Plogging your way to a cleaner paradise and to better health

For several weeks, we have been reading islander Kai Creamer’s Facebook posts about the next plogging day on Isla Mujeres.

“Plogging?” I asked, “What the heck is that?”

According to Kai, it is a movement that started in Sweden, and the name of the activity comes from the Swedish plocka up or pick up. 

The activity combines picking up trash with jogging to create the fun and memorable name of plogging.  Many islanders had already incorporated the idea into their daily exercise routines, but now they can also join the group for a laughter-filled workout. 

I’m sure some of the items that are found along the streets can be pretty gross, and others quite entertaining. I have on occasion discovered discarded underwear, male and female, that I did not pick up, but pondered the possible scenario that led to the removal of their underwear among the scorpions, spiders, and ticks.

But back to plogging. Every Wednesday, the next weekend's route and meeting place are posted to the group’s Facebook page. The distances range between 1.5 and 2.5 kilometers. 

The participants meet at 8:30 in the morning and are provided with gloves, recycled plastic grocery bags for the trash, and water refills for their personal water bottles from a larger twenty-litre Garrafon. 

Many members bring their own grabbers, those handy devices that were originally designed for people with mobility challenges to reach and pick up items. 

The biggest challenge for the group is getting a supply of affordable trash grabbers. In Mexico, they are hard to find and are expensive. 

If any travelers from the USA or Canada have room in their suitcase for a few of the dollar-store variety grabbers, the group would really appreciate your assistance. They each cost around $1.00 to $1.25, although the better-made variety, costing around $10.00 each, would probably last longer. 

As Kai says, the speed of the activity depends on the amount of trash to be picked up. Sometimes the group is stationary in one area, picking it clean before moving on. They generally stop by 11:00 in the morning and convene at one of their local sponsor restaurants. 

Both Mango Café and La Tarima offer a complimentary refreshing lemonade for the ploggers. Some of the group will often linger longer at the restaurant to take advantage of the group members' discount and enjoy a well-earned late breakfast or early lunch.

On average, the plogging events attract around fifteen people, but on occasion the group has swelled to as many as forty participants. Kai and the group members are planning a second route for Wednesday afternoons for folks who can’t participate on the weekends or in the mornings. 

Here’s your chance to have a few laughs, get some exercise, and help our island in paradise. 

Here's the link to their Facebook group page for more information.
Photos courtesy of Kai Creamer.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2023592277901903/?ref=br_rs

Hasta Luego

Lynda, Lawrie, and Sparky

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An explosion of new eateries on Isla Mujeres, Mexico!

Yummy chicken salad with citrus dressing

These last few months have seen an explosion of new restaurants, cafés, and eateries on the island, plus a few favourites are undergoing massive remodels. 

The foodie scene is just getting better and better every year.

We recently enjoyed a fabulous lunch at the NorthGarden, which is attached to the new Paradise Suites on Avenida Carlos Lazo, and across from Sea Hawk Suites and Dive Shop. The restaurant is operated by Fernando from Argentina and Brenda from Monterrey, Mexico, who are very hospitable hosts. Fernando didn’t even mind us bringing Sparky and Max to sit under the umbrella at a street-side table. 

Lawrie at North Garden 

He even arranged a drink of water for the boys. I had a delicious salad with chicken and citrus dressing. Lawrie opted for the amazing tacos camarón, shrimp tacos. I stole a bite of his lunch. Mine was very tasty, but his was - wow!  Delicious.  https://www.facebook.com/northgardencaffe/

Our friends Debbie Crinigan and Willy Chacón are opening their Rosa Sirena’s Restaurante and Rooftop Bar sometime in December. They describe their food as new island cuisine with a variety of creations by Chef Willy using local ingredients, plus fresh fish, arrachera, ribeye, New York strip, and filet mignon. When Chef Willy isn’t creating incredible dinners, he entertains the guests with his fabulous voice and guitar music.  

Rosa Sirena's Restaurante and Rooftop Bar

Anyone who has been the lucky recipient of Deb’s secret Santa parcels left on a doorstep will understand that my addiction will be the desserts. I’m thinking I might fall for the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie like my character Jessica Sanderson does in Book #3 of the Isla Mujeres Mystery series. Located on the corner of Calles Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez and Narisco Medina, it is easily found by driving south a block past Mango Café and turning right onto Calle Narisco Medina across from Caribbean Brisas. It’s the three-story building at the end of a short block.  https://www.facebook.com/rosasirenasrestaurant/

Mango Cafe closed for remodeling

And speaking of Mango Café, it is undergoing a massive remodel, incorporating the building beside the restaurant as well as adding another floor. Polo Avila says he doesn’t have a firm re-opening date as yet, but the crews are hurrying to get it done as soon as possible. The busy season is just starting, and every restaurant owner on the island wants to be operating at top capacity.  https://www.facebook.com/mangocafeisla/

Chilitos by Ruben, 2nd floor

One of our recent favourites, Javi’s Cantina, has also remodeled, expanding into their back lot. The new garden area has a second level, a stage for musical performers, and a huge new kitchen. We are looking forward to more delicious meals and live music. https://www.facebook.com/javiscantina/

Then there is Ruben’s new second-floor eatery – Chilitos by Ruben – located in Colonia la Gloria at #18 Mojarra Street. They are open from Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. We have already heard good things about the food.

Inside the Isla 33 condominiums on the eastern side of the island, south of Villa la Bella B&B, the new Topaz bar has opened to rave reviews for its food. And speaking of Villa la Bella, Slow Foods hopes to reopen at that location in mid-December. They make the best skirt-steak sliders we have ever had.

Tarima Food Park

Another new one restaurant is La Tarima Food Park, located on Rueda Medina out past the orange-coloured housing complex for navy officers and their families. The restaurant is near Oscar’s Pizza but across the street. It’s a funky outdoor space with lots of seating, interesting lighting, and greenery. We stopped to check the menu. The baguettes and hamburgers look great, worth coming back to try it another day. https://www.facebook.com/LaTarimaFoodPark/

With all of these amazing restaurants happening on the island, we just might give up cooking entirely. But then we would have to go get jobs to support our restaurant habits. It’s a dilemma.

Cheers from paradise,

Lynda, Lawrie, Sparky, and Max

~

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Can you get from here to there? Isla Mujeres Mexico

Playa Norte

Reading TripAdvisor can be a trip (old 1970s hippie saying, in case you are too young to remember). 

On the website, there are dozens of questions from people who are first-time travellers to Isla Mujeres. 

Recently, somebody asked: Can I walk all the way around the island on the waterfront?

Well, yes, and no ….. You can walk all the way around on fairly decent sidewalks that were upgraded or newly built in 2009, but the waterfront is another thing entirely. 

Playa Posada L Lock Photo

The waterfront in Mexico is considered federal property, and in theory, you are allowed to cross it, but in some locations, it is just not possible.

If you start at the easy part, the sugar-white sandy beach at the north end, Playa Norte and head south on the west side of the island, you can walk a good distance past restaurants, bars, marinas, and the two passenger ferry docks. 

West side - lots of restaurants, bars and boats

Assuming you can actually pass the bars without stopping at each establishment to check out the degree of coldness for their beer, you could walk for at least twenty minutes before you start running into bigger man-made obstacles.

Your trek will consist of smooth sandy beaches interspersed with mooring lines for the numerous fishing pangas. A lot of high-stepping, rope-hopping is required. 

Zigging and zagging around the fishermen and boats

It's great exercise for the glutes, I'm told. 

When you reach the area in front of the Naval base – that's the large white fenced compound on Medina Avenue – you will have to detour around this restricted area, and use the sidewalks. 

On the south side of the car ferry terminal, there are more fishing-boat lines to hop over and guard dogs to avoid, three fun bars where you can cool off, a handful of restaurants, and several marinas. 

Makax Lagoon - marinas & boats, not pedestrian-friendly

 In the area between Playita Isla Mujeres (formerly Chuuk Kay Restaurante) and the all-inclusive Palace Royale Resort, you will have to use the sidewalks. The properties on this stretch of waterfront face onto the marshy Makax Lagoon. Unless you happen to be wielding a sharp machete, this area is not pedestrian-friendly. Plus, the dense mangrove jungle is home to millions of mosquitoes and other unpleasant critters. So hit the concrete and continue walking south.

Capitan Dulce Restaurante & Museum

You might want to re-hydrate with another cold beverage at Playa Lancheros, or a little further along at Capitan Dulce Restaurante and Museum. In this area, on the western side of Isla Mujeres, there are many large tracts of private land owned by beach clubs and small hotels. A number of these properties have all-inclusive entrance fees and have made it difficult to access the beach.

Garrafon Natural Reef Park, private walkway

At Garrafon Natural Reef Park, you will definitely have to use the sidewalks. The private concrete pathway beneath the rugged cliffs is only accessible by paying the park entrance fee. This pathway connects with Punta Sur, the southernmost part of the island, and coincidentally, the most eastern part of Mexico. The entrance fee for Punta Sur is only about $2.00 USD and is well worth the cost.

Punta Sur walking path. Keep back from the cliff edge!

The most scenic path along this part of the island is a well-worn track that starts at Punta Sur. It skirts the friable edge of the cliffs, ambles in front of private homes, and rejoins the main road near the waste transfer station. (Yes, unfortunately, a place to collect refuse is a necessary evil, even on an island in paradise.) 

Beach along eastern side - near Guadalupana

The pathway slowly descends until once again the beach front is accessible. Built several years ago, there is a nice sidewalk that continues on past the newer cemetery, the Guadalupaňa settlement, Isla 33 Condos, Villa la Bella B&B, and a cluster of tasty restaurants: Caribbean Brisas, Bahama Mama, and Mango Café. If you have experienced what the island sidewalks can look like after a big storm or a hurricane, you will appreciate that this one is smooth and relatively stumble-proof.

Beautiful glass wall looks out over the ocean

Then starting at the beautiful glass-fronted Catholic church across the street from the Mango Café, waterfront hiking becomes more interesting. 

It is possible to clamber over rocks and around obstacles, eventually coming out at the new skateboard park near Casa Ixchel Hotel.

Behind the AguaKan pumping station

From the skateboard park all the way to the Naval airport, the oceanfront is relatively easy to traverse. Part sand, part round pieces of coral, interspersed with rocky outcroppings, the beach meanders past private homes, with a few municipal exits/access points where you can leave the beach and use sidewalks if you choose.

Malécon seawall walkway 

Past the naval base, make a turn towards the sea, and behind the AguaKan pumping station is a wonderfully wide malécon, a walkway, perfect for strolling and enjoying the view of turquoise water. This is our favourite place to walk and check out what's happening in the neighbourhoods. The malécon will take you all the way to Playa Media Luna, and a few steps away from the start of your journey at Playa Norte, where once again you can re-hydrate with a cold beverage.

Playa Media Luna 

If this trek sounds too exhausting, you might want to consider a shorter excursion, a Sea Glass Adventure Hike with our friend Daryl Adler. The hike takes anywhere from one to two hours, depending on your level of fitness or your interest in hunting sea glass. 

 Perhaps you'll find a piece of glass, discarded by the pirates who visited Isla Mujeres many years ago.

Vintage Sea Marble ring - Daryl Adler

Originally from Seattle, Washington, Daryl moved to Isla about three and a half years ago. When the Artist Fair is on, from November to April, you will find Daryl and his display of water colours, or beautifully handcrafted sterling silver jewelry featuring unique sea marbles and one-of-a-kind pieces of sea glass.

So, you see, you actually can get from here to there, but I'm worn out writing about all of this activity. I think I will join my sweetie on the patio for a cold glass of wine and watch the sunset. Ah!

Hasta luego, Lynda, Lawrie, Sparky, and Thomas the Cat

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Walking: here, there and everywhere, Isla Mujeres Mexico!

Heading out for a walk early in the morning

Slurping down my second cup of wake-up coffee, I can hear my friend Marcy’s voice outside my front door: “Hola, Hola.”  She’s come to collect me on her morning walk. Marcy is much more committed to exercise than I am. I need to be pushed into a routine. We typically head south on the Caribbean side, cut back west through the Colonias, and then walk around the pathway of the Salina Grande before returning home. 

Fruit vendor at the south end of Salina Grande

Along our route, we pass the fruit vendor’s makeshift stand tucked under the roomy shade of the trees at the southern end of the Salina Grande.  

She has tables and free-standing boxes stacked with fragrant, fresh vegetables and fruits, protected by an assortment of tattered old tarpaulins strung in the branches.

In the shallow marshy end of Salina Grande, there is a variety of birds: herons, storks, cranes, cormorants, a type of duck, and spoonbills paddling and hunting in the muck. 

Various birds in Salina Grande

Further on, a very sweet little pit bull-cross plays with us, begging for pats and belly rubs. We trek past several congenial young men having a quiet morning beer or two, chatting with friends, and enjoying the peace of early morning.  

They greet us with Buenos Días and a smile. Perhaps they are thinking that their way of beginning the new day or finishing the previous night is preferable to our method.

Pat me please!  (M.Watt photo)

Marcy and I are just two people out of the dozens who stride up and down, or around, the island in an attempt to stay active and reasonably fit. Every day, there is a steady stream of people passing our house. The long-legged former vice-principal of the high school, who now works in Cancun, marches past around six in the morning, with his arms swinging enthusiastically to increase his heart rate.  He returns an hour later, saluting a greeting as he passes our house.  

A little later on, another local couple and their sweater-covered lap dog do the same route from the Colonias into Centro and back. The little poodle manages to keep up most mornings, although occasionally, on very hot days, he gets a ride in the arms of his accommodating human.

Mango Café - "smoking chair"

Earlier this week, while Marcy was away, I trudged to the south end of the island to feed two kitties (not cats, I’m told) whose humans were out of town for a few days.  

Along the way, I snapped a few photographs: the colourful smoking chair outside Mango Café, the group of workers lengthening the ocean side path, the four-year-old sign for the still unfinished General Hospital, and the construction of a beautiful stone wall in front of Isla 33 condos.  

Fifty minutes later, I had reached my destination, chugged down a bottle of water, and then fed and played with the kitties. Retracing my route, I had planned to catch a taxi home.  

Four-year-old sign - General Hospital still unfinished

I soon discovered that on the Caribbean side of the island, there are so many walkers, joggers, and dog-walkers that taxis are few and far between.

Everyone is focused on exercise. They don’t want or need a ride. I was footsore and sweaty, and about halfway back to our house before a taxi appeared. 

By the time I got home, I felt righteous, very righteous, for all of my exercise.  

At lunch time, I indulged in an order of tasty beef fajitas and a cold beverage at the Soggy Peso with Lawrie, my other walking partner.  

He usually ambles around the various island neighbourhoods with me. 

Marcy, on the other hand, sets a brisk pace.  We hustle!

Hasta luego, Lynda & Lawrie

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