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The Ruby Red Roatan Sunrise
News from the Honduras Bay Islands and North Coast
29
January 2001
By
Pierre Renaldo, The
Coastwatcher©
No, it is not the name of a new island rum drink, although
we may give it some thought. How does "The Roatan Rouser"
sound to you? It could have ruby red grapefruit juice and
a shot of cranberry, a generous splash of mango juice and
a squeeze of lime …… Hmmm. That really sounds delicious. I'll
give it serious consideration and get back to you later.
I
was told a long time ago by an old sage, that there were two
kinds of people in the world, "A" people and "B" people. "A"
people were the ones who jumped out of bed early in the morning,
eager to start the day, even before daylight. A very strange
breed indeed, and especially suspect by all those in the "B"
category.
The
"B" people, are of course, those who prefer rising at a sensible
hour and certainly not in the middle of the night while it's
still dark. They don't care to discuss the wonders of the
morning or the great feelings of those who practice the "A"
ritual. Don't bother being cheerful or sympathetic with them
until they have regained a state consciousness for at least
three hours. Above all, don't act happy around them. It only
causes irritation.
I
have always been an "A" person, ("B's" please forgive me).
I just can't seem to sleep when the sun is shining. And my
number one cat, Felix, is greatly in favor of people rising
up well before daylight. He wakens me before first light by
purring into my ear while simultaneously working his whiskers
across my cheek, which really tickles, and I wake up laughing.
He loves to have breakfast with me before the sunrise.
I
always feel rewarded by these actions because I am "on deck"
when the most gratifying scenes become visible as the first
rays of the dawn's early light arrive.
This
morning was a treat I wish all of you could have shared. This
is when you could begin to understand why we call such serenity
and beauty, paradise.
The
sky was overcast, except for a ribbon of clearing that was
visible along the eastern horizon and the mainland. It was
like an elongated landscape panorama had been painted there.
The sky toward the mainland and to the east was brilliant,
as was the view of the coastal range far to the south. They
were the 'purple mountains majesty, above the fruited plane',
the line from the song "America the Beautiful" that we used
to sing in elementary school.
In
this case it was a perfect description of what I viewed, because
the mountains of the North Coast front directly onto the sea,
from Trujillo westward to Tela Bay, until they level off forming
the flat planes of the fertile valleys, where the pineapples
and bananas grow.
And
then the Ruby Sunrise began.
Sol
began his climb out of the sea in a brilliant burst of color,
intensifying as the dawn progressed. The Caribbean was Ruby
Red, in a state of total calm, reflecting the brilliance against
the cloud cover and the mountains. The sky and the sea turned
crimson for a few moments, and then the kaleidoscope of color
began, changing the appearance of the entire scene.
It
was at that moment that I took notice of another phenomenon
taking place. The cats!
They
were perched on the windowsills watching in total fascination,
enchanted by the wonders of the new morning. I knew they loved
watching the sea, but this was a scene unto itself. Imagine!
The spectacle was as awesome to them as it was to me! My cats
were appreciating the wonders of nature!
They
are all "A" people by the way.
It
may not appeal to most "B" people, but when you come to Roatan,
try to get yourself revved up for a sunrise or two. You can
always go back to bed later, but just try it a few times.
It will be memorable, I promise. Sunrise is best viewed from
the coastal areas on the mainland side of the island, looking
across the Bay of Honduras.
Whip
your self up 'a Roatan Rouser' for your morning eye opener.
No booze recommended at that hour of course. And don't forget,
you heard it here first.
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I
get many inquiries at this time of year asking, "When is the
best time to come to Roatan?" I think this question is worthy
of discussion, since 'best' is a relative word, which may
have differing meanings to many. I am not going to tell you
of my opinion until I do a little survey of readers, to ascertain
what you think is the best time. So those of you who have
been here, regardless of how many times, please give me your
thoughts on the matter. Just drop me an e-mail at : elouis@globalnet.hn
It
doesn't have to be anything formal, just say; Best time is
April, or late August or never in July. Whatever you have
experienced when you were here, so that we can share this
valuable information with those who have not yet had the good
fortune of visiting Roatan. I would like to be helpful to
people considering a trip to our paradise, and I will score
each month with a value based on what you tell me. All are
welcome to participate.
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My
story about the snake has prompted some responses to help
me identify the critter I saw climbing my thorn tree a few
weeks ago. Steve Hasz, the genius behind www.roatanet.com
Visitors' Guide to Roatan, forwarded this information, courtesy
of D. K. Evans.
Many
thanks Steve, and also to the members of your e-mail discussion
group. I hope they can help me with my survey about the best
time to visit Roatan.
"What
your friend probably saw was a whip snake, often called a
Yellow Racer, perfectly harmless."
Well
that relieves me somewhat, but I'll give the Yellow Racer
fellow a wide berth should we ever meet again. I took a long
look as I passed the tree on my second attempt to get out
of my driveway this morning.
Gosh!
It just dawned on me. I did it in two passes instead of the
usual three. I must be getting the hang of it. Backing out
of my driveway I mean. Not looking at trees. It is great fun
and pleasure to me when any of you write. I will be happy
to answer your questions about Roatan, the Bay Islands, and
Honduras, or find an answer for you if I don't know. Don't
be shy now.
Remember,
I have several books that will be of enormous help if you
are every planing on building your dream home, either where
you live now or on our island paradise. There is also good
advice for those of you contemplating retirement in any third
world country. You can preview the books at: http://www.eroatan.com/pierre/books.html
More
next week. Ciao Pierre
By
Pierre Renaldo, Mountain Coastal S.A,. General Contractors,
Construction Management and Construction Consultants.
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