Caye Caulker 2011/2012

As we pulled in to the water taxi dock here on Caye Caulker we felt a strong sense of coming home. A feeling that was further confirmed when we heard Fredrick, our 40+ year old adopted son call out "Mommy! Daddy!" He turned to the other taxi drivers waiting for passengers from the boat."I told you my family was coming back today" he said. Then he gathered our luggage and put it on his bicycle cart. He delivered it all to our porch, traveling all the way with a gap toothed grin on his face and a song on his lips. We love Fredrick! He carried my first suitcase here 8 years ago and I hope he is around to carry my last when the time comes.

Besides Fredrick, we were greeted with a cold front that persisted the first few days here. With the wind coming from the west (backside) of the island we are enjoying a cool breeze and the sound of water sloshing about in our little cove. Occasional cloudbursts alternating with bright sunbursts make life pretty interesting. You may start to the store in sun and return only minutes later in rain. It should be noted though that a cold front here just means that you may want to wear a long sleeved shirt. Not to be confused with a cold front up north which, by the weather reports on TV, seems to require more than that. A snow shovel perhaps?

I arrived a bit off healthwise. The details of said ailment I will not inflict on the readers of this blog but will just hint at the problem with these few clues: Urgent - visits - bathroom. Time and a trip to the local pharmacy has restored order in that area.

We have unpacked the storage containers downstairs and made our little cabin comfortable. A number of visits to local grocery outlets and fruit stands have resulted in a good supply in the cupboards and refrigerator. At least we have the important items like One Barrel rum and 5 lbs of lobster tails.

It turns out that the boat inspector due here in mid December, and for whom we made plans to come early enough to catch, has already been here. He was here on November 30, the day before we arrived. But it probably does not matter, as getting the sailboat back in the water has turned out to be a bit more complicated than expected. The woman who is in charge of the place Lester left the boat has left the island and only returns about once a week. Catching up with her is next on the agenda.

But we are happy and well and hope all those at home are the same. More later.