Around the Island in 80 Minutes

We slept in past six this morning, so missed the sunrise. And we had to decide whether this was the day to rent the golf cart. This island is special partly because there are few cars or trucks. Most people get around on bikes, scooters, or golf carts. these latter are everywhere. They are gas, not electric like those up north, and are covered against the tropical rain showers that are common. There is a booming rental business in them here, and we had wanted to see the island. As I mentioned, it is a small island (8km by 1 km). So why not bikes? Because there are only two main roads that go the length of the island, and they are busy with motorized traffic. So we rented a cart. It is noisy, smelly, difficult to control, and has all the power of a soufflé. But it got us around.

First, breakfast at the Café Mogagua, a funky little coffee and food place that is a relief for me, but also a sign of the gentrification I was complaining about. It was a good breakfast, and we were well-satisfied. The morning rains pushed us to reconsider our plans, but we decided to keep to them after all.

So off we went, heading for the south of the island (the main town is at the far north), where there is a light house and an old temple ruins. Scenery was spectacular, as expected.


We felt it was warm enough to justify a beer, and there was a restaurant right there, so why not. And the view wasn't bad, either.


Then off to see one of the island sights: a turtle farm. This area is known for its sea turtles, but their numbers have dropped significantly due to poaching and the hunt for turtle eggs by humans and other predators. In 1980 or so, one man set about to change this and set up a sanctuary to help preserve them. It was successful, and now they have many which are released yearly into the wild, after they have passed the dangerous period of their lives. We saw many wonderful turtles small and large.








More travels around the island followed by a stop for some late lunch, then back to the town area for another early night. As I sit here, there is a full moon above me, the sound of surf crashing off to my right side, and my bed beckoning me on the left side. Not too shabby.

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Location:Calle Abasolo,Isla Mujeres,Mexico