Yesterday morning I woke up with a scorpion crouched in the inside corner of my mosquito netting how he got there I do not know. I stripped the bed and treated it before placing the mosquito netting the first night. My other resident was a tiny gecko. I was awaiting the battle but had to evict the unfriendly. The gecko stays though because he will be my protector. Well today was much better, the day of rest yesterday helped.

Tabatha and I went on her first snorkeling trip. She was very excited to see the fish, coral and two turtles, a baby turtle eating thalassia (turtle grass). Ah, first hand it sure beats memorizing it out of the book. It is still rainy and probably will on and off for weeks, a vicious circle here sometimes during this time of year. I am living in the jungle you know. The humidity sucks everything is damp, even clothes tucked away in bags. The viz for those who are interested is better than the Magathoy River, quarry, but nothing like you would expect 20 meters or less.

I probably will not be able to take pictures for days, but we will be kept busy preparing the project. The flags have been treated with sunscreen and waterproofing. For those who do not know I am in Mexico setting up a coral reef protection program in Akumal Mexico. This includes educating tourists about the importance of the coral reef.

Over the next few weeks we will set up "Rest areas", six to be exact, in strategic areas, to keep tired snorkelers from standing on the coral. These rest areas consist of large safety rings used by lifeguards with crab pot markers containing PVC poles and flags. These stations will be held in place by cinderblocks to the ocean floor. Three stations say REST HERE, three DO NOT STAND ON CORAL. There will be six of these stations placed strategically throughout Akumal Bay. Muchos gracias to those who helped with the flags, those who helped me keep my sanity over the past few months and Donna for her support and understanding.

Tabatha will be setting up "children's day" consisting of touch tables and mini field trips around the area. I think this will work out great giving the parents time to themselves and the children a hands-on environmental experience and education. The future of the coral reef depends on the little ones.

Tabatha seems to be going through a serious culture shock, she is not used to the rough living and Mexican's idea of time. I think she expects everything to go quickly and smoothly, she has a big surprise ahead, and this is just the beginning. I will be helping one of this year's Cornell students in her independent research project. We will discover if my flags really work, this includes putting out the stations and removing them and watching the tourists go.

Talk to you later,
Steve

To read Part Three click here.