In the secluded valleys to the north of the waterway, wild animals live a quiet life. Now I can see a dugout approaching a village with what appears to be a sail, but as the fishermen reach the beach they drop the three or four palm fronds that were held erect in the bow to catch the afternoon breeze. Exposed are the fish and turtles within. Perhaps, if they were lucky today, they might have harpooned a manati and have it in tow. Scattered along the shoreline, I can see women rubbing and beating clothes on flat rocks.
Children crowd around the boats excitedly examining the days' catch.
It's a good time of the day. The breeze is up and the temperature has dropped a few degrees. Everyone is in a good mood because there is fresh fish to eat. There's talk in the village about a rise in the price of salt and obsidian, and one person is trying to explain about the new tax for a temple in the great valley to the south. No one's really worried though, as they don't have to think about it right now.