Roger. I need “hiking shoes.” You mean butt ugly jesus type looking sandals that will keep me safe? I like the safety idea but I’m not too thrilled about spending money on ugly shoes.

Until today.

Courtney and I took a day trip to Rockport today and had planned on renting a kayaks and exploring the shoreline. When we finally got around to going to rent the kayak after spending the day at the beach and hiking on an island, we arrived at North Shore Kayak on the south side of main street which is hidden down a back alley. Though, as we had arrived the sky started to turn cloudy and grey but still had some promising spots to the south east. You can’t miss this place if you take a peak from the waterside because there are hundreds of kayaks lined up along a wall in the harbor there.

We dropped in and walked into what seemed like a sandal haven. I asked the kid at the desk if he recommended us going out on the water with the weather the way it looked. He claimed the he highly wouldn’t recommend it, but that the water looked smooth and we could still take a whirl at it if we wanted. We decided to wait a few minutes to see how the weather would develop.

To pass the time I began observing the walls of sandals. I came across a bunch of hiking/boating sandals. I first picked up a pair of Arenal Tevapro shoes in a light green color and thought to myself, “these aren’t bad looking.” Courtney notices what I’m looking at and of course mentions his previous post on the hiking hoes for Belize. So, “okay, maybe I should consider looking at a few shoes while I’m here.” After searching through the jesus type styled ones and almost puking, I came across a blue pair that I really liked- Rafters Gorge Women’s. I grab the box and notice a price tag of only $30. I can’t resist but to try them on. I grab a bench outside the little shop as the sky is darkening and try them on. It’s love at first sight and they fit great! Seems to be how it works for the most part for me. Pleasing to the eye at first and a great fit- then it’s a winner and I can’t let it go. Catch that double meaning there?

I wander over to the counter to purchase the shoes and Courtney is deeply engaged in a conversation with an employee, David. Apparently the topic of Belize had come up about our trip and David had recently been to Belize on a Scuba Diving trip! For Courtney I’m sure it was like being in a candy shop! Or maybe that fudge shop we had stopped in earlier that day. Courtney has a great convo with him (you should post what he recommended, hunny ☺) and I caught the very end of the convo but it was very enticing what I heard. At this same time it starts to pour down and David is called out to help put away supplies for the kayak rentals so the conversation is cut short.

Anywho, since it is raining cats and dogs, Courtney and I are now stuck in North Shore Kayaks and start browsing some more. Courtney comes across some water tight containers and some other goodies he will probably talk about for gear for the trip… I guess you can say the shopping has began. Probably Courtney’s favorite part ha. Cool toys, cool gear, you know. When and if we purchase kayaks I’m pretty sure this shop will be our go-to for supplies. The employees were so friendly and sociable and everything was priced right. Good Quality stuff there.

In conclusion, I am now equipped with size 8 blue Gorge Rafters. And they look hot.

Wouldn’t it be cool if we could purchase kayaks and easily transport them to Belize and easily lug them around with us to use for snorkeling and such?

All in a dream.

I’ve been thinking about what gear we’re going to need to acquire and pack for our trip to Belize. Inside my head it is getting to be a pretty substantial kit. But I don’t know we’ll need it all; especially because I expect we won’t get to do all of the activities I am dreaming about.

On the basics, I’m thinking we’ll need some light rain gear. We’re headed there during the rainy season. I expect we will not be dry for the entire week. A couple of really breathable, waterproof jackets/pullovers will be necessary. I have lots of rain gear: a thick (and not so breathable) rain coat for golf, and a Gore-Tex jacket for skiing, but these items may not be so appropriate for a 85-90° drizzle/downpour. Since I am absolutely firm on going to the Mayan Ruins at Xunantunich or elsewhere, it’s going to be mandatory that we’re equipped for the elements.

Fishing: I think we are good here. We just need sunscreen, hats and a lot of dough. Apparently, it costs an awful lot to do the deep-sea fishing. This is where much of our spending money will have to be allocated. It will definitely be a major decision – to do so or to skip.

Cave tubing and Jungle Fun: See hiking. I think this is the basics for hiking and outdoor exploration. Some water shoes or appropriate sandals will be necessary for the cave tubing and other water fun. I got a cool pair at Costco for cheap that I think will work well. Liz has rubber flip flops, but I don’t really feel like carrying her limping out of the jungle because she turned an ankle. We’ll find something for her. Probably, most importantly, my underwater camera! Lots of pictures. Wow, will we have pictures. This site will be inundated with photos, videos and other fun multi-media fare once we get back.

Hiking: The ruins will require some hiking and walks “off the beaten trail.” So, hiking boots or good shoes are necessary. I’ve got some good Merrel’s but Lizzy will need something. I’m thinking backpacks will be necessary, too. I’m looking into backpacking here in New England and may have some of the basics already. Really, we just need a day pack or two. My Arc’Teryx Silo 18 is a pretty good pack for a day trip. Not too heavy, not too small. It can definitely support water, a light jacket or two and some snacks.

Kayaking: Liz found a hotel on the beach that offers free kayaks! I have tape for my fingers, a pair of shades and swim trunks. I can’t think of anything I’d need to bring. Life vests and spray skirts should be provided by the outfitter.

Scuba diving: I’ve got all of my gear. I’ve taken it to the Caribbean before. I think I am set here. It’s just going to be a massive, heavy bag. I hate hauling it around, but it is under the 45lbs. weight limit, so I’m good.

Snorkeling: Fins and rash guard. I’ve got two masks, snorkels, and a skin (if needed). Lizzy will need fins and a rash guard. Lizzy loves the water. Loves to swim under any conditions (maybe we should post her pond skimming expeditions from this winter), and will absolutely love the snorkeling experience. For those nights we’re sleeping beach front (fingers crossed), I anticipate morning and/or evening snorkeling trips to the surrounding reefs – just to see what is out there. We have to get the minimum equipment for her though, else it’ll be solo expeditions and some shared photographs is all. I think I can provide her a mask and snorkel. But the fins and rash guard will have to be acquired.

So far, my favorite place to shop and look for stuff at a discount is Backcountry.com. They have a couple of discount sites that offer their extraordinary stuff at a 55 – 60% discount.

We’re also checking with friends and coworkers who can offer us suggestions, or freebies to offset costs. Now we just have to figure out how to pack and check this massive luggage!

Piggybacking on Courtney’s blog about the Jaguar Paw, I like the fact that it’s a really cool themed resort with a variety of activities that I would like to partake in on our trip to Belize. And they offer themed rooms. There are 16 rooms available at this location.

They offer activities such as zip lining, rock climbing and repelling, cave tubing, and the Jungle Tumble. What is a Jungle Tumble you might ask? It is the sport of rolling downhill inside a large transparent 11 foot (3.5 meter) inflatable Ball. Can you imagine rolling around a jungle in an inflatable ball? ha I think it sounds pretty silly to be honest. I’d rather walk through the jungle so I can see everything the jungle has to offer. I can’t imagine rolling around in a not so transparent ball would really give me the sense of being in the jungle that I would want to experience.

Oh! And they have a butterfly farm. How exciting! To see tropical butterflies! I’m a fan.

You can also view the Mayan ruins. Apparently, Jaguar Paw is within close distance of two of the most popular Mayan Sites in the country, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech. Viewing the Mayan ruins is an activity on Courtney’s check list. Staying at this location for maybe two days would knock out most of the activity list not involving the ocean. I think this is a go for sure.

Wait, let me check on those air conditioned rooms. Called into their toll free number: Toll Free: 1- 877- 624- 3770.. and my gawd I love that accent! Anyways, Courtney will be VERY pleased to know that the rooms are air conditioned!

Courtney, which themed room should we request? The Wild West (complete with a John Wayne poster, WOW!!!), the Chinese room, the English Country Garden room (me likey), and African (which could be cool too!)?

They offer a video on the website to show the jungle canopy zip-line tour. Why can’t they have something more interesting? I almost fell asleep while watching it. Get some younger people in it please, with some excitement in their voices! (I am such a critic!!!)In fact, I would offer to redo their video, for free. And what is with that elevator music in the background. Some music with a climax and adventure to it would more so represent it. I really need to stop being so darn critical of certain websites and videos because one day someone will cross over this site and tear it up just like I…

Regardless, I like this place. I like all that they have to offer. I like that there is also a restaurant on premise. I like that they have 7 chefs from all over the world preparing food there. Above all, I like that there is WiFi in the bar/restaurant. I can do some updating on the website there, if I deem it safe enough to even bring my computer to Belize. I think I would die if my computer (aka, my boyfriend) was stolen from me, ha.

Now the only downside. The accommodation prices. They are a bit higher than I think we’d like to pay a night for a room (actually, we haven’t set a limit yet). It’s runs about $125 to $135 a night and it includes breakfast. We’re looking at $45 a person for a half day of cave tubing, the aerial trek canopy tour is $55 a person, rock climbing (if Courtney wants do to this) is $45 a person. To go see the Mayan Ruins are $200 for two people or $75 for a group of 4 or more. That is a complete ripoff. The Mayan ruins are something to see- it’s history. It’s ruins… and they are charging us? What. Is that?!

We need to nail down in concrete what we want to do while staying at this location and how many nights we will be there. I know I for sure, 110% want to zip-line through the jungle. It has been on my mind for many years to make it down to the jungle and do that. The cave tubing looks enticing to me too. Those would be my top two.

I plan to do some diving while visiting Belize. To put it mildly, I have been dreaming about diving the Atlantic
Barrier Reef and the Blue hole for about six years now… nearly as long as I’ve been diving. I probably cannot describe it to the degree as those who’ve seen it, but I’ll give it a shot. Maybe I’ll throw af ew more posts in along the way.

The Great Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef could quite possibly be the most appealing diving adventure in the Western Hemisphere. Other than Truk Lagoon, I can’t think of a single dive site I’m more excited about. It’s a sheer drop down hundreds of feet along a walls with corals and fish and an endless myriad of colors-at least, that is what I am envisioning. I recall articles from Sport Diver magazine and other sources that talk about the experience but have found only a few
photos.

I’ve had the pleasure of diving a few reefs. Previous trips to Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados have exposed me to some of the glorious views hidden down below. I really want to be able to walk out of the hotel/bungalow and just drop into the water. I’m not quite sure if I can do that yet or not. I know it will depend on where we stay, but I am not sure if there is reef close enough to any of the beaches. From what I’ve read, the barrier reef is about 1 – 1.5 miles from the shore
line of most of the atolls. I’m OK with that, I can do a charter for this too. But I’d like to take Lizzy to the water and show her the amazing world underneath. She snorkels and can see at least some of the shallower reefs. I did a lot of this snorkeling in Barbados and loved it. I figure she could snorkel while I do a little shallow beach dive (if practical) or we could just snorkel together.

The shallow dives are much better for photos anyway. I don’t own the uber sophisticated camera set-up like my buddy Garrett, so I can’t count on extreme photos at depth. But I can shoot a few nice photos with some outstanding scenery in the shallows.

Speaking of photos, I’ve stumbled upon some photo galleries, some of which have some really juicy ones!
But I hesitate to put others’ photos on this site. They represents the experience of those individuals; personal memories and impressions. When I get back, I want my photos and my experiences to be the images displayed on this site. I did get a dive camera for underwater diving and I’m excited to use it. I’ll post on it later.

The Trends Beachfront hotel is located on the island of Caye Caulker. It looks like it could be a comfortable place to stay and seems to have that caribbean feel to it- the cool light colors. The beachfront part of it (Oh yes. I think if we are staying on an island or near the beach it is mandatory to be a beachfront place.)

At the hotel is a restaurant that is deemed “Internationally Renowned” and is known as the Sand Box. By the looks of it, it looks like your typical Caribbean restaurant (who am I to say, I’ve never been. But regardless I think it looks like a place I’d like to dine at).The Sand Box has a Grass Hut out front offers outdoor dining and has a garden style atmosphere. They offer international cuisine and have a list of popular frozen tropical drinks. They also say that seafood is their specialty. I think the Sand Box will be added the list to dine at when visiting Belize.

By looking at the website they seem to offer rooms and apartments. I cannot find the pricing for the rooms, however, on the apartment page it says the apartments are $60 a night plus tax or $375 a week a plus tax. Not bad at all. Split that between two people and that is $30 a night a person. However, I would assume the individual rooms would be much cheaper.

Spacious and comfortable rooms info:
• All units with one double bed and one queen bed
• All units with ceiling fans
• All units with mini refrigerator
• All units with large private baths
• All units with hot water

Apartment info:
• Fully Furnished Apartments
• Perfect for Couples
• 1 Queen Size Bed
• Refrigerator
• Stove
• Microwave
• *Coffee Maker
• Large Deck with Hammock
• Centrally located
• Short term vacation rentals of 5 nights or more

One of Courtney’s request is that the rooms need to have an air conditioner. So looks like this one will be nixed from the list but I do like most things about it and I’m sure we would get an ocean breeze coming in to cool us off, honey?

I like the idea of the apartment but I don’t think we will be staying there for 5 nights straight. Also, I put in an inquiry to ask for room rates and to check availability and I got an e-mail back that actually made me laugh:

“I am in Italy until Jun 5th. I will reply to your inquiry at that time.
Wayne”

AWESOME. How do they do any business? I guess I could call, but do I really feel like calling long distance and paying for it. The whole idea is to make things convenient for people. Most people book online these days and won’t like replies that will be coming to them two months down the line.

Maybe the “Friendly staff that will cater to your evey need” line on their page should read “friendly staff that will cater to your every need at their convenience, not yours.”