COZUMEL AND 3 P UPDATES
My apologies for being so delinquent on reports from SOUTHERN COMMAND. I will amend that delinquency and start to get more info out to all of you.
As you probably know we have had many changes over the course of the Covid era. First were the defections of Jorge “Cubano”, Campeche, and Edgar. One was necessary as the other two decided to go their own way. Much credit is given to Cubano for starting out on his own (albeit with a partner) and his business–PUNTA SUR DIVERS–seems to be doing well. He was able to purchase a boat previously owned by Christi so things should be working out nicely for him. I applaud him for starting his own business. Felicidades to PUNT Sur.
As the Covid era began, we like every business in Cozumel (and most of the world) shut down from March of 2020 until June 27th. That was when one of our intrepid Colorado divers–Sara ventured back to her pelican stomping ground. Although she was our only client, we were elated to get back to the business of diving again. Gracias Sara.
As the days and weeks progressed we started to see divers returning to Cozumel. The one fortunate thing about Cozumel was–Mexico was just about the only place where one could travel to. Cozumel has done a very good job of keeping their COVID safety standards in place. Much thanks to our clients who wore their masks and came to dive our wonderful waters. Slowly but surely, our numbers started to climb. Nothing in the full boat range, but during that period any thing over three clients was a God send. However there were days with nothing too.
The weather also impacted us. Windy days had our illustrious Captainea closing the port. To be fair most of the closed days were needed, but there were also a few time when she closed the waters and the waters were dead calm. We all can access the weather forecast and knowing the winds will be increasing in the late afternoons bothered all of the businesses when the port was closed during the calm morning hours. Still the power lies with her so we are handcuffed to do anything about it.
Then there were the hurricanes. I was not here for the first one. I believe it was a Cat2 storm. Most of the businesses pulled their boats from the water. Once the winds left, boats were again floated and business started as usual. However a couple weeks later another huricane arrived. I was here for that one. My first and it was rather exciting. Not a strong (cat 1) storm, we kept the boats in the water but I must say, the winds were impressive. I kept power through the storm but lost it the next day as repairs were being made. So between the hurricanes and the almost continuous south winds, port closings impacted everyone.
As the fall morphed into winter, we saw a spike in clients arriving. Our famous Christmas group with Rich and Cat came down. Unexpectedly we had a visit from John and Yvette. Of course our talented Margarita drinker “TANK”from BC was here and our Christmas Eve dinner was almost complete (missing our Hawaiian pelicans Jaycee and Kate) with a wonderful Cheese cake made by Mrs. Pony.—An aside note her–a few of these pelicans have already made their reservations to return for Christmas 2021–Muchas gracias.
The after Christmas season returned to the Covid normal. One or two clients with days of nothing. Carnaval was canceled so our February and Spring Break season was a disappointment. However with the Vaccine supply beginning to grow and be distributed we started to see an uptick in reservations. I got both of my shots in January and February. Have to say I never wanted an injection so bad in my life. Glad I got them and never had any ill effects.. I would impress upon every one to get their vaccine. For those vac-naysayers–I say–Look at previous cures to Polio, Smallpox and measles. Also we are now at almost 30 million Americans having gotten the dosages and to my knowledge, no deaths. Certainly there will be some side effects as there always is when drugs are prescribed, but to me the advantage of being vaccinated mucho outweighs the not vaccinated mindset.
As me moved into our spring season, we lost another member of the pelican family. Cathy our cruise director opted to leave and start her own business. Any of you who know her know how energetic she is. With our Covid numbers down we really did not have a lot for her to do at the shop. Cathy, not one to sit around decided to start her own business. It is called Dive Connector. I think it is a great idea as she will work with clients and try and place them at a dive operations that fits their requirements. I know that she will be successful and I say bueana surerte Cathy.
We are now almost into the month of May. We have a large group of the USUAL SUSPECTS coming in between May 7 and 20. Many if not all have had their shots. Many if not all have waited until they did receive the vaccine before traveling. I am looking mucho forward to seeing all our USUAL SUSPECTS again–Jay and Cheryl, Geezer Gary and Pretty Patty, Alex–Harry O, Diving Bel–Gary O–many more to name, but later. Going to be fun watching Gary O with his TITO’s on one crutch. That will be a complete mission report right there.
Well my fellow Pelicanos–I just want to say huge thank you for all the support you gave to the guys and the shop. Your dollars spent here do go a long way. Certainly no one wants to see the cruise ships return, but the truth is–the Island economy needs the income from those pod people. What you have spent here has helped many families survive this Covid era. Although we are far from being over the COVID thing, we now know how to handle living during it.
STINGER OUT.