Urged and inspired by some of you, I've overcome my lack of technical expertise and succeeded in creating a photo album link:

http://fredasphotos1.shutterfly.com/action/

Thanks to all, especially travelqueen and klcman, for encouraging me to do this. I'd be embarrassed to tell you how many wrong moves I made, and levels of frustration a few times (my computer was in danger of being tossed into the trash), but we got there, and I'm pleased to have broken through this barrier.

oh baby go look at these. xoe dear you have outdone your good self. the lady has an eye in fotoland.

congratulations for getting thru it with the computer intact. no small feat.

hugs and thanks so much. you rule.

Great pics Xoe!! You really captured the highlights of AC!

You'd never know you had any issues posting them! Looks like a professional camera/photographer/picture poster!!

Those are wonderfull pics, you did good. Thanks for taking the time to figure out how to do that and to share with us.

Xoe - You have an absolute gift. Have you studied photography or is it a natural ability? Thank you so much for taking the time to share your remarkable photos with us. You made my day!
Pam

Really worth the effort, thanks! I really like them, remind me of our trip. My husband and I fell in love with a wooden sailboat at the craft store but had to refrain. Love your collection, what a wonderful way to remember your trip!

Great pictures Xoe! I will be there in 10 days. I hope not too much has changed since I was there in July.

Amazing. Not only do you have a good eye for composition your color rendering is breathtaking and you have great contrast. Beautiful work.

Wonderful photos~~thank you!

Xoe:
Just looked at your Pics. Fabulous job.
Thanks for setting up your pic. site.
Wife and I are leaving Mon. Cant hardly sleep.
I'ts people like yourself that take the time to post things that gets everyone pumped.
Thanks Again!
T.H.

A "photo credit" note: this collection is a merging of photos taken by myself and my sister, who traveled with me.

A lifelong love of photography was instilled in us by our father, who processed both 16 mm movies and stills (black & white) in our basement darkroom. Both of us worked in a camera shop part time when in high school and college; we both have a fascination with cameras and photography. Capturing photo memories was an integral part of our Belize experience, which we are delighted to share with you.

Good eyes...thanks Dad! And gals.

They brought me back...thanks.

Exciting news: lured by a low airfare, I will be returning in May (camera in hand). So, in late May this photo album will have a new chapter.

Xoe You have been such a great help to me and my husband. We will be there the first week of May, Wish you were going to be there then. We owe ya a nice dinner for all your help. Have a great time and I look forward to more of your wonderful pic's. Thanks

We'll miss by just a bit -- too bad! My week there is May 11-18.

Xoe,
I can't believe you are going back already, no wait, I can believe it. Are you going with your sister again? Where did you decide to stay this time? From previous posts, it sounds like May is the hottest month on the island. So what! Bring a nice big hat, lots of sunscreen and cool clothes. I will be waiting to see your next batch of pictures and hear your report. Would you mind taking a shot of the Coco Beach Resort? It is under construction (just south of Belizean Shores) and I'd love to see how the front buildings are coming along. Have a fantastic time - I know you will.
P.S. I know what you mean about being lured by
the low airfare. I was online yesterday and couldn't believe some of the great deals! Glad you could take advantage of the opportunity.
Pam

Xoe missing you by 3 days. I will leave a big hug and some happy thoughts for you on our departure day. Lucky you!!!!

Pam, I can hardly believe it myself -- well, yes, I can believe it since my American Airlines e-ticket is in my hand. No sister this time, nor my husband (who hates airplanes); probably I'll be by myself, unless one of my "girlfriends" decides to join me. I'm okay with solo travel; true, no buddy to explore with, but it does provide the ultimate in freedom of choice what to do & when to do it. Going in May sounds okay to me: low-season price break but not too much rain & ahead of hurricane season.

Not Belizean Shores this time; I love that place, but by myself, less space with a lower price makes sense. I'm checking into Mata Rocks and Banana Beach, since walking to town sounds appealing.

If Coco Beach is just south of Belizean Shores, then it could be the construction project shown in one of my photos, entitled "Cement Pour". I don't remember that project's name right now. I think it's being done by the same owners as Belizean shores. I do plan to water taxi or golf cart up north one day, so I'll have a look & check it out -- with photo(s) of course!

Xoe,
Exactly, your "Cement Pour" photo is the project that I'm interested in seeing. We purchased the first casita behind the (5) big 2bed2bath units in front. They should break ground on our place in April after they are done with the front ones. Those buildings should be well on their way to completion and pretty impressive. You have such a skill with your camera. Seeing the new construction through the eye of your lense would be almost as good as seeing them for myself. I stress the word ALMOST in the my sentence!
Staying close to town sounds like a better "fit" for you this time since you don't have a companion as of yet. Flying solo is a blast! Just you and your camera, free as a bird...
Wish I could be there with you,
Pam

Pam, on my list of anticipated pleasures when I am back in May is taking the water taxi to Belizean Shores. As well as saying hello to the resort staff -- wonderful people -- I'll have lunch at Caliente Norte, AND check out "your" casita, including taking photos, if I can figure out which it is.

(My list of things to do is getting long -- the more I know about AC, the more I want to do, see, and experience.)

"19 more sleeps" and I'll be back, happily capturing special moments for the next installment of this album. This time, a new camera (twice the megapixels and half the size), so, no excuse not to have it in hand every step of the way.

Can't wait -- I am soooooo ready!

XOE! Wonderful shots gial! I've never seen a green spotted ray! Awsome!

Marty was good enough to ID that fascinating fellow from the photo. I was not near our Searious guide Jeffrey when I saw it, so wasn't able to ask while on site at Tres Cocos. Unlike the rays at Shark Ray Alley, this green spotted fellow seemed shy and elusive.

Wow, those were great!! It reminds me of everything there. Remember the song Madonna sings, "La Isla Bonita"? It's my new ear worm. I've been singing it since we left AC the first week of Novemeber. And yes, "Last night I drempt of San Pedro!" Only 2 more days, and we are there!!

erj, who do you fly for?

I'ts called a spotted eagle ray. They have the cutest faces too. I've never seen one in shallow water like that before.

they were playing around Tobacco Caye this and last year. Must be they have a close by home there

Xoe - Those are absolutely gorgeous, AWESOME photos of your trip. I can only keep my fingers crossed that the pics we take of our upcoming trip to A/C are "half" as good as yours. My best friend, Michelle, and I will be at Xanadu from May 12 - 20th, and would love for you to contact us anytime you want to hang out for a glass of wine or drinks. Maybe we could pry some picture taking secrets from you, especially the underwater kind? <laughing>
Hope to see you there! Only 16 more sleeps!
Karen & Michelle

Hi Karen & Michelle -- I'll be at Mata Rocks May 11-18, so we'll almost be neighbors. Getting together for a glass of wine would be fun. E-mail me if you want to exchange names & room numbers, if we know them (I'll try to get mine): freda@whidbey.com

Girls, your exchanges are getting painful to read...I want to BE THERE!!!! (But must wait 'til February.)
Great pictures, Xoe!

I'm adding this note to bring this report and my January photos up next to my May photo collection, as these earlier photos may also be of interest to some recent posters.