Cucumber Beach to Lighthouse Reef

Wednesday May 11, 2005

   The wind had been forecast to veer to the northeast, but it hadn’t yet as we left Cucumber Beach, so we headed South instead of toward Turneffe Reef. Had a great sail as the wind did finally make it to the East but still not just right to get us to our destination, so we ducked into Water Cay and dropped anchor at noon. Water Cay is a small mangrove cay just inside the big reef. We put on  our snorkeling gear and snorkeled around the boat for a while, then went exploring around the cay in “Boondoggles” (our Fatty Knees dinghy).

Friday May 13,2005

     Wind still wasn’t right yesterday so we spent another night at Water cay, then pulled up the anchor this morning and sailed to the southern end of Turneffe Island. We anchored about a ¼ mile south of a fish camp. Dinghied around the area then stopped at the fish camp to see if we could purchase any fresh fish. Met 4 really neat fisherman (Alfredo, Eric, Aaron and James). They had just returned from fishing and we bought tonight’s dinner (snapper) from them and made plans to hook up with them again tomorrow. It's amazing what a little rum will catch for dinner.

Saturday May 14, 2005

     What a great surprise this afternoon. James, the fisherman we met yesterday came by Namaste’ this afternoon and brought us a bag of conch (cleaned and tenderized!!!). He wouldn’t take any money so we went over to his fish camp later and took him and his guys a bottle of rum and Cheri made her world famous stuffed jalapeños. We had a very nice happy hour.

     Later that evening we (Sandy) made a Tarragon, basil, oregano and conch sauce over some whole wheat pasta and had it with a great bottle of wine that June and Jerry Lohman (very special friends) had given us at our bon voyage party. Thank you June and Jerry!!

Sunday May 15, 2005

   We went just outside the reef in “Boondoggles” this morning and had the best snorkeling yet. We hovered over the reef and hundreds of fish from barracudas to huge angel fish of many varieties swam among us. It was also the best assortment of coral we have seen yet. We plan is to leave here tomorrow morning very early and head to Lighthouse reef about 15 miles East of here. Life is good.

Monday May 16, 2006

   What a fabulous day. I know someday the newness will wear off (we hope not!) but today was truly something special. It began with a great sail towards Lighthouse reef. Wind from the wrong direction, but who cares on a beautiful day like today.  We tacked a couple of times and covered about 26 miles to get from Turneffe Island  (as the seagull flies it would be about 15 miles) to our next stop. Just about 2 miles outside the reef we were surprised by at least 20 dolphins racing towards Namaste’ and then around and around the boat until we reached the reef. We had 6 or 7 within a foot of the bow of the boat for at least 10 minutes. I swear they were talking to us.

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