Day 602
Goodbye Belize, for now
We were both sad to leave Casa Ricky's. He is the perfect host, so thoughtful. We spent a while chatting before we left and thanked him for his kindness not just to us but all the travellers who pass through, he is definitely one of life’s good guys. We have occasionally used the app ‘iOverlander’. Other travellers post where they have camped, eaten and found interesting places to visit and in a new country it’s really helpful. We had gone to Casa Ricky’s because of seeing it recommended on the app and tonight we were heading for the Tropical Education Centre, part of Belize Zoo. The ‘TEC’ was developed to educate us tourists about conservation and offer researchers a base whilst they study the animals. We didn’t get to the zoo but had a walk around TEC , fell back in love with ants after seeing the awesome leaf-cutters at work, and freaked ourselves out looking at a weird looking spider!
Our ride there had been somewhat wet so it was great to be able to set up the tent and have a hot shower. There was a swimming pool too so I had a swim, then we had a fantastic meal in the restaurant. Tom and I were both suffering from a bout of food poisoning so I really tried to persuade Tom to stay another night but with a wedding to get to we needed to keep moving if we are to make our flights in April.
We had another wet start. In case your wondering why I stress this, well that means not only do we have to wear yesterday’s smelly cycle kit, it is also wet through. Oh the glamour of cycle touring! With the weather so poor we just headed on. Another ‘iOverlander’ recommendation, a camp site at San Ignacio, just 10 miles from the Belize border. The ride was uneventful, apart from having to ride on a wet and slippery wooden bridge to get to the town of San Ignacio. Memories of painful falls off damp ‘Northshore’ trails in Dalby came flooding back and I took it very carefully, Tom whizzed across obviously! A lovely French couple who we had met at Casa Ricky’s took pity on two wet and weary cyclists and made us a cup of tea, and the campsite owner sorted us a spot under a pagoda to camp for the night.
Tomorrow we leave Belize. It’s not been the best cycling but we’ve loved the mix of cultures, the super friendly and happy people, and Tom is keen to return. If that coconut rum is on offer I guess I’d be happy to as well!
