Belize Part I - Ambergris Caye

As I had been looking forward to the holiday trip to Belize for about six months, I was less than thrilled when we arrived at the Continental Airlines counter at the San Francisco Airport at 4:30 am only to discover to lines out the door. I knew we were in trouble.

While Continental was providing no information to those standing in line (I will say it now and many more times before I am through -- I will NEVER fly Continental again), we quickly learned that our 6:00 am flight was delayed for at least 6 hours. Our connection through Houston! Panic. I was on the phone. Chris was on the phone. We searched for alternative flights to Houston on different airlines. Alas, nothing.

Our wait in line proved to be very entertaining. You can only imagine the conversations that took place with those standing around us. Fury.

After two and a half hours, we finally got through our 10 person line (we had inadvertently joined the first class line) only to be told that we were not going to make our connection (like I had not realized this?) and that we could travel from Houston to Belize two days later. We inquired about other options. We were told we could fly to Cancun from Houston and then drive to Belize, as it was a mere 500 miles from Cancun to Belize. We briefly contemplated what surely would have been an adventure (how would we navigate the Mexico/Belize border?), only to receive a call from Chris' parents who too had the same issue coming out of Los Angeles (mandatory flight rests - could they not have brought in a different crew?). We all decided to fly to Houston and see what we could do from there.

While waiting for our San Francisco to Houston flight we discovered the poor individuals who had been standing behind us in line were told they could not get from Houston to Cleveland, there final destination, for FIVE days. Lovely. I thought we had issues.

After waiting approximately 7 hours, we boarded our flight for Houston. Upon arrival in Houston, we met up with Chris' parents, who had been able to arrange confirmed flights the following day on the second and final flight from Houston to Belize City. We were placed on the standby list.

Hopeful that we could all make our way onto the earlier flight the following day from Houston to Belize City, we made our way to an airport hotel to try to get some rest and recover from a truly awful travel day. (I will never fly Continental again. Continental staff, with one exception, had been extremely rude and unhelpful.)

Early the following morning we headed to the airport to try to get on the earlier flight. We were fortunate and all four of us made it on the early flight. (Thank goodness, as the rest of our party was already enjoying the lovely vacation while we were stranded in Houston!)

Upon arrival into Belize City, we jumped into a little puddle jumper plane to make our way from Belize City to Ambergris Caye. Chris had the good fortune of serving as co-pilot, as he was instructed to ride up in the cockpit. (Actually, me or his mother were directed to ride up with the pilot, but Chris jumped right in.)

After the quick flight in the teeny tiny plane, we landed on Ambergris Caye, where we were met by a representative of our hotel with an awaiting golf cart.

Ambergris Caye is the largest of the 200 islands along Belize's coast - at about 25 miles long and about a mile wide in some spots. Our hotel was just outside the only town on Ambergris Caye, San Pedro. There is one main road that makes its way through town, which was busy with bicycles, golf carts and mini vans. Most in Belize appear to make their way around the Caye on either a bicycle or a golf cart.

We made our way to join our awaiting guests (Chris' brother, Drew, and his fiance, Kim, as well as Kim's family) at our hotel, the Victoria House. The Victoria House is situated south of San Pedro and is a gorgeous oasis. The moment we arrived we threw down our bags, put on our swim suits and hit the beach. Chris and I jumped into the ocean and the vacation began.

Our time on Ambergris Caye was action packed. It began with a group outing to town for lunch which consisted of way too many margaritas and realizing I was beyond tipsy way before the 5 o'clock hour. I was not alone.

Bone fishing is a popular activity in Belize. We went bone fishing on the second day of our trip. Chris and I are very competitive. We issue little challenges here and there - who can chop mushrooms faster, pit olives the fastest, etc., so it went without saying that a competition was on for who would catch the most fish. I lost, by a lot. I caught two, Chris ten. Lovely. Regardless, it was a very fun experience and resulted in some very funny sunburns, as we did not apply sunscreen evenly.

As a group activity one afternoon, we all set out on a snorkeling adventure to Shark-Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve, not too far off of Ambergris Caye. Our first stop was at Shark-Ray Alley, and as the name promised, there were sharks and rays. Big sharks! About a minute into my snorkeling adventure I looked down and realized there was an 8 foot nurse shark swimming underneath me. I literally screamed. The snorkeling was amazing -- the best I have seen to date. Chris documented our snorkeling adventures, as he had invested in an underwater housing for his digital camera. He has quite an eye for photography and took many amazing photographs on the trip, both underwater and on land.

After spending some time at Shark-Ray Alley watching the sharks, rays, and tons and tons of fish, we headed to the Marine Reserve, where I was very disappointed to learn I missed spotting a turtle. I have never seen at turtle snorkeling or diving, and everyone saw it but me!

Snorkeling led to diving, and Chris, Drew and I decided a trip out to the legendary Blue Hole was in order. We booked an all day trip that included a three dives, including the Blue Hole and two other dives off the Lighthouse Reef.

Now, as a child, I loved boating. It was one of my favorite activities with both my father and my grandfather. But, as I learned on a fishing trip about 7 years ago with my parents, I do not enjoy boating in the ocean, as I have become susceptible to sea sickness in my adult years. I had no idea that this diving adventure would entail charting across the high seas.

We departed at 5:30 in the morning for our diving adventures. Our first scheduled dive of the day was the Blue Hole, where we were planning to dive down 130 feet to view the enormous stalactites that were rumored to be the size of trees. The Blue Hole is a circular cave system which formed before the last ice age and collapsed when sea levels rose approximately 300-400 feet, forming a hole more than 400 feet deep and nearly 1,000 feet in diameter. As we took off for the destination, one of the dive masters mentioned that the boat ride to the Blue Hole was approximately 3 hours and that portions of the ride would be rough. Oh no. I was fine on the way out, but not so lucky on the way back.

We arrived at the Blue Hole and I was very excited to start the dive. I hadn't been diving in quite some time -- at least 8 years -- and this was to be the deepest dive I had ever accomplished. Our target depth was 130 feet, however Chris and ended up going down 155 feet! At that depth, you cannot stay down long, so it was a pretty quick dive. There wasn't much to see beyond the stalactites, but it was fun nonetheless.

After surfacing from the Blue Hole dive, we headed for our second dive destination off of one of the many islands surrounding the Lighthouse Reef for a shallower dive to explore the reef. I believe we were at the Half Moon Caye Wall, but I am not positive. This dive was more entertaining, as we viewed eels, barracudas, coral and all sorts of other interesting critters. After spending about 55 minutes underwater, we surfaced for a lunch break.

Lunch was spent on Half Moon Caye, located at the lower southeast corner of the Lighthouse Reef. This small, tropical island and the immediate surrounding waters are a National Park and home to a protected bird sanctuary. After lunch, we headed to a viewing platform nestled among the trees to watch the Red footed Boobies engaged in their mating rituals. It was truly fascinating to watch.

Thereafter, we headed out for our third and final dive of the day, the favorite of both Chris and I. Chris spend the entire duration of the dive photographing the underwater coral and creatures, while Drew and I checked out the underwater sites.

The trip home was an adventure, as the moment we were outside the protection of the reef, the swells were HUGE. While I didn't feel great, I was fine until the moment Drew and Chris started talking about people getting sick, when I too became sick. Lovely. Regardless, it was a wonderful day.

The rest of our time on Ambergris Caye was spent lounging about, reading, playing games and cards or taking photos with the new camera. I particularly enjoyed talking with Kim's sister, as she works for the Food Network, one of my favorite channels to watch. Fun was had by all, including Kim's mother and sister who ventured over to the mainland for cave tubing and zip lining.


Chris and I took over a thousand photos on the trip. (Actually, Chris took over a thousand photos - I maybe took 100.) Most of the photos shared here were taken by Chris.

We were sad when our time on Ambergris Caye came to an end, as it marked the departure of Drew's fiance's family. However, the rest of us were excited to be embarking on the second portion of our trip, into the jungle.

We're Back!

Chris and I just returned from spending the holiday with his family in Belize.

While exhausted and up at 4:25 am with jet lag (how does one suffer jet lag from a two-hour time zone change?), I am starting to upload the 1,000 plus photos (I know, absurd!) that we took on the trip.

A trip report will soon follow, but in the mean time, I leave you with my favorite photo of us from our adventures.

Precious

My mother had a camera when we were children that she named "Precious."

I always thought it was funny that she named her camera Precious until I too became the owner of a nice camera. Now I understand why.

Said camera was supposed to be a Christmas gift to myself AFTER Christmas, however, a brilliant young man pointed out that I might want it for our holiday travel, so it came home a bit earlier than planned.

I have a lot to learn, but we have both been having fun learning how to use it.

My favorite photo so far is a photo Chris took of my feet, all warm in my wool socks, while reading in bed.

I have a feeling our holiday travel mates are going to grow tired of being photographed.

The Windy City

I am in Chicago this week for a conference and my goodness, is it cold.

I knew it would be cold when I spied snow on the ground as my plane landed. However, I soon discovered thereafter that it is not just cold, it is bone chilling cold.

I must admit, however, that the snow puts me in the holiday spirit -- something I miss living in California. How can it be December when it is sunny and I am running around in t-shirts?

I have only been to Chicago once before -- also for a conference. I am hoping that the schedule this week allows for some time to explore the City, as everyone I know who has spent any time here loves it.

Now if this silly session would just end...

Thanksgiving

The past two years I have been spoiled with not one, but TWO opportunities to celebrate Thanksgiving.

I celebrated the first with my family up in Washington State, in conjunction with my father's birthday. The trip was much too quick and left little time to visit, but I was able to spend some quality time with my family. The twins are much bigger than they were when I first met them in August and are starting to develop little personalities. My brother and sister-in-law seem to be surviving parenting three children. I very much enjoy watching my parents and my grandmother with my nieces.

I also had the pleasure while up this trip to visit with old friends - my dearest childhood friend and his family, as well as one of my closest friends from high school and her family. I love it when your friends are so dear that years can pass and yet when you see them again it was as if the last time you got together was merely the day before.

While freezing up in the great northwest, I decided it was time to get my lazy bum in gear and start training for my upcoming races. I headed out on one of my old runs and loved every minute of it. While out running I found myself debating (an example of the things I think about while running) how long one must spend in California to call themselves a Californian. I grew up in Washington and lived there for 18 years. However, having now lived in California for 16 years, I wondered if I am truly a Californian. While I have not yet lived in California as long as I lived in Washington, I feel as though as I am a Californian, which was further demonstrated by the fact that I was FREEZING the entire time I was in Washington.

Regardless of the cold, it was wonderful to see my dear family and Northwest friends.

I had the opportunity to celebrate a second Thanksgiving on the actual holiday with Chris and new friends we have come to know over the past few years. What a fun, drunken evening. Chris pours a mean drink and when I found myself tipsy while trying to pull the turkey out of the oven, I knew my drinking was over for the evening. I loved celebrating with friends and enjoyed the evening very much. (Rick and Jessica, thank you so much for joining us! Rick, it was a pleasure to meet your cousin. Bing was such a sweetheart.)

The following day, after a very entertaining (as always) lunch with my aunt, uncle, cousins and grandmother in Marin, Chris and I headed north to Calistoga for a few days of rest and relaxation. We had planned this trip back in October during the craziness of the election season to have a little restful adventure to look forward to. The moment we pulled into the Solage resort I knew we had chosen wisely. This is a place to go if you are in desperate need of rest. The resort breaths relaxation. I loved it the moment we arrived. The rooms are little cottages, complete with two touring bikes. We immediately hoped on our bikes and headed into town, with Chris humming the "Wicked Witch of the West" theme song from "The Wizard of Oz," as we rode down the street.

While in Calistoga, we had the opportunity to tour about on bike, foot, by car and by horseback! We located the Chateau Montelena winery, which we both wanted to see after watching the movie "Bottle Shock" this fall. We toured about the Sugarloaf State Park on Horseback and could not have been more spoiled, as it was a gorgeous fall day. We enjoyed sushi at a restaurant Chris had been dying to go back to since he and his family had dined there last year over the holidays. We also found time to hit the spa, which made for a very enjoyable, relaxing weekend.

We spent a good portion of the weekend planning our next adventures, including Belize, France and possibly Italy (after Ironman France). I am looking forward each already.

BIAC Fall Regatta

This weekend I rowed in a Masters Mixed-8 in the BIAC Fall Regatta.

Unlike so many triathlon's I have participated in, this event was relatively close to home. What a treat!

Chris, bless his heart, came with me to watch and we arrived with lounge chairs in hand to wait for the start of my event.

It was a BEAUTIFUL day, so lounging about wasn't a burden. About an hour before the event, my boat headed out to warm up. We had rowed together for the first time the day before and it was not pretty. My fear of a repeat quickly dissipated as we all fell into a groove and made our way to the start.

The BIAC course is technical, with many turns. We were fortunate to have a great coxswain who kept us perfectly on course as we made our way to the finish line. It was a great row. While we didn't win, we all were happy with our performance and had fun.

As we made our way back to where we had launched, I saw that my friend Ashli had joined Chris to cheer me on! A huge thank you to them both for their support.

This event was our last regatta of the year. We have practice for a few more weeks before we break for a month. While the rest of the team recharges, I intend to get going in my next Ironman battle and start training for California 70.3. Fun times.

Perfect Weather

The Bay Area has been blessed with beautiful weather the past few days. I enjoyed it most while at crew practice this week. The water was perfectly calm, the sky cloudless and the air perfectly crisp.

This morning during practice, the boat in front of us was perfectly outlined by the sun as they rowed into the sunrise. I wished I had my camera. (Although I doubt my coach would have been pleased if I simply stopped rowing to take a photo.)

We did manage to capture the morning yesterday on the way to work.

It's supposed to remain lovely for the weekend, which is perfect, as I have a regatta on Saturday.

Election Day

I spent election day at a polling location in Southern California as a poll observer.

My favorite moment was watching a new U.S. citizen voting for the first time. He was so excited that he asked me to document the event with a photograph. It was truly touching to see the gentleman's emotions and his pure excitement to be partaking in the democratic process.

One benefit of being a poll observer in Southern California... the celebrity spottings! There were many, however I only documented one.

Dress as Your Favorite Proposition

I went to a brilliant party this weekend.

My friends Dana and Brian hosted a "Dress as Your Favorite Proposition" potluck, where everyone chose a state or local ballot measure, dressed accordingly, and came ready to present the issue to the group.

I think it was a great way to educate others about propositions who might not take the time to review the official ballot guide. Who has time? It was a mile thick!

I chose Proposition 2 and arrived with a pig's nose in hand. (A fake one of course.) Everyone did a good job "educating" the group by sharing a summary of each of the statewide propositions. As there were 12, it took a while! Unfortunately, I was not able to stay for the San Francisco local ballot measures, which surely was entertaining due to the usual ridiculousness of San Francisco (case in point, a proposition to rename the local sewage treatment to the George W. Bush sewage treatment plant).

It was a great event, full of good friends and food. I have learned one can turn any event into a fun costume party!

Happy Halloween!

These were our jack-o'-lanterns.

Now, being a child of the great Pacific Northwest, we often carved our pumpkins many weeks before Halloween and while a little mold might have developed here and there, it was nothing like the carnage that devoured our beloved jack-o'-lanterns.

In a week and a half they were DESTROYED. To the point that I had to toss them this morning as they surely would have scared the trick-or-treaters away.

Oh well... Happy Halloween!

California 70.3 Training

California 70.3 typically sells out many months before the event, but this year it sold out much quicker than expected. So quick, in fact, that Chris did not register in time. Bummer.

Ashli and I are both registered and realized this weekend that we need to start training soon.

We met on Sunday for a quick run - my first run in a month, due to my ridiculous work schedule.

Having recently discovered the beauty of Tennessee Beach, Ashli and I agreed to meet at the trail head for a quick run on the trail. I laughed as we set out and realized that we have the same running shoes.

The run was relatively painless (until the next day when the soreness set in) and I enjoyed catching up with Ashli. Now we need to start back up on the bike...

Head of the American

I spent most of Saturday traveling to and from Sacramento for the Head of the American Regatta. While it was a long drive for a relatively short race (compared to a triathlon!), I arrived and set up my lounge chair to watch the events for about an hour before my boat had to head out and warm up for our event.

It was HOT in Sacramento -- 89 degrees. Somehow 89 degrees in October just doesn't seem natural, but then again, it's California.

About an hour before our race, we set out to warm up and make our way to the starting line. The warm up did not go as well as our practice had the previous week, as our boat was a bit off on timing. Thank goodness, however, that our strokes came together as we neared the start.

Imagine my surprise while we were waiting at the start and an 8+ from University of the Pacific drifted by! My alma mater! With a crew team! The UOP team raced was to race in our mixed-masters event, as they were the only collegiate mixed eight racing.

The time came to start our event and we were off! The UOP boat had started just in front of us (it was a rolling start) and I was thrilled when we passed the boat almost instantly.

It was SO MUCH FUN to be out racing in an 8 again. I loved every minute of it.

While we were the second to cross the finish line (one boat passed us), we didn't do as well as we had hoped, due to handicapping of the boats based on age (we were a relatively young boat). Oh well, it was fun!

Mixed Masters 8+

I am very much looking forward to this weekend, as Saturday I am rowing in a regatta for the first time in 16 years!

We are headed to Lake Natoma in Sacramento for the Head of the American. I think it's going to be a great event, as our mixed 8 practiced together yesterday and it was a strong lineup.

I knew my coach was excited about the lineup as well when I saw the look on her face during practice. Time will tell. Wish us luck!

Nike Women's Marathon

Chris was originally going to support both me and one of his good friends as we ran the Nike Women's Marathon. Due to work and life, I opted not to race, and Chris decided to run half of the event with his friend, while I supported them.

As it was a Women's Marathon, Chris decided to have some fun. I knew it was going to be interesting when he called me and asked to borrow my pink Vineman top and asked if I had a running skirt.

I must admit that Chris looks good in a skirt! Thank goodness his legs are no longer shaved... that would have been just too much.

I biked along the course cheering on Chris and his friend, and kept my eye out for Ashli and Dian. Unfortunately, while I never saw them in the sea of 20,000+, Dian saw Chris.

I almost started crying from laughing when I received an email from Dian after the race, asking if it was possible that she had seen Chris running in a pink top and a white skirt. Indeed it was. Too funny.

Goodness Gracious

While the roles have been reversed, today I felt as if I was having partial deja vu from a conversation that took place in June, 2007.

Chris: "All I have to say is this - Phil, Niece."
Me: "Niece? Our Phil?" (meaning Chris' family friend Phil who I got to know over the summer, whose time I was shooting to beat at IM CDA.)
Me: "What does Phil have to do with any of my nieces?"
Chris: "Ironman France. Nice."
Me: (Oh!) "When?"
Chris: "2009."
Me: (Without a pause) "OK."
Chris: "Sign up."

And I did. I don't know how I get myself into these things...

Forgotten Love

Rowing was my passion in high school. I loved it. I went to college thinking I was going to row until I arrived to a canceled crew program.

I have been telling myself for years that when I grew tired of triathlon I was going to get back into rowing. I had been thinking more and more about over the past few months after finding myself in a bit of a training slump after Ironman. Last week I finally contacted the local crew club.

Who knew triathlon would come into play?

When I met with the designated coach for those coming "back into the fold" to determine where I best fit, he asked me about my fitness level, what I did for exercise, etc. When I replied that I was a triathlete and that most of my training consisted of biking and running, he asked me what events I had done this year.

Me: "Well, I did my first Ironman distance event in June, as well as a couple of halves."
Coach: "Well then, we are done. You are headed for the racing team."

I attended my first workout this week and was treated to a team erg test. I haven't been on an erg for 15 years. It was pretty funny, as I could not remember what time I should be shooting for, what power output I wanted, etc.

About three minutes into the 20 minute test it all came rushing back as I recalled the last time I had been on an erg, in a seat battle, and the fact that I had literally rolled off at the end and threw up. Fun times.

About 7 minutes into the 20 minute test I thought, "Wow, this is really hard." Realizing I had 13 minutes left I thought, "Suck it up. It's 13 minutes." Somehow, 13 minutes didn't really compare to 2.5 hour runs and 7 hour bike rides...

I am officially in the "try out" phase for one of the master's teams, which lasts for a few weeks. While I am VERY sore at the moment (muscles that had long been forgotten have been re-engaged), I am very much looking forward to the entire experience!

Staph Reflection

It's fleet week in San Francisco. I just had this realization when four bi-planes flew by my office window in a perfect pattern.

I then recalled where was I one year a go this week... at home, in a haze, down for the count with my MRSA staph infection. My goodness, I can't believe it's been a year.

One year ago I realized I had fallen in love with the man that gave up countless hours of his time helping me drain the staph-infected wound I could not care for myself.

One year ago I realized what absolutely amazing family and friends I have (not that I didn't realize this long ago).

One year ago I was absolutely devastated thinking that my Ironman CDA adventure was over.

What a year it turned out to be!

When I saw my doctor a few months ago for the first time since the staph infection, he said, "Jennie, it's good to see you alive." I was a bit surprised by the statement and asked what he meant. He then explained to me how sick I had been - far more sick than I had realized at the time. He said I was very lucky.

I am lucky... thank you to all those who are in my life. I am blessed.

Absolutely Nothing

I am so tired.

All I can think about at the moment is taking a vacation. Even a short one. Three days would be sufficient. I need to get away and recharge.

Recognizing that much will change after the election, I am plowing through, awaiting the other side.

In the mean time, planning a little "mini-break" is proving to be quite difficult! Where to go?

I would love to hop on a plane and spend five or so days in Maui reading a book on the beach, but fear I would be there by myself due to the non-existent vacation status of my desired travel mate. This leads me to focus on a more local destination.

I have always wanted to go to Sea Ranch, but the accommodations don't appear to be quite what I have in mind at the moment. Half Moon Bay? Never been. Napa? I love Napa, but have been many times, however I recognize there is still much to explore. I love Carmel and Monterey, but feel I need a new place to escape to.

Anyone have any suggestions? A spa is a must. Beach or area to explore is a plus.

Tennessee Valley

While I should have spent the weekend at the office, I did not. While I have probably doomed my next week, it was worth it, as I had a wonderful, restful weekend. Exactly what I needed.

Chris and I crossed a million little tasks off of both our lists this weekend. That's always a nice thing to do.

The house is dressed for fall. We purchased our pumpkins! Last year I was sad that I didn't carve a pumpkin for Halloween, so this year we set out early. I am ready with a beauty.

I went to pilates for the first time in almost a year. Pilates after a year off does not feel good.

Today my friend Ashli introduced me to a part of Marin I had never been. I love that I still discover the area in which I live, even though I have lived in the Bay Area for 4+ years. After we met for brunch, we had a lovely walk down to Tennessee Beach, accessible only by foot or bike. It was a perfect little post-brunch walk -- about a 5K out and back.

While it was foggy, it was still beautiful. There were so many people out there. I cannot believe I hadn't been after witnessing the number of people in the know! But then again, it was only last year that I discovered Rodeo Beach, one of my favorite places in Marin. And, I have yet to make it out to Muir Woods... something that has been on my list for years.

I was really nice to spend some time with Ashli catching up and planning our next triathlon -- California 70.3. A good goal to keep us going through the winter (not to mention the running events we have both signed up for).

Best part about the weekend -- AMAZING RACE IS BACK! I can't wait.