North Beach

Yesterday morning after Bob and the dogs had scouted, we headed for the beach just north of here. But to get there, we had to backtrack up the cobblestoned road, then down a ways to find the path and steps to the flat sandy beach north of us—maybe about a 15 minute walk altogether. The stepped path was much easier to follow than the steps below here because they’re flatter and more level, with some stretches of flat no-steps to break the descent (and ascent). The path winds through the jungle and Daisy scampered off and on the path, delighted to explore. We broke through the edge of the jungle at the beach, which is a cove between two rocky outcroppings and cliffs, not very long, maybe 100 meters. Where we came out of the jungle we saw some shady palapas and a few kayaks for rent, but there were only a couple of men tending those. The sand was soft and deep there, but hard-packed closer to the ocean. Two spear fishermen were taking a break in the lee of one of the rock outcroppings, and a young woman with a baby was sheltering at the north end beneath the cliffs, maybe the wife of the one kayak-renters.

On both cliffsides are houses, some fancier than others. Some are just palapa-roofed snugs like these where we are. The dogs romped with the ball, but the undertow was pretty strong so Bob didn’t throw it out very far, just along the edge of breaking waves. Howdy is so single-minded when chasing his ball that we knew he would keep going if it went farther out. Bob didn’t fancy having to do a canine rescue in that strong undertow.

Even Daisy really seemed to enjoy the surf and sand, chasing and playing, but then she decided to roll in the packed sand over and over, embedding it in her fur. Must have felt good, I guess. I wasn’t too pleased since she snuggles me in bed. The two spear fishermen went back to it, exploring the calmer pools of water among the rocks, but we don’t know what kind of fish they were expecting.

At the north end of the beach, I went to explore some rocks, thinking I might perch on one and watch the ocean. But as I got close, I saw that the rocks were covered with sand crabs scuttling all over them. Decided I wouldn’t perch there, but by this time I was thoroughly soaked from the waves crashing against the rocks. It was fun.