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| Here's the webcam LINK, which also has time lapse of the past 24 hours. |
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~From the City....
For the mainland part of the municipality, the "Specialized Committee on Forest Fires Season 2020" was installed. The burning season is April 1 to May 31st, and one of the worst droughts in recent years is expected in 2020. At the state level, last year 59 fires were fought, which affected nearly 13,000 hectares, mostly in the center of the state. Quintana Roo has 3.7 million hectares of forest.
The Committee will work in coordination with the neighboring municipalities of Benito Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas, as well as the National Forest Commission (CONAFOR). Last year they fought a fire which burned 200 hectares near the community of Francisco May, therefore, more prevention efforts are being made this year. In the Agricultural Zone, at Ejido Rancho Viejo and Francisco May, posters written in Spanish and in Mayan will be posted at meeting points including shops, schools and corners, with the emergency numbers, recommendations on how to keep the burning controlled, and advice about not neglecting fires.
On March 27 & 28, Isla Mujeres will host an Open Water swimming competition which will include athletes seeking to qualify at the Tokyo Olympics. About 600 swimmers are expected to participate during the six hours of competitions, with a 1250 meter distance for the laps. Currently, 260 competitors have been confirmed in the selection. Selection competitions are held in all of Mexico's states and from there the 20 best are determined. A national Olympiad event was held in Isla Mujeres in 2019, but this is special because it will include selected athletes who will be competing for inclusion in the international Tokyo Olympics.
Photos posted by the City on Sunday, Feb 23 with article noting the first parade was a success, and that there was an event for children on the Town Square that afternoon, with inflatables for bouncing & a costume contest. The evening was themed "Night of Diversity" and the entertainment featured the "Silvanna Show" and dance troupe performances.
Carnaval photos from an event at Iguanas Park, posted on Monday by the City.
Photos of Monday night's comedy entertainment and troupes dancing on the Town Square, posted by the City on Tuesday.
The City won't require female workers to come to work during the day of the El Nueve Ninguna se Mueve (March 9th) in support of this protest opposing violence against women in all forms, and seeking to give more attention to the cases of femicide. LINK
From Por Esto :
Alarming number of cases of decompression
Alarmante cifra de descompresionados
There have been 186 cases of decompression treated at the Hyperbaric Chamber, which is unprecedented and concerning. The season ends on Feb. 29th, for four months. There have been two deaths this season from decompression, who were not from the island, and died before reaching the decompression chamber. The most recent case of decompression was on Feb. 21st, in a member of the Patria & Progreso cooperative.The increase in cases is attributed to the fishermen diving deeper and because more cooperatives from other places, such as Holbox and Chiquilá, are working from the fishing camps and some cooperatives admitted more divers.
Small boats remained in port
Inactiva la flotilla menor en Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
The passenger and cargo ferries continued to bring visitors to the island to enjoy the Carnaval festivities, tour in golf carts, and enjoy regional food while overlooking the Bay, but the port remained closed for all types of tourist, commercial, and recreational activities for boats under 40 feet. The are concerns among the lobster fishermen because there are only a few days until the season ends on the 29th, and most of their traps are still in the water. One fisherman estimated that about three-quarters of the traps are still in the water. The traps are also at risk of being affected by currents or stolen by third parties. The port closure for small boats began on Sunday at 10am.Beach Club 'takes over' recovered area of sand
Club de playa de “adueña” de arenal
The "Guru" Beach Club has placed lounge chairs and umbrellas on sandy area that was recovered by the City, at the beach known as “Riíto", across from Hotel "Mia". Last year, personnel with ZOFEMAT (Federal Zone agency) worked to replace 220 linear meters of beach that had been lost to erosion, for the enjoyment of islanders and visitors.Before adding the sand, there was a narrow strip between the perimeter fence of the beach club and the rocks that appeared as a result of erosion. At the end of October 2019, the recovered space was invaded by the club's lounge chairs which caused an angry reaction on social networks among the local population, although someone commented that the work to recover that beach included participation and resources that were contributed by private interests. At the time, ZOFEMAT Director in Isla Mujeres, Kerem Pinto Aguilar, said the City carried out the sand recovery program with the intention of having more beach area for the recreation of islanders and visitors.
After that uproar, the beach club removed the furniture from the sand, which remained free and clear for some time, until it was again occupied by Guru's lounge chairs and umbrellas. This adult club charges 500 pesos to rent a pair of lounge chairs with their respective parasol, a price that is out of reach for islanders, for whom the space was supposedly rescued.
A local family who were taking advantage the holiday, went to Playa "Riíto", where the waters are shallow and safe for children, and then lamented that they could not settle where they wanted because the area was full of lounge chairs, There was no space between the chairs nor at the waters edge where they would be able to sit or leave their possessions, so they had to move beyond the limits of the beach club. They settled in the Federal Zone, on the edge of the area where the palm trees offer shade, near another business who respect the limits and rules of the Federal Zone.
Isla Mujeres news briefs
Breves de Isla Mujeres
In the semi-final competition of the regional baseball tournament, the Pescadores lost the first game of their three game series against the Rockies of Cancun with a score of 3-2, when their opponents scored two runs in the ninth inning. The two teams will compete again on Sunday at 1p on the island, in the El Pescador stadium, for the second game in their three game series (unless they lose again). The Isla Mujeres Cockteleros will play the winners of the competition between the Rockies & Pescadores, and will be off this weekend & until a winner is determined.On the Facebook site "Beach Box Isla Mujeres" a group of body builders extended an invitation to exercise with them by the sea, for a 20 peso donation at the skate park in Salina Chica. The resources will be used for equipment for the program, which has the approval of the municipal government.
Southern "Surada" winds interrupted recreational activities
Surada frena actividad recreativa
A "Surada" affected Isla Mujeres on Monday, restricting the small boats to port. Visitors at North Beach weren't affected very much and about a dozen boats were anchored by noon. Playa Centro was less attractive to visitors. The golf cart companies reported that at least 70% of their inventory was rented.Commemorating Mexico's flag
Bandera nacional conmemorada
Flag Day was celebrated on Monday at all military installations, including the Naval base on Isla Mujeres, where the 199th anniversary of the first Mexican flag was remembered, la Bandera Trigarante.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach
Four rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white
sand beach and
the beautiful Caribbean sea, with
kitchenettes & fast WIFI. In the upscale
neighborhood of Bachilleres,
convenient to downtown
or
the colonias, yet
separate. Quiet & Private.
.jpg) |
A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is out of the pic at left.    |
Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. We provide a list of links & direction to over 20 eateries within ten minutes walk, including Mango Cafe, Mike's Pizza, Brisas, Rosa Sirena, Coco Jaguar, Manolitos, La Chatita, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery Chedraui & the local craft brewery. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a couple villas away at Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a variety of other stores.
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Full moon rising over the Caribbean
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| February 9 7:21 (sets 7:45a) February 10 8:26 February 11 9:30 February 12 10:32 February 13 11:31 This is the first of four supermoons for 2020. The Moon will be at its closest approach to the Earth and may look slightly larger and brighter than usual. Sunset ~6:38-6:51p (beginning vs end of month) Sunrise ~7:24-7:08am Painting by Pamela Haase at MVC |
February Events
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events
Thursday afternoons ~3p-8p Artist Fair on the Paseo de la Triguena off the Town Square at the malecon by the food trucks.
Sunday's at 1p there may be baseball games at the stadium in front of Chedraui. There are two teams, the Pescadores & the Cockteleros, who are in Category A & Category B of the same league, which is currently having the playoffs for the season championship..
Some Sunday evenings 8p on the Town Square "Noches Magicas" performances
Fishermen in this region are banned from catching grouper and octopus during February LINK
The Thor Heyerdahl traveling school-sailboat visits in late January-early February with about three dozen high school students on board. Under the tutelage of the experienced crew, the students learn to work together, sailing and navigating, as well as receiving their normal lessons. They sail from Germany to the Caribbean, departing in October and returning home in May.
The ship is named for the man who sailed a hand made raft "Kon Tiki" from South America 5000 miles across the Pacific to the Tuamotu Islands in 1947, to demonstrate that ancient people could have made long sea voyages, creating contacts between apparently separate cultures. LINK
Sunday, Feb. 2 Baseball at the el Pescador field at 1p. The playoffs begin and the Cockteleros will play the Astros of Tulum.
Monday, Feb. 3 is the day off for Constitution Day and an official holiday.
Monday, Feb. 3 On the first Monday of each month, there is usually a civic ceremony in the morning, often on the Town Square around 8am.
Feb. 4-8 The Island Time Music Festival benefits the Little Yellow School House and has two free events for the general public--on Tuesday and Friday at 7:30. LINK LYSH provides education and therapy for special needs kids on the island.
Wednesday, Feb. 5 Constitution Day
Friday, Feb. 14 Dia de Amor y Amistad (Day of Love and Friendship) The City provides a free Collective wedding event including the ceremony, cake, and paperwork for residents.
Saturday, Feb. 15 at 8p the Isla Mujeres Cahuameros will play the Agharta Sports Academy at the Convention Center
CARNAVAL Feb. 21-25
All
events are free, and it's a good idea to have change & small bills
to tip the dance troupes when they dance in the streets and at
businesses. They spend weeks preparing their costumes and choreography & show incredible stamina
dancing for hours day after day.
SATURDAY CUBAN NIGHT--8p Town Square--Dance Troupes, Dance to the music of MegaBoom
SUNDAY--BEACH CARNAVAL--3p Playa Centro--DJ's
**1st PARADE--3p--Rueda Medina
AFTERNOON OF FANTASY--5p Town Square--Children's show & Inflatables, Dance Troupes, Kid's Costume Contest
NIGHT OF FANTASY & DIVERSITY--8p Town Square--Dance Troupes, Comedy w Silvanna Show
MONDAY--BEACH CARNAVAL--3p Playa Centro--DJ's
**2nd PARADE--3p Rueda Medina
REGIONAL & COMEDY NIGHT--9p Town Square--Dance Troupes, Costume Contest, Tila Maria Sesto Comedy Show
TUESDAY--BEACH CARNAVAL--3p Playa Centro--DJ's
NIGHT OF JUAN CARNAVAL--9p Town Square--Dance Troupes, Burning & Will of Juan Carnaval, Dance to the music of Alberto Barros & his band
>>The Parades on Sunday & Monday at 3p on Rueda Medina will start at the Naval base, going north to the roundabout at the Fishermen's Monument & back to the base--see map.
>>The Bus routes will be modified between 1p and 8p on Saturday, Sunday, Monday & Tuesday & won't be traveling along that section of Rueda Medina. Passengers get on & off at the vehicle ferry terminal (Ultracarga), on the edge of town during those hours. They'll run their normal routes before and after those hours.
 |
Lobster season ends Feb. 29th (Lobsters kept in captivity continue to be available).
Sources for Weather Information:
LINK to Civil Protection Q Roo weather bulletin (Spanish)
LINK to Mexico National Weather Service (Spanish)
LINK to satellite images for the Mexico National Weather Service
LINK to GOES East Band 16 GIF (animation)
LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres
BUS INFORMATION
The ten 31-passenger buses travel on four routes, from 6a to 10p, turning around near the Convention Center, behind the downtown Mercado, and going south thru El Centro on Rueda Medina. #1 & 2 are the "Colonia" routes and #3 & 4 are the "Tourism" routes. The overhead digital display & cardboard sign in the windshield provide the route information. The bus numbers don't indicate the route, they are numbered consecutively, 1 thru 10.
At the edge of town....
Route 1 goes southward down the western side of the isle on Rueda
Medina and returns northward on Jesus Martinez Ross to town. Its
west-east transit is Paseo de los Peces in colonia La Gloria.
Route 2 goes southward down the eastern side of the isle on Jesus Martinez Ross** and returns northward on Medina to town. Its east-west transit is also Paseo Peces.
Route 3 goes southward down the western side of the isle on Medina, then in & out of the Sac Bajo peninsula. If there are passengers for Punta Sur, it goes there & returns northward to town on the Caribbean Coastal road. If not, it returns east on Peces and returns northward on the Caribbean Coastal road to town.
Route 4 goes southward down the Caribbean Coastal road directly to Punta Sur & Garrafon, then northward in & out of Sac Bajo, then returns northward on Medina to town.
**Routes #1 & #2 aren't exact opposites--#2 takes J.M. Ross northward all the way from Peces thru Salina Chica, but #1 going southward turns left/east off JM Ross before entering Salinas, taking the Caribe Coastal road thru Meteorologica, and I've heard it turns right/west back into the colonias by Madera Food & Art. All four routes go thru Bachilleres, past Maravilla Caribe Bed & Beach and all four routes go past Chedraui.
The map isn't a bus route map, it's a street map, showing how Jesus Martinez Ross follows the Caribbean coast until becoming the main street of Salina Chica and going on to La Gloria, while the Caribe Coastal road (aka Payo Obispo) follows the coast. The east-west transit, Paseo de los Peces, is shown, but not labeled, at the edge between colonia La Gloria and the Mundaca Hacienda. Its east end intersects the Caribbean Coastal Road by the Cemetery & its west end intersects Rueda Medina by the Mundaca Hacienda.
Downtown the main bus stop is at the parking lot just south of the passenger ferry terminal, and across the street. You can flag them down anywhere you see them outside of town. Chedraui is on the west side/Medina. Tortugranja & DD are in Sac Bajo. Garrafon is at Punta Sur. Bachilleres is on the eastern Caribbean coast, north of the colonias.
The 10p rate is for state residents & the senior citizen rate is for INAPAM card holders.Tourists pay 38p/$2usd per person per ride and can purchase an all-day pass for $9usd/175p. You pay as you board and exit thru the back door. The front seats are for seniors, disabled & pregnant women. The buses are air conditioned.
Route 2 goes southward down the eastern side of the isle on Jesus Martinez Ross** and returns northward on Medina to town. Its east-west transit is also Paseo Peces.
Route 3 goes southward down the western side of the isle on Medina, then in & out of the Sac Bajo peninsula. If there are passengers for Punta Sur, it goes there & returns northward to town on the Caribbean Coastal road. If not, it returns east on Peces and returns northward on the Caribbean Coastal road to town.
Route 4 goes southward down the Caribbean Coastal road directly to Punta Sur & Garrafon, then northward in & out of Sac Bajo, then returns northward on Medina to town.
**Routes #1 & #2 aren't exact opposites--#2 takes J.M. Ross northward all the way from Peces thru Salina Chica, but #1 going southward turns left/east off JM Ross before entering Salinas, taking the Caribe Coastal road thru Meteorologica, and I've heard it turns right/west back into the colonias by Madera Food & Art. All four routes go thru Bachilleres, past Maravilla Caribe Bed & Beach and all four routes go past Chedraui.
The map isn't a bus route map, it's a street map, showing how Jesus Martinez Ross follows the Caribbean coast until becoming the main street of Salina Chica and going on to La Gloria, while the Caribe Coastal road (aka Payo Obispo) follows the coast. The east-west transit, Paseo de los Peces, is shown, but not labeled, at the edge between colonia La Gloria and the Mundaca Hacienda. Its east end intersects the Caribbean Coastal Road by the Cemetery & its west end intersects Rueda Medina by the Mundaca Hacienda.
Downtown the main bus stop is at the parking lot just south of the passenger ferry terminal, and across the street. You can flag them down anywhere you see them outside of town. Chedraui is on the west side/Medina. Tortugranja & DD are in Sac Bajo. Garrafon is at Punta Sur. Bachilleres is on the eastern Caribbean coast, north of the colonias.
The 10p rate is for state residents & the senior citizen rate is for INAPAM card holders.Tourists pay 38p/$2usd per person per ride and can purchase an all-day pass for $9usd/175p. You pay as you board and exit thru the back door. The front seats are for seniors, disabled & pregnant women. The buses are air conditioned.
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