Nica Nativo

 Cangrejo Project

The sewing center is coming together rather nicely. Francisco ( site foreman) and crew are doing a good job. This is a strong building that will last a long time. We’ve added some new features to the design such as front patio and a veranda which will eventually be covered with palm thatch over tin. We are now at the stage of installing a sink and small bathroom in the teachers quarters.

This week’s plan is to haul in another load of cement needed for the side walk along with plumbing material, paint, varnish and so on. We would also like to make some minor repairs to the school next door prior to our good Canadian Rotary friends’ inauguration visit in the New Year.

 Reforestation Project

Since rainy season has sparsely arrived in this region of Nicaragua, many crops have failed. Corn and rice have suffered the worse of this El Nino year. But sometimes good things can come out of a bad situation.

Since the river bed in the valley has not filled with water, thousands of cedar seedlings have taken root and sprouted. If we do get a major deluge of rain, the seedlings will be washed down the river and lost at sea. And if they do not get transplanted, they will get fried in the heat of dry season which is just around the corner.

So together with the village, we are working to reforest 100 seedlings for every piece of lumber we’ve had to use on the sewing center. All other seedlings will be given away as gifts to people that would like to plant cedar on their land. Part of this small reforestation incorporates a recycle program using empty water and pop bottles to be used as reciprocals for holding the seedlings until they get replanted. It’s all in good fun. The overall target is to replant 2010 trees before midnight of Dec 31st 2010.

Take care for now Mates.

Capt Eric