Bitch of the Day

Playa Norte early in the morning

Darn auto correct!  

It’s supposed to be beach: Beach of the Day!

For those of you enjoying your minus whatever temperatures in other parts of the world, here's a quick tour of our world of sun, sand, and fun.  

On our little 7 km long island in the Caribbean we are fortunate to have a variety of wonderful beaches to choose from, depending on the day of the week, or your mood.  

So pull on your bathing suit, sandals, and sunglasses.  Add a t-shirt or tropical wrap and let’s get started:

Fenix Lounge on Sunday Funday - FB photo

On Sunday mid-afternoon the crowd starts to gather at Fenix Lounge to enjoy live salsa music with La Barby and the guys.  

Located on the north-eastern side of the island near Na Balaam Hotel and the renovated Mia Hotel you can dance your sox off to the Cuban beats.

Monday - a good day to just chill on the beach

Monday, you’re probably moving a little slower after Sunday Funday and it’s time relax.

Rent a beach lounger, tuck under a palm tree and nap the morning away on Playa Norte with turquoise water gently lapping against soft white sand.  A number of restaurants and beach bars will be happy to deliver food and more drinks to your sun lounger.  

Designated as a world-class Blue Flag Beach Playa Norte is one of the best in all of Mexico.

Sunset on Playa Centro - Playa Posada

Tuesday just slide around the corner of Plays Norte, on the western side and enjoy Playa Centro, another Blue Flag designated beach.  

More sand, turquoise water, food and drinks!  It’s a great place to hang out and people-watch.  

Life is tough.

Killer Margarita at Soggy Peso - B. Schoenne photo

Wednesday, it’s time to get a bit more active and hit the Soggy Peso Bar & Grill on Rueda Medina, about a third of the way along on the western side of the island.  A small private beach, with three or four loungers, is located on the ocean-side below the main part of the bar.  

It’s a relaxing place to chill for an hour or two while you enjoy one of their killer-Margaritas.  If you intend to walk out of the Soggy Peso without falling in their large swimming pool – limit yourself to a maximum of three Margaritas.  "Don’t Step on the Blue.”  You’ve been warned!

Playa Tiberon - unassuming entrance, great place to chill

Thursday is a good day to explore the various beach clubs along Sac Bajo: Playa Tiberon, Zamas, or the Ice Bar at Playa Mexico where you can freeze your tushy off in below freezing temperatures while enjoying a beverage.  

These are private beach clubs where you pay a small entry fee or consume a certain amount of drinks and food to use the beach and facilities.  Oh darn, eating and drinking, at the beach, again. 

Friday it is on to Playa Lancheros, near the Royal Palace all-inclusive hotel at the round-about where you turn north towards Sac Bajo, or south towards Punta Sur.  Playa Lancheros is famous for their traditional Mayan Tikinxik grilled-fish lunch, cold beer and a nice beach.  

Little further south at Capitán Dulché Restaurante and Museum is a huge restaurant and funky bar.  The owner of the property loves old marine artifacts.  He purchased a battered 1930’s sailboat that, many years ago, had been sailed single-handedly from South Africa.  He has had it restored and it is the centre piece for the bar.

Garrafon de Castilla - Isla Mujeres Info photo

Saturday, Garrafon de Castilla great place for simple, old-time fun with easy beach food, and super snorkeling.  It costs much less than the bigger all-inclusive park next-door, Garrafon Natural Reef Park. 

Garrafon de Castilla is a great place to re-charge your batteries, because you know, the next day is Sunday!  And you can start all over again!

Just another week in paradise.

Lawrie & Lynda

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Can you get from here to there?

Playa Norte

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

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

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

Playa Posada

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. 

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.

West side - lots of restaurants, bars and boats

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. 

 Assuming you are able to actually pass the bars with out 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.

Zigging and zagging around the fishermen and  boats

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. Great exercise for the gluts, 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.

Makax Lagoon - marinas & boats, not pedestrian friendly

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. In the area between Playita Isla Mujeres (formerly Chuuk Kay Restaurante) and all-inclusive Palace Royale Resort you will have 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 on 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 southern most 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 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 re-joins 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.

Malecon - seawall walkway 

Past the naval base, make a turn towards the sea, and in 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 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, November to April, you will find 

Daryl with 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

Breaking News:

Our bilingual (Spanish & English) book for children – The Adventures of Thomas the Cat / Las Adventuras de Tomás el Gato is now available on E-Books, via Amazon Kindle Books. Order yours today!

A dog's eye view of Isla

Sparky tells his story about Isla

Hi! My name is Sparky, and I thought you might be interested in a tour of Isla, from my point of view. 

Oh sure, my humans are always taking pretty pictures of what they see, but I think it's time to show you my island, Isla Mujeres, or as I call it: La Isla de los Perros.

Sparky and his driver

I'll start my introducing you to some of my friends, and then we'll explore my favourite places in my golf cart. Yup! It's my golf cart. Well, that's what I tell my friends. 

Okay, maybe it's not really my golf cart. We get to use it when it when other family members don't need it, and besides, dogs can't own vehicles. I won't tell if you don't tell. It will be our little secret. Okay? Great!

Bowser, Sombra & Sparky on the beach near our house

My closest friend is my housemate Thomas the Cat.  

He's pretty famous. He has his own book written about him, but I know there is a second book being created that will star both Thomas and me. 

That's right! I'm going to be famous too, soon, very soon.  I think it is going to be called: The Adventures of Thomas, Sparky and the Pirate. Pretty cool, don't you think?  My other two good friends are Sombra and Bowser.  They both live quite close to my house.  We have lots of fun playing together.

Sparky and his girlfriend Lola at Playa Norte

Since I adopted my people last year I have had lots of fun experiences. Every day I swim in the ocean. We used to go early in the morning to Playa Norte so that I could have a swim without worrying about big waves slapping me in the face. I don't like getting salt water in my eyes. And sometimes at the beach I would meet other dogs who were walking with their humans. We would have a bit of fun playing in the water before we went off in separate directions. However, the rules have changed. (I don't like rules. They ruin a dog's fun.)

Running in mud is almost as much fun as swimming

All the signs posted at Playa Norte have that weird symbol – a circle with a red slash through a picture of a dog. Apparently it means no dogs allowed. But the words underneath say that if my people keeps me on a leash, and picks up my – um, poop, I can go to the beach. But whenever we try to go for a swim we meet up with all sorts of cranky folks who don't want me there – so we have found other places I can play.

Cliffs at Punta Sur

My second favourite thing to do is run. My humans sometimes drive me in my golf cart to Punta Sur – at the southern end of the island. There is a trail that follows the tops of the cliffs, where I can run as fast as I want and I won't bother anyone. The only thing is I have to remember not to get too close to the edge of the cliffs, because somethings things break off and slide a long, long way down to the deep water. I wouldn't want that to happen to me. I can swim, but the waves at Punta Sur are really big, and sometimes there are huge sea turtles or dolphins swimming there. Scary!

 Carnitas Zinapecuaro - tasty pork, and fresh juice

When my people take me out in the golf cart I like to hang my nose out over the edge and let my Spaniel-type ears flap in the cool breeze. It's a great way to see and smell all the interesting sights on the island. 

Just up the street from our house is one of my favourite stops. It's the place where they sell cooked pork. My human sometimes stops on our way home and buys a small package of the delicious meat. If I am really really good, she will give me a little piece as a treat. I can also woof at other dogs as we pass, letting them know that I'm out in my golf cart. Look at me! Some of the dogs get jealous, and chase us, barking loudly. I don't let it bother me. I just look at them running along, tongues hanging out and think, lucky, lucky me.

Lucky, lucky me!

Besides the golf cart, did I mention that we owned a boat? Well, we shared it with other people but I think it really was my boat. Boats are as much fun as golf carts, you get to see different parts of the island, and you can go swimming anywhere you want. No rules! 

One day we traveled around the island. We saw Playa Norte, Playa Media Luna the turtle release beach, our house, Punta Sur, Garrafon Reef Park, Playa Indio, and then motored back to the marina in Makax Lagoon. 

We got quite wet when the waves splashed us, but it sure was fun.

Sunset cocktails at Ballyhoo

Another place I like to visit is the corral on the south-west side of the island – Isla Mujeres Horseback Riding. There are a bunch of pretty horses that people pay to ride, which, I guess, is interesting if you are a human. 

I am more interested in the chickens. I want to chase them, but I'm not allowed. It's those darn rules again: No chasing chickens! Pfft!

Chillin' at the Soggy Peso Bar & Grill

Another fun activity I enjoy is going out to lunch, or sunset cocktails with my humans. So far I have visited Barlito's @ Marina Paraiso Hotel, Ballyhoo Restaurant, and the Soggy Peso Bar & Grill. 

As long as I am on my leash, well-behaved, and my human picks up my – um, you know, deposits, I am welcome. Some times on hot days I sit right in front of the big fan at the Soggy Peso, and cool down while my people are chilling with a cold beverage.

Roof-top alarm system

Since I have mostly told you about different places on my island, I think I should also mention some of the jobs that we dogs have. We are all watch-dogs, and alarm systems, giving our humans a warning bark if someone comes near the house. 

One really lucky guy, a black and brown German Shepard, works for the Navy. He is in charge of sniffing out drugs that people might try to sneak onto our little island in paradise. He's a very serious guy, and doesn't like to have pictures taken of his face, so I can't show you how good-looking he is. You will just have to take my word for it. 

Camera shy Navy drug dog

There are also two pretty Golden Labradors who guard the Navy airport runway and tower. 

I'm a bit jealous of their important jobs, but then they don't get to ride around in a golf cart so I think I have the better deal.

Anyway, that's my view of Isla Mujeres. If you see me out and about on the island, stop and say hello. I'm very friendly.

Woof, woof, oooooo!  See ya soon!

Sparky (aka The Sparkinator!)

Sparkinator sharing his boat with his lucky humans

You can find us on the web at:

Humerous stories about critters we have known:

http://animalsandfamilymembers.blogspot.mx/

AND

The Adventures of Thomas the Cat: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Adventures-of-Thomas-the-Cat-Las-Aventuras-de-Tomás-el-Gato

The white stuff!

The wind howls, shouldering its way through cracks and crevices, forcing its way into the house.  It slides under the door, bringing with it fine white particles.  You can’t hide from me!  I’ll find you.  

Outside the flecks blow through the air, collecting along the edge of our patio, drifting into corners and coating accessible surfaces.  The particles insinuate themselves into clothing, sliding into tender spaces where jackets meet pants.  In Centro, the street cleaners shovel it – yet again – off the streets and over the retaining walls: sand, damn sand!

What?  Did you think I was talking about snow?  We live in Mexico! 

A few months ago we were enjoying a beach day when a Norte was just getting started.  

A Norte is a belligerent storm that blows from the north across the US/Mexico border, bringing strong winds, cooler temperatures, thick clouds and heavy rains.  

On this particular day it was still brilliantly sunny and the kite surfers rode the exhilarating winds, getting huge air under their boards.  

We, on the other hand were being sandblasted.  We carefully picked particles out of our beachside lunch.  Chomping down on a burger seasoned with bits of coral and shells can be tough on tooth enamel.  

We discovered the easiest solution is to rinse the offending grit out of our mouths with an icy cold beer.  And don’t talk a lot, just enjoy the day.  Talking leads to sand in your teeth.

However this week we are suffering from the effects of the Polar Vortex that is enveloping most of Canada and the USA with record-breaking cold.  Island tourists had abandoned plans for a lazy day at the beach, huddling instead inside hotel rooms wondering: why now, why me?  

When a Norte hits after an extended dry spell, the sand is lighter and easily snatched up by the wind, and deposited wherever.  Other times the rain will saturate the grit before the winds arrive to plaster the wet mess onto buildings.  It’s a lot like blowing snow, but without the cruelly cold temperatures.

Meanwhile back at our beachside casa we have different challenges with sand.  We have a beach and we have pets.  It’s an interesting combination. 

The two cats, Tommy and Chica seldom venture far but they like to investigate the surrounding area before deciding where they will nap for the next few hours.  Each trip out and back beautifies our floors and furniture with numerous paw prints.  

Tommy, my fourteen-year-old cat has a thick double coat that feels more like unspun wool than hair.  

Particles cling to his substantial belly, and his chunky legs.  His favourite napping spots are identified by a circular pattern of debris, the shape of a large, relaxed cat.  

Chica, the younger tabby cat deposits her contributions on coffee tables and comfortably padded kitchen chairs.  She is fastidious with personal hygiene – spending the next thirty minutes removing every fleck of sand from her silky fur, leaving it for me to remove from the furniture.

Sparky, a short, part-terrier, part-something-else pooch recently decided that he too should live at our house.  He’s a rough coated low to the ground sand-magnet.  His ideal day includes a swim in the ocean then a tussle in the sand with a neighbour’s dog, finished by a quick dash inside to say hello.  Strewn across the patio is his gritty pathway leading into our main floor living space and up the circular stairway into our bedroom. 

Sweeping, I return the sand to the beach for the animals, and us, to recycle on the next jaunt through the house.  Housekeeping is a hit-or-miss proposition.  We usually think about cleaning the house when the dust-bunnies are larger than our seventeen-pound cat, or when the ocean-side windows are occluded with a glaze of salt and sand.  

If we clean the house, it will only get dirty again.  It’s inevitable.  

Accumulations of sand lend authenticity to the beach house theme of our casa.

And finally, there is the challenge of sand in your shorts caused by swimming in the warm Caribbean Sea.  The sandy-bottomed ocean reflects beautiful hues of turquoise, indigo, and aqua-blue.  The rolling waves scour the ocean bottom, lifting the fine white sand into suspension – and depositing the residue in the tender areas under bikinis and bathing trunks.  It can be painful.

So, to our hardy northern readers who are currently dealing with temperatures as low as -50C, save a bit of sympathy for us.  Instead of enduring record setting cold and snow, caused by the Polar Vortex, you too could be dealing with the challenge of scratchy sand in your shorts. 

It’s a real hardship.  Honestly.  You should try it sometime.

Hasta Luego

Lynda & Lawrie