February 4th to 13th, 2011 - ROATAN, HONDURAS

From Belize to Roatan was another upwind, against the current slog. 25.5 hours to do what we can do in under 19 hours in "normal" conditions.




We start out anchoring in French Harbor, next to Fantasy Island Resort. We then move into the marina, in the exact spot our friends Dave & Linda on SV "Starshine" occupied when we were here two years ago. Our nearest neighbor is a real Lounge Lizard.


One of the days we rented a car we gave a lift to Jonesy & Terry off SV "Niki Wiki" to the West End and we all have lunch at the Light House restaurant.



The only paved highway runs along the "spine" of the island, offering great views. We share the view with the Blues Brothers.


Rush hour, Roatan style.



We enjoy lunch at Caya Resort on the North East part of the Island. Good food, world class view.






Launch ride from Oak Ridge to Jones Ville and the Hole in the Wall Restaurant. We travel with friends Alex and Carol, friends from Victoria; former Victorian Ward; his wife Carla, son and new daughter. The owner Bob is an American that sailed to Roatan, built a house, sank his boat and built a restaurant on a dock over the sunken boat. The decor includes a live parrot. It was all you can eat lobster and beef, with potatoes, beans, and coleslaw day. A day to remember!





We snorkel off of Coco View Resort. The main attraction for us was the VERY large lobster that sauntered by. I guess he knew that we had had our fill of lobster at Hole in the Wall the day before.

January 11th to February 3rd, 2011 - Belize with Cathy & Mike

We arrive in San Pedro, Belize on January 11th, via a stop over at Bahia de la Espiritu Santos, Mexico. It was all motor sailing on the nose.






On January 15th we are joined by friends Mike & Cathy. First order of business, dinner at Elvi's Restaurant. Mike checks the anchor set, the best we can get in the hard sand is the tip and part of one fluke. The beach scene, with flag, restaurant and bar names providing reminders of home.










We take a snorkeling tour of Hol Chin Channel and Shark Ray Ally. The highlights were the Turtle, Ray and Nurse Shark. Sandra actually petted the shark.










We visit Altun Ha Mayan Ruins. It was a non-cruise ship day and we had the place virtually to ourselves. We were able to climb up to the top of the highest pyramid for some great photos. Lunch was at the Jungle Spa, literally in the middle of nowhere. Great food and top marks for presentation. After lunch we sample the pools. Our land transportation. A sleeping salt water Crocodile. A domesticated relative of the Raccoon. Cute but too wild to pet.


Full moon rising over a cruise ship off English Cay.











We sail to Colson Cays and spend two days snorkeling the reefs. Murky water reduced the ability to get good pictures, except for the jelly fish. Mike saw a Lion Fish. They are a non-native highly poisonous fish that is devastating the local fish stock.


We wait out a blow in the very sheltered anchorage at Pelican Cays.


We end our visit with Mike and Cathy with a great meal in Placencia, Belize.


We sign out of Belize at Big Creek, using the Hockey Pokey Water Taxi.