Rio Tinto, Honduras
Sunrise was spectacular as the orange globe peaked through the cahune palms cover the hills of Punta Sal. This peninsula jutting out into the sea from the northern coast of Honduras provided enough protection from a low swell so we could board the Zodiacs for and early morning cruise. Low mountains and bays of Punta Sal years ago also provided protection for pirate ships waiting to move southward toward Spanish riches. However, our goal was to journey up the quiet waters of a small river whose entrance was at the base of the peninsula. Moving slowly along the shore a couple of White-faced monkeys were spotted high on the slope. Many bird species were seen as we passed the forest and fields next to the river. Great blue herons, great egrets, and little blue herons were along the shore trying to catch their morning meal. A couple of species of flycatchers were in the tops of the trees hoping to spot some unsuspecting insect fly by. A couple of collared aracari’s glided across from one side to the other. In a narrow channel the canopy of trees overhanging the channel quickly engulfed us. Anhingas perched high in the tops of a couple of dead trees probably having already eaten their fill of fish. Just before turning around at the end of the channel we spotted a white-necked puffbird sitting quietly over the river.
After returning to the ship for our own breakfast we headed northeastward into the calm blue Caribbean. Our afternoon was spent around a lovely reef ringed cay at the very southern end of the large island of Utila. Snorkelers were delighted at the variety of marine life and the clarity of the water. A few people enjoyed a paddle in the kayaks inside the calm waters of the reef. In the evening as we started a course that would take us out of Honduras a few people took in the sparkling stars above.
Sunrise was spectacular as the orange globe peaked through the cahune palms cover the hills of Punta Sal. This peninsula jutting out into the sea from the northern coast of Honduras provided enough protection from a low swell so we could board the Zodiacs for and early morning cruise. Low mountains and bays of Punta Sal years ago also provided protection for pirate ships waiting to move southward toward Spanish riches. However, our goal was to journey up the quiet waters of a small river whose entrance was at the base of the peninsula. Moving slowly along the shore a couple of White-faced monkeys were spotted high on the slope. Many bird species were seen as we passed the forest and fields next to the river. Great blue herons, great egrets, and little blue herons were along the shore trying to catch their morning meal. A couple of species of flycatchers were in the tops of the trees hoping to spot some unsuspecting insect fly by. A couple of collared aracari’s glided across from one side to the other. In a narrow channel the canopy of trees overhanging the channel quickly engulfed us. Anhingas perched high in the tops of a couple of dead trees probably having already eaten their fill of fish. Just before turning around at the end of the channel we spotted a white-necked puffbird sitting quietly over the river.
After returning to the ship for our own breakfast we headed northeastward into the calm blue Caribbean. Our afternoon was spent around a lovely reef ringed cay at the very southern end of the large island of Utila. Snorkelers were delighted at the variety of marine life and the clarity of the water. A few people enjoyed a paddle in the kayaks inside the calm waters of the reef. In the evening as we started a course that would take us out of Honduras a few people took in the sparkling stars above.
