Yucatan Day 2 - Boat ride and Valladolid

The day started with a walk along the water for Julie and Susan before the hotel restaurant opened.  For the rest of us, the day started with breakfast of cheese eggs, watermelon juice, coffee or tea.  It seems that there is a bit of a tropical depression going on so we are getting a bit more rain than usual.  Nothing that is keeping us from doing what we want to do.

We start our boat ride from right in from of the hotel.  We head up Rio Lagartos.  It is shallow with brackish water and mangroves along both sides.  Heaven for birds.  We see cormorants,  an eagle, osprey,  pelicans, frigates, various types of herons and flamingos.  Since rain is in the area, many of the flamingos took to the air to look for a more sheltered place.  We came upon another boat of tourist that was stopped.  Turns out they were looking at a crocodile and luring it to the boat with a fish.  Made us all feel a little uncomfortable and we certainly weren’t reaching out of our boat to ‘pet the croc!    Generally the rains stayed away from us and we had just sprinkles but then it did come down.  It was warm enough that it didn’t really bother.

 The water was shallow and we got stuck.  Even though it was pouring down rain, our ballast moved to the front of the boat to help get us off the sand bar.  

After the boat ride, we went to look at the salt fields.  Have never seen a mountain of salt before!  

Enjoyed a seafood lunch with more ceviche.  This time we had shrimp and octopus.  Yum!

Drove about an hour and a half to Valladolid.  We stopped several times. One of the stops was Playa Canucnito (Cute little Cancun). The mosquitos had taken up residence and we decide to let them keep it. 

 Another stop was to check out a place that specializes in smoked pork.  Juan got a bunch to take back to his family.  He had them cut off a chunk of it in small sample pieces for us to try.  We can all see why his family likes him to bring this home when he can.

In Valladolid, one of the main streets was blocked off for some big event  so we had to drive around several blocks with one way streets to get to our hotel.  We checked in and quickly changed into our swim suits to go to the cenote Zaci.  When we got there, there were several big tour buses.  We were afraid that the place might be overrun.  We start down the stone steps to the cenote.  At the first landing there is a large group with a guide telling them about how a cenote is formed.  Susan sees a small, low tunnel and thinks maybe we have to go through there to get to the cenote.  She is quite relieved to see me go around the group on the other side.  The stairway opens up to the huge, deep cave with winding stairs,  to the bottom where the sparkling water draws us.  They are amazed!  And I am excited with the anticipation of swimming in the cool, fresh water.  The steps are wet and a bit slippery so we take our time.  I quickly jump into the cool water.  It takes Susan and Julie a little longer but shortly, they are joining me with grins on their faces.  Ahhhhhhhhh!

We can see fish swimming below us.  The water is clear enough that we can easily see our toes as we stretch our legs downward.  Again, Ahhhhhhh!!!!!  Sorry no pictures.  I don't like to take my camera down there when I'm going swimming and I never go down without going swimming.  

Next on the agenda is to go to Chemax where they are celebrating Saint Anthony.  It is about a half hour drive.  We are lucky and are able to park about a block from the main square where everything is happening.  The bull ring is built with  logs lashed together, a thatched roof and wooden ladders every 10 feet or so that leads to the second and third levels.  We pay our $2 entry fee and climb up the ladder.  We are the center of attention as everyone else there are native to the town.  It is between bulls so people are walking around in the bull ring selling all kinds of food and drinks to the viewers.  A brass band is playing.  Must admit that they sound like a middle school group but it does add to the ambiance!  The music changes and out runs a bit of a runt of a bull.  There are 4 adolescent boys with worn capes  trying to get the bull to charge.  There are some half-hearted attempts by the bull.  Anytime the bull comes near one of the “bull fighters” he climbs up the  wooden slats to escape.  After a few minutes, several men come out to lasso the bull and take him back behind the scenes.  Out come the vendors again.  The atmosphere is festive and we stay for another 3 or 4 bulls.  

We manage to negotiate our way back down the  carnival area with brightly lit rides for the kids .  

We find peace and quiet inside the church. The front of the church is covered with fresh flowers to honor St. Anthony. 

Back in Valladolid we are ready for dinner.  The celebration for the new mayor is in full swing.  The stage is at the corner of our hotel.  Traditional dancers are preforming but there are so many people that we really can’t see much.  The park is full of families enjoying the cool evening breeze, the music. 

Enjoy some more ceviche and sopa de lima along with some wine and beer.  Oh what a wonderful way to end the day!

I’m not able to get the internet to work …….   Argh!  At least have this written to upload once we get to Merida.