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Fresh Water Sharks!
October 2, 2000 - Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua
 
And lots of fresh water. Rainy season on Central Americas' largest lake! Perhaps not the best time to visit the Island of Ometepe on Lake Nicaragua, but an adventure nonetheless!



The island is said to be the worlds' largest on a fresh water lake and the lake the home of the world only fresh water sharks. The clouds never lifted above the two volcanoes that form the island, hence the best view of the island was a tacky replica in a defunct fountain near the ferry landing.

I'm seated on the town of Altagracia. To my right is a large sign announcing a huge fine for bathing in the fountain or trespassing on the model volcanoes.

 

I took a ferry to the island with Baby Blue and Karla, a new friend from Managua. Over a few days we toured the entire figure-eight of the island including the smaller less inhabited hoop of the digit.

We braved large boulders and small rivers on roads traveled mostly by pedestrians and horses. AAA road service would have consisted of oxcarts. The first real four-wheeling of my trip.


The residents of the island grow bananas and assorted other crops. Many fish and bath in the lake. They were extremely friendly and curious. Some expressed great pride in the lack of crime, drugs and alcohol on the island.




Exploring the coast we happened upon a young lady doing laundry in the lake. We chatted with her and she agreed to having her picture taken. Immediately after



taking this picture, I whacked my head on a jagged overhanging branch and soon blood was flowing onto my face. Another adventure; third world medical care! But no, the blood made it seem much worse than it actually was. The white cloth hanging

from the branch was used as a compress and the bleeding stopped momentarily. The woman said, "don't worry it's just a baby diaper..." Great! As if the water from the lake itself wasn't dirty enough. But I'm fine and healing nicely.

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