Whew. Lordy It's hot. I should Probably be wearin' my deck shoes instead of carrying
them. Although I never thought I would be sporting one of these sombrero style straw
hats, the protection it offers my head and shoulders is priceless. These hats are woven
locally and at a mere 10 Belize dollars, $5 US dollars, they are well worth the investment.
I must admit, the feeling of the aged, sun warped wooden pier under my toes, brought
back childhood memories of summers at the beach in the States. As I stroll down this
weathered wharf, towards my sailboat, the harbor shining like diamonds, I'm reminded of
the locals gathered this morning at the Secret Garden Restaurant & Cafe. I'm not
reminded so much of their conversation or the silky smooth taste of the regional coffee
beans freshly brewed, but I'm reminded, of their ripened skin, like this grainy dock, cured
and creased by years of sun. The locals were quite an entertaining bunch as they sipped
their morning Americana's or Cappuccinos in this shaded palm tree setting. The Secret
Garden is a hidden gem, I must say. An eatery with breath taking views. It's only a few
blocks from both my bungalow and the dock. Not only is it convenient, but a must visit
for local cuisine or icy cold refreshments on this Caribbean peninsula. You could also
swing in Yoli' s, the Lagoon House, Omar's Creole Grub or the Cozy Comer for an ice
cold Belikin Beer, which is a local favorite brewed here in Belize and is by far my choice
to stock onboard the boat.
As I approach the moorage I spy my beautiful wife, Loriel, preparing our 50' sloop
"Jealacy" for a day of navigating the Turquoise waters under today's spectacular Sapphire
skis. Loriel is as beautiful now as the day I laid eyes on her. Frankly, the little yellow
bikini she is parading is a bit more revealing than the racy waitress outfit she was bearing
when we met years ago. A heavenly sight she is. Her smile is as big as her heart.
While I was sipping coffee this morning, she ventured out alone through the village of
Palencia to shop, Palencia is in the Stann Creek District of Belize. The Locals have much
to offer in sidewalk shopping or swing into the Splash Dive Shop, it's infamous for it's
hospitality, (mon). This beach town is very safe for a solo outing. The bright yellow
bikini adorning her is the fruits of her venture. Did I mention the distraction of her
beauty?
Anyhow, this is our first year as 'yachties", and she is as passionate about green living as
I. Although we have a diesel engine onboard, we also have solar panels and a wind mill
for charging our batteries. We prefer sails to propel us, but the engine is a safe backup in
a pinch.
We have no agenda, no time lines, no goals, only our eyes wide open to God's gracious
treasures. We very well could find ourselves anchored in a cove to swim, sun and fish the
time away. Nothing in life can compare to snorkeling the warm waters for fresh seafood
or walking a deserted beach, collecting colorful sea shells or unique beach woods. Loriel
makes little trinkets to send home to loved ones or pass on to new found friends. Exotic
fruits and wild Orchids are just a stones throwaway in the abundant and lush jungle. It's a
short dinghy ride in the peaceful and quiet bay back to our boat. Then, it's shrimp, lobster
or maybe even calamari for a quick turn on the bobby. My personal favorite is a pesticide
free fruit salad and a beautiful flower display gathered from the tree line, accompanied by
a fine wine and roasted coconut. We prefer a sweet/dry selection. Red or white?
Decisions, decisions.
With no regrets we cuddle up on the aft cushions to watch the suns orange glow play in
the Mayan Mountains. Sunset in the Caribbean is like a big Jell-O bowl in the sky, and
just in time for desert. As soft music drifts from our keel. we will no doubt will make a
few waves of our own. I love her.
Well now, I'm a bit ahead of myself.
As we cast off from the dock. "Puba-duh, puba-duh, puba-dah", the diesel engine eases
us in the direction of our adventure. Enough of the engine, I think as I silence it. We hoist
our sails, (this truly is my nirvana), and Jealacy rolls to port side and flirts with Mother
Natures powerful demeanor. The sails stop luffing and fill with the cool sea breeze, the
warm wooden wheel in my hand, I've plotted a course South today, and away we go
down the Mayan Jungle coast. Not specific as to our destination, the salt air blowing
through her hair, Loriel looks back at me from the bow, smiling like a school girl, and
yells. "Captain, show me something I don't know".
Life is great.
Hey, if you ever chart your course in our direction, be it by sea or by land, swing into the
Secret Garden Cafe and ask as to the whereabouts of Harley and Loriel. I'll be the one in
the Hawaiian print shorts, straw hat hanging behind me from its wind strings, a margarita
in one hand and worn deck shoes in the other. We would be more than happy to show you
and yours why "Sailing Green is Paradise".
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