THE BIRDING TRIP IS OFFICIALLY OVER. It was a successful trip any way you slice it—5000 kilometers in six Mexican States, more than 400 bird species identified with 130 “Lifers” for Connie. At a rough estimate, I took 5000-something photos. Some were even in focus! And we made a new friend. Eric became more than just our guide—he’s now a Birding Buddy and we hope to go out with him again.
Back on the Mexican Mainland
We will stay in Puerto Morelos on the Mayan Riviera for another week recovering from pre-dawn wake-ups, long drives and sweaty forest hikes. We originally had planned to visit Tulum for a few days but the Mayan archeological site is another victim of Covid. A drive-though tiny Puerto Morelos on our way to the ferry convinced us that the town is small enough that we really don’t need a rental car and the Amar Inn is central enough so we can do everything on foot. We’ll gladly swap the $600+ rental fee for the $50 cab fare to Cozumel Airport so Eric took us from the ferry directly to the B&B.
Battle of the Iguanas, Amar Inn
It was too early to check in but Luis let us store our luggage until the room was ready. After I worked up an appetite breaking up a territorial fight-to-the-death between two chunky iguanas we headed for Burger Underground for lunch. We got into a conversation with owner Joe while we waited for our cheeseburgers. He’s from Detroit via Vegas and has lived in Puerto Morelos for five years. The burgers and fries were most definitely “American!” As Arnold would say, “We’ll be back!”
