S/V Aphrodite

We have really been covering some ground (or sea, I guess) lately. If you look at a map of Central America and run your eye from Cartagena, Columbia to the Rio Dulce, in Guatemala you can get an idea. We left Cartagena 1/16/05 and have traveled 1,080 miles in less than a month. We are moving right along now because it just wouldn’t be right for the Father of the Bride to be late to the wedding!

We spent a week in the Bay Islands of Honduras, first at Guanaja, where hurricane Mitch did the most damage, then on to the more popular island of Roatan and then Utila. While at Roatan we were able to do 3 terrific dives, one wall dive, one night dive and then a very deep, crevice dive, which was the highlight. We dropped to 120 ft. (the lowest I think I have ever been to) and then proceeded to follow the leader as we wove ourselves in and out of huge coral crevices. The coral life was spectacular.

We are currently in the Rio Dulce, (rio, river, dulce, sweet) which opens to the Guatemalan Caribbean coast, just south of Belize. Being back in Guatemala reminds me of how much I love this diverse country. This river is a beautiful jungle river,complete with jungle sounds and wildlife, which weaves and hairpins itself to a large fresh water lake. This is one of the designations we have been looking forward to since the beginning of our trip. Yesterday we found the source of hot sulfur springs flowing directly out of the rocks along the river bank and did a little hot water/cold water dipping. Ohhh, how I love swimming in fresh water. This morning we returned to fill one of our 5 gal. water jugs with the mineral water and take it with us because it makes my skin feel so soft, hydrated and radiant(according to Michael). Imagine the difference from the caustic sea water my skin has been subjected to for the past 18 months. The Rio Dulce is also a natural habitat for the manatee, the huge prehistoric looking aquatic cow. They are apparently very shy and afraid of the engine noises so sighting one requires paddling quietly up the tiny tributaries. To date, there have been no manatee sightings. If we are lucky enough to see one I will let you know.

We will probably spend a week in the river and lake. We hope to go inland, to the well known Mayan ruins of Tikal. Once we leave Guatemala we will head to Belize, then the Yucatan and finally, Florida. We still have lots to see, and many miles to cross, but I can feel a bit of the “horse heading back to the barn” attitude developing in me as we make our way back to the States. The one thing I really miss about the States is the ability to call anyone anytime I want. Our plan is to be Stateside from May through Oct. so I should have plenty of time to catch up with all of you.

Keep those letters coming, they are a lifeline for me.

love, Jeri and Michael