Cruising from Rio Dulce to the Atolls of Belize!
Port and starboard bow decorations (hood ornaments) as we woke in Livingston, where you check in and out of Guatemala, getting ready to cruise to Belize!
The gorge on the Rio Dulce.
Buying fresh lobster from Herman, so guess what we had for dinner?
Gotta take it easy every now and then!
Lighthouse Reef, Belize:
We spent a couple of days at Half Moon Caye which is located in the southeast corner of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the outermost of the Belize's 3 coral atolls and about 50 miles southeast of Belize City. The other reefs are Turneffe and Glover's. The 45-acre Caye is divided into 2 distinct areas: the dense guano-rich Ziricote forest and the "paradise island" coconut palm beach. It's sandy white beaches are where the turtles come up to nest.
Half Moon Caye supports the only booby breeding colony in Belize. An estimated 4,000 booby birds (Sula Sula) nest beside their pirating neighbors, the Magnificent Frigate birds. There is an observation tower allowing you to overlook the nesting area for both breeds. Below, the red-footed booby (sorry, but she wouldn't let us see her feet!).
The male frigate's expand their throats displaying what resembles a huge red balloon. They then tap their beaks on the "balloon" creating an interesting vibrating sound. That's their mating call. Works if you're attracted to large red balloons.
Path to the observation tower.
Diving was on the agenda. The coral reefs here are very healthy and colorful. The schools of fish encircling you is like floating in an aquarium. This video was taken at @ 50 feet down.
We are now back in Roatan. Arrived a week ago Thursday. It's is a comfort to be here as we know how to get around the area and where all the shopping is including our favorite markets, Eldons and Bulk Gourmet. Alot of cruisers we met earlier this year are back, so the social scene has been full tilt! Doing a lot of diving with friends Elly and Wayne. www.zeppelindiveandsail.com. She's also my yoga instructor. Bob Anderson spent a few days with us prior to him joining his cruise ship, Royal Caribbean, The Mariner. It was a HOOT! I even got some cooking lessons! Paddy and I are looking forward to a visit from Jan and Charlie Lyons who will be here for the holidays! Stocking up on champagne!!!
I'm behind on updating my blog, so if I'm really out of sorts...............early holiday wishes to all.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.
HAVE A COOL YULE AND A FRANTIC FIRST!
xox - Queenie and Paddy
