A Walk on the Beach – Town to Palapa Bar – on ONE GORGEOUS DAY in San Pedro

Yesterday you could feel the beginning of winter in Belize.  Slightly lower humidity, a cool breeze from north, sun and lofty pinkish clouds – it was absolute perfection.  Before headed to what I will now call “The Camp” or Cayo Frances Farm & Fly for 2 nights, I took a walk along the beach in town.  A walk that I haven’t taken in a while.

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Almost every dock is rebuilt since Hurricane Earl at the beginning of August.  And things were looking absolutely beautiful.

Take a look.  And bear with me – I went a bit nuts with the photos.

First things first.  I continue my bird watching on the way to town from North Ambergris Caye.  I’m stumped by this fluffy hawk…does anyone know what she is?

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I started at the oldest and certainly one of the cutest hotels in San Pedro – the 50 year old Holiday Hotel.  She doesn’t look a day over 10.

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I’m just going to inch northward…

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And passing the Tacklebox (now called Island Tackle) – one of the oldest bars in San Pedro.  Anyone know what is considered the oldest?

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This corner has SO many eateries.  Island Tackle and across the beach, Luna Loca.

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Just north, a new one – Belizean Flava and the Latitudes Cafe…

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And a step north Doc’s…formerly known as Lick’s.

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I kept dawdling northward…

San Pedro’s favorite Mexican restaurant has a new sign wrapped around the deck.

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Onto Estel’s Dine by the Sea.  The view.

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And on to San Pedro’s Central Park.

The Christmas tree has been officially lit.

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And to my left, the Mayan Princess practically glowing in the morning sun.  Good color.

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Passing Nook Restaurant and Bartique…

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And Lily’s – home to my favorite conch ceviche and fried fish – just celebrated her 10th anniversary.

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I passed the Conch Shell Hotel – a really comfy spot for very reasonably priced rooms when you are staying in town.  And I love the pink.

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Ecologic Divers is rebuilding!  Before…

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And then Hurricane Earl took her down.  And Ecologic rises.

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Next the gorgeous Phoenix Resort.

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And the Blue Tang.

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And just there – the rebuilt, renewed, MUCH BETTER SET-up of the world famous Palapa Bar.

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A look back to the beach…

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And then a quick look in…

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It was time to load up the boat – Jeff and a guest were headed up the back side of the island to the camp.

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I was driving back up, 7 miles north, for a pick up in the little skiff and a ride across the lagoon to the leeward side.  You need a boat that can go very shallow – in spots the bed rock is just about 1 foot below you – and you need to know your way.

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I’d be lost in a second.  All mangroves look pretty much the same to me.

See what I mean?  Turn here.

Where is here?

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And then sunset at the camp.  About 5 miles north of Secret Beach.  It’s like another world…

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OH!  One more thing.  I may sound like a broken record but…i feel fine about that.

I am now doing a Monday newsletter – a recap of the prior week, a look at what’s ahead, information and deals from my sponsors and a bit of trivia.  Sign up below, if you so choose.

And if you want a look at last week’s (to help you make your decision), here it is.

 

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