Mr. Biggs

We met the jovial “Biggs” at our scuba shop and sat down to talk while awaiting our next dive. He was always in a good mood.

Talking About Flat Land....

Sandy & Rich from Colorado

We met Patricia’s brother Richard and his wife Sandy in Dallas and then headed on down to Belize. It took less than a day to slow down to the Caribbean lifestyle and once we did it was hard to return to the US. They were a bit surprised to be able to see the water on both sides of the island when standing in the middle and the 10 feet of elevation when they are used to 5000+ feet.

Big Beautiful Belizean Bougainvillea

When not snorkeling, going scuba or fishing we explored around town. We took the golf carts one day but most of the time we would take our time and walk. We passed through a hotel entry, while scouting out a restaurant, and in the middle of their courtyard was the tallest bougainvillea I have ever seen.

"Under the Shade I Flourish"

One of the many nice guys working as staff at our hotel was Pedro. It seemed either he or his counterpart, Rocky, were always around when we were in need. One day Pedro gave Tricia & Sandy a history lesson using the Belizean flag.

From what I understand, the white and black men pictured represent the wood cutters sent here to feed the mahogany lumber trade. Pedro explained, together as equals, they formed a country whose motto is “Under the Shade I Flourish” There are 50 leaves on the wreath for 1950, which is when the country was founded.

From the day we arrived, Pedro flew the American and Belizean flags together.

Underwater Fun

Aric Suspended in a Blue Background

Belize is known for its world-class diving and this year was awesome. We saw turtles, sharks, tarpon, rays, barracuda and all of our favorite little & tiny fishes, crustaceans and corals. My son Aric and brother-in-law Richard & his wife Sandy, came with us this year so it was a very special time for all of us.

Cruising Through An Underwater Canyon

Bull Shark for Dinner

Aric's Bull Shark (Tricia in white cap & Clifford in red)

We went fishing in Belize with the same guides we used last year. Clifford & Eric, who run Uprising Tours, did an awesome job & we had a good time. Everyone who wanted to fish caught something. We also stopped and snorkeled then ate some of our catch on a deserted stretch of beach.

Aric, lucky guy that he is, had just taken over my rod & reel at the back of the boat and immediately hooked this bull shark. It was good challenge on the light tackle we were using and everyone was happy & excited until the shark got closer to actually being landed. That is when Eric got out the club and whacked it a few times to kill it. At that point we were all wondering whatever happened to "catch & release," but were glad to find out that Clifford had an order for 50 pounds of fish & planned to sell it to a local lady who uses shark for her empanadas.

Seat Belt Professional

Seat Belts On - Ready For Takeoff

Flying is sometimes more than an adventure. Last year on our way to Ambergris Caye, Belize we boarded our single-engine, "puddle-jumpin,'" Cessna Caravan airplane and as we settled into the last leg of the journey we immediately had a problem. Everyone was asking each other about how to fasten the seat belt latches. They were unlike any fasteners they had seen before. After a few seconds and a little common sense those of us who wanted to get a belt on did so.

This year we visited Belize again and Patricia made sure all the aircraft trays were stowed, seats were in the upright position and everyone had their belts fastened, prior to takeoff. She should have been paid to take this flight. Never mind everyone had every electronic device in their possession on videoing excitedly.

On Short Final for San Pedro