18 April 2015

1894 Map of Nicaragua's "Mosquito Coast"


     This great piece of history was sent by Herman Downs. Mr. Downs, born in Bluefields, lives in Miami and seems to have a library in his head. He comes up with some really interesting historical items about Bluefields and its surrounding areas...like this 1894 map that was published in the early 1900s. 
    Lots of the names on this map are still known in the area although there are some spelling and other changes, like it appears that False Bluff used to be called False Bluefields. (The name Bluefields is attributed to a founding pirate Abraham Blauvelt in the 1600s).
     The ads to either side of the map are great. One can only imagine what dining would be like in the "Cactus Saloon" which seemed to be well know for its Canadian Whiskey.


12 April 2015

Night Time Visitor


     During the day you can occasionally see smaller Caimans, such as the tiny one shown below, in the water of the canal. 




     It's not until nighttime that the larger ones come out.  This fella was caught about five minutes after a request from a visitor, about 30 meters from the house.  The dogs are safe for another night. 



02 April 2015

La policia

     Actually, her dad's the cop but the life vest fit her just fine!  They had come to spend the weekend, fishing and swimming and just enjoying the beach.  Now she's overseeing loading the boat for the trip back to Bluefields.