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Volcano in my Backyard

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Volcano Action

This morning I went outside and saw the cars covered with a fine ash that looked to me like face powder.  I live 22.3 miles from a volcano that erupted during the night.  I believe that 22 miles is far enough away to avoid being affected by the full furry of the volcano should it go crazy, but when the wind is blowing from the east, my location gets a dusting of ash known in Spanish as ceniza volcánica.  If during an eruption the wind is blowing this way, then it might dictate that I wear a dust mask to keep from ingesting the fine ash.  Just in case, I keep several on hand should it become necessary.

CLICK HERE to watch a video of what happened May 12, 2016,

 

Nicaragua Canal – (Cancelled)

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About a year and a half ago, I went to Nicaragua to see what was happening with the construction of the Nicaragua Canal. I could not believe that there was a plan to build another canal through Central America, but I liked the concept, because it was touted as a way to bring prosperity to a clearly improvised Nicaragua. However, after a meeting with the canal administrator, I learned that there was indeed a plan to do just that.  Now some folks in the know say that it will never actually be built. Could they be right?  I don’t really know, but I am left wondering why I don’t see tons of dirt being excavated along the proposed route.

The announced kick-off date was in December of 2014, yet there is little in the form of a canal apparent today. Due to several factors, the canal is essentially on hold right now. However, in some circles, an unwavering resolve to push forward seems to exist, but before I get to the current state of affairs, I need to give you a brief thumbnail history lesson.

At the turn of the century, Nicaragua was being considered by the USA as a route for an inter-ocean canal. The French started in Panama, but they failed.  A fast talking Frenchman named Philippe Bunaua-Varilla was chosen to persuade the US to continue the work of the French in Panama, so that the French Company could recoup some of the investment money they had already lost on their ill-fated attempt to build the canal. Obviously, Bunaua-Varilla did his job well.

The story goes much deeper, but I will save that for another time. What is important here is that Bunaua-Varilla, managed to get the US Congress to vote against the Nicaragua route, in favor of the Panama route.

Fast forward about 100 years, and it appears that the “canal wars” are underway once again. However, this time it is quite different. The Panama Canal is about to open the new expanded locks, and the wider waterways. Soon the deeper, wider canal with the longer, wider lock chambers will be in operation. The fate of the Nicaragua Canal is far less certain because four factors have lined up to challenge its construction.

Factor 1:

Currently there is a drought in Nicaragua, similar to the one in Panama. Drought as used here is a relative term.  Nevertheless, it must be considered, and climate change could create a longer term problem as well. I personally believe that the drought condition will be reversed in Nicaragua, just as it will be in Panama.  In 1998, I was actually living in the Panama Canal.  I believe that was the last protracted drought in the canal area.  I saw firsthand the effect on the ship transits. There was great concern back then, but one day the rain came with a vengeance, and in a short 24 hours, the canal was back up to full operational level. I will tell you I have never seen rain like that before. This is the tropics, so that could also happen in Nicaragua, but for the moment, the drought in Nicaragua is a real factor.

Factor 2:

The original agreement was for the Chinese billionaire, Wang Jing, to invest 50 billion dollars for the canal, and some companion projects related to the canal. It really was a fantastic dream for the Nicaraguan people. Then came the Chinese Stock Market Crash, and it was reported that, over night Wang Jing lost most of his fortune. Apparently, he is currently looking for companion investors in the canal project.  Given the hard economic times, that might be a hard sell.

Factor 3:

The Nicaraguan court system is now overflowing with lawsuits against the government and the canal company. The last number that I heard was over 20,000 lawsuits. Recently, the government enacted a new law to void many of the lawsuits, but even that cannot stop the avalanche of court filings, and what is worse, the people are not waiting for the wheels of justice, they are taking to the streets to protect their land, some of which has been in their families for generations. Knowing that, I can’t help but wonder if that is what is behind Nicaragua’s recent purchase of 50 Russian battle tanks. (CLICK HERE to read the story)  Would not the money for those tanks  be better spent on helping the many Nicaraguans currentgly living in poverty?

Factor 4:

Worldwide Shipping is currently at what might be the lowest level in decades. Not much freight and other good are being shipped.  Giant cargo ships are sitting empty, and are being advertised for sale for a single US Dollar. The lower demand for worldwide shipping also means less demand for canal transits. The Panama Canal will have no problem at all providing transit accommodations for the existing demand, as well as an increased demand in the future.

Will the Nicaragua Canal ever be built? Some say yes, but a growing number of people say no. If there is no clear benefit to the people of Nicaragua, and if viable solutions to the aforementioned factors are not found, it is highly unlikely that a canal will ever be built in Nicaragua.

–Jim

 

Russian Tanks for Nicaragua

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Why Does Nicaragua Want 50 Russian Tanks?

Russia will deliver 50 new T-72B1 battle tanks to Nicaragua this year, in a deal worth some US $80 million, according to Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency and Nicaraguan media.  CLICK HERE to read article in the news

Rain has come to Costa Rica

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Captain’s Blog – May 2, 2016

The Rains have come to Costa Rica, and I am happy to report, that in most locations of country, the dry season has given way to the wet season. There is a mini dry season in June and July, but the rain never seems to completely go away during those months. October is usually the month when the heavy rains come, but if there is some rain each week, the people, especially the farmers will be happy. The question now becomes…will there be enough rain in the areas that grow crops and feed livestock? My feeling is this year Costa Rica will receive the rain where it is needed, but I am not in charge, so the farmers will do what they have always done. Rely on Mother Nature to bring the life-giving rain.

CLICK HERE for weather report

Back from the Southern Zone

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Exploring Costa Rica – Bahía Ballena – Part 2

I made it back okay from Whale Bay.  I had a great time as did all in attendance.  I have some pix to post, and at some point, I will have a very nice video available.  I had a great time, but when I arrived back at my house, I started getting sick, and I essentially lost a day.  I am happy to report that, with every hour that passes, I seem to be getting better, so I will have more to say about the trip within the next couple of days.

For those that commented (off-line) about the maps in the previous post, I have this information for you.  It turns out that in the interest of conserving space, the server “detunes” some images. Displaying the maps as a photo is a quick and easy way to go, but as several of you pointed out, they are fuzzy after the server does its thing.  Accordingly, I will find a better way to put maps on the site, and as I have done for so many years, I will be creative in finding a work-around,  In any case, thanks for the feed-back.

–Jim

Whale Bay

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Exploring Costa Rica – Bahía Ballena – Part I

This weekend I am going to Bahía Ballena (Whale Bay) to spend a couple of days at a resort on the Pacific Ocean. My goal is to make a video and take still photos for the owners.  I understand that it is about three and a half hours in a bus from San Jose to Playa Ballena (Whale Beach.) As always, if there is something worth seeing, and if I get some decent video, I will post it on the web.

Playa Ballena is part of Bahía Ballena–a stunning stretch of coastline located on the Pacific coast in what the Costa Ricans call the southern zone.  In addition to a great view of the magnificent blue Pacific Ocean, it offers one a great view of the lush green coastal mountains that spread down to the Pacific coastline.  Like so much of Costa Rica, this area is incredibly beautiful.

There is no surprise that “Whale Bay” gets its name from the numerous whales that migrate into the area each year to give birth in the warm tropical waters. The whales that come here make whale watching a very popular tourist attraction. These whale watching tours are among the most popular activities in the area. Sadly, now is NOT the migration season.  However, what is unique about this area is that when the whales do come, they come from both the northern and the southern hemispheres. It is easy for me to get to Playa Ballena so I will make it a point to return when the whales are here. We’ll have a party! It will be a Whale of a time. (Okay, no more bad puns.)

In addition to whales and dolphins, many species of land mammals also inhabit the area.  If I am lucky, I will encounter one or two while I have my camera in my hand.  If I do have a bit of luck, I will share it with you.

Stay tuned for Part II.

–Jim

To see my route of travel, follow the thin red line to the push pin in the lower right of the picture.  That is about 130 miles, and it takes about three hours by bus.  The buses are usually very comfortable so that’s not too bad.Ballena-1

Here’s a closer view of the area.  It is easy to see the bay and the beaches. Ballena-2

Below is a more traditional map of the area.  You can see how the road follows the ocean, and off to the east (to the right on the map) is the coastal  mountain range.Ballena-4

Click Here to go directly to the stories archive

The Rainy Season

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Captain’s Blog – April, 20 2016

I am not predisposed to become involved in the climate change debate, but I am curious how California can be in a serious drought, while at the exact same time, Texas is underwater. At the very least that does not seem fair. The brilliant physicist, Michio Kaku, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michio_Kaku is fond of using a planetary scale of evolution first proposed by Soviet astronomer, Nikolai Kardashev, to explain the level of development of a civilization. He assigns a number; either a 1, 2 or 3 to indicate the development or advancement of a planetary civilization. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kardashev_scale It turns out that the earth is a 0 (zero) on this scale. That puts us just a short distance past the Stone Age.  Ouch!

Even as a young person, I can remember that I wondered why we can’t control the weather. Maybe I will live to see the day that actually happens. According to some folks, we are already doing it, but apparently not for our benefit. That is a topic for another time. Right now I am concerned that the rainy season will commence in Costa Rica, and be adequate for the farmers this year. Last year was a little lean, so maybe this year will excite the men and women who grow the crops, and raise the livestock. As for me, I am looking for the return of the deep green fields, and hill sides.  I want my videos to show the real beauty of tropical Costa Rica.

The term rainy season is often incorrectly interpreted to mean the monsoon season. There are days in October where parts of Panama, and Costa Rica must look as if they are experiencing monsoons, but in the main, the rainy season is simply the time of year when it can rain–usually from Mid April (now) until the end of November. However, the last couple of years saw some rain in December, and even January.  Is this due to Climate Change?

My wish is that we get plenty of rain this year, but I want it to come in storms that are fairly evenly spaced and not all at once. I like the tropical rain, and I must confess that I do like a fairly strong storm from time to time. Technically, Cost Rica does not get hurricanes, or tornadoes. Nevertheless, there have been times when local winds were similar to a tornado. I am not sure that there ever was a tornado, but if it looks like a duck, and it walks like a duck, then…

I grew up in the USA, and in the course of my life I have been very close to seven tornadoes, or was that seven ducks? I try explaining to my Central American wife what it is like to be in or near a tornado, but without an example at hand, it is hard to convey the true essence of the experience.  I finally gave up, and opted instead to show her the movie Twister.  She is watching it even as I write this. I just now realized that some of the sound effects that I am hearing are coming from her as she reacts to what is happening on screen.

I like living in Costa Rica, and I no longer miss the four seasons. In Costa Rica there are only two seasons–winter and summer. That translates into wet or dry, or in reality, to mud or dust. I still love the fall in Michigan, where for a time, the trees turn bright colors and look as if they are on fire. Thankfully, I can always see this in the beautiful 4k photos posted on the Internet.  I sure don’t miss the traditional Michigan cold winters, or the snow (except maybe on Christmas morning.)

Warm Tropical Wishes to you, and let the rains begin.

–Jim

 

A Happier Healthier Life

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THINGS THAT MIGHT HELP YOU LIVE A HAPPIER HEALTHIER LIFE?

1. Your shoes are the first thing people subconsciously notice about you. Wear nice shoes.

2. If you sit for more than eleven (11) hours a day, there’s a 50% chance you’ll die within the next 3 years.

3. There are at least 6 people in the world who look exactly like you. There’s a 9% chance that you’ll meet one of them in your lifetime.

4. Sleeping without a pillow reduces back pain and keeps your spine stronger.

5. A person’s height is determined by their father, and their weight is determined by their mother.

6. If a part of your body “falls asleep”, You can almost always “wake it up” by shaking your head.

7. There are three things the human brain cannot resist noticing, food, attractive people, and danger.

8. Right-handed people tend to chew food on their right side

9. Putting dry tea bags in gym bags or smelly shoes will absorb the unpleasant odor.

10. According to Albert Einstein, if honey bees were to disappear from the earth, humans would be dead within 4 years.

11. There are so many kinds of apples, that if you ate a new one every day, it would take over 20 years to try them all.

12. You can survive without eating for weeks, but you will only live 11 days without sleeping.

13. People who laugh a lot are healthier than those who don’t.

14. Laziness and inactivity kill just as many people as smoking.

15. A human brain has the capacity to store 5 times as much information as Wikipedia.

16. Our brain uses the same amount of power as a 10-watt light bulb!!

17. Our body gives enough heat in 30 mins. to boil 1.5 liters of water!!

18. The Ovum egg is the largest cell and the sperm is the smallest cell !!

19. Stomach acid (conc. HCL) is strong enough to dissolve razor blades!!

20. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day & while you walk, SMILE. It is the ultimate antidepressant.

21. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

22. When you wake up in the morning, pray to ask God’s guidance for your purpose, today.

23. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

24. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, broccoli, and almonds.

25. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

26. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts, or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.

27. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a college kid with a maxed-out charge card.

28. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

29. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Forgive them for everything.

30. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

31. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

32. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.

33. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

34. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

35. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: ‘In five years one year, will this matter?’

36. Help the needy, Be generous! Be a ‘Giver’ not a ‘Taker’.

37. What other people think of you is none of your business.

38. Time heals everything.

39. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

40. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. Each night before you go to bed, pray to God and be thankful for what you’ve accomplished today.

43. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

Share this with your friends to help them lead a happier and healthier life, too!

Significant World Events

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Captain’s Blog – April, 18 2016

This website is dedicated (in part) to the events of my life, and since I live in Central America, it has a natural focus on events here. I am however open to presenting, and/or discussing (almost) anything, and I clearly want your input, and experiences from Central, or North America. The electronic ink is not even dry on my new website, and I am aware that world events are rapidly unfolding–specifically, the events that concern worldwide finance.  I am hearing from several sources that many Costa Ricans currently living in the USA are coming “home” to live again in their native country. In addition, over the years I have been witness to the increasing numbers of North Americans (USA and Canada) that are making a permanent move to Costa Rica, Panama, or Nicaragua. I am told that records kept by the US. Department of State demonstrate this migration is also taking place to other parts of the world as well.

I have not lived in the USA since 1991, but I have visited often–actually, almost every year since I moved to Central America. However, many people tell me that life in the USA has changed since I left and not necessarily for the better. From time to time, I get a chance to see the international news, so I am aware of some of what is happening. I am sorry to see the negative changes, because no matter where my body may be, I am still an American.

If life in the USA or Canada has changed for you, then please share your experience with me, and the people who come here. My first newsletter, which is planned for May 1st, gives a fairly in-depth look at what it is like to live in Costa Rica. That will be followed with similar offerings about Panama, and Nicaragua. Be sure to go to the contact page and sign up for these informative offerings.

I am also curious to know if you are considering a permanent relocation to another country. In the mean time, be well and be happy.

–Jim

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