Placencia, on to Roatan or bust!

Ahhh!  Back in Placencia!  Clear water, reefs, and English!  We do love it here.  It has been great seeing some of our old friends at Yoli's.

Probably most of our family and friends in the US have undoubtedly heard about the murder in Honduras. This has sort of put a hitch into our travels to Honduras, as we would definitely have anchored in Puerto Escondito (east of Diamante) as a safe haven from nasty weather. There are articles posted on riodulcechisme.com regarding the two incidents. I will never again complain about the SSB radio, it probably saved our lives as we were headed to Escondito.

We have learned that Royal Caribbean has purchased some beachfront property and though the locals strongly detest their presence here, and feel they have "squashed" their plans to bring cruise ships to the beach, we're pretty sure it is a "done deal".  Money talks.   It is such a shame as they will certainly ruin the flavor of Placencia, and it will not contribute any jobs for the Belizeans.  We feel very fortunate to have been able to have been able to visit Placencia before it all changes.

We heard a few stories about the Port Capitan or Customs Office in Placencia charging $20 US per day, per person.  We actually checked out of Belize in Placencia yesterday and all total, checking in and checking out only cost us $65 US, plus the Hokey Pokey Water Taxi ride of $20 US.  A great relief for us,  but the saga continues as some cruisers have reported not so equitable relations with the Port Captain.  It seems to change daily.  It is a matter of topic often on the SSB NW Cruisers Net.  Most report favorable outcomes, some not so much!

While at Yoli's we met Dave on Challenge II  and as it turns out he, as well as John and Susie from Cabaret are also going to Utila, so we will be able to "buddy boat" with them.  We had a lovely sail on a glorious moonlit evening.  Of course, we had to run the Perkins and the generator since our regulator wasn't working, so it was loud, but no other issues.  We were treated to a dolphin show for nearly a half hour just before arriving in Utila.  I think they were actually following my clapping.  It was so cool!

After checking in to Honduras, we looked up our old friends Trish and Dave Steffan (from my high school).   We had planned to stay in Utila to ring in the New Year, but unfortunately a really strong storm was expected and we had to go.  We left for Roatan, West End on December 25th.

West End, Roatan is a great place, wonderful snorkeling, one of the best places to dive in the world.  The only drawback is it is US prices.  Although, the package price for getting a diving certificate are really quite reasonable and many tourists do this while here on vacation.  The cruise lines have definitely had an effect on this economy too.

Can't believe it, but I missed celebrating NYE again; this time due to weather.  We had been in town all day and then came back to the boat to get cleaned up a bit ( we got drenched from the waves on the dinghy ride).  The swells kept building and the wind was gusting about 25 to 30.  It just wasn't wise or safe to leave the boat so we stayed in.  I was so disappointed I went to bed at 9 o'clock! 

We watched the playoff games with Doug and Lisa (Highland Light), Chuck and Pam (Helen Louise), Norm and Linda  (Ariel), Bill & Pat, (Mobetah) Sharon and John, (Sunbow), Ted and Joan (Panchita), John and Robin (Kalusa), it was a great time.  The Steelers and Packers are headed for the Superbowl!  Yeh!  Unfortunately, the Steelers "stairway to seven" was not to be as they were unable to overcome the Packers and lost the superbowl game.  Congrats to the Packer fans!

The batteries are here!  We ordered batteries with 5 other boats and they have arrived.  So we are off to French Harbor/Fantasy Island.  Yeh!  New scenery!

Fantasy Island/ French Harbor Cay is just lovely.  The picture on the blog is of the anchor field, at sunset of course!  This is a really cruiser friendly place.  The Dockmaster, Jerry, himself a cruiser has made great strides to make this place comfortable.  You can purchase 5 gallon purified water, get your propane tank filled, have your laundry picked up.  They also provide a "happy hour" for the cruisers, five days a week, at very economical prices.  Eldins, the best grocery on the island also provides bus transportation every Saturday for the cruisers.  Eldins carries a lot of products you can't buy in most other stores, albeit, at US prices, but if you have to have it, it's here. 

Cruisers also have access to Fantasy Island Resort.  We are able to use the lounges on the beach, use the computer with free internet, free wifi, beach volleyball.   On Thursdays, the resort offers a Pizza for $15 (US) and happy hour pricing on beverages.  They also provided the use of their kitchen and banquet area for use for a Valentine's Day Dinner/Dance.  It was hosted by John and Susie of Cabaret.  They worked very hard and provided a fun evening for the cruisers.

While walking on the beach you most certainly will come upon an iguana, spider monkey or peacock.  They actually have a park like setting where they feed the deer, lizards, peacocks, ducks and  watusi's (those rodents that look like large rats minus a tail).  I actually fed a deer the other day!  I was looking for a photo opportunity for sunset (go figure) and came upon a small herd of deer.  One of them walked right up to me, I gave him some leaves and he walked on.  I just couldn't snap the camera in time to catch him up close and personal!

I had to have a tooth pulled, get this, it cost $35.00 US. It actually cost a little more for the taxi ride there and back, go figure?

At the present, we are waiting for a generator belt.  Once we get it installed we are planning to go East to Port Royal, Jonesville, and Calabash Bight.

Stay tuned!