Nov 3

Today we decided to see if we could go to Altun Ha.  We originally wanted to go cave tubing and zip lining but weren't sure if the caves were open.  We hired a tour guide to drive us there and show us around.  It wasn't cheap, $200BZ per person.  But it was worth it to avoid the hassle factor.  There was still flooding on the Northern highway, but his high clearance van had no problems.  It was worth the trip.

We came back shortly before we had to meet our group.  We had a lovely dinner at the hotel that night.  I had fried whole fish (could still see the teeth on it), rice and beans and coleslaw.  We even had a choice of dessert.  Lemon pie, coconut pie or coconut tart.  Very nice.  We have 14 people in total plus 2 group leaders and 2 tour guides.  Large group.  About half the clients were Canadian.

Nov 4

Today we departed Belize City around 8am. We headed down the Western highway to Belmopan.  The road was flooded just shortly outside the city. Mostly dry, open jungle on the way.  (Flat) Once we headed down the Hummingbird Highway things started to change.  We got into Gracie Hills, true deep thick forested jungle. The citrus groves are also here. Mostly oranges for juice, grapefruit as well.  We turned off about 2 hours later (after a bathroom break at an old sugar mill) to the dirt road to Placencia. Real dirt road and a bit rough in places. Not advisable to travel in rainy weather.

Finally arrived in Placencia. Nice little place. Beautiful white sand beaches. Warm water, even when overcast. Sea breezes to keep the mozzies off. Motel complete with open air bar and wooden beach chairs on the beach. Paradise found. Had ceviche for lunch as well as a fish burrito.

Nov 5

Last night I had fried conch steak, garlic veggies, buttered toast, coleslaw and papaya. So good!  It tasted like abalone. Today we took a motorboat ride to the Silk Cayes. Imagine a tropical island with only sand and palm trees. That's this island. Latrines, complete with flushing toilet and running water! One still had to throw the toilet paper in the trash bin.  The water out of the tap was purified so we could brush our teeth.

Today we went for a swim, kayak and snorkel. Had a bit of trouble with my snorkel and the mask kept on filling with water. Got a lesson from Ben on using it. We saw giant turtles and rays. Some people saw nurse sharks too. In the shallows off the island I saw angel fish, minnows and some kind of spotted fish. Super cool!

Dinner was fantastic, for camp food. Stewed chicken, white rice, beans and fried plantain. Traditional Belizean food. And pineapple juice with One Barrel rum. Tasty.