Ironshore
News from the Honduras Bay Islands and North Coast
06 September 2000
By Pierre Renaldo, The Coastwatcher©

Most people have never heard of 'ironshore'. Tourists come here by the thousands, many only briefly, visiting Roatan, as a Port O' Call with their cruise line. They go to the beaches, the dive resorts, sightseeing from the highlands in the east central part of the island, thrilling to the panoramic vistas offered from these vantage points. Only rarely, do they get a glimpse of one of the more spectacular scenic treats our island has in store.

I will describe the little known geologic wonder so that those of you, who have never seen these parts of our coastline, will mark it down for a day of exploring on your next trip to Roatan. Think of the rugged beauty of coastal Maine, to put your mind into the mood for what I will attempt to describe.

I have been told and I have read that the formation of the Bay Islands was the result of a cataclysmic event of proportions the human mind cannot imagine. A combination of volcanic eruption, earth tremors caused by volcanic explosion, simultaneously triggering movement of the earth's plate, which in turn allowed a massive flow of magma from the molten core of the planet to push upward through thousands of feet of sea water, propelling the sea floor toward the light of day.

The sea boiled; the magma flowed endlessly until it cooled and formed a plateau below the ragged peaks, which solidified into the mountainous formations that are visible through the central parts of the island today. To the east another similar formation came into existence, projecting through the surface of the Caribbean, a new creation now called Guanaja, and to the west, the plateau flattened just above the level of the sea. Utila came into being.

The molten rock hardened as the waters of the sea and the air cooled it. These formations along the coastal areas were constantly swept by wave activity, which kept the shoreline barren of vegetation. Erosion caused by wind and water over many centuries left a most interesting and picturesque seascape, which is especially beautiful on the south side of the island facing the mainland. It is a very rugged coast with almost constant winds, driving the sea hard against the cliffs and rock outcroppings in a spectacular, never ending display of might.

The inertial force of the waves crashing against an immovable coastline; the resisting rock redirecting the incredible energy of the cresting water into vertical showering plumes of foam and mist; momentary rainbows drifting skyward; clouds of sea spray settling over the nearby landscape, all surfaces wet and glistening; hundreds of cascading miniature waterfalls rejoining the sea. The sounds are just as exciting as the vista. You can hear the roar of a passing locomotive, the constant thunder, the crack of a rifle shot, muffled sounds of a naval battle in the distance, moans from the deep. It is a symphony to me, and I eagerly listen and look from my windows every day and night. In the moonlight, the whole scene takes on a sinister, yet pleasant aurora. There is a narrow shelf along most parts of the rock formations, barely submerged, that can be traversed except on very rough days. Bring appropriate footwear, gloves, a mask and fins for snorkeling if the waves are not too massive, and have an adventure.

I suggest you wear protective clothing on your legs, the ledge is slippery, the rocks are razor sharp, but negotiable with good judgement and common sense.

There are shallow coastal caves, unusual flow-through formations that open from below the shelf to its surface. Outcroppings and natural pools constantly refreshed with new seawater are fun stopping places. Visit the keyholes, look at the creatures who live there. You will find a whole new kind of world on our ironshore.

By Pierre Renaldo, Mountain Coastal S.A,. General Contractors, Construction Management and Construction Consultants.