¡Feliz Cumpleaños! Punta Gruesa has its first birthday!
It’s hard to believe that GVI has been in Punta Gruesa for 365 days and counting. Four phases have passed here, each one bringing people from many parts of the world (Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Slovenia, Spain and the Basque country, Malaysia, Malta, Philippines, Sweden, Australia, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, the US, Canada and Mexico).
This army of expedition members has joined forces to help conserve a small piece of what is rapidly becoming a deeply threatened ecosystem on a global scale, with the hopes that others will follow suit and preserve the beautiful underwater gardens that contribute so much to the quality of life on earth. The team at Punta Gruesa, past and present, wish to offer a great big thank you for being a part of this effort, and to update you on the years’ progress with an overview of how things panned out.
We have seen many staff members come and go with the exception of our Programme Coordinator (he’ll probably be here for a while yet!). Punta Gruesa has been very fortunate to have seen many fun individuals who work long days and do their part in training and helping the EM’s do what they came here to do.
Their contributions led to the smooth running of the base, and the safekeeping of everyone involved. The base is now, after much hard work by all involved, better and improved, with surveying and monitoring in full swing, adding to the huge database that will help provide the information necessary to create a case for change and action on our part. To all of you who have moved on, we extend an invitation for your return if you are ever in the neighbourhood!
The base has undergone many improvements over the year, with possibilities and suggestions happening each phase with each new intake of EM’s and staff. Living quarters have been attended to by taking the concrete shrapnel off the ground, so they now have sand floors.
The Main Palapa still stands proud and does us well. The thatched roof is just standing the test of time, with some holes appearing in the zacate courtesy of the birds and bats. It also plays home to many gekos that drop presents on occasions for those sitting beneath. But for the most part, it provides shelter and sanctuary from both the Sun and the ‘April showers’ or any other showers that fall throughout the year.
Big news, particularly for 081 EM’s, there is now running water feeding the bathrooms. The water is collected from the mangroves and pumped to the palapa to allow for flushing toilets. Inside the Palapa, there have also been a couple of changes. The bar is free from bottle sand art, and there are two boards up, one for the all important EAP’s and EM information, and another for science info, both for the EM’s and the tour groups.
Speaking of tour groups… Another major new change is their arrival. The last phase of 2008 marked the beginning of this activity, with the owner of PG, Massimo Boriani, hosting tourists from the cruise ships for some lunch and some quiet time on a secluded beach, known by many of them as “Maxi beach”. Cruise ship activity resumed in Mahahual in September, and with it, the jeep tours. When a group is scheduled, the beach is set up with tables, chairs, hammocks and sun loungers.
No alcohol is served, but the beach bar is used (a shout out to the EM’s and staff on the second phase... It’s still standing!) We are learning to co-exist and so far, so good. Once the tour leaves, there are sometimes leftovers, so EMs get to try the tacos, which are always eagerly awaited by all.
The people on the third phase will remember a request for a second palapa to be created…? Well, we are proud to announce that this did indeed happen, sort of. It was a very ambitious proposition, since the original idea was to replicate the original structure of the Main Palapa in miniature, with the thatch and solid wooden frame. The frame is there (Built within the Mexican confines of harvesting wood and the phases of the moon). The roof, however, has a new plan to be covered in material for now, and use the area for hammocks. A plan that is going down very well with the EM’s!
For those of you who might be wondering about our canine guests that find a place on base and in the EM’s hearts, we have a report on them too. Max has gotten bigger, but unfortunately not a lot smarter. Corona or Arena, the beautifully tempered companion is always on hand to make you smile. And finally, a special mention for Tammy that lives next door and pays many excited visits. She now has responsibilities after her encounter with Max, the product of which was two, rather large golden pups! But all are well and continuing to amuse in so many ways.
Bit by bit, the base is taking shape and becoming a comfortable home for the expedition. A lot has changed, but a lot has also remained the same. Punta Gruesa is what it is today due to the hard work by everyone that has had the chance to be part of the team. It began as a beautiful place, and your efforts only added to this. All those who will be able to experience it in the future will be able to appreciate this. The wood in the huts, the walls of the buildings and the tiles in the kitchen tell many stories and hold many memories of all who have been here.
This army of expedition members has joined forces to help conserve a small piece of what is rapidly becoming a deeply threatened ecosystem on a global scale, with the hopes that others will follow suit and preserve the beautiful underwater gardens that contribute so much to the quality of life on earth. The team at Punta Gruesa, past and present, wish to offer a great big thank you for being a part of this effort, and to update you on the years’ progress with an overview of how things panned out.
We have seen many staff members come and go with the exception of our Programme Coordinator (he’ll probably be here for a while yet!). Punta Gruesa has been very fortunate to have seen many fun individuals who work long days and do their part in training and helping the EM’s do what they came here to do.Their contributions led to the smooth running of the base, and the safekeeping of everyone involved. The base is now, after much hard work by all involved, better and improved, with surveying and monitoring in full swing, adding to the huge database that will help provide the information necessary to create a case for change and action on our part. To all of you who have moved on, we extend an invitation for your return if you are ever in the neighbourhood!
The base has undergone many improvements over the year, with possibilities and suggestions happening each phase with each new intake of EM’s and staff. Living quarters have been attended to by taking the concrete shrapnel off the ground, so they now have sand floors.
The Main Palapa still stands proud and does us well. The thatched roof is just standing the test of time, with some holes appearing in the zacate courtesy of the birds and bats. It also plays home to many gekos that drop presents on occasions for those sitting beneath. But for the most part, it provides shelter and sanctuary from both the Sun and the ‘April showers’ or any other showers that fall throughout the year.Big news, particularly for 081 EM’s, there is now running water feeding the bathrooms. The water is collected from the mangroves and pumped to the palapa to allow for flushing toilets. Inside the Palapa, there have also been a couple of changes. The bar is free from bottle sand art, and there are two boards up, one for the all important EAP’s and EM information, and another for science info, both for the EM’s and the tour groups.
Speaking of tour groups… Another major new change is their arrival. The last phase of 2008 marked the beginning of this activity, with the owner of PG, Massimo Boriani, hosting tourists from the cruise ships for some lunch and some quiet time on a secluded beach, known by many of them as “Maxi beach”. Cruise ship activity resumed in Mahahual in September, and with it, the jeep tours. When a group is scheduled, the beach is set up with tables, chairs, hammocks and sun loungers.No alcohol is served, but the beach bar is used (a shout out to the EM’s and staff on the second phase... It’s still standing!) We are learning to co-exist and so far, so good. Once the tour leaves, there are sometimes leftovers, so EMs get to try the tacos, which are always eagerly awaited by all.
The people on the third phase will remember a request for a second palapa to be created…? Well, we are proud to announce that this did indeed happen, sort of. It was a very ambitious proposition, since the original idea was to replicate the original structure of the Main Palapa in miniature, with the thatch and solid wooden frame. The frame is there (Built within the Mexican confines of harvesting wood and the phases of the moon). The roof, however, has a new plan to be covered in material for now, and use the area for hammocks. A plan that is going down very well with the EM’s!
For those of you who might be wondering about our canine guests that find a place on base and in the EM’s hearts, we have a report on them too. Max has gotten bigger, but unfortunately not a lot smarter. Corona or Arena, the beautifully tempered companion is always on hand to make you smile. And finally, a special mention for Tammy that lives next door and pays many excited visits. She now has responsibilities after her encounter with Max, the product of which was two, rather large golden pups! But all are well and continuing to amuse in so many ways.Bit by bit, the base is taking shape and becoming a comfortable home for the expedition. A lot has changed, but a lot has also remained the same. Punta Gruesa is what it is today due to the hard work by everyone that has had the chance to be part of the team. It began as a beautiful place, and your efforts only added to this. All those who will be able to experience it in the future will be able to appreciate this. The wood in the huts, the walls of the buildings and the tiles in the kitchen tell many stories and hold many memories of all who have been here.
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