Nature Will Always Win

We spent this last week at the beach. We got sunburnt, played in wild waves, floated in a calm cove, and ate ceviche, fish tacos, and giant shrimp. 

It was peaceful, relaxing, and joyful. Each of us finished our books (and considering how few physical  books I’ve read in recent years, that’s saying something).

And I was struck by the power, beauty, and fragility of mother nature.

The waves were STRONG. There were moments when we were told by locals not to let the kids touch the water as the current could pull them right out to sea. We also took a small boat out to watch the whales and these animals are so enormous and powerful that it was nerve wracking to pull up close to watch them breach. 

The wildlife was spectacular. On the same boat ride (in which Toby puked and then promptly fell asleep…apparently the dramamine kicked in after the nausea??) Matt, Geoff and I jumped into the depths of the Pacific Ocean about a mile offshore to snorkel with dolphins and giant sea turtles. We heard the dolphins chattering with each other underwater before flying out of the water to jump and spin. 

I had the chance to watch the run rise and set over the ocean. I didn’t know this before, but the coastline of Oaxaca State faces due south, so the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, all touching the ocean’s edge. A full day of the sun’s beauty. 

And on our last full day, we visited the community of La Ventanilla, named after the little window rock formation in the cliffs at the water’s edge. The community has claimed stewardship over the lagoon and island, protecting it from development and enabling crocodiles, red and white mangroves, iguanas and countless birds and other animals to thrive. This community has spent the last 18 years protecting the newborn turtles that hatch on their shores, meticulously accounting for every egg and hatchling. My boys and I had the magical experience of ushering the vulnerable newborns to safety in the ocean waves, waiting until dusk and then protecting them from the birds that were circling, ready to swoop down from above to gobble them up.

We planned our travels thinking about culture, history, art and food. We forgot to account for the stunning moments to appreciate Mother Nature. 

I can couch all of this as worldschooling for the kids, but really, this trip is full of teaching/reminding moments for Matt and me.