First Norte

Yesterday you could see the weather changing. A Norte was coming in. Norte is what the Mexicans call a cold front from the north. Makes sense, doesn't it? A huge black cloud bank developed over the Yucatan and was moving our way. By evening it began to rain. Thunder and lightening! Howling wind really drove the rain. Lights flickered. Bright bolts of lightening. Loud claps of thunder. Temperature began to drop. All night the wind blew, rattling even thing that wasn't secure. Of course, it sounded a whole lot worse than it was. We closed all windows and doors. At midnight Ed realized that the shade sail was still up in the back. So, out he went and took it down. We slept under the comforter and by morning it was cold! That's 72 degrees! Down from mid 80's. Humidtiy had dropped to the high 50's. If it stays cold the Mexican folks will break out the wool stocking caps and down vest. Really. Nortes can be welcome respits from hot humid days. Unfortunatley it can cause good size waves in the channel and the Capitania de Puerto (harbormaster) will "close the port" which means smaller boats are not allowed out. No diving. No snorkeling. A day or so is fine, but if it lasts longer everyone gets grumpy. Divers who came to dive can't. Dive shops aren't making sales and no money means boat captains and divemasters don't get paid. So, it can get tense. But, for now we'll enjoy 70's with low humidity. Actually, Peggy will take the cooler temps any time! She just needs a little heat in the shower. Turn the temperature up on the water heater, Ed.