The mangrove collection at Marco Gonzalez Maya ruin site was a lot of fun and it was great to spend time with everyone that is getting involved in the San Mateo Sanitation and environmental education project.

While in search of black mangrove seedlings,  Jan Brown gave us a tour of Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Reserve and explained about it’s rich Maya history. We could see pottery shards everywhere,  mountains of conch shells and even some human remains. The ground is very high and I could just imagine how much has yet to be discovered under our feet.

While we were doing our mangrove collecting, Valentine Rosado showed up to help us. I had met Valentine before on a trip to Bacalar Chico, so I knew how knowledgeable and environmentally friendly he is.  What I did not know was how involved he has been very involved in mangrove transplanting projects and has been working in different areas on the island to help get new mangrove plants growing. He brought us some red mangrove propagules which are oblong and slightly curved, kind of lima bean shaped.  Propagules resemble seed pods but they are actually undeveloped root structures. Propagules become fully mature plants before dropping off the adult tree and are  distributed  by water until eventually embedding in the shallows.

On the way home Valentine suggested we stop off at Kakaw, Belize chocolate factory so he could take us on a mini field trip and show is some of his red mangrove replanting work. He explained how the mangroves grow inside the tubes and pointed out one that was just peeking out of the top.

I will be doing a Maya site specific Marco Gonzalez post soon and highly recommend a tour with Jan if you are staying on the island. Do not forget your bug spray, pants and a light shirt helpful protection as well. This tour is not strenuous but I would still say it is geared more towards adventure seekers – about 1/4 mile walk to the site from the entrance.

If you want to read more about the our adventures, Debra did a good post along with some great pictures on  Taking Belize blog.

Belize Rain report by Cowboy Doug via sms – 1.4 inches so far and looking like more on the way, stay dry.

Vacation On Ambergris Caye At A Tropical Beach Resort and Help Keep Belize Green.

TOTTENHAM, ON – January 23, 2012 –Exotic Caye Beach Resort, on the island of Ambergis Caye, Belize is contributing 50% of the resorts special offer room rate bookings January 22 thru February 21, 2012 valid until May 2013 to support hands- on environmental education programs. Funds raised will go to Canadian Not For Profit Direct Abundance and US Charity Caribbean S.E.A. (Student Environmental Alliance) to empower and improve the community of San Mateo.

Direct Abundance and Caribbean S.E.A. are partnering together to offer educational programs about coral reef and mangrove conservation, safe water and sewage discharge solutions. The need for these programs is essential for the San Mateo area as their homes are located in a swamp highly contaminated by human waste.

“It is over-whelming to watch this hard-working community grow as it begins to reach its full potential.” says Heather Zwicker, the Co-founder of Direct Abundance. “Exotic Caye Beach Resort has seen first hand the help this community needs and would like to generously give back.”

Travelers wishing to experience adventures in Belize need to look no further then the front desk. The knowledgeable staff at Exotic Caye Beach Resort will be able to assist with a multitude of activities including coral reef diving, exploring Maya ruins, or simply relaxing on the beaches. It’s a fabulous destination for couples searching for that perfect getaway or the family wanting to create memories to cherish.

This is a unique 30 day offer. Enter the promotional code DA2012 on Exotic Caye website to receive a certificate that is valid from now until May 31, 2013, however 50% of your room rate goes immediately to Direct Abundance and Caribbean
S.E.A.

Direct Abundance is a Canadian not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in struggling developing world communities through education and poverty reduction. Caribbean S.E.A. works with local partners to empower youth to take care of their water, from the Ridge to the Reef.

For more information on the project go to Direct Abundance website and flickr Page.

become fully mature plants before dropping off the parent tree. These are dispersed by water until eventually embedding in the shallows.

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Belize Rain Report by Cowboy Doug via sms – catching up a few days worth. This morning 1/10th of an inch since 8am,  yesterday evening – Gonna give ya a rainfall reading… IF IT WOULD EVER QUIT!!! 1inch and 6/10ths WOW! We just got the road graded too. January 29th 30/100ths less than a 10th and January 28th Jeeze! a little over 2/10ths.

Enough about our rainy morning weather and onto some Belize History with  from Lucy Wallingford from Slickrock Adventures.  Lucy also does an interesting Belize blog – Behind the Scenes at a Belize Adventure Company. Lucy sent the email below when we were going back and forth for her Exploring Caves Branch River in the early 80s guest post. It struck me as a wonderful memory in time and I was glad she agreed to let me share it with you.

Hi Laurie,

We do have old pics, but they are all in slide form. But the really old ones I don’t have. When we first started kayak trips in Placencia in 1986 we rented a beach at the last house, which was near the old Kitty’s Place. We could only shop for food on Saturdays and you had to take your wheelbarrel down the sidewalk and take a number and wait 2 hours to get called to give them your list. Meanwhile our tourists are sitting back on the beach packing their kayaks waiting for me to get back with the food…. but only memories! No pictures. Funny how when you are in your 20s (at least back then) you couldn’t imagine that what you were doing at the time you would like to look back on and have pictures to prove it!

We came to Belize because we were running trips in Chiapas, Mexico and one day my partner Cully just thought he’d go check out Belize. He hired some guy with a sailboat to take him the whole length of the Barrier Reef and picked the itinerary still used by kayak companies today: Placencia,  Bugle Caye,  Laughing Bird Caye, Water Caye, Silk Cayes, Pumpkin Caye and Ranguana Caye. A 7 day trip. No one was out there back then but a few rasta fishermen; it was incredible.

I never even visited Ambergris until we got the coconut tree disease in 1998. I flew out there and Chris Berlin taught me how to treat coconut trees. Still today we use that method on Long Caye. We have treated our 500 trees every 3 months since then! Chris Berlin saved our island with this knowledge he freely shared with us.

Thanks,
Lucy

Find Slickrock Adventures  on Twitter and facebook.
Upcoming Palm tree disease article from Lucy next week.

Daily catch on Laughing Bird Caye. No problem catching dinner back then!

Camp on Laughing Bird Caye. It is now forbidden to camp there, a national park.

Kids of Placencia hung out around us all of the time. Of course these guys are much older now, this was 1987.

My partner Cully negotiating with the propriator of the Sea Spray Hotel in Placencia. I can't remember her name.

Beach scene, where we rented in Placencia. I bet the beach we rented was a couple of acres and I don't remember how much it cost but it wasn't much! This was the front yard of Mr. Clive and Miss Pearl.

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Wave Music’s Gerry Badillo was our announcer letting us know where the fashions came from that the beautiful models were wearing. Among the participating stores   Sarai’s Boutique, Mambo Chill, Island Gear, Marlin’s Boutique, Top Notch, Love Belize, Caribe Creations and 4:20 Men’s Clothing. Models hair and make up by Carole Goudreau of CG Esthetic.

There was also a really good DJ, Dance company show, delicious appetizers – all donated, silent auction, live music with Pineapple Willy and the heat.

Mama Vilma’s Family Home  has made great progress since they started and their goal is to offer housing and support to women, families and men who are in need. They still need the land to build the house on, anyone have a piece of land they would like to donate to a great Cause? Join their facebook page to keep updated.

Mama Vilma’s is a great group of ladies to volunteer for. To get involved, you can leave comment to get an email or call:
President Shelly Huber 651-3533
Eve Dirnback Vice president  623-9962
Cheryl Bowen Secretary Treasurer 625-5366

Belize Blog update

San Pedro Scoop – 2nd Annual Charity Mama Vilma’s Fashion Show: From the Bartender’s Side

Taking Belize – Volunteering at Mama Vilma Family Home Fundraiser

Belize News update

San Pedro Sun – Mama Vilma Fashion Show Enjoyed By All

Ambergris Today – Mama Vilma’s 2nd Annual Fashion Show

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I have been in process getting ready for the fundraiser  since Monday with blogging a first announcement. Tuesday more aquafit to get beauteous gluteous for the party Picked out my dress and  sold 2 tickets to Cowboy Doug by text on Wed. In the afternoon  Gigi and Debra [also volunteering tonight along with Dennis] and I went and picked up the money from Cowboy and headed to Carole’s shop to buy the tickets. Saturday morning was fun watching the models practice on the cat walk while we exercised in the pool.

Belize rain report by Cowboy Doug – a little over 2/ 10th’s this morning.

More to come and possibly live broadcast around 7:00 pm of the fashion show and close to 9:00pm of pineapple Willy tonight if the internet gods permit.

Unfortunately internet gods were not on my side. I could connect by the snack shack but not anywhere near the runway. Pictures coming as soon as I finish paring then down to a reasonable number.

I got right up to the fashion show and decided that is enough pictures for this post. I will finish sorting and add the rest of the party pictures in a new post later on[or possibly tomorrow if other work keeps me busy].

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My getting away turned into visiting Zac with Dennis and getting sidetracked playing around with applied kinesiology & muscle testing. It was a perfect break  away to clear my head and I decided to leave taking that one picture for tomorrow and deal with it then.

Heading North

Heading East

Heading South on wheels

Heading West

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Other island exercise news – Chi Gong classes are starting up again this Sunday at 9:00am on the beach at the South end of Victoria House.

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Today’s post comes from – Chris Rowlands-Barber – Travel insurance expert. He highlights a short span of  what to do for 4 days on the island. You could add 3 days on the mainland to get the full jungle and beach vacation experience, or just spend the rest of your week enjoying your time at the beach.

A Four day Belize Itinerary

If you are lucky enough to visit Belize in your lifetime, you might choose to just lie back and soak up the sun and the sights, rather than risk having to make a claim on that cheap holiday insurance you purchased. But Belize has a wonderful range of adrenaline-pumping activities for those who aren’t afraid to get their feet wet and their heart racing.

Here is a plan for four days of non-stop action around Belize that will give you a real flavor of what life in Central America’s northernmost country is all about.

Day One
Touch down at Belize International Airport and treat yourself to a Belikin or rum punch at Jets Bar, he is quite a character.  Then enjoy the Caribbean Sea view on short Tropic Air flight to San Pedro town, you might even spot some rays or big fish on the way. As soon as you land you will be instantly captivated by its beauty, and friendly people.  After settling in with a welcome drink at  The Phoenix resort, you might  find yourself tempted to spend hours just walking the beach or end up getting caught up at  BC’s beach bar.

Enjoy dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants in town followed by a night of live music at one of the local San Pedro bars. There are many talented musicians and on the island and  Lola’s Pub, Legends Burger House and Crazy Canucks at Exotic Caye are  all great places to find them.

Day Two
If you haven’t taken a swim the sea yet, your second day is a great time enjoy a water adventure, grab your flippers and head for a  half day snorkel  at  Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Where you will get up close and personal with coral, rays, lobsters, fish and if you are lucky you might see dolphins.

For lunch indulge yourself in some local Belize food,  there are many great local places around town to choose from like My Secret Deli near Belize Bank and and Neri’s tacos near the south end of town . At night visit the park is also fun, there are many food stands, where you will be able to sample a variety of reasonably priced local food. Head around the corner to DandE’s frozen custard for dessert.

Day Three
Adventure time and you will find many options to choose from. Celebrate 2012 with some Maya history and a trip to Altun Ha, Laminai , Cahal Pech or one of the other Maya ruins. If you are an animal lover, take a boat ride to the mainland and head up the river to Belize Zoo. Adventure lovers, try your hand at zip-lining through the trees and witness the spectacular views from a unique vantage point, before stopping in at the jungle lodge for lunch.

By the time you arrive back in San Pedro, you’ll have worked up quite an appetite. A simple solution lies at Pedro’s Pizza, eat in or delivery option available. Great thin crust pizza and they do trivia every other Thursday, live music and food special every Friday.

Day Four
Your fourth day is a day to explore the island some more. Why not head south to Marco Gonzalez Maya Ruins,  definitely worth seeing. If you prefer to enjoy relaxing lunch by the pool take a tropical drive to Cowboy Doug’s pool bar and Grill located in North Ambergris Caye.

Belize provides as much action, activity, serenity and splendor as you could ever wish for. And there’s no reason to hold back if you’re not as young as you used to be – travel insurance over 65 is readily available.

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It will be held at the San Pedro Fitness Club pool. Tickets are $25.00 per person and Complimentary snacks will be served and cash bar available.  After the fashion show the music of Pineapple Willie will entertain. All proceeds raised will help to build the home.

Great place for a fundraiser fashion show & live music

The purpose of Mama Vilma’s Family Home is to provide disenfranchised families with housing food medical care counseling and education to connect them with the community and develop a strong family unit.

Mama Vilma’s is  a non profit registered society and have an account set up at Belize Bank in Mama Vilmas name. It is an N.G.O. and the acct. # is 670-1-128932

The children of San Pedro deserve our support. please help us. Any one fraudulently canvassing in our name will be charged.

Tickets are available at the following stores:

Exotic Caye resort, Monchos golf carts, Victoria house, Love Belize, Top notch, Island Gear, Mambo Chill, Toucan Stores, Wayos, CG Esthetics and Hair, Spindrift, Aquarius hair salon and bookstore.

To get involved, you can contact Mama Vilma’s by calling:
President Shelly Huber 651-3533
Eve Dirnback Vice president  623-9962
Cheryl Bowen Secretary Treasurer 625-5366

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Belize Blog update
“Cable Woes and Cayo Connection Meeting”  – Wealth Ships
Why YOU Should Visit Belize in January – San Pedro Scoop
15 Top Tips For Sellers – San Pedro Belize – Invest in Belize Real Estate blog

Canadian news – World’s top islands: Frommers picks Tahiti, Belize, Tobago and more – The Toronto Star news paper.

Belize Travel News - Some of you may have seen the good news already but for those of you who haven’t, several Belize resorts scored major points in the trip advisor 2012 Travelers Choice Hotel Awards. Congratulations to all who made the cut.

Top 25 Hotels in the World
1. The Phoenix Resort
3. Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort

Top 25 Hotels in Central America
1. Phoenix
2. Hamanasi
3. Xanadu
5 Coco Plum Island Resort
7 Turneffe Island Resort
10 Victoria House
13 Belcampo Lodge
20 Las Terrazzas
23 Chaa Creek
24 Mata Chica
25 Grand Caribe

Belize Rain report by Cowboy Doug of Cowboy Doug’s Pool bar and Grill – text received January 20th 1/2 an inch of rain last night starting at 11:40pm. Don’t forget Tomorrow is pool party day, head on up and say hi to the cowboy.

Saga Humane Society Update
I hope this finds you well and enjoying the New Year.  There seems to be a buzz in the air with 2012, let’s hope it’s a good year for all of us!

Saga Humane Society would like to give a big thanks to Mojito Bar and their great staff for hosting our Pasta Cook-off. Friday the 13th turned out to be a lucky day for the Saga shelter animals with an anonymous donor pledging to match all proceeds from this event; Saga was able to raise just over $3,000. There was a great turnout of visitors and locals who enjoyed all the fine Pasta dishes presented.

Winners were: 3rd Place: Chicken Fettuccini ala Parmesan from Faride Salinas who received a Cutlery Set; 2nd Place: Pineapple Chipotle Pasta from Xenika Nicole Armstrong who received a lovely set of 8 Pub Glasses; and 1st Place: Pork Chow Mein from Sharon Metcalfe who Received a Toaster Oven.

We would also like to thank our other entries for their wonderful dishes. Pasta Fiesta Salad – Pineapples Restaurant; Dill Macaroni Salad – LouAnn LeClaire; Bow Ties a Ragu de Tonno – Rosa LaRosa; Shrimp Roulade with Prosecco Tarragon Cream Sauce – Chap Ross & Kathy Neimic; Tia’s Salad – Tia Hindson; and Veggie Callaloni – Mathieu’s Deli.

Raffle Prizes: Kim Gonzalez won a Full Groom from Pampered Paws sponsored by George’s Kitchen. A visiting tourist won a Rod & Reel courtesy of Captain Sharks. And Eliza and her parents Jessica Waters & Stephen Card won Dinner for 2 plus a Mojito courtesy of Mojito Bar.

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this event a success. Heather Beck Janina Canales, Grant Crimmins,
Ingrid Juarez, Joe LaRosa, Rosa LaRosa, Bob LeClaire, LouAnn LeClaire, Ingrid Lima, Katia Marin, Sharon Metcalfe
Lori Purdy, Nancy Rountree, Jonny Woodward.

Saga Humane Society would like to thank everyone for their continued support.

[front page picture of The Phoenix Resort by Matt Lankes and Demian Solano]

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“Engineers without Borders-USA” sent a group of students from the Texas A & M University to conduct a reconnaissance trip in January of 2012 during which they conducted a three part evaluation of potable water in the San Mateo Community. These evaluations included water quality field tests, water and sewer infrastructure assessment and a water quality survey. The alarming results confirmed what many have suspected for years. To read the full story please go to the San Pedro Sun.

It’s time to round up more troops, the San Mateo Sanitation project is a Very Important Project and Heather needs all the help she can get to see it through.  If you love Ambergris Caye would like to help create a green living community please contact her. Heather Zwicker of Direct Abundance -  heatherzw@gmail.com

Channel betwen San Mateo and Caribbean Sea

Channel that passes by San Mateo and goes to the sea

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