Just returned from 8 days along the Mexican Riviera Maya coast. We stayed in this great little town called Tulum, lived in a cabana isolated from noise, cars, electricity, technology. Just the sound of the ocean and the wind. Although challenging and crazy at times with some strong storms rolling through, I look back now on how therapeutic it really was. Mexico, especially along this little coastal town of Tulum is full of great people, food, Mayan ruins, and Cenotes, or giant sink holes in the middle of the landscape (jungle). They have filled with fresh water and are mostly limestone rock formations making for crystal clear water holes, some over a 100 ft deep. I never really grasped the concept of diving in caves or caverns until experiencing these Cenotes for myself. Submerged in these magnificent caverns, surrounded by stalactites, rock formations, and amazing lighting effects from both the sunlight and our flashlights opened my eyes to a whole new natural phenomenon I new little about until now. Descending into these crystal clear caverns passing through haloclines and hydrogen sulfide clouds that provide for amazing layers in the water. I truly feel so fortunate to have experienced these wonders.

Offshore into the ocean was just as magnificent, even though the ocean was more suited for surfing than diving most the week. We snuck in a nice day on the reef towards the end of the trip. We were greeted by a friendly see turtle on the first dive who enjoyed a good back scratch. A nice size nurse shark made his/her presence known for 10 seconds on our second dive and we must have seen 10 lion fish. Lion fish are an invasive species that have been released from peoples aquariums into the Caribbean. There is a mandate out to hunt them because they are taking over the reefs. Although beautiful, they belong back in the tropic Pacific.

Lastly, the Whale Shark migration . . . hundreds of them off the coast of Isla Mujeres. Words cannot describe what it is like to be in the water next to these gentle giants. One of the most amazing experiences of my life.

There are some wicked conga players in Mexico, I think I am going to buy myself a set and start practicing. I loved listening to them. Tacos Arrachera are the best, and the Pico de Gallo . . I ate enough for a lifetime.

A good nights sleep is in order and then back into the swing of things. Gig Thursday at Fat Cats in Fort Lauderdale with the Vanilla Monk band, hope to see some of you there. If you ever can experience the Riviera Maya wonders, I say do it.

Adios,

MF