil companies in order
to uncover new deep water oil deposits and lift declining output and
reserves. Mexico needs to do something, at this rate, oil reserves
are declining at a rate that would only leave Mexico with 20 years
more oil.
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GLOBAL VISION EXPEDITION IN CAZONA (NORTH OF UVERO)
Global Vision, partnering with the University of Quintana Roo has
moved their base of operation from Mahahual to Punta Gruesa in the
Cazona area. Many of you may know where Maximo's place was and where
he entertained Jeep tours from the cruise ships. Post Dean and post
cruise ships, it is now the base of operation for Global Vision. The
coral reef and fish monitoring programs work they did in Mahahual
not only helped ecologically but made them part of the community.
What many people don't know is that anyone can be part of this program.
If you have the time, it is ideal for anyone who wants to scuba dive
on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef whilst helping conservation initiatives
to protect the fragile marine habitat. They have 5 week to 10 week
programs where you camp on the beach and dive every day as you map
the reef and study the marine life. You can find out more information
about the program at Global
Vision Mexico Expedition
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NOAA NEWS
After I can't remember how many years, (but Harrison Ford looked
relatively young in the last one) they are releasing a fourth Indiana
Jones move - "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls,"
which opens in U.S. theaters on May 22.
Basically, legend states that the ancient Maya possessed 13 crystal
skulls which, when united, hold the power of saving the Earth -- a
tale so strange and fantastic that it inspired the latest Indiana
Jones movie. One version of the legend claims that if all 13 skulls
are not reunited and lined up together before the Mayan "Long
Count" calendar runs out on Dec. 21, 2012, when it reaches the
end of a 5,126-year cycle, the world will fall off its axis. . . an
interesting concept to say the least and a theory that existed long
before the movie's inception.
Experts theorize that the hundreds of existing crystal skulls are
fakes that were probably made by antiquities traders in the 19th century.
Buyers were often told that the skulls were made by the Mayas, whose
civilization peaked between 300 and 900 AD While no crystal skull
has ever been excavated from a documented archaeological site, Mayan
priests worship the skulls to this day, and real- life skull hunters
still search for them. The skulls' legend has spawned a new breed
of new-age followers. Some believe the skulls can emit and focus light,
project visions and even influence terrestrial forces
Distributor Paramount Pictures refused requests for interviews or
information on the film, the first Indiana Jones movie since "The
Last Crusade" came out in 1989.. You can find out more about
the legend in this month's Archaeology Magazine (whose image I borrowed
at the start of this article).
May/June
2008 issue of Archaeology Magazine covers this subject in
more detail.
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NOAA RETIRES DEAN, FELIX AND NOEL AS HURRICANE NAMES
There will never be another hurricane Dean. As hurricane names, Dean,
Felix and Noel are no more. Storm names are usually retired because
of sensitivity reasons or because of extreme death and destruction.
Dean will be replaced in the series with Dorian.
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NOAA SEAFOOD FACTS WEB SITE
American consumers seeking information about which seafood is sustainable,
safe,and healthy need to look no further than the new government-run
online consumer education tool., Visitors to the site will learn about
sustainable seafood and how to distinguish science-based fact from
fiction.
FishWatch.noaa.gov features information about 50 of the most commonly
harvested and farmed species that are consumed in the United States.
The species-specific pages offer more information than you will probably
ever want to know but may be of particular interest since it includes
facts about mercury and offers helpful hints about selecting, buying,
storing and preparing seafood to ensure quality and safety.
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Mutton snapper
(photo courtesy of NOAA)
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HOLIDAYS FOR
MAY
- 1 de Mayo Labor Day (paid day for workers)
- 5 de Mayo Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla
- 5 de Mayo 19th Anniversary of the Party of the Democratic
Revolution (PRD)
- 10 de Mayo Mothers Day
- 14 de Mayo 13th Anniversary of the Mexico Ecologist Green
Party (PVEM)
- 15 de Mayo Teachers Day
HOLIDAYS FOR JUNE
- 1de Junio Navy Day
- 15 de Junio Fathers Day
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HAPPENINGS ON THE COSTA MAYA
Two soloists and 2 bands fronted Jonny O, the headliner.
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Costa Maya Blues Festival
Only a small crowd turned out for the 3rd annual blues festival in
Xcalak due to the scheduling of the Governor's fishing tournament held
on the same day.
Nevertheless, it was lovely. The weather was perfect, $10 got you a
beer and entrance into the festival. It started at 4:30 and I left before
it was over due to the long drive to Placer, but things were just starting
to groove!
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Mahahual - Fishing tournament
Just a quick word about the fishing tournament. It was held the SAME
weekend as the Blues festival. Bad timing for the blues festival because
it was on Day 1 of the Fishing tournament and people were celebrating
big time at Tequila Beach. Your neighbors, Karla Nelson and Beau Speed
were in Second place at the end of the first day having caught a sailfish,
a wahoo and a mahi-mahi in Beau's little Ponga and the motor that
Karla hauled up stairs during Dean (hers was broken in two). They
were the only people from the US in the tournament and Karla was the
only woman. They ended up in 6th place (congratulations!). The governor
of Quintana Roo also participated in this event. Mahahual was packed.
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EXTRA SURVEILLANCE IN QUINTANA ROO SOUTH
May 15, 2008 - Watch out for extra military checkpoints in the area.
The Governor of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, Félix González
Canto, has stated that the southern border of Quintana Roo with Belize
is under high vigilance in an effort to avoid the trafficking of drugs,
weapons, and illegal immigrants. Canto recently informed the press
that the Mexican security force has doubled its vigilance at the Mexico
Belize border and surrounding area after alleged reports that two
containers from the Belize City port were stolen; the two goods containers
are suspected to be filled with weapons and drugs.
The governor made the statement while at a teachers conference
in the city of Chetumal. The security vigilance extends on both land
and water border areas. While investigations by the Customs and police
department continue on the disappearance of the containers, Mexican
authorities have said the security measures at the border will remain
permanent.
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MAHAHUAL - UPDATED PHOTOS
The 1st phase of the Malecon is about completed. I thought you would
enjoy some updated photos.
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As a historical
reference, this is an image of the advertised version of the Mahahual
Malecon
Looking North
You can see Tapas
bar to the left
This is a rotunda
(for lack of a better word) in front of the port captain. On the beach
side, the little structure is an information kiosk.
I was happy to
see they had planted greenery around the palm trees to help keep the
blowing sand down. This is a pretty invasive species, it will be interesting
to see how they will end up maintaining it. Note the garbage can.
Planter bench.
There aren't nearly enough of these. Also, the square light.
Looking South
to 40 cannones
bathroom (what
a waste of prime real estate!)
More views from
South of 40 Cannones
beach side palapas.
Also a good view of how hopefully the Malecon will get partially covered
up with sand.
Note the lights.
This is at the far South end of the Malecon (by the fisherman's pier)
looking north.
Not a view of
the Malecon, but a view FROM the Malecon looking out at the area that
was SUPPOSED to be reserved for swimmers. Apparently the Port Captain
had no authority to close the beach to boater and they are taking advantage
of the situation.
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NEWS FROM XCALAK POLLY
"We had no electricity for a few days, because, I'm told, the
jungle along the Mahahual - Xcalak road was on fire. I drove to Chetumal
whilst it was smoldering and there on the side waiting for my car
to pass was a mother raccoon with a "kitten" in her mouth
ready to cross and take the tiny thing to safety. It seemed very apt
as it was around Mothers Day.
You obviously all heard from your offspring for Mothers Day. If not,
spend their inheritance, rewrite the will!!
The Pueblo Pier is being repaired, we have had truck after truck coming
through, all full with huge sascab rocks, kicking up the dust. (My
hosepipe doesn't reach far enough for me to wet the road down) The
guys working on the pier are pushing wheelbarrows full of gravel from
the road out to the end, T-shirts wrapped around their heads, hot
and exhausted by the time they have done a round trip. They have worked
really well, it's almost finished as far as I can see, just the concrete
at the very end now.
I had a weeks vacation in Cancun and on the way back , between Tulum
and Felipe Carrillo Puerto, we drove through clouds of Dark Kite Swallowtail
butterflies. It is so sad to see them committing harri-carri squashed
or fluttering their last on the road, we stopped and I got out and
picked up three. Beautiful. It's so nice to go travelling..............but
it's oh so nice to come home.
Reports from all over the place have said that the beach road North
will be resurfaced starting.................... 5th May not sure what
year though. True we have some big drainage pipes and a grader just
outside of town but.................manana...
Is it true that bananas don't/won't ripen on the plant? I have green
bananas, very green, is this a black plastic bag jobby?
Polly in Xcalak
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Kite Swallowtail 16th May UPDATE the road into the pueblo is started!
Also reports about the bridge at Rio Huatch being repaired I took a
ride up to the bridge on my new toy (Kevin Graham's ATV) the road is
blocked by a rope strung across, piles of sascab and 5/6 full size coco
palms that have been planted in what was the road. This is down as far
as the most southern limit of the property. I couldn't even see the
bridge or river from there, that's maybe a kilometer or two further
North. Anybody know what's happening?
.
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U.S.
CONSULATE COMES TO QUINTANA ROO
(THIS IS LATE - SORRY, BUT I THOUGHT I WOULD INCLUDE IT ANYWAY so
you know what is happening) The U.S. Consulate would like to invite
you to two upcoming town hall events in Quintana Roo. The first is
at 6 p.m. on May 20 at the City Hall Complex in Playa del Carmen.
The second meeting is at noon on May 21 at the Grand Oasis Hotel in
Cancun.
These town halls will feature presentations on federal benefits and
absentee voting. They also are a great opportunity to network with
fellow Americans and learn more about the services that the U.S. government
provides overseas.
The event information is below. Please note that the Cancun event
will also feature a short presentation on emergency preparedness.
Otherwise, the presentations will cover similar information.
Playa del Carmen Town Hall 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 20
Town Hall Auditorium
City Hall Complex
Avenida 20 between Calles 8 and 10
Playa del Carmen, Q. Roo
Cancun Town Hall 12:00 noon, Wednesday May 21
Grand Oasis Hotel
KM 16.5 Kukulcan Blvd. in the Hotel Zone.
Cancun, Q. Roo
We hope to see you there! Please RSVP to consularmerida@state.gov
U.S. Consulate Merida
http://merida.usconsulate.gov/
consularmerida@state.gov
999-942-5700
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WILDLIFE POPULATION
PLUMMETING
The following article actually made me sad. I take great joy in
the wildlife in the area and the thought of extinction of even one
(except maybe Tabanos) would greatly sadden me. -(read the entire
article at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7403989.stm)
"Between a quarter and a third of the world's wildlife has been
lost since 1970, according to data compiled by the Zoological Society
of London. Populations of land-based species fell by 25%, marine by
28% and freshwater by 29%, it says. Humans are wiping out about 1%
of all other species every year, and one of the "great extinction
episodes" in the Earth's history is under way, it says.
The Living Planet Index, compiled by the society in partnership with
the wildlife group WWF, tracks the fortunes of more than 1,400 species
of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, using scientific
publications and online databases. It said numbers had declined by
27% in the 35 years from 1970 to 2005. Some of the worst hit are marine
species which saw their numbers plummet by 28% in just 10 years, between
1995 and 2005.
Pollution, farming and urban expansion, over-fishing and hunting
are blamed.
Populations of ocean birds have fallen by 30% since
the mid 1990s, while land-based populations have dropped by 25%. Among
the creatures most seriously affected have been African antelopes,
swordfish and hammerhead sharks." <MB NOTE: Swordfish and
hammerhead sharks are both species that are prevalent in this area.>
Shark picture courtesy of SharkDiving.us
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DISCLAIMER
The editor of this newsletter (me) makes no claims that the information
here is completely true. I am not a news reporter, Spanish is not
my native language, the newspapers are notorious for not verifying
information and this is not my primary business, but rather a service
to the neighborhood. If you find something untrue PLEASE let me know
and I will print a disclaimer. I try to verify the information but
even the newspaper prints up rumors, so I can only report what I read
and hear.
Unless otherwise stated, all content is copyrighted by MMB Contractors
Inc.
Until next month,
Best wishes from your neighbor,
Marcia
************************************************
Updated:
20-May-2008
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