|
Users viewing this topic: none
|
|
Login  | |
|
Cozumel - Land of a thousand dances..all pix restored - 2/27/2013 7:16:50 AM
|
|
|
tmbutler
Posts: 2053
Joined: 11/16/2005
Status: offline
|
It is with mixed emotions that I begin the last segment of our Mexico 2013 trip. It has been nothing short of amazing so far. Can Cozumel live up to our previous adventures? I'da guessed probably not, but then there will be Carnaval - so anything's possible.
I've always said one of the benefits of doing a trip report, is you get to relive the experiences again after pouring over all the pix I usually take. That means soon that this will fade a little quicker, and life as it was will creep back to the center of my attention.
Sure there will be some related projects, like putting together a DVD, blowing up some pix for the office, and stitching together some panoramas, but it's probably time to move on.
But let's get down to bidness. I wasn't quite sure of the car ferry schedule to Cozumel on Sunday. We looked it up on line, but I couldn't tell if the last one was at 6:00PM or they ran every couple hours until 6 PM. Turns out 6 PM was the only game in town, and we had to wait in Calica about 2 1/2 hours before departure. It was hot, and I was struggling a bit with low blood sugar. Last half hour I had to sit in the car with the AC on. And for some reason, that made the check engine light stay on for the rest of the trip.
But eventually we were loaded up and departing the mainland about sunset. It was really quite a scenic ride over, and the juices I drank were starting to kick in. I think it was a 1 1/2+ hours ride to finally port in Cozumel, and of course I wasn't crystal clear where Villa Blanca was. I knew it was right on the main road, but it was in the other direction than I thought. We kindda went in circles coming off the ferry, but soon I got my bearings after asking around a bit. There were some Sunday night festivities for Carnaval, so some of the roads were blocked off.
We finally checked into Villa Blanca, and were very pleasantly surprised how nice the room was. After being off grid for 11 days, this place seemed like pure luxury. And < a C note a night.
We got settled in, and I got a second wind - so when Marguarite wanted to veg and just relax, well I walked about 12 blocks into town and partied. There was a big stage, live music, and lots of people dancing, laughing, and drinking. Within a block or two of the stage, I met some young chicas / chicos and danced with them for may a half hour or so. They were all struttin' their stuff, and there was no reason for me not to follow suit. I dunno, maybe it was the other way around?
But soon I had to get closer to see what was goin' on onstage. Now I've had over 50 years experience knifing thru crowds to get to center stage, so it wasn't too tough to get close to the front. I think there were about 18 or so on stage. Pretty much a full band, with 3 different singers, and a full compliment of costumed dancers. It was really entertaining! And for maybe one of the first times, the crowd was singing along with the Mexican idols, and I was clueless with the lyrics. But it was fun to dance any way.
I lasted maybe an hour up towards the mosh pit, and eventually worked my way to the side and back to the twenty something's I met earlier. I hung out for another 15 minutes or so, and finally walked back to the hotel. I got a few pix, but the battery went dead, and I wasn't packing a charged spare..
The next day was sunny, so we decided to go to Punta Sur park. We'd been to Cozumel for 3 other stays, and never made it to Punta Sur. A couple other Fat Tuesday's we'd start at Bob Marley's and work our way up the east side of the isla, but could never find the time for Punta Sur. We spent most of the day there, and really enjoyed the beach area. And the view with the waves coming in on that blue green water, is mesmerizing!
So by closing time, we head back to Villa Blanca. By the hot tub I meet some Canadians from near Toronto, on a 30th anniversary for Ground Hog Divers. They were diving outta Papa Hog's. I walked by the hot tub, and said it sounds like you guys are having too much fun for me to pass up. So it was fun to meet everyone, and join in. I went back to get my cam for a few pix. After a couple, 4 of the guys drop trow for the moon pic. Well I don't need much egging on, so I take off my thong, give the cam to one of the others so I could join the photo shoot. Now some of the women blushed, some gasped, and one said, "Well I guessed you guys just got one - upped!!".
It's been that kind of a trip. Things settled down a tad, as Marguarite and I sipped a few cocktails on the porch in front of the room.
We decided we liked Punta Sur so much, we would return there the next day.
So gathering the snorkel gear, a cooler with ice and booze, we head out. First stop was at Dzulha. It was one of my favorite snorkel spots. In crocs and flip flops, we navigated the iron shore, found a place to put in, trade the flip flops for fins, strap the crocs and flip flops into my weight belt, and start to snorkel down to in front of the Money Bar.
I think I told the story about freeing the eel from the hook and fishing line, so I show some pix. It was a tough snorkel tho, as we were fighting the current. I didn't want to get too far from Marguarite cuz it's hard to swim hard in that current with a cam.
And then on to Punta Sur again. Back at the beach area. Again we snorkeled. The previous day they warned us about the strong currents, and that we probably shouldn't snorkel, but it was just a drift snorkel with nothing too nuts. The second day was a little tamer. We just missed the lagoon boat tour, so we start to head out of the park. We stopped by where the crocodiles were, and it was fun to see them. We got there just before a tour group, and watched the guide throw a plank on a rope and get one of the crocs a little excited.
Being Fat Tuesday, we head back to Villa Blanca a little earlier. We are chilling by the pool for the first time, and up walk James and Debs!! I didn't really think they'd make it over for the big dance, but we really had a lot of fun that night. You'll hafta check out the Carnaval pix in another link, if you haven't already done so.
It was tough to get up very early the next morning. Ferry departed at 6:00 AM, and we were told to be in line by 4:45, if we had to be on that ferry. Our flight was mid afternoon, so the next ferry at 10:00 AM would have been cutting it too close. Our wake up call was 3:15 so we could finish packing up and go. Good thing Villa Blanca was pretty close to Trans Caribe. It was different than last time I was on the car ferry. I eventually found where they wanted us to go for tickets, etc, and it was a relief to be on the ferry. Timing should not be as critical now.
We had breakfast in Puerto Morelos, and looked around the pueblo a bit. I wanted to find another pair of batik pants, but I could not find the store where I bought them many years previous.
So we just headed back to the car rental place - America car rental.
So now there's 2 issues. The quarter panel / fender joint that I glued together - that wasn't a perfect fit, and a different full sized rim and spare. The glue joint passed inspection, but they held us up for manager approval on the spare.
The tread on the used spare was almost new, and he finally OKed it. He had one of the employees put the spare on the car, as it was in better shape than the existing tires (except the new one I bought for the front). Now I guess I was over the hump as far as getting back my full 15000 peso deposit on the rental! YES!!!
Finally back to the airport with all the issues to solve behind me. Well almost. Turns out when I packed one of the carry ons, I had a plastic bag with a folding fillet knife, a leatherman tool, and some wire terminal tackle for fishing barracuda. It was stuffed under some clothes, etc.
Well it showed up on the Xray, and it got confiscated. At least I'm not in jail for attempting to hyjack the plane. I tried to explain, "It's just fishin' stuff". I guess I can replace that. Lesson learned (again).
I did have one other screw up. I forgot my Carnaval cepter back at Villa Blanca. I had found the bamboo root back at Xcalak, and had worked on decorating it with stuff I'd find along the playa both in Xcalak and at El Placer. It would have been tricky to get back - maybe even confiscated at US customs (classified as a plant?). I thought my best bet would have been to cut it in thirds, and pack away in the suitcase - and then repair to full length once back. There was just alotta stuff to think about on Fat Tuesday, and very early the following morning. As it was we left a fridge full of food, a styro cooler outside the room, and a couple of partial bottles of wodka and gin.
[image] [/image]
[image] [/image]
Looks like the pix I added this morning have some bandwidth issues. I think I get more next month, so it may take me a couple days to starighten this out.
TMB
< Message edited by tmbutler -- 3/2/2013 7:17:19 PM >
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Cozumel - Land of a thousand dances...more pix added - 2/28/2013 8:08:09 AM
|
|
|
Jamie
Posts: 2548
Joined: 3/10/2005
From: Southern California
Status: offline
|
Looking forward to seeing your pictures TMB. Nice report. Does it really take 1.5 hours on the ferry? I thought it was more like 45 minutes.
Was thinking about maybe checking out Coz for next vacation if it has decent shore snorkeling (do not mind paying for one boat excursion but if I have to use a boat every day, then that is a deal killer).
This next trip is Isla and Akumal, will see how the crowds are in Akumal, hopefully in May they will not be too bad, that is usually a slow time.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Cozumel - Land of a thousand dances...more pix added - 2/28/2013 9:07:52 AM
|
|
|
tmbutler
Posts: 2053
Joined: 11/16/2005
Status: offline
|
The people ferry is about 45 minutes, the car ferry is about twice that. A littler quicker coming back with the waves. The car ferry is a little more of a stable ride.
If I recall correctly, it was $580 pesos for car with 2 people one way.
It was really nice to have a car in Cozumel for gettin' around. Two days at Punta Sur park, and a stop at Dzulha before on the second day. Dzulha (Money Bar) is one of my all time favorite snorkel spots. Just test the currents first. They can change, and they can take you out as well. Nothing to be afraid of, just be aware.
Also the off shore snorkeling at Punta Sur was excellente. Admission to the park was $12 USD pp. It can also have strong currents, but that didn't stop anyone. There were lots of ocean trigger fish and lots of french angels there.
TMB
< Message edited by tmbutler -- 2/28/2013 10:09:50 AM >
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Cozumel - Land of a thousand dances...more pix added - 2/28/2013 12:18:57 PM
|
|
|
reluctant diver
Posts: 22
Joined: 2/28/2013
Status: offline
|
Your pictures are showing as errors?
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Cozumel - Land of a thousand dances...more pix added - 2/28/2013 1:10:26 PM
|
|
|
tmbutler
Posts: 2053
Joined: 11/16/2005
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: reluctant diver
Your pictures are showing as errors?
Yeah, I know. I went thru 10 gigs of bandwidth in two weeks with these trip reports. I did purchase more bandwidth from Photobucket, and it should kick in by later today. Please check back after awhile.
TMB
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Cozumel - Land of a thousand dances...more pix added - 2/28/2013 2:10:04 PM
|
|
|
gw472
Posts: 143
Joined: 10/27/2009
Status: offline
|
Thanks for taking the time. I've really enjoyed your reports!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Cozumel - Land of a thousand dances...more pix added - 3/1/2013 8:28:33 AM
|
|
|
tmbutler
Posts: 2053
Joined: 11/16/2005
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: Soleil Soul
TM such a great report read, I keep checkn back for the photos ... Always love your reports
Couple of years ago I had to upgrade my Photobucket acct to Pro.... so worth it.
FYI, dont move your pix around in PBkt or you will lose the links (learnt the hard way)
I upgraded to PRO yesterday about noon. They said it could take up to 6 hours. I guess thery know what a "Mexican minute" means.
TMB
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Cozumel - Land of a thousand dances...more pix added - 3/3/2013 9:02:24 AM
|
|
|
Jamie
Posts: 2548
Joined: 3/10/2005
From: Southern California
Status: offline
|
Nice pictures, glad I finally got to see them. Thank you TMB
|
|
|
|
 New Messages |
 No New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/ New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/o New Messages |
 Locked w/ New Messages |
 Locked w/o New Messages |
|
Post New Thread
Reply to Message
Post New Poll
Submit Vote
Delete My Own Post
Delete My Own Thread
Rate Posts
|
|
|
Printable Version
[/image] 
