Tennacutita Highlights:

1.      Meeting “Chips”

“Chips” the dolphin knows hard luck.  He lost a big chunk of fin- probably from swimming with sharks or surfing too close to some power boater.  Chips and his mate hang out in Tennacutita anchorage.  We first heard of Chips when a neighbor said two dolphins were swimming up and down his anchor chain scratching their backs. 

I met Chips on two occasions when I struggled alone with the dingy in the beach surf.  After the surf knocked me down repeatedly and filled the dingy with water, I was able to start the engine and push over the breaking waves.  Chips and his mate met me both times in about five feet of water and repeatedly swam by the dingy.  I had an eerie feeling that they were looking out for my safety. 

2.      Visit from Bob and Pam

Bob and Pam stayed a week in Tennacutita.  The luxury of having good friends with an automobile and real hotel shower was unbeatable.

3.      Jungle Cruises

Water and food were only available via a three hour dingy trip up a jungle river.  After crossing the river bar (just like Bogart in the African Queen), we made our way through the mangrove swamp to the Village of Tennacutita where water, groceries, palapa restaurants, and cold beer awaited.

4.      Dingy Snorkel Trips

Crystal clear water with lots of pretty fish.

5.      “Warren Peace” Arrives

John and Sharon Warren have finally caught up.  They have already provided fresh Mahi Mahi, America steaks, California wine, Mexican lobster, water from their water maker and great company.  Oh yea, they also loaned us a new digital camera to replace the one ruined in the surf (see #1 above).

6.      Whales

Almost every day, some one announced on the radio that one or more whales had entered the anchorage. One day, John Warren saw a whale surface right next to Georgia J while I stood in the dingy trying to start a stubborn outboard engine.  I never even saw him. 

Early one morning, I heard a sound in the boat which I recognized, but could not place.  Each time I went on deck the sound disappeared.  Then I remembered the sound of the humpback whale.  I went to my trusty iPod and listened to my humpback whale CD to confirm what I was hearing.  Sharon and I listened to them for over an hour.  I found that when I put my ear to the hull of the boat I could often hear them sing at night from our bunk.

Sharon was afraid the whales might sink the boat.  Although something clearly bumped the bottom of the boat one day, it was probably the accident prone Mr. Chips.