106 images

Belize

February 28 - March 8, 2015. Belize, Central America

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We landed at Belize City airport, and went by minivan northeast to Crooked Tree for one night, then back to Belize City and by boat to to Half Moon Caye, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, which has the outermost Belize islands in the Caribbean Sea. A Caye (key) is a small, low-elevation, sandy island on the surface of a coral reef. We spent 6 nights camped out out on Half Moon Caye.	First night’s accommodation. Bird’s Eye View Lodge, fresh water lagoon from Belize River, on Crooked Tree Island/Village	Bird’s Eye View Lodge, my room was in this building.
Tanya Rynd, along lagoon edge, Bird’s Eye View Lodge	Bird’s Eye View Lodge, fisherman on fresh-water lagoon, returning with catch at sunset.	Sunrise at Bird’s Eye View Lodge, boat for early morning bird viewing.
Bird’s Eye View Lodge, boat ride — early morning bird viewing.	Bird’s Eye View Lodge, logwood trees along fresh-water lagoon.	Bird’s Eye View Lodge, boat ride — early morning bird viewing. Male green iguana. Yes, it looks orange, not green.
Bird’s Eye View Lodge, boat ride — early morning bird viewing. Turkey vultures in “crooked” tree.	Charter boat that took us 50 miles east in the Caribbean Sea, through Turneffe Åtoll, to Half Moon Caye Natural Monument.	Belize City shoreline
One day later, charter boat arriving at Half Moon Caye, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, with most of our group. 12 people were delayed by snow and ice at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport en route to Belize City. Fortunately I had flown out of Houston, which did not have airport closure.	Half Moon Caye, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Caribbean Sea. A Caye (key) is a small, low-elevation, sandy island on the surface of a coral reef. Half Moon Caye/Island is 0.75 miles long, 700 yards wide. Latitude 17 degrees north. Water 80 - 83 degrees F.	Lighthouse is still functional. Uses a solar panel on which ospreys nest. Can you spot the osprey perched below the nest?
Island Expedition tents on Half Moon Caye. Mine is the tent with washing on the line. Coconut fruits/nuts were cut down from the trees to prevent damage from falling fruits. Soft white sand, but we were warned not to walk barefoot because dead coral chunks can slash feet.	My tent. Each tent has three windows with outer and inner flaps that can be rolled down. No problem with mosquitoes because the wind is always blowing. One night we had wind speeds of up to 28 knots, which is close to gale force.	Inside my tent.
My tent had views from four sides.	View from my bed.	Hammock outside my tent.
In hammock outside my tent.	In hammock outside my tent.	Sunrise viewed from my tent.
Our living area — for gathering and meals. Flaps could be rolled down during rain and high wind. Rain water is collected in black tanks, and every drop used.	Encouraging water conservation. There are no streams on the island. All freshwater is either from rain or brought from the mainland.	Conch shells line paths leading from the cookhouse, living area, and tents to showers and compost toilets.
Conch shell lined paths.	Outdoor shower.	Dish washing area and cookhouse.