The fruit companies have removed most of Northern Honduras' coastal mangroves.  For years, scientists warned what dangers doing such a thing could do to a country.  When Hurricane Mitch came in 1998, the northern coast of Honduras was devastated.  Germán, for example, who already cared for his family of five, lost his home and remained homeless for a year.

As I continue my sketch of the mangroves, Danilo continues his story of the boa constrictor.  He explained that one day, a guest commented at breakfast that they had such a lovely boa on the ceiling.  The staff was shocked, and without knowing quite what to do, they brought in a ladder and tried to pull the snake from the rafters.

He wouldn't budge, and for several days, they didn't know what to do.  One morning, they found the snake inside the liquor cabinet.  "We don't know how he got there," Danilo explained, pouring me another rum.

I take out my paints, and add some color to the sketch.  I understand now why this part of Honduras has always been my traveler's muse.  First in the mangroves, and then on the Coconut Train to Cuero Y Salado, it finally made sense.  I can explain it to you - follow me, into the jungle.  I'm going in early tomorrow morning, and I'll explain everything.