Snorkel Day

Got up this morning to a breakfast of a cinnamon roll, before heading down to the dock, to meet the boat and Adam and Leonard, the guides for the trip. A short trip down the coast, picking up another set of guests, and a short wait to let the downpour pass before heading over to the reef. After gearing up, hit the water - worried at first that it would be cold as that is what we're conditioned to but body temp.

Adam got Mom on a float, and spent the rest of the time dragging her around and pointing out the fish. Harley and I then got to float around on our own. Besides the fish and corals, we saw a small sting ray. A short reposition closer to the edge of a break in the reef, where there were deeper waters - there we saw a green turtle in the reef. Also saw another snorkel tour - twice as many people and only one guide.

Then we moved over to a new section of reef, the Crystal Gardens. Here, they dropped us at one end, and let us drift with the current down to where they had repositioned. As we got close, one of the other guys said he had seen a nurse shark in the coral - going back around to see if could see it, I saw a fin and shark swimming up the reef - followed for a bit before losing it close to boat. Once back in the boat, and describing it, they came to the conclusion it was a lemon shark. Mom said she was glad she had opted to stay on the boat! No photos as no waterproof camera.

Back home, spent the rest of day by the pool, or working on programming in Harley's case, and had fish chowder for dinner.

Dec 19 - Rain Rain Go Away

Overnight, the weather changed. A storm blew in, and the wind blew the power, apparently across the island as a whole. We took it easy, before heading into town. The tour company next door called us a cab, so we could go down town- and by the time we go to the chocolate factory, it was pouring again.

We took a break in the cafe, before wandering the downtown. Not many people out, due to the rain. We hit a number of grocery/vegetable stands, and stocked up on a bit more, before meeting the cab driver for the trip back. Shrimp stir-fry for dinner, and it started pouring again.

 

Easy Day

Slept in, Got up, had breakfast of eggs and rolls, Mom had cereal.

Harley and I walked up to the south end of town for groceries. Stopped at "the Bakery" for bread, some croissants, and a mince pie for mom. Harley and I split an apple turnover and a smoothie. Grocery shopping interesting - an eclectic mix of local and imported from the states, with prices written in sharpie on the box.

Stopped at fruit stand on way back for broccoli, cucumber and bananas, then started walking. A little further, a Guy with a golf cart offered us a ride - turns out he ( and granddaughter) are staying in the same condo complex.

After lunch, we investigated tours, and then spent time next to the pool, before heading back in and making dinner (spaghetti!). The weather changed as night rolled in, with it blowing hard - just like George the cab driver had said it was going to.

Easy Day

Slept in, Got up, had breakfast of eggs and rolls, Mom had cereal.

Harley and I walked up to the south end of town for groceries. Stopped at "the Bakery" for bread, some croissants, and a mince pie for mom. Harley and I split an apple turnover and a smoothie. Grocery shopping interesting - an eclectic mix of local and imported from the states, with prices written in sharpie on the box.

Stopped at fruit stand on way back for broccoli, cucumber and bananas, then started walking. A little further, a Guy with a golf cart offered us a ride - turns out he ( and granddaughter) are staying in the same condo complex.

After lunch, we investigated tours, and then spent time next to the pool, before heading back in and making dinner (spaghetti!). The weather changed as night rolled in, with it blowing hard - just like George the cab driver had said it was going to.

Dec 17

Got up, and had a breakfast prepared by the B&B, and gathered our things. Mom and I walked a local sidewalk promenade, while Harley walked to the bank and exchanged cash. He realized he had forgotten a hat (having lost his Tilley a while ago), and needed a hat so bought one at a local store, along with cheese & bread for the boat ride. A photo of the "sombrero of shame" will follow...

Taxi picked us up for the short ride to the water taxi, bought tickets and took off right at noon. The management had arranged for the taxi to meet us, and brought us down to the condo, dirt road and all. An orientation, and rest later, we headed down to the Black Orchid restaurant for dinner.

"The Sombrero of Shame"

Nicely decked out for Christmas, and a nice seafood meal later, we headed back to the condo for a rest.

 

Trip Down

Day started well, getting up on time, and airport ride arriving with time to spare - what was unexpected was the foot of snow that had fallen overnight! Mom had a good seat mate on ride to Houston, then we got a push from C gates to E gates - where she was ported right on to the plane! Slight moment of panic as I couldn't find Harley, but that's what happens when restroom is part of the line! Mom enjoyed her seat from Houston to Belize more (see photo).

Arrived, taxi to B&B, where we were greeted, shown the room, and given recommendations for dinner - Riverside Tavern. The place is nicely decorated for the season, which wee retold is a big occasion here.

 

Belize 2015

Getting ready! Testing out the settings to again make sure all is ready to go.

Christmas tree will still have a few presents under it when I get home.

Head to Calgary tomorrow, with a short time there before the early morning flight!