Belize Day 3

The next morning we were up pretty early. In order to shake off the Panty Ripoffs, we went over to the Sand Box and I ordered two bagel egg sandwiches. Delicious. Then it was off to the pool for sunbathing.

After a few drinks, we decided to get some lunch and then go out on a quick snorkel trip just out to the reef. You could see the reef from our hotel.

This sandwich was so awesome. The dressing was homemade. It was some kind of Dijon based vinaigrette.

As it neared one, we went to the snorkel store and then out on the dock to board the boat.

The water in Belize is just breathtaking.

The guide took us out to Caye Caulker local reef. As you can see from the picture above, the wind was blowing really hard that day and the current was unreal. We put on our gear and jumped in. None of these pictures have been enhanced with color.

Reef squid.Barracuda!After snorkeling about 20 minutes, we went back the boat. The current was so strong, when you grabbed the ladder your body would become horizontal. This made climbing the ladder very difficult. Next stop was stingray alley.

As we pulled up, we could see the rays everywhere. The water was only 4 feet deep. Too shallow in my opinion. Once we got in the water, the rays were so close it was almost sensory overload. Most of my pictures here are of half of a ray because they were right under me. Nevertheless, they were beautiful.

The current was unbelievable and I almost couldn't get back in the boat. We had one more stop but Weenie and I decided to not go.

The snorkeling was pretty good and we had a trip scheduled the next morning to the Blue Hole. If it was like this here, 5 minutes from our hotel, we imagined 26 miles out, it would be spectacular. Wait until you see those pictures!

Once back on land, we got ready and walked over to Habaneros. We were told this was the best restaurant on the island. It was the home of the frozen mojito. So, we all ordered one. It was really, really good.

We ordered shrimp wraps that were great.

My entree had shrimp, snapper and stone crab claws. The crab was so sweet. I'm salivating.

Weenie ordered a Brazilian feast that had chicken, shrimp and pork. The pork was to die for. Everything was really good.

After fighting the current and getting a little sun, we were all beat. We had to get up at 5:30 to head to the Blue Hole. It was an early night.

Beale Street Music Fest (Mudfest)

Friday night, a bunch of us went over to Ronny and Susan's house before we trekked down to the festival. Their loft is not far from one of the entrances.

Of course, we had to have shooters before we left.

It was packed. Here we are waiting for The Cult to start.

Then it started to sprinkle. Typical Memphis in May weather.

Then it stopped raining and Ian took the stage.

They rocked my face off. It was so good. Then Steve Miller came on and some of us got bored and went back to the loft for beer and darts!

Indigo Dykes

Saturday, the 25th, Weenie, Meredith, Bacon and I attended the Indigo Girls at Minglewood. I was a little ambivalent about seeing them since I've seen them at least a dozen times.

That ambivalence soon changed once they took the stage. Old favorites like Prince of Darkness soon had us all singing at the top of our lungs. Then Amy started Romeo and Juliet and I almost died. Awesome show!

Afterwards, we went to the Blue Monkey. Ryan Peel was playing with his new band. It was so good! I cannot wait for him to play again. We had a great time!

Belize Day 2

Sunday morning we woke up early. It was my 40th birthday (retch). We put on our trunks and headed out to the Happy Lobster for breakfast. We were planning on going to the Split for some snorkeling later.

I ordered an omelette, sausage and some potatoes. The potatoes were awesome. The green things you see are jalapenos. Delicious.

After breakfast, we started walking towards the Split.

Mooey stopped to talk to the dive shop and I made a friend.

The view at the Split.

The bar at the Split was called the Lazy Lizard.

It was very crowded at the Split because it was Easter. Mooey and I put on our snorkeling gear and got in. We weren't staying long. The wind was blowing about 30 miles an hour and I could tell the current was bad. As soon as I jumped in, I noticed how deep it was and that there was a shipwreck under me. I immediately saw a big angel fish.

Then I looked to my right and there was a southern stingray!

I came up for air and almost got run over by a boat. Thanks.

Then I looked around and there was another stingray!

Mooey and I fought the current as long as we could and got out. That was my first stingray sighting in the wild.

We packed up and went back to the cabanas. It was time to start celebrating my birthday! We were also awaiting the arrival of the rest of our group.

I started off with a strawberry daiquiri.

Then Weenie saw this huge lizard!

Then I had a Belikin.

We saw this little bar right down from the cabanas called Popeye's. We decided to check it out.

Mojitos! (what is my hair doing?)

Mooey and Weenie posed with Popeye.

Then we walked to Rose's cafe for a little lunch. I ordered grilled whole snapper. YUM!

Then the rest of our party arrived after their flight was canceled the day before. They came bearing gifts. It was also Easter so I got an Easter bunny filled with candy!

Then the girl from the front desk came and informed us that our luggage had arrived. Hooray! We taxied out to the airport and picked it up. It was a great birthday present!

Once back, we walked over to the Sand Box where I ordered a banana daiquiri.

Hooray, the whole group!

We walked back to our place and went upstairs to enjoy the view and more drinks!

More banana!

Our faithful bartender Jabulos waited on us all week. These are Panty Ripoffs.

New Sanuks from Ronnie, Susan and Leeann.

We got hungry so set off for Don Corleone's. We were all pretty toasty.

I ordered pizza. It wasn't very good.

Then cake and singing. I was thrilled.

We walked back to the cabanas but not before we stopped to buy some bandanas. They didn't have the tradional plain ones so we bought these hideous ones. It didn't help that we were drunk.

Crying.I had a great birthday. Thanks everyone! Also, thanks to Weenie for being the photographer!