Caribbean Skies
News from the Honduras Bay Islands and North Coast
22 December 2001
By Pierre Renaldo, The Coastwatcher©

I marvel every morning at the fantastic horizons out over the sea. Of course these vistas consist of the sea and the sky, often times the North Coast mountains, visions of which are modified greatly by the arrival of old Sol himself. The scene is changing every second so I usually go up to the solarium armed with a loaded 35mm camera, not wanting to miss that golden opportunity that will never be duplicated.

I gaze from my favorite perch, while sipping my first cup, awaiting the first pale glimmerings of daylight. Then the silhouette of the clouds become visible, the towering cumulus, like ships o' the line on the distant horizon. I was always terrified when at sea and sailing towards those fierce adversaries, knowing what mischief and ferocity they held in store for us.

The morning blossoms into a burst of colors, always a wonderful surprise; spectacular, breathtaking, as she only gives us one glimpse; I know I will never see it repeated; she is teasing, alluring, mystical casting a spell. I think about how a warm friendly fire will hold my attention soon, trading the magnificent sky over my Caribbean for the cozy fireside chair that awaits me on my first visit to my homeland in five years.

The last time I ventured into the frozen north is still a memory of chattering teeth and hugging those wonderful steam radiators that are conveniently located for people like me to embrace.

I prefer my Caribbean skies and the warm tropical breezes to the tundra of Michigan and New York, but there comes a time when one must answer the call of the Wild North, "Come back to me my native son" she beckons. "Come home to my bosom, child."

Yes! Once again, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping on all exposed parts of my unwilling body. But it will be a White Christmas, over the river and through the woods, a Thanksgiving feast with loved ones and friends.

The coastal mountains hold my gaze longest. They look so close, shrouded in the mist, specter-like. It always seems like an eternity getting to the mainland, especially when I'm in a hurry. I will fly there soon.

I will miss this morning scene. It has become a ritual to which I look forward every day of my existence here. My island, my beautiful rugged and wild Ironshore Coast. The natural order of things.

A creature of habit, I will awaken in a strange place and wonder for the first moment of consciousness, where I am.

I once heard a comment by an adventurer who was asked why he took great risk, and what he felt was the reward for doing so.

His reply was simple. "Which do you prefer, memories or dreams?" he asked his questioner. "When I dream of doing something and then actually accomplish it I have a memory of a real life event, not just a dream of it."

Me too.

I have great memories. Not only have I captured some of these wonderful horizons on film, but I have lived my dreams. They have become my memories of reality.

That will do it for 2001. I'll be back next year with more new and exciting Roatan escapades, keeping you, my reading audience informed about the variety of life here in paradise.
Promote wildlife. Throw a party.

Questions or Comments?
elouis@globalnet.hn

Nov. 22 through Jan. 10
grenaldo@msn.com

Happy Holidays to All
Ciao
Pierre

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