Great time in Texas at the wedding of Marissa and Jhet. Wonderful to see the whole family.
We really need to get together more often.
A few fotos. None of them from the wedding are really very good.

HAPPY BELATED MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOMS I KNOW, ESPECIALLY MY MOM!!
I SPENT THE DAY YESTERDAY IN SIAN KA'AN BIOSPHERE RESERVE, CLEANING THE BEACH FOR OUR MOTHER EARTH. IT IS AMAZING HOW MUCH TRASH FLOATS TO MEXICO'S COASTLINE, FROM ALL OVER CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE REST OF THE CARIBBEAN, AND FROM CRUISE SHIPS DUMPING THEIR GARBAGE AT SEA. WELL, LOTS OF WORK CLEANING, BUT ALSO A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO BE. HERE ARE A FEW PHOTOS.
HUGS
AND PLEASE, KEEP YOUR PLASTIC TO YOURSELVES.

Swine

Lots of talk about the virus spreading around the globe. We are trying to make sure we don't get it here in Akumal. Not sure what that means, but I am definitely washing my hands more than usual and not saying hello to anyone with a handshake or kiss. It is going to be weird. It is also difficult to have the "I told you so" running around the brain, after years of saying that the way we raise our animal food sources is not correct and will only bring us trouble; well, it's here.-
I hope it settles soon.

So, I am not really using this blog as it is meant to be, an update for everyone, a way to communicate on a regular basis. Not good at this. Maybe too old, too lazy, too something.
Anyway, I just made a trip to Baja California with some friends, to see whales. Arrived in San Jose del Cabo, then to Cabo San Lucas, saw Barbara, then to La Paz for the night. Next day to Loerto on the Gulf of California. Great town, beautiful sea. Tour in the boat, no whales. Tons of dolfins and not a single photo came out from this amazing dolfin show in nature that we had. Then to Puerto Adolfo Mateos, on the Pacific side, in our search for whales. Again, a good and a bit scary boat ride, but no whales. We didn't see any whales, saw lots of dolfins, sea lions, birds, water, desert (1 or 2 "s", I never could remember) but we saw way too much sand, rocks, cactus and dry. The whales were in San Ignacio, to the north, but we didn't have time to go further north and make it back for our flight on Monday. Also, couldn't easily change the flight, as this is Semana Santa in Mexico, everyone travelling. I had a good time, but must make better plans next year. I've worked for years in conservation, and have never seen a whale up close and personal. Who wants to go next year? We have to make sure to be there the first week of March, seems to be the best time. Anyway, the trip was relaxing, the boat rides great, the food fantastic, and I got to see a good friend who lives in Cabo and I hadn't seen in years.

Finally getting a few minutes to talk about my trip. It was great! I love southern France. Landed in Toulouse, then on to Montpellier, Nimes, Saint Tropez, Nice, Monaco, Saint Paul de Vence, Aix en Provence, Carcassonne, Roncal (now Spain), Roncesvalles, Saint Jean Pied de Port, Sailes de Bearn, Tarbes, Toulouse. Lots of driving, but the roads are so good and organized, one hardly has to speak French to get around. Gotta read fast in the roundabout though.

It was all very lovely, still green and all the grapes still on the vines. I didn't like Monaco at all, but loved the countryside, and definitely want to go back to the Pyranees for a hike. It was freaky driving from France into Spain in the evening, into some major fog, almost hitting a very large pig and deciding to turn around and stop at the ski resort at the highest point just on the border. Luckily, the door was open and we went in looking for someone. Along came the maintanance man and we got a room opened for the night. The next morning, clear skies showed us the incredible cliffs we might have tumbled down had we continued on the road into Spain, the night before in the fog. Well, here are some photos. Too many to put on the site, but I'll change the selection once in a while. I tried to take more photos of people and moods this time, instead of all buildings. Would love to go back!

Well, it looks like Gustav is heading into the Gulf without causing damage to the Yucatan. Terrible that it seems to be going straight to N.O.
I do leave in the morning, 5 a.m. ride out of Akumal to the Cancun airport, then trough Atlanta, Paris and then Toulouse. Got the car rented and ready to go. I'll take lots of photos and post them when I get back.
Hugs to all

Maybe I won't be going to France after all, we'll have to see about Huricane Gustov, whether it comes close enough to Cancun to cancel flights. I am supposed to leave saturday morning at 8, just when Gustov is passing the penninsula!