The Sun Also Rises
News from the Honduras Bay Islands and North Coast
6 October 2000
By Pierre Renaldo, The Coastwatcher©

This morning's sunrise could have competed with any sunset I have ever witnessed here. The sky was pure fire, a brilliant crimson, backlighting the row of towering cumulus clouds stretching across the eastern Caribbean horizon like ships of the line. Scattered thin clouds caught the cast off colors, reflecting the deep reds and pinks, many shades of blue and purple. A very glorious morning, a magnificent sight to begin another day in Paradise.

The atmosphere as if in cooperation with the efforts of the sun, cleared to give us a breathtaking view of the mountains on the mainland, with Pico Bonito shrouded in a halo of wispy white. It seemed much closer than the forty miles distance. The mountainous North Coast was visible all the way from La Ceiba to Trujillo. I try to identify the part of that coast where Christopher Columbus walked on the old cobble road built by unknown Indians, centuries ago.

My better half walks there too, visiting the little settlements scattered along the shoreline, only accessible from the sea. Her name is Gloria, and the inhabitants there know her well. Little children talk about her next visit. She will becoming to see them again soon.

Yet another bonus; the strong breezes have returned to our part of the island, causing once again the wonderful phenomenon of gigantic combers crashing against the Ironshore, spewing miniature misty rainbows skyward, along with a symphony of ocean sounds that have become a cherished part of our existence, on this rugged and beautiful coast. The roar of the sea, my nighttime lullaby.

The day brightened as we sipped our first dram of coconut-almond coffee. We could see the ridge limiting our view to Lighthouse Point just three kilometers to the west. To the east, we watched the first flight of the day landing at Roatan Airport. Dixon Cove is just beyond and the Tuk-tuks were bringing the fishermen back to shore from beyond the reefs. The seas were rough, the men weary from their pre-dawn vigil.

A great white heron soared over the jungle to our north, in search of morning repast. The humming birds came to study the great bunches of sea grapes hanging in long fat clusters from the grove of trees surrounding our abode. "Not ready yet little friends," I said under my breath.

They await the ripening, when the fruit is lush with juice, and that first droplet appears just where the stem connects to the skin. They anticipate that moment, poised as if in a still picture, patiently, for the fist sip of sweet nectar. One of the more curious birds fluttered close to my ear, as if to speak. The rapid motion of its wings makes them invisible, but audible.

Felix, my number one cat feigns slumber, high on his windowsill perch, watching with one eye open, always fascinated by these elusive aviators. They love to torment him, teasing with quick and daring gestures of indifference. His whipping tail gives him away. They know when he is not asleep.

The spider lilies are in full bloom now, creating a blanket of white over the deep green foliage that grows to the projecting spires of magma that are the Ironshore. The sea spray causes everything to glisten in the light, little diamond-like sparkles reflecting the brilliance of the blossoming day.

A black iguana climbs to the top of a rock pinnacle, rotating his head in authority. Another inhabitant of our shore offers a greeting to any interested creatures who may be watching.

The surf is a kaleidoscope of marine colors; aqua, teal, green, blue-white. Our living reef is visible even though the moving sea.

Early morning in Paradise. Good morning Roatan

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