Yes, we made it to Belize.
It was a bit of a journey, but thankfully the winds and seas were kind to us.
We were already for our last overnight jump from Cayo Norte in the atoll Blanco Chinchorro, Mexico for the next atoll south, Lighthouse Reef, Belize. We lifted anchor, hoisted the sails, and were making our way out of the atoll when we got a call from a Mexican Naval ship requesting a ‘routine inspection’. We were told to drop our sails and to re anchor and they would come out to us.
The humans were a little nervous, but they had no need to. They zoomed in on a super fast rib and we had 4 smiling officials aboard admiring the boat. They liked me, especially when they got the message that I do not bite. They asked for a look at our passports and ships papers. We had an extra copy left over from checking into Mexico, so we gave them a copy. They asked if we had seen anything suspicious, which we hadn’t, and then offered their services if they could be of any assistance. They said they would monitor channel 16 if we needed any help.
We waved them goodbye, got all the fenders up, and were on our way again. We were a little nervous about loosing passage time, but we did not have to. The winds built quickly and we had a reef in the main and foresail before we cleared the lee of the atoll and headed south. With the stronger winds the seas were a bit more ‘jumpy’ but nothing too exciting. I just really, really, really hate being hit with sea spray. I don’t mind rough seas, I just do not like sea spray. So the humans have to wrap me in a towel, so I do not get wet, or I get to go down stairs and share the sea berth with them. A bit of a ‘sweaty’ prospect in the tropics with all the hatches shut to keep the salt water out.
But with the stronger winds came a fast passage and we were in the lee of Belize’s Lighthouse Reef by morning. The humans did not fancy navigating through a channel in the reef until they had some good light, closer to noon, so they slowed the boat down by furling in the foresail. When they finally got to Long Cay in the south end of Lighthouse Reef they need not have worried. Although the entrance was shallow it was wide and clear of obstructions. They slowly nosed their way towards the beach and anchored in 2.4m of water.
I was so happy to see a beach. It has been 4 days since I have been off the boat. As entertaining as my humans can be, nothing beats a good long run. I have my humans well trained and dragged them off on the kayaks to explore the west side of Long Cay. It has a lovely sandy shoreline well tangled with drift wood in many places. There are also a few coconut tree groves along the shoreline, but most of the coconuts have been harvested and a graveyard of conch shells shows that the fisherman regularly come here.
Still no fisherman here now, and there are still a few coconuts about. There will be ‘Lime in the Coconuts’ going round tonight with a pinch of rum. Tomorrow will be diving. We have anchored at one of the most famous dive sites in Belize. There are mooring balls set all around Long Cay for the dive charters, but we are welcome to tie our dingy to them. A good night sleep, a bit of sorting out in the morning, and we should get a dive in hopefully tomorrow.
I will take lots of pictures for you!
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