Cozumel - Island of the Swallows

From Wikipedia:
Cozumel (Spanish pronunciation: [koˈsumel], Yucatec Maya: Kùutsmil, English: Island of the Swallows) is an island in the Caribbean Sea off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, opposite Playa del Carmen, and close to the Yucatán Channel. Cozumel is one of the ten municipalities(municipios) of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The economy of Cozumel is based on tourism. There are a number of visitors to the islands balnearios, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The main town on the island is San Miguel de Cozumel.

Kari, Avery, Tate and I arrived at the international airport in San Miguel de Cozumel, on the island of  Cozumel, yesterday afternoon, after having flown from Sacramento to Dallas on Saturday and spending Saturday night at the Westin Hotel right outside the Dallas Fort Worth Airport.  Sunday morning we flew from Dallas directly to Cozumel, avoiding having to do the ferry ride from Cancun, on the Yucatan peninsula, to the island.  Jeff, Alice, Malia and Samantha joined us last night; we picked them up at the ferry landing; they had flown fro San Francisco yesterday morning.  Kari's husband and son, David and Spencer, will bring up the rear on Wednesday afternoon, due to inter mural basketball commitments.

David had researched and found this lovely condominium complex, actually outside the real touristy downtown area.  We knew we were going to have a large group of family members, and this condo sleeps 10 - 12 comfortably.  

Jeff and Kari have completed all the really difficult training for their Ironman endeavor next weekend.  This week is for resting and only exercising a minimal amount - to stay in Ironman shape.  And, Cozumel is readying itself for the onslaught of athletes and spectators that either have, or will soon descend on this little bit of paradise.

Cozumel covers an area of about 250 square miles.  I don't have all the facts about the Ironman itinerary planned for the competition; what I know so far is that the 2.4 miles swim will be an out and back course off the western side of the island (between it and mainland Mexico) with its mild conditions as far as temperature and current go; but heck, it's still two and a half miles folks!  

The 112 mile bike ride will be three laps around the circumference of the island, each lap approximately 37 miles!  Jeff and Kari shipped their bikes almost two weeks ago and are anxiously awaiting their arrival on Thursday.  Kari and I went to Ego Gym in town today, she for a light ride of ten miles; and me, a 45 minute walk on the treadmill.  

I don't have particulars about the marathon - will describe the course as soon as I learn what it is.

Today was a take-it-easy day; we all slept in, an adult-style trip to MEGA, the Walmart-like shopping bonanza in town, where, between the four of us, we managed to accumulate a plethora of victuals for the likes of this varied group.  Jeff loves to cook, so he made the Sherman family Spaghetti repast for this evening - it fit the bill perfectly for all of us.  We also bought ingredients for Thanksgiving dinner - with some substitutions for unavailable commodities.  I know we'll love the holiday, and the fact that we're spending it in our little place in paradise will make it all the more memorable.

On a personal note, because I was preparing everything I thought I'd need for my extended adventure, I didn't bring my camera; instead, I'm planning to use my new iPhone 6+, as the camera is supposed to have a higher resolution, etc. than earlier models.  We'll see - I've only snapped a few shots so the jury is still out on how the snapshots turn out - or not!

Happy Monday of Thanksgiving week.  I give thanks for my wonderful family and all the wonderful memories we'll be making this week in Mexico.