CvEe4

Sigh...

2009-12-20T10:49:00.003-05:00

It's been less than 3 weeks since I left,but it feels like a lifetime. Maybe because the cold weather here (20's right now, contrasted to the 70's in Belize).

I have been busy, trying to get back in the swing of things. I have well over 1000 pictures I need to edit and pic a few more to post.

I have been working on a new ACER project, and trying to get ready for Christmas.

Please stay tuned, I'm alive and have lots to share in the next few months.

Belize

2009-12-02T11:43:00.000-05:00

Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh Belize, I hate to go

Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh Belize, I hate to go

89 degrees here, 19 at home... what am I thinking?

Donations

2009-12-01T20:23:00.002-05:00

Ambergris Caye Emergency Rescue donations dropped off. = Check
SAGA donations dropped off. = Check
Poly Clinic donations dropped off. = Check
Dive gear packed for trip home = Check

I'm leaving on a jet plane, I don't know when I'll be back again.....

The Blue Hole Trip (Random Order)

2009-11-30T18:05:00.006-05:00

The Blue Hole

2009-11-30T07:37:00.003-05:00

The Great Blue Hole is a large underwater sinkhole off the coast of Belize. It lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll 100 km from the mainland and Belize City. The hole is circular in shape, over 300 m across and 125 m deep. It was formed as a limestone cave system during the last glacial period when sea levels were much lower. As the ocean began to rise again, the caves flooded, and the roof collapsed. Believed to be the world’s largest feature of its kind, the Great Blue Hole is part of the larger Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a World Heritage site of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The Blue Hole is visable from space, click on the link below to see the satalite view and also a map/

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/109772

All about my blue hole trip

2009-11-29T14:01:00.002-05:00

Ohh, wait I can't tell you about it..... ha!

Sat, The Blue Hole

2009-11-28T19:44:00.001-05:00

google it, I survived it and the coconut rum after... Haha

more later!

A day of giving thanks

2009-11-27T17:34:00.002-05:00

On a day for giving thanks

2009-11-26T10:09:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I received the card below. While it was addresses to me, I was only a part of the equation.

MANY from this group helped (and are still helping) with donations to secure and deliver medical supplies to the island.

(Click on any picture to see a larger image)

This is from one of the nurses that works with the Poly Clinic

We GREATLY appreciate your assistance, Donate if you can, please!

Paypal acerbelize@gmail.com

or hit the donate button at the right side of our blog:

http://acerbelize.blogspot.com/ (It may take a few seconds to respond)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Weds Odds and Ends

2009-11-25T19:21:00.002-05:00

Belize has a melting pot.... ha

Main Street (Actually Middle Street, Middle of the 3, Front St, Middle St and Back St)

The grandson of our next door neighbor. Has a rare disorder, with only 3 cases known in the world. Includes bushy wool like hair.

Catch of the day, red snapper!

Rainbow at the end of the pier.

Countdown

2009-11-24T08:14:00.004-05:00

Man, I hate this... Just a little over a week left. I still have a lot to do:

Mon 23 - Town in the am, Fished way to late, but had fun. Hint: don't take a canoe to the ocean with someone that doesn't know how to steer in the back, and have strong current and winds.

Tue 24 - Not sure

Weds - 25 Diving?

Thurs - 26 Park Rangers, (if they show up) till 1 pm, then get cleaned up for the big Sueno Del Mar Thanksgiving dinner.

Fri - 27 ? Black Friday, I plan on getting up at 5 am and hitting the stores... No wait, they have no idea what black Friday is in Belize, yet alone any stores with bargains! Happy Black Friday shopping to all. I'll miss my annual run to Home Depot, but that's life in the slow, Belize lane! - San Pedro

Sat - 28 Blue Hole, San Pedro

Sun - 29

Mon - 30

Tue 1

Wed 2 - Depart No diving for 24 hours prior

Outstanding -

Blue hole trip, that will require at least a night in town prior, because the boats leave at 7 am, for an all day 3 tank dive. Its several hours (3?) from here to the blue hole. I hope to make this an earth cache, a geocache that doesn't require a physical cache.

Hunting Trip - not sure what that is all about, but I'm game ha!

Nature trail - Take a hike in the jungle... not sure about this one, when the locals that don't get bothered by the bugs say take lots of bug spray.

Another trip to the Poly Clinic, Need to drop off the rest of the medical donations I brought.

Island Ferry Refresher- CPR, First aid for the group.

Sunday Scuba - updated

2009-11-23T12:44:00.004-05:00

This was a dive to Bacalar Chico Canyons. Started out about 35 feet and ended up about 90 feet. I was diving with a computer, so I had a bottom time of around 45 minutes. This was a two tank boat dive, they charge $75us for. We started at 930am and by 100 pm we had the both dives in and a lunch break. I dove with my contacts, and one of them bothered me a bit later on in the day, so I didn't dive on Monday.

This was my first scuba with the housing for my little point and shoot cannon, it's still a learning curve for me, but I am happy with it.

Poor lighting on the fish, he wasn a little skiddish and I couldn't get very close.

This lobster was about 24 inches tip to tail and would have been great on a plate. We were in the marine reserve, so I didn't try to grab him.

This is Capt Joe reaching for a 36 inch barracuda

This is the dreaded lion fish, he was in about 65 foot of water, Capt Joe took off his gear at 65 feet so he could take off hit tshirt to make a net out of it. We actually had this guy netted for a bit before he escaped. Joe was going to take him to the surface to dispose of him.

Trigger fish... also inspiration for some of the animation movies, but I don't recall which one.

I felt like a sorority girl here taking this picture of my self! Ha

One of my favorite most colorful fish, a Queen Angel. I use to see them on almost every dive in Cozumel, but they are pretty rare today. Not sure if it is the location or the general decrease of the quantity of this fish.

Sat Fishing

2009-11-23T07:42:00.005-05:00

We went out with a local fishing outside the reef. Was a very slow day, fishing wise, or I should say landing the fishing wise. I had what the locals thought must have been a huge grouper, as it bent the pole I had in to a "J". It went into the coral, where my 17 pound line was no match.

Speaking of poles, Arlen, another guy from Wichita went out with us. He jumped on at the last minute, and didn't have a pole. The locals here rarely use a pole, most use a hand reel.

By hand reel, we are talking about anything that you can line fishing line around. From a Belikin (beer) bottle, up to a spool that you would by fishing line on, all the way up to a bigger reel that you can slip over your arm.

No more broken tips of fishing poles if you fish like the locals!

Arlen caught this on a hand line, he had quite the fight.

Arlen stood back and let the locals land this guy, a black tipped reef shark, I believe.

A quick shot for the camera, then back in the water.

Overall, fishing here wasn't very good, but I did do better doing some reef fishing later on. Reef fishing is were you wade out in the water, as deep as you feel you want to.

My first exposure to this was water just above the waist, now I have been in water that was up to my shoulders, and you had to hold your arms above your shoulders to keep your pole out of water.

I was pretty innovative with holding the pole in my mouth to bait, and placing the butt of the pole in my shirt pocket to remove fish. No place for a camera when fishing like this.

Sunday - Bike Ride to town (pics a week late)

2009-11-22T07:31:00.005-05:00

Below are pictures of the bike ride to town (a week late, hey I'm busy down here, gimme a break)

Some called me crazy for even attempting this, in fact I have a bet with a local for $50bz ($25us) if I could do it.

I deiced to make it an event and see if others were as crazy as I was! I found 4 suckers, err riders that were up for the challenge. Steve had mad the trip on the bike before, so we knew it could be done. BUT... he had never done it on a beach bike, rather his 21 speed mountain bike,

The Start.... just in case we didn't make it, we started off with a photo

Deep sand and lots of coconuts to dodge along the way.

No one to take my pic, but some of the clan.

Another action shot

The rest of the gang. Look back a few days for a map of our route. I also plan a garmin view that will be available to anyone that wants to view it. This was a 14.84 mile ride, totl time was 2 hours 35 minutes, but that included many stops along the way for pictures, gps readings, etc.

more random pics

2009-11-21T08:15:00.002-05:00

Happy Fishermen!

USS Dana Dingy

This was a good remembrance of Cesar Scott. He was always willing to help out. He will be missed. RIP

Chetumal

2009-11-20T21:50:00.003-05:00

More Chetumal Pics

2009-11-20T19:15:00.003-05:00

More of the open air market, shoes and chickens all withing a few feet of each other!

Fresh produce?

Fish market

This is for Emily!

Friday Afternoon Thoughs

2009-11-20T16:35:00.002-05:00

I just got back from town, had to go pick up some fresh fruit, bananas, oranges, limes, tomatoes, papaya and some onions. All of that was priced pretty reasonable. My couple next door asked me to pick them up some tonic water.

I did.. $14.95us for two 1 litter bottles! But wait... get this. Jary want me to get her some sour cream. 4 stores later, and $4us I was the happy new owner of some sour cream. You'd think that would be quite a bit of sour cream, nope, not at island prices. you setting down? $4us got me a single 8 oz package. Glad I don't use that stuff anymore!

Shout out to my buddy John, who should be recovering from a total knee replacement, hope you are doing well, and I'll see you soon!

Just In Time (JIT)

It the states everyone wants to keep the inventory low, so not to have a lot of $$$ tied up in inventory. Well, let me tell ya, I think they may have it figured out down here.

I stopped a little place to eat, I don't even know what you would call this place, its more like a hallway, that has 3 two top (2 seats ea) tables. Anyway, I have eaten there before and always enjoyed it.

Today, as I was waiting for my food, I noticed that when I ordered a coke lite (no diet coke here, its not masculine enough for the guys here) I guy walks in the back, (got some $$) walked across the street and bought me a coke lite. Good service, or JIT inventory? you be the judge. Ohh, and for the record I was there about 30 minutes total, and he made a total of 3 trips. Coke lite for me, and coke lite for another gringo (American) and a head of cabbage.

Its all supply and demand.

Ranger update- they were a no show today. Phone? Ha, Radio? Ha? Email? Ha, not where they are staying.

Sat - scheduled to go fishing, we'll see how that goes!

Friday Plans

2009-11-20T08:14:00.002-05:00

From an email with the National Park in Belize

Subject: Re: BACALAR CHICO NATIONAL PARK

Hey Charlie;

Well I should be back at the reserve on thursday and will probably try to give you a visit on friday so that we can plan to take out a day to go and take some pictures of bleaching and other stuff. Also to see if we can take some GPS points and then you can give us some more points where we can put in more marker buoys.

We want to properly demarkate all the different zones (conservation, preservation, and general use zones) and also would like to put a buoy in the back are of the reserve (back side where our station is located).

After we are finish with that I would like to see if we can do some water work and photograph and identify all the corals, fishes and marine creatures we find at Bacalarchico.

----

I'll consider this my charity work for Belize! Hopefully, I'll be in some areas diving that are protected and not open to anyone. Could be some pristine areas.

Pics from the last week or so

2009-11-20T07:26:00.002-05:00

No real order...

This is part of the mall... a big open air market where you buy most anything, stores on top of stores with narrow passageways to the next booth. Think flea market where you would expect 50 stores in an area, and this place has well over 150.

This is Chetumal Mexico at La Botana, very good mexican food... and the Margarita's were outta this world.

The Cessna Caravan that is flown all over down here. Dana flew back in a 4 seater 172 Cessna!

San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize, Central America

Capt Antonio, This is the Capt that was seriously injured in the boat collision. Taken just a few days before the crash.

Boat Collision Survivor Speaks

2009-11-19T17:00:00.001-05:00

Boat Collision Survivor Speaks

33 year old Cesar Scott was killed in Sunday night’s deadly collision between two boats in San Pedro. The captain of the boat he was in 42 year old Antonio Tepaz survived and is hospitalized in the intensive care unit at the Healthcare Partners Hospital. He is lucky to be alive and today from his hospital bed he told Keith Swift that he didn’t cause the accident. In fact he says that he tried to prevent it. Here’s his story.
Keith Swift Reporting,
Antonio Tepaz says Sunday night’s collision was unavoidable.
Antonio Tepaz, Involved in Boat Accident
I try my best to nuh make the collision be. I see a boat in front me. I tried to go up by the reef but the boat was still coming up. I thought I would go to the beach now and at the same time when I went to the beach the boat took the curve to go the normal way and from there when I think to stop the boat to not let the collision be very hard, and I tried to change direction but then I don’t remember anything more.
Tepaz woke up in this hospital bed at Healthcare Partners Hospital which is where he’s been since the accident. His right foot is broken and so is his right shoulder. But Tepaz is the lucky one. His co-worker Cesar Scott died.
Keith Swift,
Do you feel guilty that you’re alive and Cesar isn’t?
Antonio Tepaz,
Well the man done passed away already. Sometimes I feel bad about it too but if you are driving something and something like that happened and your friend passes away what would you think about it? You feel bad. I feel bad about it too because he is my friend and co-worker too.

And Antonio says he doesn’t feel guilty because he maintains he did nothing wrong. He says his boat has running lights and they were on on Sunday night.
Keith Swift,
“The witnesses say they didn’t see your boat coming, your boat just appeared out of nowhere.
Antonio Tepaz,
No I had on my lights and as I tell you my one witness is God because I go to church and I don’t have to lie about it.
Keith Swift,
Were you speeding?
Antonio Tepaz,
Yes I was going a little fast, 45 to 46 rpm but when I saw that boat coming very fast I tried to slow down.

Keith Swift,
Even the Mayor of San Pedro said she heard your lights weren’t on.
Antonio Tepaz,
No I had on my lights and that is why I am telling you God is my witness and I had on the lights on the boat. That was an accident, nobody has the fault. I know I had on my lights on the boat. That is why I tell you the truth.
The truth and hard reality this veteran of the sea is now forced to live with.
Antonio Tepaz,
I can’t walk because my foot is broken until about six months maybe a year.
Keith Swift,
“When you do recover will you return to being a captain?
Antonio Tepaz,
I don’t know. God will decide that, not me.
The police and Port Authority are still investigating. 33 year old Cesar Scott will be laid to rest over the weekend. CH7

Back from the overnight trip to town

2009-11-19T16:30:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note that I survived the overnight trip into town. I'll tryo to get some pictures up soon. Thanks for checking.

Wow

2009-11-18T19:39:00.002-05:00

The mossies are huge on the south side, I did about a 11 mile round trip to Ras Safari bar today. Lots of water on the road, but I made it.

Weds Plans

2009-11-18T10:59:00.001-05:00

Going to drop off medical supplies, replace some caches, and go to a geocache event tonight.

Dana's trip report to Chetumal, Corazol

2009-11-18T08:05:00.003-05:00

Dana created a short report on our trip to Corazol and Chetumal. I tried to paste it in here, but it failed. Email me or add a comment with your email address (I won't publish the email address) and I'll forward it to you.

Tues Update, Early!!

2009-11-17T20:38:00.003-05:00

Was up about 4 am, did a little slingbox video, then a short 30 min nap, back up at 645. Off snorkeling by 715. Was feeling pretty brave with my skills, until... I was on a tour underwater and was snooping under the coral gardens looking for lobster when I came face to face with a big shark! Totally unexpected, and really didn't plan on my face being about 1 foot away from HIS face... glad he was sleeping and decided not to be aggressive, in fact I pointed him out to Dave a few minutes later.

Later, I saw yet another shark, this one a little bigger, estimated about 5 feet long. Assuming it like the other was a nurse shark, sleeping in the strong current flow through the cut.

Like the first one, didn't seem to mind me invading its territory, which is a good thing, because I am sure I can't out swim a shark, regardless how much weight I have lost!

Back to the beach, re-geared up with fishing gear, replacing our masks and snorkels.

Ohh, we also picked up a local, Antonio who lives in the area, and is our source for sardines. Here, sardines are king for bait. Now time to cut bait or fish!

Fish we did, well after walking a about 500 yards out to a small coral patch.

This coral patch was pretty productive, me and Dave holding our reels and poles above the water as we waded out, Antonio with his gear on his wrist. His gear was a roll of line, a hook and a weight. Plus the all important sardines.

The water we were standing in was so deep that we'd have to reach up to cast, only to be put to shame by Antonio doing a lasso type movement that landed his rig much further than our expensive setups.

I'm not sure who caught the most or the biggest fish, mostly snapper, but if you know Dave, you'll have to ask him about him dropping his pole in the water and his inability to easily retrieve it.

I made the comment that I normally had to pay for a comedy show, but this one was free and I was catching fish at the same time! We were all laughing so hard.

Ended up the trip about 5 hours later, way to much sun, but glad that I was in my long sleeve shirt and jungle hat. My cheeks and nose were about all that got a little to much sun.

Returned to home base and cleaned the fish, has fresh snapper tacos and salad. Now relaxing, and getting ready for the rest of the week.

Scorecard: 3 miles of riding, 1 hour of snorkeling and several hours of fishing.

Monday

2009-11-17T05:51:00.002-05:00

It was a long night here Sunday night, with all that is going on with the boat crash. As Virginia said, the people down here really do make it feel like family.

Capt Antonio saw me on the dock a week of so ago when I was talking pictures of the dolphins in the bay. He said "Hey Charlieee (he liked to drag out the e) grab your camera I'll take you out there... he did, I was within feet of them. For a flatlander, this was amazing. Something he sure didn't need to do. He like most all of the other staff is like that.

I saw Cesar giving Hobie Cat Sailing lessons just a few days ago. Always soft spoken, and smiling.

Yesterday was a day of fishing, we uses the uss dana dingy to go to the reef. Dave, the guy next door and I fished for a few hours. I lost quite a few fish, as they would head to the coral as soon as you set the hook, the coral would cut the line.

We then snorkeled around the same area, one side calm, because of the reef, the other side big breaking waves, that could toss you in the coral.

Later on the afternoon, I headed North on the bike, went as far as Rocky Point, about 4.5 miles round trip. The last .5 or so was so bad that you couldn't ride due to deep sand, rocks and garbage.

Not a lot of people get up there, and with the reef right next to the shore, lots of debris ends up on the shore.

May try to fish again today, may have to go to town to stock up on groceries. Nothing like a close quicktrip here, the trip alone takes 90 minutes out of your day.

Stay safe, live life to its fullest, you never know.....

Boat Accident update

2009-11-16T09:26:00.001-05:00

It’s reported around 700 pm on Sunday Nov 15th, 2009 that the Sueno Del Mar and a Costal Express boat collided in the White sands Dive shop region. This is approx 2/3rds of the way to town from Sueno Del Mar Resort. The Sueno Del Mar boat had a Captain and one Sueno Del Mar employee on board. The Sueno Del Mar employee has died, and the Captain was air evacuated from Ambergris Cay approx 900 pm. As of 700 am, the captain is in intensive care with a collapsed lung, a chest tube, a open fracture to the ankle, requiring surgery and they have placed pins in his ankle. He also has a fractured shoulder and other cuts and bruises.

Unknown how many people were on the Costal Express Boat, but it is reported that no one on that boat sustained serious injuries.

It was a tragic event and I am deeply saddened and shocked. Our prayers go out to all involved.

Sueno Del Mar boat crash

2009-11-15T22:03:00.001-05:00

The Sueno del Mar boat and a Costal Express boat has crashed, and at least one person has died. More later

Sunday Bike Ride

2009-11-15T13:43:00.002-05:00

Power is about to go out, so I wanted to get this posted real quick... had fun, got up at 6 am, off on a old worn out single speed beach bike.

More later!

Back from Mexico

2009-11-13T20:01:00.000-05:00

Wow, lots of stories... we are back, safe and sound... more later!

Hola from Mexico

2009-11-13T07:40:00.004-05:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know that we made it safe to Corazol, Belize, then Orange Walk, Belize, Found 3 new geocaches!!! ( www.geocaching.com ) We then crossed the boader in to Mexico, and now at Chetumal Mexico.

Had a good time at the local Sams Club, yea, the sams club like in the states, picked up som groceries and had a little mexican food last night. We forced (ok, not really) to drink tequila but Ihave lots of limes, so I got my fruits in! ha!

More shopping then back home tonight! Look for pics and a longer report soon.

(great, google thinks the spell check should be in spanish, since I am in Mexico... grrrr, so if there are any misspelled words, blame google technology!)

Weds Bikin' and Snorklin'

2009-11-11T17:54:00.005-05:00

Started off the day beachbikin' to our friends place 1.5 miles north early this morning. I was going to go fishing, but ended up just snorkeling. Saw a huge grouper, a few green morays. I spent an hour or so, then came back to the villa.

I had such a good time, I loaded up the camera, grabbed Dana and Dave, and we headed back. The sun was out and it was a great day, we had a great time. Still learning how this little camera works, but for my second time in the water with it, I was pleased so far. Whadda think?

I ended up swiming all the way to the reef and beyond, then returned back to the beach, and rode back to the villa.

All in all, I think I hit about 6 miles on the bike and 3 hours or so snorkling. I gotta tell ya, I think I like thsi physical activity much better than riding the bike trails and walking in Kansas!

Grey Angel on the Reef

Damel (I think) next to some coral.

Tues Bike Ride

2009-11-10T16:15:00.005-05:00

Some of the fruit here.

Fish Tacos!

I headed North on the beach, then west via the old nova shrimp place on the bike. got attacked by dogs at Nova, but escaped unharmed. The bike ride continued on through the jungle, I stopped to turn around at the swamp, and was going to take some pics, but I was worried that the mosquitoes were going to carry me off, and this was with a generous portion of OFF applied. I turned the bike around and started moving, finally after I worked up some speed and got out of the undercover, most of them were gone.

Sorry no pics of the jungle ride, but felt pretty good to get away mostly unscathed.

Total jungle ride 5.62 miles today.

Map of Ambergris Caye

2009-11-10T07:44:00.003-05:00

This is a picture of Ambergris Caye map, I left it full size, so you can zoom in. I am in the Basil Jones region, and plan to ride an old very used single speed bike to San Pedro, the town. Should be 16 miles of so one way. We'll cheat and use the boat to get the bikes back home.

Looks like several other may join me. I plan to gps / photograph my way.

Sunday

2009-11-09T10:12:00.002-05:00

I had a post all ready to submit and the Internet went down. The local "expert" came over to look at my issue, and deleted my post, so you get this abbreviated post for now. Oh, by the way, after about a hour, the local "expert" came back and did just what I told him to do, reboot the router, a 30 second fix for me, but an hour for him. No wonder thing move so slow here.

Sunday - cove watching (more on this with the pictures later) fishing at the reef, town for some groceries,beach bike ride up north, hide a couple of caches, met with some more locals, set up a special nature trail walk for later on in the next few weeks, cooked fresh fish tacos, was up late last night, about 1015 (Belize and ICT are the same now with daylight savings time) then I slept in this morning, up about 645.

See ya after the break!

Sat - Final

2009-11-07T22:30:00.005-05:00

Beach cruiser, only problem, no beach! I hit the trail South, I was in the water about 18 inches, and had to walk through heavy sand in places, but I clocked about 4 miles round trip.

The red roof house is owned by an elderly man from KC, Many years ago, he bought out an old warehouse in KC and brought down 3 ship loads of 80 year old lumber from a old place in KC. This was about 10-15 years ago. It's for sale today, if you buy it, I should get time here!

Sat Wrap Up

2009-11-07T21:51:00.002-05:00

I saw about 15 on these in the cinder blocks, get close and down they went!

This was on the ground until you were close, then they shot up about 8 feet up!

Dana going after the big one! This was about a 2.5 mile hike from the villa

This was the boat that landed with a bunch of Cuban refugees, word has it that as soon as it landed, that the Cubans scurried off to the woods, to avoid deportation.

Ya know its tough fishing when our local guide can't find bait!

Friday No Power

2009-11-07T07:22:00.002-05:00

We lost power early Friday morn, not because of Ida, but because of all of the recent rain. They had to work on the underground lines, and the back up generator failed.

I went fishing, we had a nice mess which I cleaned. Since there was no power in the villa, we all ate at the palapa. I had 3 small tacos, rice and beans. Very good, the new chef here is an improvement.

It was sunny for about 20 minutes yesterday... and it raining most of the evening and all night,

The sun looks like it may be trying to peek through outside, I'm gonna try to more pics and look at the weather. Happy Sat everyone!

Thurs PM

2009-11-05T21:51:00.003-05:00

Boat to the Blue Lotus

Indian Food at the Blue Lotus

DL check in Belize

Storm moving in....

Pre Ida?

0800 Off to town for the 14 mile boat ride to town where I plan to share a cab with another member of this resort. We only have at best 90 minutes to shop. While in the states, this might not seem like a big deal, our daily shopping trip will take us to several places. Not near as convenient as running down the street and shopping at your local supermarket of Wal-mart!.

Just some light showers today, but still wishing we had the partially covered boat back.

Did a little fishing this afternoon in-between the rain showers, , we had 6 keepers, which we had for supper tonight. Its 915, way past my bedtime, look for updates when I can.

Tues. Weds, Thurs AM

2009-11-05T13:52:00.001-05:00

Rushing to get this posted before the power goes out at 1300 BZE, look for pics and an update when I can!

---

Tuesday was the first day of teaching CPR / First Aid in town, after I returned we were invited to a tour of the penthouse and drinks. This is an amazing place, with the weather, it wasn't a very good photo op, but I did manage to snap a few.

I attempted to upload this, but alas, the internet was down.

Wednesday up at 430. Can't connect mt camera to Windows 7, so I brought a card reader. Guess what, the card reader will not work with windows 7 either!. No chance if finding one here, as remote as this place is. Maybe when we go to Mexico (depending on the weather now) I can find one.

So, I have to hook my card reader up to my friends computer, transfer the pics to another card, then use the built in card reader to transfer to my computer. Look l

Look for more pictures with the smaller camera, hopefully where it will be less of a hassle.

was another full day teaching CPR / First Aid in town, followed by boating to the Blue Lotus for Indian food. A short shopping trip followed, then a return trip back to the Villa. Only problem was about 2/3rds of the way to the resort, we hit a big storm squall, and had to find a place to hunker down as it passed. We found a resort, and took shelter on of the porches. All the talk of the town is the weather, and how dry it has been in the rainy season, and how wet it has been in the dry season. Additionally appears that the tropical depression has now turned into a tropical storm named Ida and is heading for Belize. Internet here has been poor at best, mainly due to the rain as it interrupts our satellite feed.

I have prepared my bail out bag, if needed, but it sounds like I will be here helping Ambergris Caye Emergency Rescue Team. This is a very preliminary, but you always need a Plan A and a Plan B. If you don't hear from me for a while, know that I'll get back online as soon as possible.

Thursday. Up at 615, editing photo for the local publications, then making a trip into town for supplies and some "just in case" stuff. I think the dry bag a purchased is a good investment. Just finished up packing my wallet, my point n shoot, my cell phone, all of my pocked stuff into small ziplocks. Seems I have been wetter on this trip than in the past.

Lion Fish Spotted!

2009-11-03T19:12:00.004-05:00

This is bad news: http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=13278

Tomorrow (Tuesday) First Air / CPR classes

Octopus anyone?

2009-11-02T21:58:00.004-05:00

Ceviche de pulpo (octopus), caracola, (conch), camarone (shrimp)

Big Bird!

2009-11-02T16:47:00.001-05:00

The morning after the storm...

2009-11-02T12:22:00.002-05:00

Another quick shot

New Tropic Air Port

2009-11-02T12:18:00.002-05:00

Nice Aquarium at the new Tropic Air Terminal

Arrival!

2009-11-02T12:12:00.003-05:00

I know i'm late, but it's a tough descsion to decide to update the blog or enjoy Ambergris...I think you can tell now which one one!

This is why (in part) why I arrived late to the party!

.... and .....we're back!

2009-10-29T14:42:00.002-05:00

The trip start Oct 31.. stay tuned, I'm running around like a mad man trying to get ready!

Drop me a note (comment will also work) and let me know you've found me!

Charlie

Well, this is it...

2008-12-02T07:32:00.002-05:00

The last Belize post.

Don't stop checking the blog, as I have lots more to add once I get stateside and settled.

Well over 1000 pictures to sort through, lots of stories to tell, and hopefully fill in some blanks.

But now, I need to pack, then do the Belizean version of the perp walk down the pier to the boat, to start the journey home...

I have made a lot of friends, hopefully not a lot of enemies.

Stay in touch, drop me an e-mail, comment on the blog etc.

cveeblog@gmail.com

Give me a few days to shift gears from the "go slow" mantra here, to the crazy fast life stateside.

Ohh, and about Belize? I'll be back. . .

A day at the beach and National Park Tour

2008-12-01T10:09:00.012-05:00

I went after a bike to ride down to the turtlemans house. Right next to the bikes I spotted this guy. He posed for me, so I felt obligated to grab a shot.

This is a view of the turttleman's rental, $150 us, night

This is Daniel, the turtleman's oldest. He helped me place a geocache very near here. I named the cache "Daniel's Belize Cache" He will watch over it for me when I am not around. I know it is in great hands.

National Park Tour

Because of all the work we have done in the area, determining boundaries, Sueno del Mar purchasing and installing signs, they offered to take a few of us on a tour of the National Park.

I am hopeful that the information I collected will allow me to get Belize's first earthcache ever posted. http://www.earthcache.org/ for more information about earthcaches.

We are situated inside the second largest barrier reef in the world. A few miles from here, the reef actually hits land.

Because of the reef hitting the land, we can not get to the National Park from here inside the reef. The preferred way to reach the Park Museum is to travel by boat on the lagoon side of the island.

Since we are already North on the island, this would require a 12 mile boat ride towards town, then about a 12 mile boat side on the lagoon side, for a total 24 mile tour one way.

From our location, we have a couple of other options.

Exit the inter-reef area, and go out to the open ocean via couple of cuts (or openings) in the reef.

Navigating these cuts is tricky, as all around the cuts is coral reefs, the very reef we are trying to protect. (I'll get to the other option in a bit)

We had an excellent captain, and he expertly navigated our little boat in the open ocean, with waves that were well above us and into and past the outer reef area.

It was much to rough and way to wet to risk taking any pictures while we were in the open ocean. This shot was after we were back inside the protection of the reef.

Ambergris Caye was initially purchased to be used as a coconut plantation. This part of the island had lots of Palm trees, in fact if you look at it on Google earth, you can still see the trees are planed somewhat in rows. This is some of the beaches in the National Park, formally known as the Pinkerton estates.

We are about to enter the cut, at the end, this cut was hand, dug by the Mayans with flint rock tools and allowed Ambergris Caye to become an island.

To the left is Belize and the right is Mexico. This gives you some idea how narrow the cut gets in places.

Just some of the birds we saw.

This is the last piece of Belize, next stop Mexico!

This is the new walkway to one of the Mayan burial sites.

They call this a trail... glad we had a guide!

The burial site. This is one of seven in the park that has been discovered to date.

Approaching the museum. It is also another burial site.

The sign for the national park.

One of the many displays inside.

Tools (flint rock) and pottery. They also have an intact bowl that isn't on display that has gold on it.

Entering into the lagoon.

See the well marked trail ahead? No worries, I didn't either!

On the "well marked trail through the jungle, this leads from the lagoon to the ocean.

At last, the ocean. Its about a 3.5 mile walk from here back to the villa.

My understanding is that many of the Cruise ships dump there trash overboard. This is on one of the cruise ship routes.

A bunch of Cubans escaped Cuba on this ship. Just a few days into the journey, the motor quit. The trip took 23 days, they made a makeshift sail. They threw the motor overboard when it quit so they could sail faster. Once the make landfall, they scatter in the jungle, because if the get caught, they will be exported back to Cuba.

This Cuban boat is right outside a fairly new residence. Note the wind generator in the background. No power, phone, etc this far away from town, so if you build here, it is 100% on your dime for all utilities.

Outside the greenreef building. No, that's not a geocache that floated away.. or if it is, it was already emptied.

Monday: First Aid for Sueno del Mar Staff

Sueno del Mar - First Aid!

2008-11-30T08:10:00.005-05:00

19 guests left today, something I am not looking forward to is leaving...

In an effort to improve the medical care at Sueno del Mar. I met with members and guests of Sueno and worked on guidelines, skills equipment review and scenarios.

Everyone was very appreciative and it was a true learning experience for everyone.

View from building one, kayakers, the hobie and the pier.

Lunch... the first fish he caught, the chef cooked it for him. He devoured it.

The bar at the 18th latitude, all Belize hardwood.

Capt, and 1st mate of our excursion.

BACALAR CHICO NATIONAL PARK - Friday

2008-11-29T08:08:00.004-05:00

BACALAR CHICO NATIONAL PARK

All that portion of the Caribbean Sea and Land being Ambergris Caye, in theBelize District, comprising approximately 28,148 acres and bounded on the North by the International Boundary between Belize and Mexico; on the East by a 1,207metres (3/4 miles) buffer east of the reef crest; on the South by the Caribbean Sea, parts of Robles and parts of land now or formerly known as the Pinkerton Estate; and on the West by a north-south line between Ambergris Caye and Deer Caye.

I spent most of my day working on determining where the South park boundary was. Dinner guests at Thanksgiving were staff from the park. There was some question on where the park began, and where it ended.

We had some pretty sketchy details as far as some landmarks, but nothing decisive. We discovered some documentation on lat/lon but it was based on North American Datum 1927, based at Meads Ranch Kansas! (Yes, I have been to the point and seen the markers).

Needless to say, we needed some updated coordinates. While I am sure the new coordinates I determined are not 100% accurate, it was much better than we had going into it.

Three of us took off to the waters to identify and install a couple of buoys to identify the South side of the park.

This is a very important step, as inside the park is protected waters. Kinda hard to protect if you don't know the boundaries.

Another day, another civic duty done

Thanksgiving in Belize

2008-11-29T07:30:00.008-05:00

Thanksgiving Belizean Style.

We had wine and olive tasting, dancers (I took video, so I didn't get any stills) and dinner.

Everyone cleaned up pretty well, and it's time to start the party!

Wine tasting and olive tasting.

Five different desserts, pineapple upside down cake, chocolate cake, carrot cake, cupcakes and more.

Salad and stuffing

Rice and beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, bacon wrapped lobster kabobs, chicken rolls, and turkey.

Sueño del Mar Family & Friends Holiday Outreach

We are "adopting" ten local families for Christmas.

Several local churches identified these needy families that we have selected.

Large colorful wash buckets are in the palapa with individual family information to help you make appropriate gift contributions.

Suggested items:
Non-perishable food (canned goods, rice, sugar, flour, beans)
Toys (books, dolls, school supplies, candy, cars/trucks, craft supplies, games, crayons)
Toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, cologne)
Paper Goods & Cleaning Supplies (toilet paper, paper towels, sponges, cleaners)
Linens (sheets, towels, kitchen towels/hotpads)
Kitchen Essentials (bowls, flatware, cookware, utensils)
Grocery Gift Certificate

Please no: * Alcohol /Tobacco * Cash * Perishables

You do the shopping and deliver to the palapa and Sueno volunteers will make deliveries by Monday, December 22.

The first donated item.

Notice a resemblance?

The party after the party.

Friday morning sunrise

Calm seas during sunrise.

Weds - Dinner Boat

2008-11-28T13:29:00.004-05:00

A couple of times a week Sueno del Mar has a late night boat to town, to allow those that might want to visit San Pedro in the evening for dinner, etc.

One of the owners here had made a connection to a guy he use to work with back in 85 from Bolder Co. It sounded like a long shot, but we decided to try to find the place.

We didn't have a lot of details about the new place, but went in search of it anyway.

We found it, it is about 2.5 miles North of town. They haven't been open very long, but we were willing to try the place.

Sign for the place off the golf cart trail.

Cart side entrance - Bella Vista Resort.

We started with a few tapas (appetizers) This was Baked Artichoke Parmesan dip. It was fabulous. We also had bacon wrapped dates and another one that the name escapes me, but something with ham.

This was the two entrees, one was the pirate sandwich, (excellent) the other was paella, a rice dish. Both were very good. (Don't let my taste for rice influence you on this dish. Some at our table said it was the best they have ever eaten.)

Three small scoops of vanilla ice cream with rum caramelized pineapple and two dollops of creamy carmel. WOW, this was great!

Bruce, one of the owners and the Chef from Spain.

If you get a chance, give this place a try, I think you will be pleased.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T09:28:00.002-05:00

I'm off to dive, then back for the big shindig here. Look for this post to be updated as I get time...

Happy Thanksgiving!

View from my office and more!

2008-11-26T16:57:00.003-05:00

I am working of the scuba report, so look for it later on. It's Belize, and no one gets in a hurry around here, i.e the dive boat leaves at 9 am sharp. It didn't even show up until about 915, and then took another 15 minutes or so to get 7 people on board....

I had a request for more pictures, so some random shots, first a few about the food here.

Does Tony eat chicken feet?

Look at these prices!

View from my office...

View of the gym

More later!

Scuba!

2008-11-26T16:31:00.002-05:00

Ok, after being on the island for way to long, I finally had an opportunity to go diving the last couple of days.

Those that really know me, know it s true passion of mine. I have been diving since 1976... yea, I'm giving hints about my age, but I was really young when I started.

With life always changing, and the lack of opportunity to do much diving around Kansas, it has been way to long since I have been active in the scuba world.

That has changed. I have only been out of the water a few hours now, and already wondering if I will have an opportunity to dive here in 2009. We can always hope that its works out.

Please send your Charlie Diving fund to....

Over the last 2 days I have made 4 different dives. Two each day both days from the Tranquility Bay dive boat.

They range from a depth of 40 - 120 feet, with a maximum bottom time of 43 minutes.

One could never explain the experience in full detail, especially to a non diver. The colors, the current, the fish, the sea life, its all over powering.

My first dive of the trip was to some of the coral canons, not really coral heads, as these are more like coral ridges and bluffs.

You will have a big stretch of coral, inter mixed with what appear to be sand paved roads in between these ridges and bluffs.

If these bluffs were out of water and you stood on the edge of them and dropped down the bottom of the crevices would be 30-40 feet. And this is in water that is 80 plus feet already.

These crevasses are like super hiways for the marine life., all with little ledges, pockets, etc along both sides.

Because these are "open" i.e. no coral in them, the current flows more intensely between them. I dropped over a ledge and looked below me, only to see a seven foot shark, "sleeping."

I don't believe that they can really sleep, but it is my understanding that they like these places, as they can let the water free flow over the gills and get oxygen while not moving.

The dives have all been really amazing, not a lot of big fish, but lots of coral. I few big grey angels and one queen angel, one of my favorite fish.

We also dropped right about 3 huge lobster. I believe that one of the others on the dive got a picture, I'll try to get a copy and post here.

Saw a couple of big manta rays, one I was right above, and he took off behind me, before I could get turned around, he was outta sight... talk about fast!

I have more dives scheduled for Thanksgiving day, so look for another report.

Blog Comments!

2008-11-26T08:50:00.002-05:00

I understand that some are having issues with leaving comments.

Feel free to drop me an e-mail if that would be easier.

cveeblog@gmail.com

Thanks, and I am off to dive!

Look for more of my adventures after I return.

The Reef!

2008-11-25T09:01:00.004-05:00

(updated)

Yesterday, I headed out to the barrier reef in a small kayak.

It's a short (long if it is blowing like yesterday) trip from the pier here.

The conditions were not to favorable, but I really wanted to dive. I loaded up all of my gear, and off I went.

Two strokes forward and the waves and wind, pushing me back about a stroke. No way to really measure it, but it is sure it's true, or at least what it felt like.

Not sure how long it took me to get to the reef, as time kinda stands still on this journey. Once I arrived at the inside edge reef, I was just a few feet away from outside of the reef.

Today the waves were wild, here again difficult to measure when you are in a small kayak, but guessing 6-10 feet. Let's just say, I knew I was one wave away from capsizing.

I kinda planned for that, as I had all of my gear lashed and tied in. Still was really hoping it didn't happen.

Where I was I could look out of my tiny little kayak and see the purple sea fans waving in under the waves, as if saying:

come one in....

The waters fine....

Then I did it. to be continued.

If you want me to continue, leave a comment, I'd like to hear from everyone that is reading the blog... otherwise, I'll return to Paradise, and enjoy my days here...

-----

Ok, a few readers out there,,, good! Now back to the kayak. I was at the end of the reef, looking for a place to dive, I could look overboard and see under the water, fish, corals sea fans, etc. All very inviting.

All would be there for me another day. I opted out of this dive because the conditions were not favorable. I started my long journey back, disappointed that I didn't dive, but safe.

Back at the palapa, grabbed a Belikin and watched the waves crashing in at the reef, just about 500 yards away.

The sea tempted me, but I escaped unscathed.

Extended Town Tour

2008-11-24T10:47:00.008-05:00

Sat I went to town and went to Pedro's. Since it was going to be a late night, I got a room at the Banana Beach resort.

I stayed at banana beach, in a banana room, with a banana key, slept on a banana bed, saw real banana's growing right outside my room, and felt obligated to eat banana pancakes!

But, for the record, I didn't do any monkey business... (the gift shop)

This is a short recap for Sat / Sunday.

Banana Pancakes!

One of the guys from the resort and his girlfriend.

Pedro's

Iguana anyone?

Banana Beach Resort

No banana shaped pool.. they are slipping!

Right outside my room.

No adult in sight.. walking down the highway

Whats a bar without a bird?

Laurie is clocked in and working.

BBQ Ribs at BCs beach bar... Great stuff!

A few of the boarders....

The famous Laurie caught in the act!

The first annual "Sauce Off" like a BBQ cook off with out the meat!

I'm sure this is on a wanted poster someplace. I got a lot of requests, I hope everyone is happy!

Sunset over town.

A night shot on the back of a moving boat in heavy seas. A couple of guests here.

They are really doing it up big at the Palappa here for Thanksgiving!

San Pedro Town, golf cart tour

2008-11-22T09:15:00.004-05:00

Today was explore San Pedro Town Day. We rented a golf cart (no auto rentals to anyone but BZE)

These are just random shots, in and about town.

The bakery near the "cut" in the North end. The "cut: is a small divide between two large land masses. for many years the only way other that swim or boat was a hand drawn ferry.

Self serve.

The locals feed the free range crocs.

Faint ocean rainbow

Ramon's resort pool. read: $$$$$$

Local fruit stand. I bought a gallon a squeezed while I waited orange juice. $7.50 us It is outstanding!

The first splurge (lobster) of my trip. This was from Waramunga's This and fish tacos, two sodas cost $24us

Local fish tacos

Looking north from the beach.

Fanta, Estel's, Belize... all I need is a GPS, and I'd be set!

Two years ago these were all sand roads. the cobblestones are a huge improvement. This is downtown San Pedro town.

Ok, I have tons of pictures, but this will give you a good overview of the town.

Code team room, err curtain one!

2008-11-21T07:44:00.008-05:00

You can't really call this a room, and even calling it a curtain is pushing it.

Let me back up, and bring you up to speed.

Yesterday I went to meet with some of the island doctors, and a tour of the faculties at the clinic.

I pass maybe 50 most all with baby's in line waiting to be seen. This is worst than the triage counter at St Joe on a Sat Night!

Anyway, after getting past the line, my tour begins. Not many photos, as this is a medical clinic.

Just some general observations: A medical faculty without hot water?, Most all of the restrooms are posted "no service", no lead shielding around the x-ray machine that they just received a few weeks ago? A glass window on one side, an open hall of the other. Most all of the air conditioners are not working, and it is hot in here.

I ended up volunteering all of my day at the clinic. Trying to make some sense of the rooms, what little equipment they had, and what supplies they had.

I was directed to a area where they think they would like to be used for emergencies. It is also the only room that a cart / gurney could be used, if they ever get an ambulance.

Crash cart... where to begin on this.

The crash cart was locked and no one had keys... Lets just say that's not a problem anymore.

I dug up some old ancient equipment, managed to get a 3 lead ekg, and pulse ox and a automatic blood pressure cuff set up and installed on the cart.

Crash cart is set up best I could for the time I had. It now has a suction, no yankars, a few NG tubes, 4 bags of fluid... (no one can remember that the last time an IV was started) some occlusive dressings, two drip sets and 4 different IV caths.

Code drugs? None on the cart. They say they have Nitro and epi in the pharmacy.

Far from perfect, but as they sort out the stuff, hopefully they will add to it.

Kinda hard to get a rescue team moving forward, if they can't take the patient anywhere!

I'm sure I'll be sending more time here before I leave.

stories done by the TODAY Show (NBC) during their live broadcast from Belize on November 17 & 18th, 2008

2008-11-20T02:38:00.000-05:00

Below is a summary of the stories done by the TODAY Show (NBC) during their live broadcast from Belize on November 17 & 18th, 2008.

All the aerial views and the stories with the helicopter where done using the services of Astrum Helicopters (http://www.astrumhelicopters.com/)

Discovering the Blue HoleNov. 17: The reef off the coast of Belize known as the Blue Hole may be in trouble because of rising ocean temperatures. TODAY’s Matt Lauer reports.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27766272#27766272

An aerial view of the Blue HoleNov. 17: TODAY’s Matt Lauer takes a helicopter tour above the Blue Hole and along the coastline of Belize.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27766231#27766231

Continuing Cousteau’s journeyNov. 17: TODAY’s Matt Lauer talks to Jacques Cousteau’s grandson Fabien about the secrets that lie under the sea and the global concerns about the state of our planet’s water.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27765080#27765080

Worries about ecotourismNov. 17: NBC’s Kerry Sanders looks into whether the ecotourism industry has become a problem. TODAY’s Matt Lauer talks to Blake Ross, director of Long Caye Belize, about the issue. (Today Show)http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27767723#27767723

Lauer swims with the sharksNov. 18: Matt Lauer goes snorkeling with sting rays, sharks, and other fish off the coast of Belize. The TODAY co-host is in the Central American nation as part of the show’s “Ends of the Earth” series, which is focusing on the future of the world’s water.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27782284#27782284

Cousteau on our troubled watersNov. 18: TODAY’s Matt Lauer talks to Jacques Cousteau’s grandson Fabien about the state of our oceans and the effects that rising temperatures have on sea life.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27782319#27782319

Preserving marine wildlifeNov. 18: TODAY’s Matt Lauer finds out what conservationists are doing to try to preserve marine wildlife off the coast of Belize.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27782889#27782889

Wildlife in peril in BelizeNov. 18: NBC’s Kerry Sanders meets some of the endangered species in Belize. TODAY’s Matt Lauer talks to Losita Lee of the Audubon Society about the state of the wildlife.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27783851#27783851

Preserving the coral reefsNov. 18: TODAY’s Matt Lauer talks to Melanie McField about the Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27785285#27785285

Weds - Photo Op,long walks on the beach, Night Snorkeling

2008-11-19T20:38:00.009-05:00

Today was a day away from town. Walks / ride the bike both north and south of the villa.

Yes, that boat has Kansas registration! I would like to know what stories it could tell, some 1500 miles away.

The tackle box bar at Tranquillity Bay resort has all natural, local mahogany!

Four-plex!

Dr. Greg Smith, marine biologist, aka The Turtleman, and his new daughter.

Farm raised shrimp from the beer distributor. At the time of this writing, $40bz for 2kg (4.4lbs). Add some butter, some fresh garlic, a little heat, garnish with lime, and this is what you get!

First time I have ever seen conch fencing!

Shipwrecked Jayhawker?

Are you an eel or a fish?

Not sure what species this is...

View from the beech

ACER Business Meeting, Geocaching, Sunsets

2008-11-19T09:47:00.004-05:00

Tuesday

I had a meeting with the principals of Ambergris Caye Emergency Rescue Team.

The meeting went well, we identified a number of action items and are working on that list.

My original geocache location was rejected, as it was deemed to be commercial in nature. (Had to ask a shopkeeper for the cache) I have since moved it and hopefully will get it approved today!

Since I was in town, I took a walk to Banyon Bay resort. Nice dive shop, and a geocache!

I then made a few stops for shrimp, chicken and the local island favorite, fresh coconut ice cream.

You know the shrimp will be good, it came from the beer distributor!

Walking total for the day 3.04 miles. It would have been more, but I had to catch the 5:30 boat.

The boat ride home had a beautiful sunset, the colors down here are amazing.

Late news: I have a meeting with some of the island Drs. Thursday at 830 to discuss ACER.

Fire Ants!

2008-11-18T10:16:00.002-05:00

I did a little research on these:

http://fireant.tamu.edu/materials/factsheets_pubs/pdf/FAPFS023_2002rev_Medical.pdf

Monday - The big crash!

2008-11-17T17:00:00.004-05:00

I took off on a bike ride... now I used to ride a bike a lot, but that was many years ago and a few pounds lighter, plus this was on mostly paved roads.

Can you see where I am going with this? No paved roads, a few extra pounds and old gringo on a regular bike. (no 10 speed bikes here because of all the corrosion)

Anyway, I was getting along fine, yea those bike seats aren't padded enough, but I was having a good time. It was all fun and games until I tried to turn to quick.

The landing wasn't that bad, but I was on the ground for a few seconds before I got up. No big deal, right?

WRONG, especially in the jungle!

I noticed something biting me.. I looked down and had small black ants that apparently hadn't had any fresh meat for a while, and they decided to feast on me!

I was swatting them off for 5 minutes, only to find out they were all over my back also! Finally had to take my shirt off to get rid of them.

I am glad that this happened in the jungle, where no one was around, because a picture of a shirtless overweight gringo in the jungle swatting ant wouldn't be a pretty site.

The former nova shrimp company building. Security guards had a small cooking fire going. No power all the way down here, and the generators stopped long ago.

This was part of the filtration system.

Came back to the villa, and had some prophylactic guacamole. This was with some of the fruit that we picked up when we were at the farmers market ion the mainland in Belmopan.

Yum!! (ohh, the belikin beer is not an optional beverage with this stuff, it is required!

(Yes, those are real avocados)

Matt Laurer - The Today Show in Belize

2008-11-17T10:03:00.000-05:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27765080#27765080

Sunday - Town is closed

2008-11-17T07:29:00.004-05:00

I was going to go to Bowdens and get some shrimp, but they were closed. I went snorkling instead looking for a few red snapper for supper. All I saw were really small ones.

I did see a huge morey eel, about 5 feet long, and what I estimate was a 4 foot octopus.

Then I saw this... well, I really didn't see him like this, but you can do the math.

I had to fight off a 4 foot eel that thought he would take it from me.

ohh and below is the rest of the story

Yum!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday -Under Construction

2008-11-17T07:28:00.002-05:00

Saturday -Under Construction

Friday -Under Construction

2008-11-17T07:28:00.001-05:00

Friday -Under Construction

Thursday -Under Construction

2008-11-17T07:26:00.000-05:00

Thursday -Under Construction

Weds - Tikal and more

2008-11-16T11:42:00.012-05:00

I don’t think any of us slept well, and we were all up by 545 am. I showered and was off to explore the city, actually an island called Flores in Guatemala sans any penalty time from the Amazing race.

Cleaning windows in Flores, Guatemala.

Walked all around, found a place to get fresh bananas, two of ‘em cost me $1 guat, about 17 cents.

This is another island in the lake. Only access is by water.

Those aren't toys!

The local beer is Gallo, and the logo looks like a rooster.. We saw the logo everywhere…and I do mean everywhere, just look below!

I think the graffiti translates to all gringos will be checked for guns. If none are found, they will direct you to a place where you can buy one.

Back from the walk, I decided since I was here and was suppose to be some of the best coffee around I’d give it a try.. Last time was when I was 16, and I was at a seminar by Cains coffee on how to make a perfect cup.

Anyway, coffee was $10, coffee con leche (milk) was $15, $5 ea. I tried it, it was ok, but how could I compare?

We all ordered breakfast, but no-one really know what we were ordering. That year of Spanish in high school didn’t get me very far today.

Once the food was delivered, we were pleasantly surprised. It was good and we all considered ourselves lucky.

Breakfast!

Notice the Gallo on the Christmas Tree?

We loaded up the car and left Flores, and went to San Something…still a really run down town.

$29.89 gal

We found the local market and walked around this place for a while, actually almost got lost in the place. This was in a covered building(s) of some sort, very narrow sidewalks (some places, only 1 person wide) that kept on twisting and turning.

The local mall

This place had a lot of cheep import crap, no tourist stuff here! But take a look at some of the pictures below. Yes, those are live chickens, right next to the ones that they just cleaned. Strange place for a USDA processing plant! Ha! I kept on looking for the Amazing Race staff, as I know they had to be here. After this trip, I have a better understanding of what it must be like to be in the amazing race.

You will also get a flavor of what the place looked like.

Fresh tortillas

Fresh Chicken anyone?

We escaped without any injury and started to Tikal, the Mayan ruins. Some consider the New York City of the Mayan world.

One stop at a local store, it looked like a grocery story from the outside, but once inside it looks like a scaled down Wal-Mart with a big grocery department.

We picked up a few things, and proceeded to the check out. I noticed that he clerk’s nametag was flipped over backwards. It said WAL-MART!

Sure enough there were some posters on the wall that said Wal-mart Central America.

We stopped back by the Guatemala Tourist Center for a map.

This horse had a rope, most didn't. They were all over the highway. One I saw had a gaping 5 in cut on the right hip. I m guessing it got hit.

Finally!

TiKal

On the way to the geocache, this was before we had to bushwhack the jungle.

Yea, another geocache and another country!

At arrival of Tikal it costs us $150 q ($22 us) each to get in. Parking is about 1.25 miles from the epicenter and would be a long walk. We were lucky, and caught a ride up in a truck. Once to the center, climbed up to one of the tops, about 6 or 7 stories on wooden stairs on the outside of the ruins. Great view, the howler monkeys were screaming as were a lot of different kinds of birds.

Below is the log for the geocache.

I wanted to find the geocache that was in the area, and we took off on foot on the trail. The trail we were on soon disappeared and it was about .15 miles to the cache, so we pressed on. Its very difficult to get a reading in the jungle, and I am sure that we were all over the place. Like a lot of geocaches, once you get close to the final, you find an easier way in/out, and this was no different.

The GPS had me about about 30 feet in the jungle on the other side of the road. We looked a bit, but no luck. Back to the path where we could get a better reading and looked at the hint, and looked a bit more ended up finding it about 100 feet from where I was first looking.

The cache itself could use some help. The plastic bag inside the container was full or water, the post it note log book was to wet to sign, but I tried. If the next person could bring a better container and a new logs book this cache could continue.

Thanks for placing the cache, and allowing me to bag another country

This was a bug bite... some kind of big black bug

This Cemetery had lots of vaults above ground. Most all were very colorful.

Another view of the dirt road they call a highway.

Doing laundry.

Heading home from the river laundry.

This was a gal from the states, not to far from Land of the Ozarks.

Her friends folks have place at Sueno. This pic is for Katie, the daughter. Her friends folks are going to e-mail her while they are here.

Thursday am Up at 530, off to the study hall building so I can use my computer.

The resort we are staying at has an agreement with the local college (galen) to house some of the students, so the have a screened in porch that they call study hall.

Ok, I slipped in a few from Thursay.. stay tuned, more pictures and blog soon!

Tuesday... The beginning of the mainland tour...

2008-11-15T18:23:00.010-05:00

Tuesday…

Up early today as we had a 8 am boat to town… I had to check the lobster pots that I had set out yesterday as a trial run. All I have at the time to bait them was baked chicken.

Traps had a snapper, a crab and a damsel fish, released them back to the sea, to catch later.

Quick job of packing and then of to Belize Municipal airport.
Gate B at San Pedro town.

This is one of the Cayes (Keys) near Ambergris Caye.

Hiway map of Belize. (Click on it for a larger veiw)

It was a short 15 minute flight and we were at Belize city… Met our rental car driver, back to the rental care agency, and then off on one of the few hiways in Belize.

We stopped at Hattieville Prison Gift shop, I place where the prisoners make the products, the gist shop sells the item and the prisonor gets a percentage in his account so he/she will have spending money when the are released. I have a picture of them inmates out tending to the yards, with a machette. Heck of a way to mow the grass!

Our next stop was for lunch.

This place had more signs posted than I have seen on my whole trip Inside it was almost every bumber sticker that has ever been printed

Pretty good food, I had garlic shrimp. Then I noticed the deserts... We all had something different, I really enjoyed the lemon pie.

San Ingino Belize has a nice little farmers market area, we are staying here on Weds Night., so we will check it out then.

Lots of hills, small mountains in the area, as I write this note, we are at 425 feet above sea level.

We are almost in Guatemala, seeing a few resorts along the way. Country side reminds me of Lake of the Ozarks, then more like Benet springs, Mo.

Crossing a one line woodedn bridge near Benque Viejo del Carmen, on the boarder of Guatemala

The Belize border crossing building. Had to pay $37.50bz each to exit.

Our next step was to get the car sprayed for bugs. $17.50bze for a few hundred drops of spray. Didn't even get the windshield wet... what a rip off.

Had to pay a Guatumella entrance fee $20 guat, ($1us = $6 Guat) then pay a fee for the car, then pay a park entrance fee of $20gu ea. More on the park fee in a future blog.

Wow, what an ordeal at the border…

Lots of “people” to help us, disguised as money transfer agents. $6 guat to $1 am one the Belize, $7.20 100 feet later on the Guatmella side. Everyone had a hand out!

The bridge between the two countries

The hi-way was worst that a poor lake road at Osage beach.. we had 30 miles or so of that, then a poor asphalt road with pot holes, pot craters, etc and lots of traffic, we were outside of Flores and so far, none of us are impressed. No road markers, street signs, etc. And of course I didn't have Belize or Guatamella maps downloaded to my garmin GPS.

We are going to Flores, and we have a map that has been photocopied so many times that it us blurry. Hiway markers are very rare, and non of them say Flores. We hope we are heading in the direction.

We stop at a turest information building around 4 pm… closed damn…

We continue on and find a convenience store. We go in to get some auqa puricicada (filtered water) be cause we sure don’t want to drink what the local do. As we are getting the water, I notice 6 locals, all male, and 4 of the 6 have some kind of firearms. (Sorry I didn't get a better picture, but I was doing this really low key.. I didn't want to attract any more attention that I absloutly had to)

The most noticeable was what we in the states call a street sweeper… a sawed off 12 gauge shotgun. One blast from one of those into a crowd on the street, and no one is left standing; now you know how it got its name.

This is the militery base. These guard towers were attended, and yes they were armed!

Ok made it to Flores, Guatemala about 5, we commented that we felt like we were on the Amazing Race, and made it to the pit stop but never did find Phil Grogen.

This is the entrance to Flores, The Town on the Island in the biggest lake in the area.

Very narrow, steep streets.

Flores is an island in the lake, and seems to have a lot of tourist business, lots of shops selling the same old t-shirt or wooden bowls.

A few pics of the area. Sory for the poor quality, some were shot holding the camera outside the window above the car.

After seeing such a run down poor housing and really a run down country it was nice to see something half way decent.

The local beer. You see the logo everywhere!

At least there is an ambulance on the island.

One of the many open air places to eat. Seems to really cater to those that want to visit the island, met a guy from Chicago who flew in just to see Tikal.

This is the kitchen, with an open brick wood oven.

That's it for the day... no one was shot, and we felt lucky.

Saturday

2008-11-15T13:51:00.001-05:00

Saturday at San Pedro

I know it has been a while since I have posted, with being on the road, up early to meet with Ambergris Caye Emergency Rescue, not being in town makes the connections a little difficult.

Met with Jason, and had a nice meeting, and set up a big meeting for Tuesday. Walked to Crazy Canucks and got GPS cords for the geocache I plan to place here. Met with the owner and everything is squared away. Belizean Melody will be posted and hopefully approved soon.

Stopped at the beverage distributor, and picked up a few beverages, then caught a taxi to Fido’s to wait for the boat.
I plan to work on the blogs today and hopefully get caught up. I have over 400 pictures to sort through..

Tonight is Saturday Sundowners party at the pier. Look for more pictures and updates later.

Since it has been a while since I posted and pictures, here is a teaser pic from our travels.

Baron Bliss Lighthouse Monument The Lighthouse monument at Fort George Point towers over the harbor entrance. This was built from money donated to the country by Belize's greatest benefactor Baron Bliss, the 5th baron of Portugal. At his request, he was entombed in front of the lighthouse, which he designed himself prior to his death.

Guatemala

2008-11-12T22:09:00.002-05:00

Back in Belize, lots of stories and adventures. Very limited Internet, so I'll update as soon as I can.

Only 3 weeks left....

2008-11-10T22:36:00.001-05:00

Monday… Only 3 weeks left… damn…

Started the day with an early moring boat ride to town. Attempted to meet with the ACER folks, meet with Fredrick, he stated to comeback at 930.

I have about an hour and 15 to kill, so off to island perk to talk Geocaching.

Island perk Though that they were would be to busy to help manage the geocache, Drats,.. but hold the phone..Melody from the art gallery next to Crazy Canuks said should would help out! Yea!!

We visited about the cache, and she is excited about it. I need to make a trip to her business to get final cords and we’ll be good to go!

I had just enough time for some fry jacks, and some local bacon., eggs and potatoes.. not to mention fresh squeezed orange juice.

Went back to the ACER HQ and the business owners some issues that had cropped up and they needed to attend to them.

So off to the markets for some groceries for supper.

No super dillions or wal-mart mega centers here… The greenhouse for fresh vegetables, the sausage factory for meat, super buy for canned goods and pasta.

I would normally go to the bakery for bread, but to catch the 10:30 boat back to I ened up getting a loaf of bread there.

Surprise… as I walk outside, it had started to rain… since moste everyone walks to everyplace here, including me, I was on foot in the rain.

Only four of us on the boat, so I could crawl under the small top (Think awing) Lots more rain on the 12 miles home.

Checked my email, saw that someone from AXCER was disappointed today, so I offered to catch the next boat to town, but didn’t get a response. so it was off to fish.

We went fishing for a while and caught some bait for the lobster pots.

I went back after the mask, fins and snorkel so I could place the pots right were I wanted.

Saw lots of lobster while I was placing the pots and a few fish.. Went after the sling and between the sling, fishing and going to the reef at Nova shrimp dock and 2 of us fishing we ended up with 6 keepers.

Look for more later…

Xcalak, Mexico

2008-11-09T23:36:00.006-05:00

We made a trip to Xcalak Mexico today... It is a very small sleepy little fishing village about 12 miles north in Mexico... http://locogringo.com/xcalak/

Twin Lighthouses

Cheep! Anyone want to help me flip this baby?

We were the new owners first customers. This was one of the kids from Sueno (And Wichita KS)

Indoor plumbing outside?

I'm really glad that they can't re-fill this one!

Just a few of the Sueno crowd

The buy of the day... sorry to say I wasn't in on the deal. That's all tail, they removed the head just a few minutes before this shot.

After hitting a rouge wave on the way to Xcalak and having one of the group go overboard, safety first!

Capt Chris!

Robert, Berta, Jary et al

Jary and Dana

9 oercent beer... this was one of four different kinds. Seems if they kept running out

My garlic shrimp, it was WONDERFUL!

Xcalak a Town of 300, has an ambulance, San Pedro 12,000 plus doesn't??????

Nasty Clouds at Sueno Del Mar
Waiting for me, once I got home... wonder if it tastes like chicken?

Arrival at San Pedro Town

2008-11-08T21:43:00.004-05:00

Lots of new shirts at the Airport!

More Tees!

Arrived in Belize a little late, then caught the Tropic Air Flight over to San Pedro. Weather was

79 degrees when I landed with a 6 mph wind.. Pretty much perfect!

Had to go get a belikin, as my transportation hadn’t arrived. It’s a rough job but someone has to do it!

Met up with my friends, the boat wasn’t ready, gee. . . time for a drink!

If you don’t know, they advertise san Pedro as a sleepy little drinking town with a diving problem.

Then off on the boat…As I approached the pier, I was welcomed with a fabulous rum punch!

Talk about tasty! Sueno del Mar looks great, lots of additions and updates since my previous visit.

Had a few minutes to change clothes and unwind.

Then it was off to Saturday Sundown Party on the pier. Some fabulous cervechie, some cheese dip and beans with fresh chips. Caught up since my last visit, has a nice visit with the former guests and met some new ones.

Had dinner at the villa which included a salad with fresh local tomatoes and some avocado that was to die for!

Sunday it we plan to make a boat trip to Xcalcx Mexico, a very small fishing village just North of Ambergris Caye. More on that later!

look for more pictures soon

2008-11-08T21:43:00.003-05:00

Arrived in Belize a little late, then caught the Tropic Air Flight over to San Pedro. Weather was 79 degrees when I landed with a 6 mph wind.. Pretty much perfect!

Had to go get a belikin, as my transportation hadn’t arrived. It’s a rough job but someone has to do it!

Met up with my friends, the boat wasn’t ready, gee. . . time for a drink!

If you don’t know, they advertise san Pedro as a sleepy little drinking town with a diving problem.

Then off on the boat…As I approached the pier, I was welcomed with a fabulous rum punch!

Talk about tasty! Sueno del Mar looks great, lots of additions and updates since my previous visit.

Had a few minutes to change clothes and unwind.

Then it was off to Saturday Sundown Party on the pier. Some fabulous cervechie, some cheese dip and beans with fresh chips. Caught up since my last visit, has a nice visit with the former guests and met some new ones.

Had dinner at the villa which included a salad with fresh local tomatoes and some avocado that was to die for!

Sunday it we plan to make a boat trip to Xcalcx Mexico, a very small fishing village just North of Ambergris Caye. More on that later!

look for pictures if I get my camera software loaded....

Goodies Delivered!

2007-01-10T22:32:00.000-05:00

Just received word that all of our goodies for the school, library and SAGA just to mention a few has been picked up. Thanks for helping deliver all of the stuff we broght down. (You know who you are :)

C - Out!

Turtleman - Greg Smith

2007-01-07T22:05:00.000-05:00

First, my background,I have been scuba diving since 1976 and made numerous trips to Cozumel, and Cancun as a diver, later even more trips as a scuba instructor. I had numerous saltwater and Reef aquariums and have done tons of self research on all kinds of aquatic life. My point, while no formal education on marine biology, I had a pretty good working knowledge of the reef.

Enter Greg Smith, a local Belizean, who has 27 years in the area. I was fortunate enough to play in his back yard and he was a most gracious host.

to be continued...

but while you are waiting, Check out Greg:

http://www.belizeanjourneys.com/turtle.html

http://ambergriscaye.com/reefbriefs/briefs11.html

http://www.belizeaudubon.org/past%20winners.htm

http://www.seaturtle.org/mtn/archives/mtn57/mtn57p1.shtml

http://www.sirenian.org/research99_1.html

http://www.barefooters.org/best-of/tales-gs.txt

http://www.travel-belize.org/southern_belize_travel/coastal_highway/things_to_do.php

Misc Corals

2007-01-02T23:11:00.000-05:00

Most of these shots would not make my "keep" list, but it is all I have of this dive trip. Hopefully next trip, I can bring my own underwater photography equipment and improve the quality. These pictures were furnished as part of my dive package, and a nice touch. Thanks for understanding.

6 foot nurse

2007-01-02T23:10:00.000-05:00

Lettuce coral

2007-01-02T23:04:00.000-05:00

"Sleeping" nurse shark

2007-01-02T23:00:00.000-05:00

Black Grouper

2007-01-02T22:59:00.000-05:00

French Grunt

2007-01-02T22:46:00.000-05:00

Nurse on the prowl. . .

2007-01-02T22:45:00.000-05:00

C Down Under!

2007-01-02T22:43:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T13:50:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

We stayed at home and had a great time together. Hope you enjoyed your time also.

Continental has yet to deliver my missing bag. Hope I didn't lose my diving video!

This is the longest time ever for a lost bag for me.

We are still sorting pictures and plan to post some more soon. Also, look for a recap of the trip.

C - Out!

Back Home

2006-12-30T16:03:00.002-05:00

Arrived home at 4:30 am this morning. Only one lost bag, and 3 1/2 hours of delays, but we are all safe and sound.

Time to unpack, and start updating our blog. We have plenty of pictures, tons of memories and some great expirences to share.

Please keep checking, we all hope you enjoyed our trip and our stop in Belize.

C- Out!

Dream Of The Sea Sunrize

2006-12-30T16:03:00.001-05:00

Be sure and click on the pictures for a bigger view.

Your Table Is Ready!

2006-12-30T16:02:00.000-05:00

Breakfast at Estelle's

2006-12-29T08:53:00.000-05:00

Parasailing in Paradise

2006-12-29T08:26:00.000-05:00

Charlie and his new friend

2006-12-29T08:21:00.000-05:00

Water Fun!

2006-12-28T18:33:00.000-05:00

We just came in from an amazing day of water fun. It took us about 2 hours to get everything figured out, and still all stayed in good moods...wow! Erica got her crash course in her diving gear from our favorite dive instructor. We gals dressed in our beautiful lycra wet suits... nope, NO pictures... and we were off on our adventure. By the time we walked to the pier, Chico was doubled over laughing because he thought he had just seen 3 mermaids. He continued to walk with us the rest of the way, laughing continuously. Oh, and have I mentioned we're known around here as Charlie's Angels? Hahahaha...yeah, it's true, we are! Anyway, It took us a bit longer to figure out how to get all of us and all of our gear into our kayaks. Emily and I were in one kayak pulling the kayak full of the diving gear. Erica and Charlie each had their own. And we were off! Emily and I were going to be snorkling, pulling the kayaks over the divers...as to keep any boats away from us. We still saw plenty...Emily got to see a sting ray and I just enjoyed seeing it all the beauty that's down there. It's really incredible, but I think I've mentioned that before. I would have to say, for me the most interesting thing would have been as I got back in the kayak and Emily got in, we were pretty impressed with ourselves for being able to board with no steps...and I looked down in time to see a little crab, scurrying toward my crotch. I thought I was being very cool, trying to get it out with the oar, but then next thing I know, it's under me and I quietly said a word as I dumped us out of the kayak. Sheesh! I did later find out, from Chico...who was still laughing ridiculously...that I might have said that word a little louder than I thought since he heard it from the pier. :) It's time for our last supper at the palapa, and tonight we're having grouper with coconut gravy. Yippeeee! Charlie's going to fill you in on the under water activities that took place in a little bit. And, we'll add our last few pictures as well. I better go, Erica's screaming like a girl because a lizard just ran out of her suitcase.

Virginia

Departure Eve! :(

2006-12-28T12:56:00.000-05:00

Today is looking to be another perfect day. Charlie is in town now, Erica is in the pool (surprise!) and Emily and I have been washing the conch shells we have been collecting. When he gets back, we’re going to dive and snorkel right off the shore. It’s hard to believe in 24 hours we’ll be packing to leave this paradise.

More later!

Or maybe I should say V-out! hehe

The View from the Girls

2006-12-28T12:54:00.000-05:00

After dropping Charlie off for his diving adventure, the girls were getting ready for an adventure of their own. Actually, Erica has wanted to parasail since the first day we landed. Emily wanted to watch. By the time we got over to the boat, they were both paid up and ready for fun. The 2 guys running the boat told the girls what to expect as we headed out.

Emily went first and ended up not being nervous at all. She was waving and flapping her arms (in honor of Uncle Bob). She was pretty excited when she got back to the boat because she saw 3 big sting rays.

She also tried to convince the captain that she saw a great white shark...which made him laugh hysterically. His response was something like, “Oh, hell no, mon, not in my warm water!” It was a perfect day, no clouds, no wind...and the water was only 8 feet deep.

Now it was Erica’s turn, and she was the one who ended up being nervous. She was smiling a nice little fake smile as she left and was about to burst when she landed. She also saw rays and some pretty big fish. Definitely a highlight of their trip and probably one of their life.

Now, here is the story of 3 girls getting to shop without a male present! What a time we had! We finally got to buy ourselves things we needed, really we did! This isn’t really a cheap place to shop, not like a lot of places we’ve been, but we all were able to talk a couple of items down so we didn’t pay so much.

Actually, t-shirts and most of the touristy stuff is more than most places. Something we were ‘warned’ about were the kids who sell jewelry...they will approach you attach themselves to you until you buy something.

We could be warned all we want, but they’re SO cute! We bought from Jose and if I could bring him home, I would. Anyway, when it was all said and done, we all 3 have necklaces, bracelets and ankle bracelets. J By the time Charlie returned and called us on our walkie talkie, we were officially out of money and he was forced to buy us lunch.

Worked out very well on our end, indeed.

Virginia