We stayed at the beautiful Jaguar Reef Lodge in Hopkins. Top-notch lodge. The beach was raked every morning so it was pristine. Loungers and umbrellas were scattered amongst the sand and there were two pools, one with a swim up bar (which we utilized liberally). In the restaurant area they put together a whole bunch of tables to make one big enough for all of us. I was quite happy with the food (and dessert everynight). They even moved all the tables out to the beach one night so we could eat outside. We also took out kayaks everynow and then (the jellyfish couldn't get us there). It was also quite amusing to watch people try and take the kayaks out. A few didn't know what they were doing and would get quite impressively flipped trying to get them out of the breaking waves.
 |
| Me and Mom |
We made good friends with the swim up bartender, Gilbert. He even asked about us on a few days when we were out on excursions and not at our usual spots in the pool.
The beach wasn't particularly good for swimming. There were Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish all over. Mom actually got stung by one and it left a big red welt over her wrist, that, to my knowledge still hasn't entirely gone away.
Courtney kayaking!On most days we went on excursions to fun or interesting places nearby. First we all went to an ancient Mayan temple called Xunantunich. The tallest temple was pretty high and Mom and Terry could not handle it. That same day, we went to a different temple complex called Cahal Pech.
 |
| Sisters! |
 |
| Mom and Monica |
They were still excavating in Cahal Pech.
 |
| 1,500 year old paint |
Another day we went zip lining through the Belizean jungle canopy. It was exhilerating and verrrrry fast.
 |
| Adam |
 |
| Monica about to go! |
 |
| Safety first. |
At one point they dropped you off a platform. Here is poor Mom.
Second half of the trip coming up next!!
