Displaced Beachbums

They call it paradise
I don’t know why
You call someplace paradise
Kiss it goodbye

(The Eagles)

John came home the other day and mentioned that Palau officials might have to close Jellyfish lake due to the large number of visitors. I was reminded of the lyrics of the song called “The Last Resort” sung by The Eagles. It’s a song about how any time a place is called paradise, it’s ruined: Providence, RI; The Great Divide; Malibu and Lahaina, Maui.  Call someplace paradise, kiss it goodbye.

Jellyfish Lake in Palau was sealed off from the ocean long ago and the jellyfish, having no natural predators, have lost their ability to sting. Hundreds of thousands of jellyfish swim around this lake, following the sun. Just looking at the photo below of Jellyfish Lake makes my palms sweat:

 

I’ve had the misfortune of being stung by jellyfish while swimming in Hawaii ~ the pain is intense. I hope I can get over my fear long enough to swim in the lake.

From what I understand, the problem is so many people are visiting Jellyfish Lake and when they go swimming in the freshwater lake with sunscreen and sadly, urinating, it’s changed the alkalinity of the water. The jellyfish are dying due to the change. I’m glad the people of Palau are looking out for their natural resources and hope they do close or severely restrict access so the lake can return to it’s natural state.

Once I heard about a possible impending closure, I decided we’d better make the trip to Palau sooner than later so we can enjoy the site before it’s closed completely. If all goes well, we’ll be able to make a trip this month ~ it’s only a two hour flight so it’d be a shame to miss it since we’re so close. I promise I won’t wear sunscreen or pee in the water 🙂