COCONUTS

Coconuts - watercolor
8" x 10" on 140 lb 

When my husband and I were in Ixtapa, Mexico last spring, we took a hike to a beach that had an alligator "sanctuary" - which meant that they were contained in a swampy area behind chain link fence. They were HUGE and there were LOTS of them. Every once in a while the birds that also inhabited the swamp would fly too close and then the sleeping giants would come to life, snapping the bird out of the air. So harsh.

Of course, there was the typical tourist market area there as well... and a place to eat on the beach under the palapas. It was SO hot that day - having bottled water on a plastic chair under a thatched roof was heaven!

We had not realized how far the beach was from our hotel - so we walked a 12 km. hike through the jungle to get there! It wasn't as bad as it sounds - the path was paved, and beside a well traveled road - taxis and buses and cars. (Buses actually took other tourists to the beach, but WE walked!)

One of the fruit stands had this bunch of coconuts ready for purchase. They really were beautiful in the heat of the day! I wouldn't mind being in that warm environment again - especially as we are enduring extremely cold temperatures here this winter. I guess painting this watercolor and remembering is the best I can do!