The Rainy Season

How to read outside in the rain

It is hard to capture just how hard it can rain here!

The rainy season has arrived! A month late and not in full swing, but still it is here and it is lovely. It typically rains all night and then two to three times a day with sunshine in between. It has cooled off to the high 70's at night which means we need a blanket! The wind, weather, and water currents have changed direction and now come from the west and not the east. Unfortunately this has brought an abundance of plastic trash to our beaches and ocean. It is not only unslightly but is dangerous for the sea life. The jellyfish are gone however since the water is slightly cooler.

Frogs and tadpoles are in puddles and their croaking can be unbelievably loud at times. Mosquitos are also breeding and should be expected to arrive en masse about the time my mom and aunt arrive for American Thanksgiving! Dengue fever is on the rise and various cold and flu bugs are going around. I have had an usual number of client cancellations in the last couple of weeks. Herons and egrets are now commonly found at the water's edge and hunting for fish. There are many more birds in general along the shore and they can often be spotted with a recently caught fish.

The ocean, which had been silent for the first four months, can now be heard from our house as waves crash onto the outer barrier reef.  The water is more churned up than usual and the last dive we did had very poor visibility. We still snorkel whenever we can and last weekend Lucia joined us for a swim to the "underwater museum" which is an attraction which has been set up with "artifacts" that have been placed in a sandy area a swim from our dock. She rode a rubber boat home, but it was so awesome she swam out there by herself! Marino continues to swim to the reef with us. Just the other night, he and I swam to the inner reef right before and during sunset with our friend Rawane. It will be one of those times I always remember. The light was gorgeous, the ocean active, and the water felt divine. We spotted a green sea turtle, 2 lobsters, a school of blue tangs, and much more.

This is the first season we have had since arriving in Roatan and the change is welcome. An umbrella and ziplock bags are always in my backpack now as the rain can start suddenly and be a ferocious downpour in moments! I love the sound of the rain as I fall asleep every might and the feel of a light  blanket on me. It feels cozy in our wooden house.