As I uploaded photos last night, I realized that I had quite a few photos from Cozumel that I had not yet uploaded and posted. These photos are grouped by when they were taken. First are a few photos from my sailing trip on October 15, then a collection of snapshots from the ‘Dia De Los Muertos” celebration that I attended with Michiko on October 31. Finally, I have a few photos taken at the waterfront on the day that Hurricane Ida passed most closely to Cozumel (November 8).
October 15, 2009 Sailing Trip
This is the beautiful little sailboat on which we explored the coastline, all the way to the southern end of Cozumel.
My friend JayDee standing on the boat.
Our ship captain and a few of the ladies. At this point we were a short distance south of the Puerta Maya Cruise ship terminal. A Carnival cruise liner can be seen in the distance.
A group of diving boats gathered in one of many popular diving locations–waiting for their happy passengers to resurface after playing in the depths.
A zoomed in photo of Chankanaab from the ocean side. This is the first place near which I snorkeled on the island in June. This is where the dolphins were swimming around in the fenced off area beneath and behind the pier.
I just love this small beach home. Anyone want to go in with me to purchase it?
This is the area called “Cielos” (sky) where we snorkeled first. It is filled with huge starfish–thus the name.
This is the resort I stayed at in December, 2007. It is on the southwest end of the island of Cozumel.
October 31,2009 – visit to XCARET for Dia De Los Muertos Celebration
This is one of many fun scenes that I snapped while just walking around the park.
A picture of Michiko and I, attempting to look a little “Yucatan.” This was the fourth day of my food poisoning episode, and my stomach was still quite weak.
Several dancers preparing to perform. Notice the painted face of the lady in the middle.
Another fun painted face.
Just me, hanging out with a few of my “Conchero” friends.
A large variety of these interesting warriors lined the gallery leading into the area where we watched the big “spectacular” show.
Xcaret treated us to their “Spectacular” — an incredible theatre/dance performance portraying the history of Mexico from early Aztec/Mayan days up to modern times. The second half of the show featured cultural dances from all over Mexico. Following photos are a small sampling of the program.
Preparing for the “ball game” – a game where these warriors demonstrated hitting a rubber ball around this ancient court, without using their hands or feet.
As you can see by the size of the man on the right, these creatures were quite tall.
This is one of many grave markers on a permanent attraction at Xcaret. A small hill, topped with sacred sable trees is lined with a circular winding path containing 365 graves. During this festival, the graves are decorated with lights and offerings. Under this hill are recreations of typical caves that can be explored.
November 8, 2009 – The edge of Hurricane Ida
The ferry dock was completely desered. Normally, several ferries are parked here. It is very unusual to have any wave activity here. The surf was quite strong compared to normal.
A picture of the sea wall along the waterfront street. Notice the blowing trees on the left and the waves on the right. The winds felt as if they were around 30 mph, and the surf was frequently crashing into the seawall, sending waves, sand, seaweed, and gravel onto the street above.
This little pier was constantly being swamped by high surf. Many times I watched it completely disappear under the surging waters.
A picture of more waves on the southern side of the ferry terminal.
A small fishing boat tied up in the foreground. Waves crashing down in the distance.
More of the same.
More waves crashing into this little boat/fishing pier.
Lots of seaweed was washing up on the surface. It remained in the protected area of the shore for many days. Normally, there is no such seaweed along these shores.
If you look closely, you can see a little two-foot crocodile that was struggling against the surf. This was near the ferry terminal. A group of onlookers gathered to watch this little guy struggle to get away from the turbulent waters near the shore.