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Went via Miami so we could visit with Gerard's sister. We stayed in the Miami International Hotel right in the international terminal - very convenient. This made for an easy connection the next morning for our flight to Belize city.
Ate in a restaurant right at the airport. Not great food, but at least we got to visit for a few hours with family.
Very easy flights from MIA to BZE on to Dangriga and pickup for Hamanasi. The check in at the hotel started with a 'welcome drink' and warm friendly smiles. Our treehouse room exceeded our expectations for amenities, warmth and privacy. The hardwood floors made from local trees, the colorful tiles in the bath, the staff all made for a great first impression.
Signed up for a tour of Hermans Cave. I've been on several cave tours before, but never got to scramble and really explore a cave before. Saw cave creatures like blind spiders, crickets and bats up close. The guides were amazing.
Spent the rest of the evening enjoying a fantastic fish dinner at the hotel and enjoying the warm balmy air from the boat dock after dinner.
Went on the birding tour today. Our guide Pedro was obviously a real birder and passed on his enthusiasm to us less knowlegeable passengers. Saw 50 different species of birds in their natural habitat. Also saw iguana up close (and in the trees no less) and assorted other reptiles. Great excursion!
Went on the tour to see Mayan ruins today. 2 hour drive each way to get there, but got to see many interesting sights along the way. Passed Amish settlements, the Belize capitol and took a single vehicle at a time ferry across one of Belize's many rivers. A little time to do some souvenir shopping, but mostly toured 2 different ancient sites.
Gerard and I split up today. I took the boat out snorkeling and Gerard went on a hike in the jaguar preserve. Our snorkeling boat visited bird island before heading for the reef. Saw frigate birds with their mating season throat sack in bright red. A fellow passenger said she had seen frigate birds many times, but never with the red throat sack of mating season. Also saw pelicans and boobies.
Snorkeling was impressive with sightings of 3 different kinds of rays, lobster, crab and many, many fish and coral. Lunch on one of the cayes made for a perfect 1/2 day outing.
A walk along the beach at the hotel in the late afternoon made for a great day. Had the lobster for dinner. Tried it both ways - broiled and grilled. Would recommend broiled as it let the subtle lobster flavor come through. Stuffed ourselves with another wonderful desert!
Went on the exciting mayflower hike today. Steep ascent next to a big waterfall made for a sense of adventure. Ropes helped us pull ourselves up the trail and made for a safe decent. A beautiful swimming hole at the top of the hike let everyone cool off before coming back down. What a blast!
Late afternoon took a kayak from the hotel for a quiet paddle from the hotel along the beach.
Got up before dawn to watch the sun rise over Hamanasi's beach. Spent all morning just sitting on the beach and soaking in the warm moist air. Wanted to stay forever...
The staff bid us farewell and took us to the airport. Would go back in a second.
