CERTIFIED BEACH BUMS. All of us.

Even if Mike and I wanted to skip a morning walking the beach, there are two very persistent canines who would make a lazy morning miserable. They know this is part of the daily routine now. I think they love it and I'm pretty sure they dream about it.

Rocco would never jump in the pool at our home in Florida. While he enjoyed laying on the tanning ledge, he absolutely refused to go in and swim (even with our help).

That look says: Leave me alone.

I guess he found his flippers! While the humans and Leo walk the beach, that big Doberman is in and out of the water, swimming and jumping through the surf. He runs way out ahead, turns, and runs all the way back to us. Over and over again.

At the halfway mark (the fence line mentioned in yesterday's post SEE IT HERE), I go for my morning swim. And so does Rocco.

Leo has even started to join us (although he still needs encouragement getting in the water).

We are all getting more exercise than we did before. Even Gizmo the cat!

While Gizmo doesn't go to the beach, he's become somewhat of an escape artist. If the door is open and he feels the Call of the Wild,  he takes off! He's never gone long. It might be 10 minutes later and I see him slinking along in the garden, making a beeline to get back in the loft.

For more, CLICK HERE.

OFF TOPIC

Early this morning when we were still in bed, I felt something on my neck and quickly brushed it off. There was no time to decide what I thought it might be because Mike started swatting whatever the thing was that I brushed off on him (oops). Suddenly he's up and smacking the wall, beating the floor, yelling and trying to turn the light on.

What the heck?

I hated to do it but had to ask: "What was it?"

Cockroach.

And no, he didn't kill it. 

And no, we never did find it. 

That one, anyway.

Excursion: Camp Bay Lot #10

Photo shot while standing on the vacant Lot #10, looking at the Caribbean Sea

We discovered this vacant lot for sale yesterday morning. We pass by it every morning on our walk down the beach. It is one-half mile from where we are staying at Camp Bay Lodge. We never knew there was anything for sale in this fantastic area, until we saw it in the MLS.

We were pretty excited at first. We love the beach here, and the Caribbean Sea sightline goes on forever. I'd never get tired of looking at that.

Lot #10 is "second row." In the first photo, the lot you see beyond the truck is vacant (but not for sale) so, for now, there are unobstructed views!

There is also a vacant lot between this one and the next which has a little beach cottage on it.

The fence you see borders the property and is the same fence we see every morning on our walk:

Imagine seeing that every morning, just steps from the front door. Better yet, imagine being able to walk this beach for the rest of our lives!

The lot is small at 0.28 of an acre. That feels like a loss since our original plan included four acres of land. So to help keep perspective, we started a Pros & Cons sheet for each property we see.

Mike is so outgoing, which is a really good thing since I am not. I would never stop someone and start asking all kinds of questions. Lucky for us, Mike has no problem with that and so we are constantly surprised with what our days can bring!

As we were tooling around (Lot #10 is set back in the jungle, quite a distance from the main road), Mike stopped our truck to speak to a woman on the side of the little road that winds through these lots. She pointed to her home, which is beachfront and one we often admire on our walks. We asked many questions about the area and she so graciously answered them all! 

Then she invited us in to see her home! I never stop being amazed at the kindness and generosity of these local islanders. I would guess her to be in her mid-forties. She is quite beautiful- tall and willowy, dark-skinned with hair nearly to her waist. Her entire demeanor is soft yet you know she has to be tough as nails to be a native Roatanian. 

I wish I had pictures of her house. She and her husband built it about three years ago and it is of the pod style we are most interested in. There is a pod for the general living space. Her son was in there doing schoolwork. There are 3 separate bedroom pods, each with a small bathroom and closet. The bedrooms have doors that lead out to a balcony that overlooks the Sea. There was a room for the cistern. All of these pods connect to the main living area, set under a thatch palapa roof. Here we found hammocks and comfortable chairs for relaxing.

Interesting fact: During email correspondence with our host when I was asking what he knew about Lot #10, he mentioned this family and apparently the husband is "famous (or notorious) on the island depending on how you have gotten on with him." The things you learn.

More importantly, we also learned this: 

"I am not sure if anyone told you this yet, but the large parcel of land between the Lodge and those houses is owned by Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones.  They are getting ready to build some kind of large resort/residential development on that land. Just wanted you to be aware of that in case it would make a difference in your decision."  

Ah, yep, that does make a difference. The Lodge being a half mile away with the kitesurfer activity of people coming and going concerned us a bit, but knowing that the vast uninhabited stretch we love on this beach will someday be no more . . . yeah, that negatively impacts us.

Back to the drawing board, but first I must tell you about the man and his horse!

We see this young guy nearly every day riding his horse on the beach and alongside where we live. We always wave to each other. Yesterday we met Elon for the first time. Such a charming young guy, although older than I originally thought. Conversation with the islanders always comes around to the fact that we are not visiting but have moved here and are looking for a permanent home. You could see the ideas running through Elon's mind as we spoke. His parting words were, "I'll find you the property and come to work for you! I can do anything you need." Fist bump.

These people. I think they are half the reason we are here. I am aware each time I meet a native islander that I read no judgment in their eyes. Of course we've met some scammers, just as you would anywhere. People trying to get by. Life has become more difficult for the people of Roatan since one of their main sources of income lies in the tourism industry, and they must survive as they best know how. But for the most part, when I look into a local woman's eyes as I did with Sarita yesterday, I get a sense of genuine caring. An offer to bond. An opportunity for friendship.

I guess that was a little off the topic of house-hunting, but that was our yesterday. Oh, I did forget to mention the bats - - -

- - - While we were talking in the general area all of the pods meet, there were bats everywhere! Swooshing, flying here and there between the pods! I said, "aren't they supposed to be sleeping during the day?" Our friend just smiled. So now, for a girl with a lifelong fear/distaste for bats (that would be me), I did well to appreciate them and not react. I just stood there watching their antics, feeling the rush of wind from their wings, and silenting thanking them for all they do to keep the bug population down. 

I'm learning.

Sometimes things happen in life that are just funny. 

Unexpected, not planned, but outright bring on the laughter. 

(You can hear Leo the Min-Pin in the background having his own version of hilarity.)

Traffic Obstruction, Roatan Style

We've been here four weeks today. What a long-short time it's been! Recapping what we've done so far in last night's conversation, we realized that every step has been for nesting purposes only.

Originally, after our two-week discovery visit in January, we'd planned to spend the month of May back on Roatan. This was to be the time we figured out where we wanted to live and to begin working out a way to make it happen.

The plan was to list our Florida home for sale sometime between our return to Florida in June and the end of the year. Mike would retire, and we'd plan the international move for the beginning of 2022.

What happened? I guess the blame for this early interruption of plans can be laid at the feet of our awesome Realtor. 

Following our January trip to Roatan, we invited Lisa Treu to take a look at our Boynton Beach home. There was a discussion about what we wanted to ask for it and she took all the thoughts and ideas home to discuss with her husband and partner, Steve. 

Our next quite frank discussion with Lisa turned into listing our home for sale. She said it is totally a "seller's market" and there were no guarantees how long that would last. She agreed to the high price (for the neighborhood) we needed to get to complete our dream move.

We were shocked at ourselves! This was not part of the carefully laid-out plan. But we did not worry too much because we thought it would take a long time to find the right (cash) buyer.

Our buyer was the second showing. We closed on April 1 and moved to Roatan on April 14.

We have spent the first month of our six-month rental making our nest. None of it was easy as we traveled a remarkable distance three times to pick up our belongings that were shipped from Miami to Roatan. Lots of heavy lifting (just Mike and me) in this hot, dusty climate. Trying to figure out how to fit all this "necessary stuff" in to 400 square feet. Teaching Leo and Rocco how to behave around island dogs, and yet to run free on the beach. Making friends that come and go at this Kitesurfing Lodge that draws people from around the world.

Mike has commissioned a local person to build us a small desk and two chairs (to relieve my discomfort of working my business seated on a bench at a wood table). After that, I think we will be as comfortably nested as we can get here.

That leaves five months here at the Camp Bay Lodge Garden Loft.

We need to get serious about house-hunting.

In the meantime, the beach needs walking.

Getting late- 6:57 AM on Wednesday, May 12.

Weeks 2 & 3 in Photographs -

- But first, this just happened. 

As I was taking a few things off the clothesline right outside our door, the crazy rooster was announcing his presence. I'm glad I went back inside to get my camera.

These three amigos worked their way through the garden in less than five minutes and then came on the porch, I guess to get a drink of water?

The rooster kept crowing but I guess things were not lively enough for him. Until he knocked on the door glass with his beak . . . .

He got his reaction and I am happy to say that door glass is stronger than I thought it was!

Enjoy some of the pictures from the past two weeks:

Photo Cred: Mike & GoPro

I think it's time for an excursion!

  Honestly-

As I look back through all of the subjects I chose to write about since April 14 when we landed on Roatán, I have to wonder if I am painting a picture of Paradise with no downsides?

Though I know we are all smart enough to realize that nothing is perfect and there is no place on earth that is completely attractive, I don't want to be guilty of exaggerating Paradisism (new word). 

The bugs are every bit as bad (worse) than what everyone says. If I had to list just one drawback of living here, the biters would be my one and only. If you live in Florida, you understand the no-see-ums battle. Elsewhere, you've likely dealt with mosquitos. We've fought with those, but nothing like these biters.

Sandflies, sandfleas, biting midges, no-see-ums.

People have all kinds of names for these little insect jerks, but the common theme is these teeny tiny bugs can be a big pain in the ass on your trip to Roatan, if you're not prepared  -  

I've read extensively about these nasty things. I find disagreement over what they are called, but no disputes over their capability to make you crazy with itching. If you plan to visit (and I hope you do!) please spend some time reading online about these nasties and what you can do to help keep yourself protected and comfortable.

This is a good place to start: 

www.roatanet.com/deal-with-tropical-bugs.

These are in my arsenal:

Keeping all of this in the forefront, our first priority for choosing the location for our permanent home will consider the elevation and Tradewinds to help us stay cool and as bug-free as possible.

As we work to discover how minimalistic we can live, some absolutes have become apparent in just these past three weeks. For instance, while we might be able to live without A/C (I make that statement so very loosely as we've not yet experienced the brutal summer heat), we will not settle for connectivity issues with our internet service. I love my All Things Administrative business and my clients, necessitating reliable connectivity. And we do love our social media and staying in touch with friends and family. So reliable internet service has become a priority when we begin house-hunting.

 As an aside: This blog was supposed to post for your reading today (Thursday, May 6); however, there was a huge internet outage yesterday. This is something out of our control and could happen anywhere we live.

A downed Fiber Pole is affecting service to the following areas:

Oak Ridge, Politilly Bight, Milton Bight, Terra Chula, Jonesville, Punta Gorda 1 and 2, Pandy Town, Punta Blanca and Paya Bay.

Our crew is on site and working on the repair. We apologize for the delay in service and thank you for your patience while repairs are being made.

I asked Mike what one thing he felt so far is the biggest drawback to living here. He did not say bugs and he had no hesitation saying "mobility". I wasn't sure what he meant so I asked.

"The inability to just go off and do something. Every move we make has to be planned out."

He is right about that and I can see how that would be difficult for the spontaneous personality that belongs to him. I'm the planner, list-maker, to-doer in this partnership so taking the required cautious steps settles well with me. Balance is found somewhere in the middle. Again. Always. Well, almost always.

To Mike's point, there is no more jumping in the truck to run to the store when we run out of coffee. Instead:

1. Get the passports out of the safe;

2. Check the backpack for water and puppy snacks, glasses, notes, shopping list, pen, bug spray, wet & dry rags, trash bag;

3. Load said backpack and dogs and humans into the truck;

4. Enter the date, time mileage and destination to the log (because that's what Cathy does);

5. Drive an hour to Eldon's. Be sure to enjoy the scenery!

6. Buy coffee.

7. Drive home and reverse the process, also known as unplan or deprep.

Unlike the biting bugs issue, there is no remedy for the lack of quick mobility. Except to stop and ask ourselves, "what else would you be doing if you weren't preparing for a trip down island?" 

Living here would require prep time for just going down to the beach. A trip to the grocery store would involve a boat ride before loading into the truck. Just thinking ahead.....  We've got the elevation and awesome Tradewinds at this location!

Our understanding is that choosing to live southside on the east end provides increased elevation and the oh-so-wonderful Tradewinds. 

So, we are gradually moving into house-hunting mode (slow like turtles) and we will be looking "windward on the southeast side of the island." 

Begone you nasty flies and heat & humidity discomfort!

Every human has his or her own version of Paradise. We can't all share the same one or places like Roatan would be no longer quiet and private. Be sure to find your ideal Paradise and live your dream while you are young enough to do all the things!

 

(photo of old people on a beach)

 

WEEK #2 IN PHOTOGRAPHS 

The days have all started to run together so I started a Daily Log. Don't laugh, it isn't age-related, just typical of island life. I think.

Day 13.

I notice the days seem to run together (gloriously!), but I want to remember what each day brought to us. So, this listing will simply be events of each day, keeping in mind I likely forget to add many 😊

·        Up at 4:30;

·        Half-mile walk on the beach around 7:00;

·        Showered Leo, Rocco, and myself;

·        Preparing for trip to town. We ran out of coffee!;

·        5-hour trip. Took 206 photos along the way- 52 of those were salvageable for BLOG;

·        We went to the bank to try to resolve the missing 8k wire (no luck yet, but Katherine is working on it);

·        Went to ACE Hardware for some odds & ends

·        Went to Lucky Lee- got a footstool and a Queen sheet set;

·        Went to Eldon’s for groceries (including 6# of coffee);

·        We split the lists and take turns going into each store;

·       Tiring unloading the truck (although easier since we pulled the truck alongside the building); unpacked and put everything away. That called for another shower;

·        Mike ordered our dinner, shrimp and fries, from the cantina;

·        We watched part of Blacklist and part of Octopus while we ate;        

        In bed before 9:00.

Day 14.

·        Up at 4:38, though I’d been awake off and on; turned the coffee on around 4:30;

·        Fed Gizmo right away. How could I forget?;

·        Weighed myself so it would update Fitbit;

·   Booted up computer and happy it immediately connected;

·    Suddenly, there was no internet service. Ours is completely down; Camp Bay is spotty;

·        We walked the dogs 1 mile;

·        I fried bacon and made French toast (from my homemade bread);

·        The veggie guy came. Spent just over $11 on SO much produce;

·        Tech called Mike back and figured out the internet issue. Fixed in time for me to participate in my 1:00 Zoom;

·        Made rice with Poblano pepper, red pepper, onion, carrot & broccoli (we ate the rainbow!);

·        Took the dogs for a little walk after our dinner and before theirs;

·        Watched some of the Blacklist;

·        Worked on publishing Mike’s piece for this blog;

·        I’ll be in bed by 8:00 this evening.