Robert's Grove, Placencia to Caye Caulker

So, here we are still in Belize. It was our plan to 'get outa Dodge' long before now, but we've had poor weather, on and off, and no opportunity to move North and on to Mexico and then Florida. At one point, another big blow was due so we moved into Robert's Grove, the marina we were in a couple of years ago when we lost our tranny. The first photos are from there. This time, we didn't inherit a rat...so it was much more pleasant. However, the expected wind didn't materialize, so we probably didn't need to move into the marina...hind sight is 20/20!

Their docks are well built, but a terrible plan in that the supports are on the outside which makes it difficult to come up against the dock and try to place fenders appropriately.

On the resort side, we went out here for drinks a few times. Met some nice tourists there, but boy...WAS IT WINDY!!

After that, we headed out to the Cayes where we finally managed to do some snorkeling.  Here's a lobster Ralph found, but they weren't in season....DRAT!!
We also ran aground in an area that, supposedly, was deep enough for us...but NOT!

Snorkeling, here in Belize, has for the most part been disappointing, but much better than some of our first attempts when we were here before.

We saw "Dorry" (sp??) but not Nemo!

We also were told about an old ship's anchor so Ralph went out to have a look.

This is me in my 'tele-tubby' suit...it's good for jelly-fish and also keeps me warmer when the water is cool. It was only 73 degrees then, but is now closer to 90!

Lots of fan coral and that is always beautiful!

A few more shots of the reef life.

We think this is some sort of sponge or ??

We have an anchor alarm program and this is what we wake up to, when it's been very windy. All those are the tracks of where we went over a few days in an anchorage in Belize.

Not a lot of height above the water in these parts. Tidal range is less than 2 feet. You can see why there is so much damage when a hurricane rips through here.

Enroute to Caye Caulker, Northern Belize, we passed 3 cruise ships anchored and ferrying passengers to and from Belize City.

This is Caye Caulker, where we currently are. Nice little town, dirt streets, and currently full of tourists and spring breakers.

We have tentatively decided to head on to Mexico, checking out of here after Easter weekend, supposing the weather holds.

Wish us luck! We have to get well up into Florida by June 1st, for insurance purposes...so fingers crossed!

Robinson Cays

Here we sit, yet again. We were trying to make it north, and out of Belize to Mexico, but another cold front is coming in, Sunday night into Tuesday, from the USA (Damn Americans)! So, we had to find a good anchorage to weather the storm. Winds are coming from the North to NW and there aren't many good anchorages in northern Belize for that direction of wind. There can be squalls, as well, and the wind is supposed to be up to 30kts, and more with a squall (mini storm often with lightning etc.) So we are in Robinson Cays. We are the only boat here, which is good in that we don't have to worry about anyone dragging anchor on us...AGAIN...but bad in that it's kind of scary to be all alone. There have been some robberies, mostly when people are off their boats, and one boarding that we know of, but not here to our knowledge. Still a little worrisome and we'll both be glad to be out of here. This season has been very discouraging because of the weather and being hit by the Moorings catamaran. We still haven't received the compensation for that but they assure us that we will. More once we get out of here.

Colson Cay

After a good sail, but very blustery, we arrived in Colson Cay after leaving Wippari yesterday. More bad weather is coming Monday/Tuesday so we have to plan where to be for that. Winds will be from the North/NE and not many good anchorages for that direction.

Roberts Grove

Here we sit awaiting the 'supposed wind storm' to come and go. We were here, 2 years ago, when Fortuitous lost it's tranny...and we gained a rat! We are zipped up, at night, to avoid the latter this time.