Time has been really flying by quickly here in paradise. Every day is another new adventure.

Here is how it generally goes . . .

6:30 Balam provides an urgent sunrise wakup call. We go for a walk until 7:30, with many exciting leaps into and out of the jungle to investigate strange smells and sounds. Solo Vino "Came Alone" usually joins us. Solo originally watched warily from the forest as we built my house. I suspect that his fear of people came from a rough history. Each day he came a little closer, especially when food was offered. After many months, I sent him to live with my contractor in town, but after the third time he found his way five miles back to my house, I took it as a vote to join the family.

7:30 coffee and breakfast at neighbor Lynn's house (my previous rental), with an assortment of visitors. This usually includes strategy sessions, idea sharing, and lively debates.

8:30 occasional swims in the lagoon or sunshine time at the beach, but usually a wave of unplanned requests, discoveries, setbacks, or adventures that attempt to divert me from a productive trip to the office in town.

My lot in the village
I have been making plans to settle in, beginning with a major cleanup, then starting on contour terrace landscaping of the slopes, followed by the introduction of some new plants.

Playa Systems
This week we are continuing to install several new alternative energy systems: a small home solar power system for Lynn, a small solar direct water pump for the security palapa, and an office solar power and water pump system for the tower in the park, supplemented by a 1KW wind generator. Tune in next time for the full story. Along with the actual orders, there has been talk of systems for remote villages and eco-resort developments. It will be great if some of these turn into orders!

Yum Kaax
We have added 50 more hectares to our project and named the new site Palkuntah. Roads are being built into it and we are talking about using some of the land for growing exotic flowers and fruit. The local Mayan villagers have recently built a rope-pull raft on the lagoon for getting a closer look at the crocodiles and white egrets. I hope to find the time for exploring this area in more detail soon.

Xibalba Cenote
This place was discovered along the side of our entrance road when it was being used as a garbage pit and latrine for a nearby low-income housing project. We obtained permission from the city to protect it and clean it up. Our crew began cleaning the small cave and discovered a cavern 100 meters long. Since this borders on a neighbor's large new resort project, we are talking to them about sharing control and maintenance. img-1, img-2, img-3, img-4

Pueblo SacBe
Our recent sale raised the necessary cash to pay off the final note and get the title transferred. I have been busy editing and updating the Community Bylaws, Building Regulations, and Master Plan so we can publish them on the website. One of the development partners on 35 hectares of the project has added 150 workers. They are making incredible progress with landscaping and excavation. They have also imported several containers of wood doors and arches from India to be used in the homes they are building. They also recently found a large new cenote on one of their nearby properties: img-1, img-2, img-3, img-4, img-5

WWOOF We joined this group, and have been rewarded with several very helpful and interesting volunteers who have brought exchanges of ideas, music, and work. I have been helping to manage our program that has focused on building a new tent camping area and rebuilding the community bathroom and shower.

So although things are getting busier every day, there is always time to have some good times with visitors. Let me know when you are ready for a visit!