THE SAN PEDRO, BELIZE JOURNAL

THE SAN PEDRO, BELIZE JOURNAL

EVENTS AND OUT TAKES SHARING THE DAY-TO-DAY EVENTS OF SAN PEDRO AND THE COUNTRY OF BELIZE.  AS SEEN OR TOLD TO MR. AMERICANA/BELIZE HIMSELF; EX-PATRIATE AND BELIZEAN RESIDENT ­ MR. REEF RANSOM. THIS JOURNAL IS WRITTEN BY MR. REEF RANSOM. ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REGARDING SUBSCRIPTIONS OR CONTENT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE ASSISTANT MANAGER, MR. DALE.

THE SAN PEDRO, BELIZE JOURNAL IS AVAILABLE AS AN E-LETTER VIA THE INTERNET IN 6 MONTH SUBSCRIPTIONS AT A COST OF $7.00/U.S. PER MONTH FOR A TOTAL OF $42.00/U.S FOR 6 MONTHS. THE NEWSLETTER IS SENT OUT ON THE FULL MOON OF EVERY MONTH.

DON’T WAIT MAN, PURCHASE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION NOW! MAIL YOUR CHECK TO:
SAN PEDRO JOURNAL E-LETTER, P.O. BOX 33, GARDNER, KS. 66030. MAKE CHECKS TO SAN PEDRO JOURNAL AND INCLUDE NAME, ADDRESS AND EMAIL ADDRESS.

OR IN SAN PEDRO STOP BY OUR OFFICE AT:
LA CASA DE LOS ROSAS, 17 LAGUNA DRIVE, BOCA DEL RIO, SAN PEDRO, BELIZE, CENTRAL AMERICA

BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS AND WE’LL GET THE NEXT E-LETTER TO YOU.  IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN RECEIVING PAST ISSUES OF THE SAN PEDRO JOURNAL, OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD ENJOY A COMPLIMENTARY COPY SEND AN E-MAIL TO [email protected]. DON’T WANT TO RECEIVE THE SAN PEDRO JOURNAL E-LETTER OR WANT TO CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS, THE SAME PROCEDURE APPLIES. JUST SEND AN EMAIL TO REEF.

WHILE THE SAN PEDRO BELIZE JOURNAL E-LETTER STRIVES FOR ACCURACY, WE SUGGEST YOU USE YOUR COMMON SENSE AT ALL TIMES.  WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PROBLEM!

Ocean Street-Boca Del Rio

May 27, 2002.

The day started with heavy rain showers right before dawn and they mostly continued till mid afternoon. I managed to get to the store during a short break in the rain. The clouds gave way just a little right at sunset. That was nice because it made a beautiful color in the sky. I did the kind of things you would do anywhere on a rainy day. Read, played guitar, watched a movie, ate and then got bored. Tonight I think I will take a walk along the sea and maybe go in town for a while. With a good raincoat, you just keep on trucking. The streets are like a bowl of mud from the large amount of rain we have gotten. Is the rainy season early this year? I don't know. Looks that way today. The sea is almost smooth as glass. It is hard to tell where the reef lies because the waves are so small that there is very little white foam as they cross the reef.

At the end of my walk tonight, I stopped and sat on one of the benches in the Boca del Rio Park. The water was calm and the sky full of clouds. I couldn't find a star or the rising moon. As I sat there, it was very silent. The sound from the reef was crystal clear and about all you could hear. You had to cock your head just a little to get your ear out of direct fire of the wind. The wind, lightly blowing, still blocked out any sounds when blowing directly into your ear. Even though the water is very calm, the sound of the gentle waves breaking upon the endless reef is still a low rumble, somewhat like the noise a passing train makes, except without the clickity clack. I just sat there for some time. I knew that no matter what else was going on in the rest of the world, everything was working just right here. I walked the half block back home and another day slips away. I did see Venus shining very brightly in the low western sky when I stepped out onto my back veranda. No other stars.

To the memory of all those spirits not alive to see Memorial Day this year, those of us who are, remember.

Right Here mi Amigo's---Reef Ransom (One of the lucky ones).

Thanks so much to those of you who took the time to send an email about last month’s edition of the San Pedro Journal E-Letter. All the comments were positive and greatly appreciated.

May 28, 2002.

Rain came in the night and early morning. It stopped about mid morning and then became mostly sunny. I went to check my boat for water, my bilge pump is not automatic because if I leave the battery on the boat, someone thief it for sure. As it turned out the pump I had is history. It was used when I got it and the wires have been wet with salt water. That means corrosion and that means no juice flowing through the wires. I spent about an hour trimming the wire about an inch at a time trying to get it to work this morning. Finally I realized that the corrosion had gone all along the wire from the pump itself. Off to Capt. Shark's I went, that is where you can buy marine supplies here in San Pedro. A slightly larger pump (2000 gallons per hour), cost me $130.00/bze. When it cools down a little about 5ish, I will go install it. I had lunch at Elvi's. Conch season is coming to an end soon and I am storing up on it. There seem to be quite a few tourists here. Hurricane season is just four days away. If you live here, you already know that.

My hammock gave out a while back, so I have been suffering greatly. Especially in the afternoons. This morning on my way to Shark's, I saw the guy who sells hammocks. Of course you can buy a hammock in any gift shop. No shortage at all. I know this guy supplies all the gift shops and brings the hammock’s here from Mexico. I have bought my other hammocks from him for a long time. I asked him to come by mi casa in the afternoon and he did. I now have a new hammock and a favorite past time lives! I asked if he could have the factory in Mexico make a special one for me. I really need them to be muy largo(very long), because I am tall. He said he would check for me. For the record I paid $70.00/bze or $35.00/U.S. for the heavy-duty hammock. Now I have a hammock to hang on my front veranda, so till after my siesta....

May 29, 2002.

I don't write much about the nightlife because I don't do it much. Last night I decided to get out and see what might be going on. As I passed by Hotel del Rio, I was beckoned to come up on the porch and have something to drink. Well, I wasn't doing anything else really, so why not. As it happened there were two pretty blondes staying there and it was their last night on the Island. They were both 25 and from Colorado, close to wherever CSU is at. I forget the town. So I had Vodka and O.J. and we watched the moon rise front their front porch. From there we went to Sharks Bar and Fido's Courtyard. Fido's had live music, but it must have been later than I thought, because they finished not long after we got there. Shark's was still happening though, with a slight crowd of partiers. Most were outside on the deck surrounding the actual shark tank below. Inside the tank are live sharks. For you long time visitors to San Pedro, you might remember this location and idea, used to be called The Tackle Box Bar. It went down though, during Hurricane Mitch I believe. I can remember someone describing how it slowly tilted then the big waves just pull it down. It was a late night for sure. So, my party going friends, men and women alike, there is life after dark, here in San Pedro.

I went to town for lunch. I noticed a few people that looked like cruise ship tourist. Big cruise ships have started coming to the Belize City port, but few if any make it to San Pedro in the few hours they have ashore. About two o'clock, I spotted a huge cruise ship outside the reef and headed north. It was quite a ways out from the reef and I got my binoculars and took a look. It looked like the lost city of Atlantis had risen from the murky depths of the unforgiving sea. I mean this ship looked like a city on the sea. Now I have to go with my initial instinct about the cruise ship tourist on the island. My intuition is very reliable. A sunny day with calm sea’s. Time to catch the sunset.

I Walk

I walk along the sea's edge at dusk; the seaweed is piled up from the days tide, The head and skeleton of a big Permit fish, lay at the waters edge. The slow easy waves of low tide nip and pull at the carcass, but it won't budge. I walk along the sea's edge at dusk; the laughter of small children turns my head to see, what prompts so much gayety and glee, but they just keep on running and laughing and I never know. While under foot are the walls and moats of half washed away castles made from sand. I walk along the sea's edge at dusk, and gaze upon the dancing sea, wondering what is out there that I cannot see, and what I will do if I ever know. While the crimson sky fades to black, and the tide keeps up its rhythm, I walk.

The night sky is sharing some stars. I'll take an extra long look at them tonight for everyone. Right Here, mi amigo's---Reef Ransom.

May 30. 2002.

Ditto on the weather. Hot and dry. Hurricane season is just two days away. I am a little surprised how many times people have mentioned it. Every person has spoken of hurricane season with an amount of true trepidation. The odds of us getting hit with a hurricane here in Belize have to be so low. Three direct hits in five years is way above the average of one every fifty years. Still, any chance, however slim is enough for concern when you know the power of hurricanes.

Caribbean Seafood Platter for dinner at Elvi's. The special for Thursday night. So good. I stopped off at the local casino, The Palace, it is called. Their slogan, "It ain't Vegas." How true, but about 25 quarter slot machines and three blackjack tables. Enough, that I wish I hadn't of stopped in. The night is partly cloudy with a few stars to gaze at. All seems well, here on the Island. Right Here---Reef Ransom.

May 31, 2002.

Hot. Light breeze. Partly cloudy skies. Very calm sea. Last night I had a dream that a friend was falling or running away from something bad. I have had this same dream before. My friend’s mother was sick when I had the dream before. I can't contact them, so I can only hope it was just a dream. Hope is interesting. It is what we use to replace the feelings we get from the unknown. Fear, lack of control, the feeling something bad is happening and there is nothing you can do about it. All you can do is hope. Hope for the best. Hope to be wrong. Hope that everything will turn out right in the end. Of course there could be no such thing as hope unless there was hopelessness. Right?

Good news, the breeze picked up to about normal. Makes it much cooler feeling. It also changed direction, now from the South East. It changed very quickly. The sea went from near calm to small white caps inside the reef. Still not very rough though.

I stopped by the bank and picked up a list of properties they have for sale. Four different ones. I looked at all of them. Finding them was fun. They don't have an exact address really and you find them from a few clues like this. "You know where the house that sunk is? This property is right next to it." Or, "You know where the houses burned by the airstrip? This property is right there, next to the house that only burn slightly." I managed to find them all. Now none of these properties are prime beach front like most tourist dream about. However, in San Pedro there are a lot of areas where property is still inexpensive and will be worth much more in a few years. As an investor, I look at all the options. If the location is ok, and the price and the profit potential are ok, then maybe I buy. From experience I know that you look at a lot of these, before you find the right one's. I am interested in a couple of these properties. Anything happens, I'll keep you posted.

Some stars in the sky tonight after a beautiful crimson and pink sunset. I watched a satellite go over from the dock at Hotel del Rio. It's another night in Paradise. Right Here---Reef Ransom.

June 1, 2002.

Happy hurricane season everyone. I hope we don't get one. I don't like the names this year. Of course, no one consulted me about them. Coastal high temp for today is 91° F. The breeze is blowing about a steady 10 mph. The sea is mostly calm.

I went fishing for big trophy fish this afternoon. My guide was Gaby Perez. He lives on Pescador Dr. close to the RC school. We stopped first at the channel (cut in the reef) in front of the Yacht Club and fished for Skipjack's or Lady Fish as they call them here. They were for bait outside in the blue as we fished for Marlin, Tarpon, Tuna, etc. We used medium size gear and baited with a yellow jig with a live Sardine attached to the hook. Then you cast into the school of fish, which looked like a dark cloud in the water. Worked the jig, reminded me of fishing for Bass, and hoped for a bite. I had a little trouble catching the routine. Finally I was in sync, but we had enough for bait, so done. I hooked one but let the line go slack to tighten my drag and he jumped in the air and gone. Gaby told me they have soft mouths and are hard to hook. We then trolled in the blue back and forth from about Tres Cocos (the area just across the river cut, North) to Hol Chan (the underwater Marine Park). Used the live Ladyfish and a live Bonefish for bait. Nothing. Switched to artificial bait around 4:30. Nothing. Came home at 6:00. What is the saying? A bad day fishing is better than a good day on the job. Something like that. For me, I love being on the sea. Trolling like we were is more likely to get you no fish than some fish. But when you get a big one, ay yi yi. I would go fishing with Gaby again, anytime.

I grabbed a quick shower and change. Then I had a Pizza to go from The Blue Water Grill. They have real good food there and I like their Pizza best on the Island. Saturday night and the town was getting active. Several senoritas's called to me on my way home from The Blue Water Grill. I made them wait; I had a pizza to get home.

Cloudy sky's tonight. I miss the stars when they are out of sight, tucked perfectly away behind the clouds. The time marches on, even here where it moves so slowly. All the things we thought we couldn't bear, we did. Time doesn't heal things, but it does run them over and leave them on the side of the road like road kill. Emotional road kill, I like that. Right Here, mi amigo's---Reef Ransom.

June 2, 2002.

Party in the Boca del Rio Park. Band and BBQ. You can hear the bass of the band for several blocks. Here in Belize, the local musicians seem to think that an overwhelming Bass and Percussion equal’s music. For me, and I like all types of music, it is as one of my Belizean neighbors said, "Just noise, not music." Hot and calm today. Like a stuck record. I went to the store for some things. As I left, I watched a group of American tourist, six of them, three couples, as they got frustrated trying to find the ferry across the river. They were in a limo size golf cart from Moncho's Rentals. They stopped in front of the store. I see a lot of tourist lose their confidence about there, maybe the fork in the road throws them. Have they gone too far? What is ahead if they keep going? This can't be the way through that neighborhood? The neighborhood gets a bit more rustic as you leave the area of town. To many, it doesn't look safe. This group I was watching came into the store and looked around, while two of them tried to call the rental place to verify where they were going. Even though I heard then say, "She said just to keep on going till you run into it." Of course you can't just pick up a pay phone and drop a coin into it and call. You need a calling card to do that. So, instead of asking me or any number of other people right there where the ferry was, they loaded up and went clear back to Moncho's Rental office and asked again. I bet the lady said the same thing, "Just keep on going, you can't miss it." I saw them pass right by my house about 25 minutes later. I live one block from the ferry. Hope they found it. Here's a clue. When you come here as a tourist for the first time, trust your instincts, and don't be to cool to ask for help. Almost everyone here is very friendly, especially if you are too.

Had a great dinner at Celi's Restaurant. Celi's is located on the beach in the middle of The Holiday Hotel. Good place to stay, good place to eat. I came home afterwards and watered my plants and the two palm trees I planted this afternoon. There is lighting in the south and western sky. By watering I pretty much assured that it will rain. Hope so. Later I will be having some caye lime pie from Celi's. It is the 2nd best on the Island, in my humble opinion. I am fairly qualified to judge caye lime pie, as I have made it part of my life's work to sample it all through the Tropics. Now you are probably saying, "OK, now where is the Number 1 caye lime pie on the Island?" Don't worry, I know where and I am likely to tell you sometime. From Paradise; Right Here, mi amigo's---Reef Ransom.

June 3, 2002.

It rained quite a bit last night. There are some puddles in low areas. I knew it would since I watered my plants. Mother nature does a much more thorough job than I do, so better. Typical morning for me. Coffee, check out the view. Yeah, I'm still in paradise surrounded by mother natures many shades of blue. Play my guitar; sing a new song I'm writing. Then I put on an oldies CD with K.C. and the Sunshine band and all the other great artist from the disco era of the 70’s and 80's. It's a good one to get you going in the morning. Great for cleaning, working out, etc. Had some nice Papaya too. Mostly sunny and calm seas. Hurricane season is here; you can feel the tropical weather pattern that lends itself to development. Right now the Island calls and I answer.

Went out to the Jade Garden for dinner. It is one of my favorite places to eat in San Pedro. For dessert, I brought home two pieces of the best caye lime pie on the Island. Now, there is another kind of caye lime pie that is served here. It is frozen caye lime pie and it is excellent, but a different category. Who has the best-frozen caye lime pie on the Island? I'll let you know. Not much activity in town tonight. Some tourist, but pretty light. The night is breezy and a few stars are visible. Quite a few clouds up there though. All in all, a very low key and typical night here in paradise. The night is calling me out. Right Here, mi amigo's---Reef Ransom.

June 4, 2002.

What can you write about an uneventful day? According to a reliable source, the arrivals at the International Airport on Sunday were about half capacity. The departures about 120%, meaning over booked leaving the country. Less than half the potential amount of visitors coming in. Now, that is just one day, but the signs are clear. No crowds at the restaurants, streets are not crowded. Everyone here is saying it is slow. Hurricane season can't help. I really love Hurricane Season. I wake up and have to be aware that some great force beyond my human capacity to comprehend may be lurking out there heading right for me. Direct hit. It’s a lot harder to waste you life anytime you are putting it at risk. Of course it is at risk every day, but the comfort of our routine lull's us into forgetting that.

I bought some real great fruit's today. Bought a Mango, a Pina' (Pineapple), some oranges for fresh juice in the morning, and some other veggies. The fruit's here are usually excellent. Seas remain calm and the breeze light.

June 11, 2002.

Fresh back from Mexico. Well, last night flight from Corazol arrived home at 5:00. The weather was hot there (in the Yucatan), and still hot here. Let me tell you about my le trip. Cancun was full of partying graduates from all over the world. Most from the US and almost all of the women were blonde. I went to Carlos and Charlie’s one night, and it was pack up. Buckets of Cerveza and shots of Tequila were flying. All of Cancun was like that. The drive up there from Corazol was about 5 hours. We stopped in Playa del Carmen and had a nice lunch by the sea. They call the area from Cancun South for about 100 miles "The Mayan Riviera". All along the highway there are to many beach hotels and big resorts to count. The closer you get to Cancun the more people. Cozumel is a ferry ride from Playa del Carmen. In Cancun I stayed at the Hilton. I ate at great restaurants, enjoyed the big waves on the creamy beach and the big event, I went to Sam's Club and CostCo. You will find all the big name stores and companies from the U. S. in Cancun. In a way, it’s almost like being in Miami. Imagine you live in the most god forsaken hell hole of a dust bag, little non-zip coded, back country, can't get there cause the bridge is out, town. The nearest city is about a five-hour drive over some shaky roads part of the way. A trip to Sam's or CostCo would be pretty cool. More or less the same for me. I bought some hard to get items here in Belize. Mexico is not my favorite country to visit or hang out in. I usually am ready to leave after 2-3 days. That was true this trip, except I stayed 4 days. I was so happy when I crossed over the border back into Belize. It was hotter than hell, but I was glad to be home. Glad I took the trip, it was well worth it.

San Pedro is getting quiet, as the tourist count is low. Time to be planning and doing for the start of high season in a few months. I got my golf cart back from Osmin's and the bill was $200.00/U.S. I have spent a lot on my cart in the last few months. Here you have to, to keep them alive. Now, mine should be good for a while. Looking forward to going snorkeling tomorrow. There is lighting in the sky, but that happens a lot and it doesn't rain here. Mostly I just want the sea to stay fairly calm. You can go out on choppy days with no problem, its just not as comfortable. When you live here you get spoiled and you watch and wait for those days of glass. The sea gets calm and looks smooth as glass. See you in the morning at the dock, mi amigos. Right Here---Reef Ransom.

June 12, 2002.

I took my boat up the North coast this morning to a little spot called Buena Vista. I tied on to a buoy and spent a great couple of hours snorkeling and diving for Conch. I saw quite a few fish including a Puffer or "Chicken of the Sea" as the locals call it. Also Red Gramy's, Big Angel Fish, Yellowtails and so many more. I picked up a Conch shell that was partially buried in the white sand. The shell was wedged under a large piece of Staghorn Coral and hard to see. I thought for sure it was a live Conch. I dove down about six feet to the bottom and snagged the shell. I turned it over to check for a conch and it had none. It did have a little Octopus. I watched him swim away put the empty shell back for him to hide in. At his size of about a silver dollar pancake, there were a whole lot of bigger fishes in the sea to worry about. The Coral here is very nice and you can swim through small little canyons and around and over giant coral formations to find yourself in a clear white pool. The Coral would just give way and the sea was a little deeper like a pond in the sea, and the floor was pearly white sand. No sea grass or Coral, except as it surrounded the pool like Steep Canyon walls. You can swim right up to the reef here, and most of the area is shallow. Not much current today. Always check the current when you get in to swim. Sometimes it gets strong. I harvested six medium Conchs. The season for them ends in three days so they are harder to find. Hung out in the shade of the boat for a while with a cool one and listened to the sound of the surf on the reef. Thanked my lucky stars. Wished you could all be there. Right Here, mi amigo's---Reef Ransom.

August 22, 2002.

The full moon rose in the eastern crevice where the sky and the sea meet to form the horizon. It was magnanimous in all its glory. Surrounding it, and sometimes stealing the center stage, were tall stuffy storm clouds, full of lightening and thunder. The rain has come to shore and the sky has gone dark. Devoid of any moonlight, the earth below devoid of any moon shadows. Thunder reverberates through the air like the sound of ten thousand buffalo storming through a canyon. Yes mi amigos, the night is full of magic and power. How much of it shall be ours? The choice is up to us each.

The streets, restaurants and bars were all close to empty tonight as I went into town for a while. Not much happening in San Pedro tonight. There is another new girl working at the Palace Casino. Her name is Adela and she is very pretty. I go now to close my eyes and listen to the sound of the thunder as it rolls through the sky. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

August 23, 2002.

It rained and blew hard all night long last night. Much of the Island has standing water in yards and streets. Some less well-designed house might have taken in some water. A nice tropical it was, but it has passed through it appears. It has been just bad enough weather to keep me from going to Corozal the last two mornings. I went down to the dock and bailed out my boat. The sea has calmed some, maybe I should go fishing.

Just in on the coconut telegraph: Last nights strong storm contained a tornado and did damage to the area around the airstrip. Several roofs were lost, two airplanes were tipped over and blown across the runway, and three boats were uplifted from the sea and tossed back causing great damage. I knew it was a hell of a storm. I know tornados and they are every bit as destructive as a hurricane, but thankfully move through very fast. The day turned out to be a windy one with partly sunny skies. The moonrise will be visible tonight. Last night there were too many storm clouds. I’ll be on top of it! Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

August 24, 2002.

I went fishing this morning. Left about 11:00 and went outside to the blue and trolled for a while. The sea is not as clear as normal and is full of floating seaweed. The storms that just passed through the last couple of nights have mucked up the water, so to speak. Also it was cloudy. I think the lures that I am using work better with sunlight. Makes them sparkle and glint better. An approaching rainstorm chased me inside the reef and to home at about 1:30. I caught one small Spanish Mackerel. Still loved it though. Didn’t see anything exotic in the sea today, but nothing like being out there, feeling the waves as their energy lifts you up and then lets you down. A very natural rhythm in life.

Last night I went to town and stopped at the Palace Casino for a while on the way back home. Had a few people in there, mostly tourist having fun. I didn’t stay to long. As I drove home I heard a crackle and smelled burning wires as my golf cart came to a sputtering halt. I checked the wires, but didn’t see the problem. I waited for a le while until one of my friends came by in a cart and I asked him for a tow home. He lives right by me and we used his and my security cables (normally used to go through the steering and the cart frame to keep your cart safe) linked together for a towrope and made it home fine. One thing about San Pedro, and all of Belize really, you can make a lot of good friends and they are always happy to help you. The people of Belize are her true Jewel. My neighbor is a mechanic, so he fixed me up good as new first thing this morning. The part was $85.00/bz and the labor was $35.00/bz with some battery water and grease tossed in for free. The combination of the salt air, heavy rains, muddy roads and rough, rough roads, make life hard for all vehicles here on the Island.

The moon will be rising in about a half an hour. Time to go down by the sea and let the sound of the waves and the reef and the breeze cloud my brain. Only to be saved by the majestic moonrise. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

August 25, 2002.

It has been a perfect day. The morning cleared up and the sky is blue and the sea is blue and everything is like paradise. The sea is very calm and lots of boating is going on. I have cleaned mi casa and edited some old issues of the San Pedro Journal today. I went for a swim about 11:00 this morning. The sea is just the right temperature, just slightly cool to the hot body. Now as the night approaches, I need to go out for some supplies. I looked earlier today for milk, but there was none close by. I will have to wait till the next delivery. Manana??? Who knows for sure? They will tell you tomorrow, regardless.

The night sky is clear as can be. The moon is hanging brightly overhead and cast a spotlight on the gentle ripples of the calm sea. The stars are bright. A barking dog breaks the silence of this magic night, and a golf cart goes speeding by, reminding me I am not in heaven, but still on earth. May your nights be as mine. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

August 26, 2002.

This morning I got up early to go to Corozal to stop into the Duty Free Zone. The Free Zone is located in Belize, along the border with Mexico. It is basically a shopping area where you can buy goods without the added cost of duty, which is quite high in Belize. The Free Zone is off limits to Belizeans for shopping. The reason is because no duty has been paid on the goods to the Government of Belize. Hence, the Free Zone is set up for the people of Mexico to come across the border and shop. And they do, in a big way. I am looking for a warehouse within the Free Zone to receive and sell general merchandise imported from the U.S. That’s why I was going there today. I called Tropic Air and reserved a seat on the 9:00 flight to Corozal. I got to the airport at about 5 till 9, plenty of time. One of the ladies working there motioned me over and recognizing me; ask me for my frequent flyer discount card. I gave it to her and she told me how much money and I paid and got my boarding pass. No big deal, done it hundreds of times at least. I stepped into the bathroom for a minute and when I stepped out, I saw a plane loading up outside. I started to go out, but the same lady told me that wasn’t my flight, the other one was. OK, I said. The other flight boarded right then and so did I. The guy outside the plane closed and secured the door, the engine roared to life. The pilot’s voice came over the intercom and he said clearly, “Thank you for flying Tropic Air. Our flight time to Municipal Airport will be approximately 15 minutes.” So, someone booked me for Municipal instead of Corozal. Pretty funny, really. I guess some things can get to routine. I had planned on going to Belize City tomorrow or Wednesday anyway, so just went today instead. I hope I’ll get to go to Corozal tomorrow.

While in Belize City, I met with the Customs Comptroller about importing some containers into Belize. That went well. Then I went to the Princess Casino and chilled out for a while. I was there to early to do much. Finally the bowling alley (something new in Belize) opened at 11:00. So I bowled a couple of lines. No 300 games, but fun all the same. Then I had a bite of lunch. Honestly, I can’t really recommend either restaurant at the Princess. They are passable, but nothing to brag about. Then I hit the Casino, it opens at noon. I went straight for the dollar slots. Played for a while, winning just enough to keep going, then I hit triple bars for a payout of $120.00 U.S. I had started with 100 U.S. dollars, so I was ahead. Then I just started winning on almost every play. I hit another triple bar payout on the same machine and several smaller payouts on another machine. I played solid for an hour and a half and left with my original $100.00, plus $240.00 more. Flew back home on the 2:30 flight and chilled out for the rest of the afternoon.

The night is fresh, one of my friends said. It is fresh, full of fresh breeze, cooling breeze. I walked along the waters edge and felt the cool water on the bare souls of my feet. The stars are excellent tonight. The moon is coming up a bit later each night, so it is dark for a while after sunset. It’s not to cloudy overhead; so stargazing is a must. The moon is four days past full, but still very cosmic. There are some clouds to the east, and they have some lightening in them. Makes for a wonderful contrast.

While I was walking on the beach, I stopped to check my boat. I found someone has thieved the prop from my motor. This is the kind of petty crime we have on the Island. It is for sure the work of a crack head. It sours my attitude for a moment, but then I put it into perspective. I know so many good, honest, kind Belizean people and I won’t let just a few ruin my short stay on this good Earth and on this Island.  Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

August 28, 2002.

I went to Corozal today. I wanted to go into the Free Zone to check on some details about starting a business there. I took the 9:00 flight on Tropic Air. The flight leaves the island and flies over the sea between Ambergris Caye and the mainland. Below, the sea is a charismatic shade of baby blue. It is dotted with a few smaller cayes and what look like mere spits of sand here and there. We ran into a big rainstorm on the way. It started just as we hit the main coast. The coast of Belize is really just mangrove and swamps for several miles inland before you find any real dry land. I couldn’t help but wonder what kinds of life existed down below in all that swamp and those lagoons?

The flight skirted the rain as best we good and landed safely in Corozal. I caught a taxi and went to my friend’s house and borrowed his truck. The trip to the Free Zone was informative and I accomplished my mission. I was done and at Tony’s Inn having lunch at 11:30. I love the tortilla soup and chicken nachos at Tony’s. After lunch I had a few hours till the return flights to San Pedro. I decided to drive to the small village of Progresso. I had some friends living there and had never been, so I headed out. The road was rough and about half way to Progresso, you have to cross a wide river. In typical Belizean fashion and ingenuity, they have a hand cranked ferry that you drive up on and they take you across the river. The ferry will hold up to three vehicles. The hand cranking is slow but sure and I was on the other side in about 10 minutes. The river, there at the crossing reminded me of a scene from a documentary on the wilderness of Africa, but it wasn’t Africa, it was Belize. Another National Geographic Moment. I made it to Progresso and found my friends the Benetez family. I was given a chair to sit on, and we all sat in the shade of the new cement house they were building. We visited for about an hour or so. When I said goodbye to get back to Corozal to catch the 3:30 flight, they gave me some wonderful avocados from the bush. I guess no one will starve when you can find all the great natural food you need in the surrounding bush. On the way back, the line to cross the river was long and I had to wait for the barge to cross with the cars in front of me, and then bring the ones from the other side back. The loading and unloading take some time, and so does the cranking. I waited about 25 minutes to cross. Would I make it in time for the 3:30 flight home? I didn’t sightsee on the way back and quickly returned my friend’s truck and called a cab. We raced to the airport and I had 3 minutes to spare. On the flight home we once again ran into a le rain storm. Safely at home in San Pedro now. The night is stormy and rainy. I wish all of you peace out there. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

August 28, 2002.

The day is sunny and hot. The sea is calm and waiting for you. There are few tourists in San Pedro right now. It is the very peak of hurricane season, but still a great time to come to San Pedro. You get the beaches and the restaurants and bars etc. to yourself. A great time to get to know the people of Belize also as they have more time. I went for a refreshing swim after some rice and beans with stew chicken for lunch. Just chilling out on a hot afternoon in paradise.

The new sprayer for mosquitos is quieter than the old one. The noise is the only warning you get that you are about to be sprayed. I barely got my windows and doors closed before it passed by. Even so, I still get a le hit. It smells rotten, but it controls the mosquitos. I don’t like to breathe it, but the locals living in small shacks many times need it inside their house to help kill the mosquito. They don’t really think there is any health risk. In the early 1900’s they sprayed DDT along the beach in New York and people walked along behind in the fog and the spray, playing in it like kids do in a fire hydrant. That was supposed to be safe too. So they thought at the time.

Quiet days and nights on the Caye. And the days go by so slowly…Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

August 29, 2002.

I got up and made some coffee at 7 this morning. I opened the curtains and the window and gazed out at the majestic blue sea like I always do. What a sight to start off the day with, unbelievably powerful. This morning the sea was very flat and I could not clearly distinguish the line of the reef as you usually can. The outside waves hit the reef and break up in white foam, marking the reef very well. Perfect sea then for about anything on the water. I was not to go out today though. Someone (a crack head, no doubt), thieved the prop from my boat motor in the night a few nights ago. That is the kind of petty crime you must be able to live with to live in San Pedro. The few keep you always on guard. Just for the record I replaced the prop with a new one from Captain Sharks. You can get most marine supplies at Captains Sharks. They also carry fishing gear and other Marine supplies. They are located behind the airstrip and Maya Island Air terminal. The cost was $450.00/bz for the new prop and a few more dollars for the nut, washer and pin. Oh well.

A friend of mine gave me a big bag of frozen conch left over from the end of the season at his restaurant. These conchs were harvested while the season was open and fresh frozen. I went to town and bought the ingredients to make conch cerviche. I bought cilantro, cucumber, carrot, onion, green pepper, tomato and very important, key limes. I dice up all the veggies. I rinse and microwave conch for about 5 minutes (before that I mash them good with a meat tenderizer). Then I chop the tender conch up and add it to veggies. This is an important part. Lime juice. You add limejuice to the mix and it brings out all the flavor and marinates the conch. The best kind of lime to use is the key lime (6/$1.00/bz), which looks smaller, but has much more juice. Also it has a stronger juice. The bigger limes just don’t have the same amount of juice or the same taste. Made about a gallon and a half of cerviche I guess. Turned out real nice. Wish I could share it with you.

A tropical storm out off the coast of Africa and a strong tropical wave not so far south of us by Salvador and slowly moving this way. We are in the peak of the hurricane season. It is on everybody’s mind, but no one wants to talk about it too much. Don’t want to jinx us I think. Good idea. Right now though, the most perfect gorgeous weather.

It is a sweet night. The air is fresh and cooling. While I was enjoying my dinner at Elvi’s tonight, I was thinking about what I was doing at the moment and most moments in general. I was sitting at a place I love, on an island I love, doing exactly what I always dreamed of doing. It couldn’t be any better, really. I decided if God wanted to call me and I didn’t wake up in the morning, I would understand. Seize the moment and live the dream my friends. Right Here, mi amigos-Reef Ransom.


August 30, 2002.


Mangrove Shadows

In the shadows of the Mangrove,
Lies an old conch shell, long gone its lustrous shine.
Algae flutters to and fro on the curled lip of the shell,
Betraying the sea’s ebb and flow.
A le fish hovers close by,
Looking like a proud homeowner.
Swimming all around and dusting the sand with his tail,
Making the territory his own.
This little world is happening all on its own,
And it is all that matters to the le fish.

Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

September 1, 2002.

Determined not to let another day fill up with boredom, I went out on the sea. Rain and bad weather have been pretty much status quo lately, and has made for to many days spent inside, waiting for the rain to go. My friends Fido and Marcos went with me today. I wanted to dive for some lobster, so we went up close to the reef and spent an hour or so in search of lobster. Today we saw none. The weather has them somewhere else I guess. We took our fishing gear too, and we slowly swept the shallow waters close to shore, net in hand, waiting for some sardines to show themselves. The way you find sardines to catch using a cast net is to watch the birds. The gulls and the pelicans will fly reconnaissance, skimming over the waters surface until they spot a school of sardines. Then, blam, down they go into the sea. Dinner is served, for them. Today there were no birds going blam. I blame that on the unsettled weather, too. No sardines to fish with. We trolled for a while with artificial bait, staying inside the reef. It was rough outside in the blue. No bites. About 4:00, we had a big storm approaching us, so we headed back in. There was a long, narrow streak in the sky and it looked like a small waterspout. It was out to sea and we raced the storm back. It was gone by the time we reached the dock. The day has had more rain. The mosquitos are thick and they love the rain, along with the frogs. Our streets in San Pedro our full of holes and look like mud-wrestling tanks instead of streets. Still, another great day in paradise. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

September 2, 2002.

Back to school for all the kids here in San Pedro.  It is quite a sight to see, all the children in their various colored school uniforms filling up the narrow sand streets each morning, noon and evening as they make their way to and from the schools. I think they have had a great summer. At the start of the summer, those little foot powered scooters were very popular with all the kids. The same ones that were all the rave on T.V. in the states. The scooter fad on the island came and went, my guess is they got rusted and seized up with salt and sand real quick. The latest thing for the kids here reminds me of my youth as I spent summers in the country trying to find fun things to do. The kids here have all built homemade stilts to walk all around on. Some of them have gotten very good at it too. They just have a couple of 2x4’s and someone must be helping them attach a footrest from wood on each leg. I did the same thing on the farm. I watched one young boy walk all the way out to the dock and to the end of the dock (which is planks with a few inches between each one) and back to shore. When I watch the children of San Pedro invent ways to have fun and play, it reminds that the intent of life is just that simple. Take what you have and innocently make it into something that brings fun into your life. How much better could it be? From the smiling faces of the kids and their laughter as they play, I’d say not any better. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

September 2, 2002.

Another night of thunder, lightening and very heavy rain. Pretty cool really. The rain had some people out at 2:00 a.m. bailing out their boats so they wouldn’t sink. The day has been overcast with the sun coming out in late afternoon. I went and bailed my boat this afternoon. It was full of water. The season is slow as far as tourism goes. Many places are closed for a month or two. Many will reopen on Nov. 1. Places I know that are closed: Celi’s Restaurant, Mata Chica, and Fido’s Courtyard (getting a new look inside, they tore down the old palapa and are building it or something else new). The thing to remember is not really who is closed, but that some hotels, bars and restaurants do close during the slow season. If you came and wanted to go to someplace and found it closed, you might be disappointed. I think this is a great time to visit and get to know Belize, just look before you leap. Plenty of great places to stay, drink and eat are open.

Everyone is keeping an eye on the tropical weather reports on TWC at ten before the hour, each hour. A lot of activity in the tropics for sure, but everyday go by without a hurricane here is one day closer to the end of the season. The sea is slight and so beautiful today. Thank you to the powers that be for letting me live this life. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

September 3, 2002.

A sweet day in paradise. I can’t imagine any other color in the world looking so mesmerizingly beautiful as the shade of Blue that is the color of the sea. The thing I like about this blue, is the contrast as the sea goes from shallow inside the reef, to the reef with its foamy white mustache, to the deeper water and shade of blue outside the reef. This we call the blue, as in going out into the blue; outside the reef to the deep water. Ok, enough about the beauty of the sea. Right now you can get some killer avocados in Belize. They are big and rich buttery sweet tasting. I stopped off at Fido’s Courtyard to check out the construction of the new palapa. Man, it is tall. I mean really tall, maybe three stories on the giant wooden post. These posts are all one piece and came from the bush around Progresso somewhere. I saw them on the truck when I was in Progresso last week. My friend Miguel is working on the project, and told me they were Wari Trees. I am not sure about the spelling, but that is the name. I love how they use the natural gifts from the jungle and the bush to make things here in Belize. What I like most, is it’s not any big deal.

The night sky is mostly clear. Star bright, star light ...

Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

September 4, 2002.

I woke up early this morning. We had some more rain in the night. I had trouble with my golf cart last night and had to push it the last few blocks home. I pushed it across the street this morning to my neighbor who is a mechanic. One dead battery he tells me. The cart holds six batteries and they aren’t cheap. I have had this cart for almost four years now. Same batteries all the time. Must be about time to replace them all. Just another casualty of the Island. The salt, damp air, rough roads and sun are hard on everything. On a brighter note, it is a fantastic morning. Sunny and the sea is like a temptress, always touching that one spot of weakness within me. I submit to the natural beauty. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

September 5, 2002.

I am taking a holiday like many others in Belize. This issue will be what you have read so far, plus a never before published journal entry from the past. I’ll see you in paradise next month. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

BONUS BLAST FROM THE PAST JOURNAL ENTRY:

January 11, 2000.

I flew with 3 friends from San Pedro to Belize Municipal Airport this morning and then rented a Suzuki Side Kick. Drove to Chan Chich Lodge on the Gallon Jug Estate. Chan Chich is a mesmerizing Jungle Resort. The drive took about 4 hours. From Orange Walk on, the road was bad and kept getting worse. We arrived at the lodge just as our passenger front tire went flat. After we entered the Gallon Jug Estate, while driving on their nice road to the actual lodge, we saw numerous doe’s and a few buck along the side of the road. One ran right in front of us. We also saw a couple of groups of Tapirs grazing on the grass. There were Oscillated Turkeys and other birds I didn’t know. We did see a Hawk, Eagle like bird with a striped tail. Right after we got to the lodge, we walked over to the pool to have a look at it, and one of the staff motioned to us to come over to where he was. Just a few feet into the jungle canopy, high in the trees, right by the pool and Jacuzzi, were Howler Monkeys feeding in the treetops. The night is descending on this ancient Mayan site. What magic. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

SPECIAL VACATION ISSUE!

October 8, 2002.

My how the time fly's. I am held over in the states a few days longer than planned. I am more than ready to get back home to San Pedro. In the interim, I am going to share some never before published journal entries from my journal. My first trip to Belize was in 1982, but the earliest journal entry I can find is in 1985. I believe my travel journal for the time prior to 85 is lost somewhere in those hazy days of youth. Also these old entries weren't done with the same intent as the current San Pedro Journal and you may find the writing style less complete. At some later date, I plan to tell the `rest of the story' that goes with each short entry. Also I was just visiting Belize at the time and not living here. Hope you enjoy and remember that the info contained therein is 17 years ago stuff.


BLAST FROM THE PAST BONUS!

January 15, 1985.

New Orleans.

The French Quarter was a bit dead.  I heard some good jazz at the Preservation Hall. The Thomas Jefferson Band was playing.

January 16, 1985.

New Orleans Airport.

Waiting for the Taca flight to arrive from Belize. The same plane will be carrying me down to Belize. Listening to Jimmy Buffet. I saw a pedestrian hit by a car at I-10 and Williams Blvd. Hope they weren't hurt to bad. Taca, take a chance airline.

January 19, 1985.

San Pedro Town.

After three days of snorkeling and sailing, the term "Paradise" truly applies. While snorkeling outside the reef, a shark that was about six feet long came at my legs. I kicked him, and we both swam away. Sailed a native wooden boat about 25-30 feet long.

January 20, 1985.

Traveled from San Pedro to municipal airport in Belize City. Some clouds and light rain. Pilots name is Mondo. I rented a Land Rover and drove to Chaa Creek, which is close to San Ignacio. The brakes went out of the Land Rover and I had to drive through the hills with just a hand brake.

January 21, 1985.

Chaa Creek. Mick and Lucy are our host. Good Food. What a wonderful way to wake up, in a thatched cabana over looking the river. Hope to get brake lines fixed today.

January 23, 1985.

Leaving Sonny's Beach Resort in Placencia. Placencia is a peninsula with beautiful course sand beaches. Good spot. Sonny's cost $40.00/U.S. night for two people. On the way we saw a blue fox cross the road. What a drive back to Chateau Caribbean.

January 25, 1985.

Caye Caulker is hippyville kinda. Not overly impressive. Great tarts from a lady in the middle street. Sailing back to Belize City, saw a dolphin. Great snorkeling.

January 28, 1985.

Staying at Lily's Hotel. $ 25.00/BZ, for one person per night. Good spot. I drank lots of rum with Woody. We talked about Caribbean Coves. I had to stumble back home from his house at about 5:00. I passed out till noon.

HERES WHAT I PAID FOR A COUPLE OF THINGS IN SAN PEDRO IN FEBRUARY OF 1986:

Bottle Dom Pierignon        $79.00/BZ.
Half dozen eggs             $ 1.75/BZ
One loaf of bread           $ 1.00/BZ
12 pack Belikin Beer        $16.00/BZ
Jar Mixed Fruit Jam         $ 4.25/BZ
One stick margarine         $  .50/BZ
Fresh squeezed O.J. 3/4 gal $ 9.00/BZ	(at Olguita's Store)
White Rum                   $ 6.25/BZ
Pre-cooked Canadian Bacon   $15.30/BZ
8OZ. Miracle Whip           $ 3.09/BZ

October 22, 2002.

I am back home at "La Casa de los Rosas" in San Pedro Town, on Ambergris Caye, in the country of Belize, on the continent of Central America. It's a great place to be and I shall remind myself to be thankful for the gift. I arrived at the airstrip here in san Pedro at 2:45 this afternoon. Here's how it goes to get here, or at least one possible scenario.

If you don't live in Houston, Dallas or Miami, then you will be taking a connecting flight to one of these places (there are a few exceptions). I flew into Houston to make my flight to Belize today. The weather was bad in Houston and I was delayed arriving there. The Continental flight left at 12:05 and they were calling my name over the loudspeaker by the time I got to the gate. It was a rough flight down as we had to skirt some storms. The plane was about as empty as I have seen one going to Belize in twenty years. I asked the stewardess how many passengers were onboard. She said there were 40, and some of those were non-rev passengers, meaning airline personal or family not paying for the ticket. She said that eighty people were returning to Houston on the flight back. It is the low season, but I don't know? I got off the plane in Belize and went to the immigration desk just inside the terminal. They took my arrival record, checked my passport and residency card, stamped me `arrival October 22, 2002' and gave me back my passport and departure record. I went the few steps to the baggage claim area and waited for my lone bag to come round on the conveyor belt. I had checked this bag because I had a drill driver in it and they aren't allowed in carryon bags anymore. Got my bag and headed to the `Nothing To Declare' line in the customs area. "That all your luggage?" the customs man asked. "Yes". I replied. "Where are you going?" he asked. "To San Pedro." I answered. "All right," he said. "Enjoy your stay." And he waived me on.

Just around the corner from the customs area is the main terminal. The porters will really want to help you with your bags. If you have some big bags, let them. They charge a U.S. dollar per bag and it isn't really far at all, but they need to make a living and you are on vacation, so live a little. I don't use them because I rarely have bags. If I do have some big luggage, I gladly pay them. I usually fly on Tropic Air to San Pedro. Their ticket counter is the first one you come to as you enter the terminal from Customs. I checked my one bag again and bought my ticket, paid my departure tax (always a tax to leave the International airport) and then went through security and the x-ray belt. After that I went through the door right there, to the departure lounge. I had about 30 minutes till my flight to San Pedro. I talked to Steve the shoe shine guy and of course Mr. Jet of Jets Bar there in the departure area. You can't pass through the airport without stopping off and saying hi to Jet and having a cold one. We left early on the flight to San Pedro with only four people on board the 16 seater Cessna Caravan. We made a stop at the municipal airstrip to pick up four more people and some packages. All this was during a driving rain storm. The landing strip at Municipal is right over the sea and on the edge of it too. Not much room for error, the pilots take off and land there all the time and I have probably flown there 150 times m/l so it is safe, but it does give cause for a le rush of the neck hairs sometimes. Less than five minutes there and off again on the fifteen minute flight to San Pedro. Below the sea is alive with color. The large buildups of sand and shells that we humans think are islands, are scattered all around. Some are big and have towns and houses and some are small and have only sand and coco palms. Some are just mangrove swamp, but cosmic just the same.

My banana trees

It is night now. The moon, the stars, the glimmering sea and the strong tropical breeze. All are here tonight, right now. I will not be overcome by the temptation to describe this natural, powerful, beauty that surrounds me here. I'll leave it to you to close your eyes and imagine yourself on a magical tropical island. That's what I did, and here I am.

Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

October 23, 2002.

This morning I woke up early. The sun was beating down hard on our tiny le island and I guess it was calling me out. A beautiful morning with a strong breeze and slightly choppy sea's. I went to town and paid all my utility bills. On the way to town five young kids hailed me for a ride. I stopped and let them load up. They were all primary school age, all dressed in the same brown school uniform. They talked and laughed as we rode along. I dropped them at the corner by Wasa, that's as far south as I was going, they were going all the way to the Royal Palm. I got them about half way I guess. All this and the morning is still young. God, I love this place.

I started towards Elvi's for a 12:15 lunch meeting. My golf cart quit about 4 blocks up the street. I was already late, though not really by Belizean standards, so I started walking towards Elvi's. I was still many blocks away. After a couple of hot blocks, hot sun today, a cab came by and I rode the rest of the way. $5.00/BZ for the cab ride, just FYI. Made my meeting and had a great lunch at Elvi's. Conch is back in season and that's what I had. After lunch I borrowed a friends cart and towed mine to the mechanic across the street from my house. Another bad battery he told me. That is 2 now I have replaced. $200.00/BZ per. All of my batteries came with my cart about 3 ½ years ago, so I should just dust off my wallet and buy all new ones. There are 6 batteries total. Hope it is fixed now.

The breeze has been constant all day and the sea maintains a light chop. Not much action on the water right now, or anywhere else as far as that goes. Belize does not observe daylight savings time like the U.S. and so at about 5:30 tonight it was getting dark. The days are getting shorter I guess. Sometime around 7ish I thought about the moonrise and glanced out the window across the sea to the horizon. Sure enough, there it was ascending into the sky like a big orange nerf ball. It is still almost full and it is the deepest orange when it rises and then it slowly turns back to lunar yellow as it gets high in the night sky. I stopped everything and ran out to the beach to sit by the sea and listen to the rhythm as this powerful spotlight in the sky shined its light down on my earthly presence. The experience left me in awe and as humble as seeds on a Mulberry. The day has been perfect and the night is covering my spirit like a wool blanket on a cold winter night. Before I sign off for today, let me ask these questions. If you're living your life's dream, was it really a dream? Are metaphors really metaphors if they are really happening to you? I'll gaze to the heavens and wish you the best. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

October 24, 2002.

I saw Taff Elliott in town this morning. He waved and I stopped and we talked for a while. Taff and his wife Rose have lived in San Pedro since 1980. Some long time visitors might remember them from the Pirates Lantern. Taff and Rose owned, built and lived at the Pirates Lantern and that is the first place I ever stayed in San Pedro. That would have been in 1982. The rooms were small but clean and comfortable, something like $10.00 a night I think. Rose was and is a great cook and dinner there was always a treat. Here is a le story I will share:

I decided after my first visit to Belize that every year I would come to San Pedro to watch the super bowl. Not many places had TV in the early 80's, but Taff had Satellite at the Pirates Lantern. We started a betting pool before the game and as a joke I signed my name as Jimmy Buffett. We were told the game started at noon our time. Myself and a few friends found a spot in the tiny bar and settled in for the game. While we waited we had a few Belikin Beers. That was about the time that they started having several hours of pre-game hype before the game ever started. We didn't know that. The game didn't start until 5:00 and by then we were real drunk. We drank so much beer that Taff had to send out for a re-supply. At the end of the game, I could barely see. Who do you think won the big pool? Of course, Jimmy Buffett. I won something like $165.00 I think, it didn't even come close to covering my bar tab. I almost remember that day like it was yesterday. Taff and Rose recently sold the Pirates Lantern and are doing fine.

Went for my usual at Elvi's tonight. Thursday night is Caribbean Platter night. Grilled lobster, snapper, shrimp, conch and a huge crab claw all topped with a sweet tropical fruit sauce. Elvi's isn't the least expensive place to eat, but it is one of the best I think. The special tonight was $50.00/BZ. plus drinks. Did I mention that the bartender Emil makes the world's best tropical drinks? He told me he was fixing one just for you!

The sky is streaked with a beautiful shade of crimson as the sun sets on la Isla Bonita. I glanced out my front window and noticed something out on the sea. I stepped onto the veranda and could tell it was a sailboat passing by outside in the blue. It is the first sailboat I have seen in awhile, and I love sailboats. I got my binoculars and took a better look. Turned out to be a Schooner (two mast instead of one) and quite large. Estimating length over a distance of water is a foolish thing. I estimate she was about 65 feet LOA (length over all). The only sail she had out was the jib (front sail), and it was just unfurled to about storm jib (a small amount of sail) size. That was all the graceful ship needed in the steady winds today. I saw in my minds eye that the skipper was heading for the cut in the reef by the Yacht club and trying to get there before the sun set any further. I watched them sail out of my sight and gauged they had just the right amount of daylight left to make the cut, furl in the jib, motor through the cut, drop anchor, fix a rum and coke and start to relive the days adventure. All before days last light is chased away by night.

A bank of thick clouds has cast a veil over the moonrise tonight. Alas, even the mighty moon must give way to some things in the universe. The night breeze has stiffened. Outside in the sand streets of San Pedro it begins to grow quiet. The TV's and the children and the stereos are put to bed, one by one. The taxi's have less need to prowl the night in search of fare. Los noches. The Night. It is full of power. Truly, I wish you were here to grab your share. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

October 25, 2002.

In San Pedro there are basically four choices for getting around while on land. They are: taxi (everywhere and inexpensive), bicycle (modestly priced, self powered), golf cart (cost more but you are master of your domain), and of course the very steps at our feet, yes, walking (real common and the least expensive mode of transportation). Before I lived here, I just rented a cart or walked. In San Pedro, having a golf cart is like having a car in the states. There are a few gas powered carts around, but thankfully most are electric (gas carts are noisy), and they run off of six 8 volt batteries. My batteries are almost 4 years old in my cart. When one went bad a few weeks ago, my mechanic asked me if I wanted to change all 6 of them. They cost $200.00/BZ each, that's $100.00/U.S. x 6. I said no Mon; just replace the one that is broke. Long story short, I have had to tow it home twice and replace another battery and it still isn't charging enough to last long. So today I bought 4 more new batteries for a total of 6, which I should have done in the first place. That's what I get for pushing it to the edge. Four years is almost a record for any set of golf cart batteries to last on the Caye. Now I should be good for awhile.

A strong but brief shower passed through right at sunset. Not a lot of rain, but good for the dusty roads. Not many tourists around town right now. Everyone is just hanging on, waiting for the season to start, and maybe secretly hoping that it does start and is a good year. I drove through town and it looks like Fido's Courtyard is back open. They tore down the old palapa and put up a new one. It looks pretty cool. I'll check it out more thoroughly and let you know. Food, drink, music, fun, Fido's Courtyard is a favorite of tourist and locals alike.

I had my favorite dinner at Jade Garden, sweet and sour lobster. They have lots of good food, check out the egg rolls and their key lime pie is the best. Friendly waiters too!

Got some nice jazz, full of saxophone (Candy Dulfer) playing and just letting the tropical breeze caress my body and carry off my soul. To all of you, thanks for letting me share. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

October 26, 2002.

Saturday on the island, not much going on. A pretty morning greets me with sunny blue sky and the caress of the breeze. Some clouds are floating around and we are about to have a tropical wave pass over, so the day may have some showers. I spread some white sand in my back yard where I have a low spot this morning. The white sand is not just like everywhere as you may think on the island. The island is white sand in most places, but you can't just go and fill up your wheelbarrow and carry it off. White sand is a precious commodity on an Island of white sand. I paid $125.00/BZ. for 3 yards of white sand delivered to my back yard. Land has become so scarce and valuable that much of the island is built in swampy mangroves on fill. What were once mangrove swamps are now la isla Bonita and more is coming everyday. These `filled' areas are not white sand but generally trash, construction debris, coconuts, yard debris, seaweed, and anything else that floats up and has no other use, and are far from pristine white sand. What you do, is top off the land when it is filled high enough with a few inches of white sand. The beaches are real though, so don't worry.

After I spread the sand I came inside and squeezed myself some fresh orange juice. Oranges are grown on the mainland of Belize and are really good. They cost 5/$1.00/BZ. or 10 U.S. cents each. When I am to lazy to squeeze my own juice, I go down to Rubies Café at Rubies Hotel on the beach and buy fresh juice from the cute girls in there. The juice was good and I considered a le slug of vodka or rum in it, but then noticed it was only 9:15 a.m., not that anybody would mind if I passed out and slept in my hammock till way past noon.

About mid-afternoon I was hanging at the beach just soaking up the breeze and the beauty of my surroundings. A young boy I have known for a long time came by named Leroy. Leroy can climb a coco tree like a monkey. He just uses his feet at an angle and with his hands around the tree, pulls himself up to the top. I ask him to fetch me a couple of coconuts, which he cheerfully did. I chopped them and drank some of their milk. Leroy asked me if I had a job for him. I had some cleanup work in my back yard, so I put him to work for about an hour or so. Leroy is a nice young man and I am glad to see him again. The afternoon brought some showers.

A big Halloween party at the Holiday Hotel tonight. I will pass, but you know it is tons of fun. They have it every year, so plan a trip around it! The night sky is full of clouds and there will be no star gazing tonight. Even the moonrise is obscured tonight. Still, the night is full of magic. I humbly thank the subtle natural way of the universe for letting me be a part. May your life be as mine, full of magic. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

October 27, 2002.

The morning has showery weather for us. The type that will be around most of the day I think. The neighborhood is quiet this early morning, except for a barking dog. Have you ever noticed how pet owners don't notice their dog barking or their cat (and dog) pooping in other peoples yards and in the streets and on the beach? It's sort of like how parents get oblivious to their children's screaming and just let them go and go even in public places. You know the barking, pooping or screaming is annoying, and they would know it, if they were listening to someone else's dog, or child or stepping in someone else's pet poop, but they don't know it because it is their dog, cat, or child. Aren't we funny, us human beings?

My neighbor, Elaine came and cleaned for me today. I do clean myself, but she mops and does the bathroom better than I do. Not to mention because it is so slow right now, she is only working 2 days a week at her regular job and she could use the extra dollar. My house isn't real big and I usually pay $20.00/BZ. to have it cleaned.

                They Say

He lives down on an island; they say.

Where all the days are just another day in paradise,

and all the tropical breezes can't blow him back; they say.

Cause he's living his dream and swings in his hammock each day,

Drinks cold Belikin while the pretty Honduran honeys beckon his way, come out and Play?

He lives down on an island; they say.

Where all the days are full of Buffett and Marley and Rasta-far-I,

and sweet, sweet papaya's and fillet with rice and bean; they say.

Cause he's diving for conch and looking for dat Caye lime tree,

his days are Tropical cold, nights Habanera hot; and he passes them both a step from the sea.

He lives down on an island; they say.

Where all the days bring lazy mystery and adventure,

and lots of time to ponder, plot and scheme; they say.

Cause he walks the beach at night and searches the heaven for a sign,

patient skipper at the helm, can you find your port, for the moon and the stars are your design.

Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

October 28, 2002.

The tropical wave seems to have passed through and sucked all the clouds away with it. Clear blue sky today. Nice steady breeze, someone pinch me, I'm stuck in a post card daydream.

Water Delivery

"Can I drink the water"? Yes, you can drink the water. The town water is purified but few like the taste. Most drinking water is bottled water. Some still prefer the rain water they catch in their rain vats from the roofs of their houses. Purified, bottled water is delivered all through town everyday (Monday-Saturday) to every business or home that wants it. A plastic 5 gallon jug cost $4.70/BZ. If you are in a restaurant and they bring you water in a glass, it is almost certainly bottled water from a large jug. Drink it and enjoy it. If you aren't sure, just ask your waiter if the water is purified? Now, for the cool part I guess. The delivery system is a John Deere tractor pulling a wagon full of water. They drive through town, honk their horn and if you want water you set out your empty and they bring you your next one. I put a picture in this months issue for you to see it (attachment waterdelivery). Beer and Coca Cola products are sold and delivered the same way.]

Here is a tip that will more than pay for your subscription to the San Pedro Journal. As I was picking up some fresh fruits and veggies at `The Greenhouse' (a produce shop on barrier reef drive), a lady came in to buy something and ask the store owner if she took American money. They so take American money in Belize, that you can sell it legally for an amount higher than the official exchange rate of 2 to 1. When you arrive in San Pedro (or other towns in Belize) find an official Casa de Cambio and sell/exchange your U.S. dollars. You will get back Belize dollars, which you will spend and make 2&1/2 percent extra on the spot. If you are going to spend $2,000.00 U.S. on vacation, why not sell it for $4,000.00/BZ plus an extra $50.00/BZ per U.S. thousand for a total of $4,100.00, an extra $100.00/BZ or $50.00/U.S.? To complicated? Just take your U.S. money to an OFFICIAL money changer and get back more than you will if you just spend it as you go. So yes, we take American money (the vendor will gladly take the extra 2.5%). You can also do the same with your travels checques, pesos, and pounds. Only thing to be aware of is not to sell/exchange more money than you will spend while you are here. It is not easy to convert back to U.S. and will cost you also. So, cash what you will spend and get money for free. Where else can you invest your money and make 2.5% instantly? Now, that one tip alone is enough to fund your subscription to the San Pedro Journal so you will always be connected to paradise.

It is one of those nights that put you in a state of hypnosis. The breeze blowing non stop, the sound of the waves from the reef, the palm trees swaying to and fro, all a part of the natural rhythm that permeates this island. What it does to the human psyche is, it puts your spirit in the middle of a stream of really positive energy and you get on a very even keel as you let everything unimportant, unreal drop away. It is a high for sure. Now I think I will walk out to the end of my favorite dock and have another big hit. Maybe it's your favorite dock too? Come with me then. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

October 29, 2002.

A beauty of a day. The breeze is still strong and the sea is still choppy. The color of the sea today is even bluer than it has been lately. Maybe the weather has had it stirred up a le bit? I sat on the beach about midday and just took in the whole scene. I saw a family of four drive by and stop at the park. They all got out and posed for the video camera, for sure a Kodak moment. They were the only tourist I saw go past. There are a lot of seagulls around lately. They fly overhead searching for a meal from the sea below or maybe a handout from some fisherman cleaning his catch for the day. That part is pretty normal, but they are shrieking out as they fly overhead in a shrill almost barking, crying sort of sound that I haven't really noticed before. Maybe it has something to do with mating. Sort of a seagull's version of "Can I show you my place on the beach?" The sea outside the reef in the blue is looking pretty feisty. The waves crashing on the reef look a lot like the head of a draft beer, really foamy.

I went to Jade Garden for some sweet and sour lobster. When I got to the corner where you turn to go to wasa (water dept.), the road was blocked off. Traffic was being diverted around the block. I drove around like everyone else and came back to the main street and on to Jade Garden. The man at the road block told me there had been an accident and that's all I knew till I got to the Jade Garden and they told me a man had been killed. Apparently he was run over by the big dump truck used by Varela Material Supply. I was told he was still under the big wheels. A large crowd was gathered around the accident scene. The odds of having an accident like this in San Pedro have to be incredibly high. Very narrow streets, originally designed for foot traffic, and lots of foot, bike, golf cart, taxi van, and big construction vehicle traffic just does not work. Add to all this, the fact that many of the big trucks and the taxis drive like our streets are the Indy 500. The town plans on paving more streets, which will just add to the heavy foot of the speeders. This accident and death occurred on the only stretch of street that is paved at present. The street takes a short, quick jog, right at the end of Ramon's Resort and by the Island Supermarket located on the cross corner. That curve violates every rule for safety from an engineering standpoint, but even more important; it is obvious with just plain common sense that it is dangerous. I don't know if the truck was going to fast or not. I am sure the driver must feel bad, and I am mindful of the deceased and his family and friends; may they have the strength they need.

As I walk on the beach tonight, I will pause to count my blessings. Maybe we all should do that. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

October 30, 2002.

The day started with a rain shower that quickly passed over. The sea is moderate. I pulled my boat up on the beach. I want to do some work on it. The bottom needs scraped and resealed and I want to paint the entire boat. The name of my boat is `Shanely.'  That is the name that was on her when I bought the boat. It is the former owner's daughter's name. I like it ok, but think I will take the opportunity to change it as long as I will be painting anyway.

An eyewitness to the accident last night that killed a local man said the victim was riding on his bicycle and slipped on the drainage ditch and was thrown right under the oncoming dump trucks wheels. According to the witness, the mans body from his shoulders up were crushed under the wheels of the big truck.

I have noticed a few tourists in town, but still not many. Not much to write about, cause not much going on. It is mid afternoon and I must retire to my hammock. From there, I can watch the Frigate Birds and the Gull's float by overhead as they survey the sea for a tasty snack. Rough duty, oh how do I survive?

I went for a walk along the beach at sunset. What an extra magical time it is to walk the edge of the sea. It is cooling off. The day is sliding away into history and the night is like a newborn babe in its tenacity and desire to fulfill its destiny. The sky is the canvass and some genius is the artist. I, walking along these shores, am simply one who sees this painting. I paused and talked with a friend until a shower came and drove us both home. Another tropical wave is coming over us, so some showers will be around I guess. Still, in tonight's cloudy sky, I can see a few stars. Mostly in the western sky. I hope you can see them too. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

October 31, 2002.

Halloween. We had lots or rain in the night. Thunder and lightning included. There is water standing everywhere and the ground is so water logged that the crabs have to come up out of their holes to catch some air. Now, these crabs are a real nuisance in that they dig lots of holes in my yard and they eat the roots of my plants which kill the plant. Everyone on the island who has a yard has the same problem with these guys. I took advantage of the water driving them topside and shot three of them with my trusty pellet rifle. That was the highlight of the day. It thundered this morning for awhile and rained off and on all day. The breeze has been real strong and steady. There were lots of school kids out with costumes on today and tonight. Bob the Builder was a popular choice as was the devil, ghosts and mummy's.

The night brings a certain tone upon our isla bonita. It feels like a sense of survival has fallen over the populace of San Pedro. The recent traffic accident fatality, the slowest slow season in many years, the uncertainty about the upcoming season and the uncertainty in the U. S. and in the world in general, all may be accumulating in people's minds. My only response to this is to be patient. Good fortune follows bad as sure as the sun will shine after the storm. While waiting, do nothing that will impede the incoming flow of goodness when it comes. Know the good is coming and you will make it so, expect something bad and you will make it so. I am going out to the beach where I will practice walking but leaving no footprints in the sand. How can that be? Come on down and find out! Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 2, 2002.

Bad news from the coconut telegraph this morning. Someone broke into a mans house to steal money and beat the man to death with a crow bar. The info seems to indicate that a local business had a large sum of cash stored in a safe, at the victims' residence. Apparently the thieves/murderers found out about it. Rumor also has it that the crooks were hired by a relative of the victim who knew the cash was secretly stashed there. A tragedy. It seems crime can not be escaped, even here in our little paradise.

A squall has just come up. The day has been hot and sunny until about now which is 2ish in the afternoon. I love these squalls when they just pop up like today. The sky gets suddenly dark out over the sea. The air gets cool and you feel a sudden rush as the much cooler air at the front of the squall rolls in. You can see the darkness of the rain over the sea as it sweeps towards the shoreline. Quickly and savagely the winds swirl over us and then the rain pours from the sky. The sea gets a foamy carpet all along its surface and the waves grow larger. Then as suddenly as it came, it is gone. Its fury dissipated for a while as it passes over our le island and out to sea again. Will it re-awaken and drop more rain and wind on someone else? I think so. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 3, 2002.

Sunday morning. I got up early this morning, sleepless night. My reward for this early rising is a beautiful cool morning in paradise. The sea has flattened out and although not like glass is much less choppy than it has been. The foamy line along the reef is still there, but not quite as wide looking. I saw a hummingbird in one of my banana trees. So pretty, I don't know what kind it was. There are several pages of pictures of all the hummingbirds in Belize in my bird book, so many that for an amateur birder like me, it is very difficult to tell what kind of hummingbirds I see. I am satisfied just to see them and admire their grace and beauty. As of late, I have also seen the following birds here on the Caye in and around my yard: Flycatcher, Brown Headed Blackbird, Dove, Melodious Blackbird, Vireo, White Ibis, Herons, several types of Cranes, ducks and other exotic birds I can not name. If you like bird watching, amateur or pro, you will enjoy Ambergris Caye. Don't forget to bring your Bird Book and a small pair of binoculars. Your reward will be quietly pleasing. After I cooked up some broth to make conch chowder out of later, I went for a refreshing swim in the sea. What a great morning it has been.

The sea was a beautiful shade of blue today. It is always mesmerizing to look at the beauty of the sea, but today, like many days, it was a special shade of blue. When it looks like it did today, I can't help but think about a pair of beautiful blue eyes I know. Funny how the two connect for me.

I sat on the beach with a couple of friends this evening until about sunset. We just talked and laughed about mostly nothing. All the while the Frigate Birds circled overhead, looking like a bomber squadron as they patrolled the shores of our island. One of our neighbors had a le too much to drink today and we watched him stagger around for awhile. It was a beautiful sunset. Not long after dark a deluge of rain came through and sent everyone scurrying for cover. It has passed and leaves us another magical night. For all of you, I wish a peaceful feeling, like mine. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 4, 2002.

"The weather is here, I wish you were beautiful"_ J.B. A perfect day of weather. The sea is slight and great for anything in or on the sea. Good news! Tourists are starting to trickle into San Pedro. I can't describe how dependent this Island is on tourism. The days of fish and coco's for a living are gone for sure.

The work on my boat is coming along well. The bottom is all sanded and filled and glassed with a first coat of Gluvitz. Some sanding and another coat of Gluvitz (a sealer) and it is ready to paint. Still have the new name to paint on and the inside to paint. A few more days before I can take her on the sea, I am anxiously waiting.

I had a real nice salad for lunch at The Blue Water Grill. The Blue Water Grill is located on the beach at the Sunbreeze Hotel. Right on the beach, good food, good drinks, moderate to higher price. I like it and it is worth your time to check it. Also the Sunbreeze Hotel is mid-range ($100.00ish/U.S./night high season), great central location, fair beach, pool, rooms with a/c, T.V. and phone. A lot of divers stay there to be close to the dive shops. Cost less in the slow season of course.

A man from the bush came to my gate and hailed me this afternoon. He had something to show me he said. Almost everyday, someone tries to sell me something unusual. I went down stairs and let him in. He had an old folding carry on luggage bag with the skin of a Jaguar inside. He wanted $200.00 for it. I looked and politely passed as I don't want to support the trade. Just another day in San Pedro. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 5, 2002.

I tried to buy a certain kind of lime in town. It is called the Caye lime or local lime and is smaller than the other kind of lime you will find for sale here in San Pedro. The key lime actually has more juice and it marinates much better. No one had any so I came home and thought to myself; I sure need some Caye limes. About an hour later I heard someone ringing a bell, the kind of bell that street vendors use around here. I looked down from my window and saw a man coming up the street riding one of the tri-cycles with a small truck like bed in the front full of something. He waved at me and I asked him what he was selling? "De local lime, mon". They were 8/$1.00/BZ. I bought 4 dollars worth. Now, I thought; all I needed was some fresh something from the sea to marinate in the lime juice. Conch or Lobster cerviche? Cubera Snapper or Hogfish? Slight problem being my boat is still up on the beach (finished painting the bottom today) and I am grounded for a few more days.

About sunset, I went down to the waters edge to see how the bottom paint was drying on my boat. As I got there I noticed a friend of mine bringing his le skiff to my dock. He gave me a wave to come out, so I did. He had been fishing and diving and had some fresh lobster tails and Boneyfish fillets for me.

There is no doubt that we all create our own realities in our lives. Consciously or sub-consciously we are doing it. So wherever you are and whatever you are doing at this moment is the result of your own intentions manifesting in the universe as your life.

I fixed a great dinner at home. I steamed some local veggies (cho cho, acorn squash and carrot) and I cooked my fresh Boneyfish fillets in a Creole sauce. I started the fish with a light touch of olive oil and then in a local lime juice marinate. I heated up a skillet and placed the fillets in the pan. I let them cook for just a minute and turned them over. I added some chopped onion, sweet pepper, cilantro and fresh basil to the fish. I added the rest of the marinate juice and a salsa I prepared earlier, which was more of the marinate, plus chopped tomatoes and a small amount of habanera pepper. All this I simmered for a few minutes on low heat until just flaky. It was so good.

I went out to catch some live music at Sharks Bar. I guess I was early cause no music. Saw some great stars from their dock around the shark pen. Met a couple from Wisconsin, here on their honeymoon. They came to San Pedro for 4 days, and then are going to San Juan (Puerto Rico) for 2 days, then taking a cruise around the Caribbean for a week and then winding up at St. Johns (Virgin Islands) for a few days. Nice couple in their mid 30's I guess. We talked a bit and I answered a few questions. The one that got me was "What about the streets? Are we safe here?" When you just arrive for the first time, it can be daunting and overwhelming. Perfectly natural. My answer, "Yes you are safe. But like everywhere in the world use your common sense." I shared a few tips for dining and snorkeling, took the last sip from by bottle of Beliken and wished them a wonderful vacation. I swung by Fido's looking for some action, but dead there too. "Cut my heal had to cruise on back home_"  Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 6, 2002.

After a beautiful, slightly warm day, I got rinsed off and went to dinner at Ramon's. Ramon's is one of the nicest and most popular spots in San Pedro. The Resort is expensive but first class for Belize. Great beach, pool, bar, diving, and really good restaurant. I had a good dinner and enjoyed the setting. There were two large groups of American tourist staying there and dinning at the same time I was. I had the special of the night, grilled shrimp in garlic and wine sauce, served with pasta and steamed local vegetables. Cost for dinner per person around $18-20.00 U.S., not including bar.

A night sky full of stars. Gentle breeze blowing my hair. Saturn is hanging low in the western sky. All in life is as it should be, at this moment. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 7, 2002.

A weak cold front is passing over Belize and bringing cloudy skies and cooler temps. Worked around mi casa and had rice and bean delivered from Papi's Diner, (in Boca Del Rio) for lunch. Great rice and bean!

There are a lot of tourists on the island now. Not anywhere near full, but tourist for sure. The moon is new and in the western sky after a scarlet sunset. Another day draws to a close in Paradise.

If you do a good deed and then tell people about it, does it create good karma? If you help a blind person cross a busy street and then tell your friends, was it still a good deed? Good karma? Reap what you so? To know the answer, plant the energy of a good deed in your life by doing something good and don't let any one know about it, or take any credit for it. Be patient and see what happens and how it feels. Also at about the same time, plant the energy of another good deed by doing something good, more or less equal to the first good deed and then tell several people about it and readily accept any credit. Notice how it feels. Now, the important part. Which one was more powerful? Then that's the one to spend the precious moments of your life focused on. Do I see a light? Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 8, 2002.

The sea has been very calm all day. The breeze is only slightly blowing. A crescent moon graced the early night sky. Mosquito's were out to play in the light breeze. I went into town for dinner at Celi's Restaurant in the Holiday Hotel. Newly renovated and looking very nice. Still has a sand floor in the outside eating area to enjoy. The tourist count continues to rise, good news for the local economy.

Many of my banana and plantain trees have sprouted fruit in the last few days. Must be due to the days getting shorter. I always dreamed of growing my own bananas, and now I do (picture in attachment Banana). The night sky and the fresh night air are waiting out in my hammock. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 9, 2002.

Is it ok to have a beer, smoke a joint, or take a pill to feel better? Seems like a big question in the world. I don't now the right answer to the question, but I do know that at one time we all knew how to be high and feel great just from the natural energy of life itself. We lost that ability and now we have to peel away layers of old decaying past to get back to a place to know and do what we always knew how to do. I know that in every one of us is the knowledge to live life to its fullest and purest, and feel so good; without any outside stimulants.

So, it is possible. Just needs to be relearned, remembered and it is magic. The highest high. Now, having spouted all that out, let me also say, "Whatever gets you through the night is all right." Life is hard and I try not to judge anyone for their desire to feel better. I am no saint. If it helps you get through the day or the night, right on. Just make note that there is something that feels even better and is obtainable. Now I think I will share a le song I wrote awhile back. I was contemplating the trend in the world to take a pill for every ill and problem. It prompted me to write these lyrics. This song is just for fun and not a judgment about or against anyone. The song can be done country, rock, hip-hop or reggae and consists of two cords on the guitar.

Here's a BONUS FEATURE this issue:

ONE MORE PILL

A family of four from Canada walked by today and stopped to ask how far it was to "some" restaurant they were going to across the river cut. Of course they were looking for Sweet Basil and I told them they were almost to the ferry now and about a 5 minute walk from there. They just arrived last night from Canada. The father told me they were in a snow storm yesterday and today on a tropical island. They looked hot (it takes time to adjust to the heat). I offered them some cool water. I wonder if they made it to Sweet Basil. Hope so, it would be worth the trip; great lunch spot (they close at 5).

It is a perfect night to cap off another dreamy day on this island. The fat lip of a moon is hanging low in the sky as it slips off, around the world and back again. The breeze is gentle, and caress' my body like a long lost lover's hand, touching all the right spots and leaving my senses at full tilt. Out to sea the waves are breaking and along the shores of Ambergris Caye, the tide is changing. The stars above all twinkle with merriment as they watch the magical night below them unfold. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 10, 2002.

One who knows does not speak.

One who speaks does not know.

The one who knows is the one whose doors are shut,

Whose openings are blocked, whose sharpness

Is blunted, and whose glare is softened.

He is one with the subtle truth of the universe.

Thus you cannot get close to such a person

By your love to do so.

Nor can you keep away from him

By your desire to do so.

You cannot bestow benefit on him,

Nor can you do him harm,

Because he holds the subtle essence of the universe.

From the TAO TEH CHING.

Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 11, 2002.

It is a breezy morning. The breeze is from the SE at about 20-25 knots, I estimate. Small white caps inside the reef and some big waves outside in the blue. The reef is full of foam from the waves crashing there. The spray from the waves as they crash down upon the reef is jumping up and dispersing as mist which makes the river of foam look even bigger. I didn't sleep well last night and found myself looking out over the sea at about 5ish this morning. It wasn't sunrise, but the first light of day was bravely streaming into the night sky. The entire sky wasn't getting light yet, just one small narrow band out over the sea. I could see the few wispy clouds skirting away and the light grow as the minutes marched along. A beautiful sight. The yin and yang of insomnia.

The moon is looking like a bowl in the night sky. Wish you could see it from here. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 12, 2002.

I spent my morning running errands, mostly getting supplies for my boat repair. The bottom and sides are all sealed and painted. We turned her back over yesterday and now the inside will get some maintenance and new paint. Then put the engine back on and slip her back into the sea. I am anxious for that. Also I need to find my sign guy and have him come and paint on a new name. This afternoon I went into Belize to meet someone and pick up a couple of things at Brodie's Store. Brodie's sells almost everything including food. They also have a pharmacy; I guess they are like a small version of Wal-Mart. I also went by the Central Bank of Belize and got a permit to buy U.S. Currency. If I sell something here that I bought in the states and I want to replace it or I just have more Belize currency than I want, I can now legally buy the U.S. Dollar from the Bank or from the Casa de Cambio's (the licensed money changers). You have to jump through a couple of hoops, but not to hard to obtain the permit right now. I left San Pedro on the noon flight on Tropic Air and flew to Municipal Airport in Belize City. I flew back to San Pedro on the returning 3:30 Tropic Air flight (flights leave San Pedro every hour on the hour to Municipal and leave Municipal returning to San Pedro every half on the half hour). Both going and returning we stopped off at Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker is the first Caye to the South of Ambergris Caye. We stopped to pick up and deliver a passenger each way and some packages too. The landing brings you in over the sea. As we approached, I noticed three large ships at anchor in the bay on the back side (leeward side) of Caye Caulker. That is a sign of tourism and a good sign. I also spotted a pair of adult Dolphins in the clear sea below; they were close to the North end of the island and on the Leeward side. I have seen dolphins several times while sailing or boating in this area behind Caye Caulker. I have not seen them clearly from the air, until today. If you fly from Municipal to San Pedro, you may make a short stop like I did to let someone or something on or off, the stop is five minutes or less and you don't de-plane. It sort of gives you a bonus really, because you get a better look at the Cayes and the Reef because of the flight path and the lower altitude. Here's a le bit of info that may save you some dough if traveling in Belize. Yes, I know you seasoned Belize vets know about this, but lots of people don't. It is about half the price to fly from Municipal Airport (in Belize City) to San Pedro, than it is to fly from the International Airport (where you arrive into the country, and about 16 miles from Belize City) to San Pedro. Now, the slight catch is the taxi ride from the International to Municipal will cost you. It isn't really worth the hassle and time for just one person or two even, but three or more, it can save you some money. It could save you around $35.00/U.S. each, minus the cost of the cab. I haven't done it for a while, but I estimate the cab at $30-50 Belize, depending on the number of people. This option will also take you an hour or two longer, but if you are economy minded, worth knowing. If you just want to get there and don't really care about the money, then don't consider this option. Also, if you are taking day or overnight trips which require travel back and forth from San Pedro to the Mainland, the same applies. Cost less to fly into Municipal. There are taxi's there and rental car companies and tour operators will gladly meet you there.

I went out this evening for awhile. I saw Ramon Nunez standing under his house talking to someone. He looked like he was doing well. Many people get to know Ramon from Ramon's Village, one of the more popular Resorts here. I heard from a friend who works there, that they have been full for two weeks now. This night is just another one of those lazy, hypnotic, magical, tropical nights. The moon has been high in the sky since before sunset and gives a glowing face to everything around. There are a few cotton ball clouds that float across the half empty moon and for brief moments it gets dark; and you can almost hear the earth breathe.

We enter the final week before the full moon. Wishing all the best to you. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 13, 2002.

A big rain storm came through this afternoon around three. I think it sucked all of the breeze away when it left because it is very calm and hot. More squalls out to sea though. Not much going on. I see increasing numbers of tourist in San Pedro.

Just to keep the perspective about life, grass is always greener, etc., let me tell you something I am wanting, but can't get here in San Pedro. The new Santana CD (Shaman, I think the name) was released earlier this month and I would so love a copy. There is nowhere to buy the newest CD's at, although lots of places to buy CD's. I imagine by now, a bootleg copy has made its way down here and as much as I hate to, I will surely find myself buying a copy if ones floats by. Next time you run by Best Buy, Border's, C.D. Warehouse or Wal-Mart to pick up a CD, appreciate it. It is a luxury and remember; Paradise is a relative term.

I boiled some lobster tails and spooned on some melted butter and seasoning for dinner. I fixed white rice and fried plantain to go with and tossed in some green beans for good measure. I love plantain. It has to be fixed right and be at the right point of ripeness to cook up well. When they are, they are real sweet and tasty. A feast of the God's, yet so simple. The night sky filled with clouds and no stars or the moon can be seen. Some hard rain and wind is hanging around the area. The sky will flicker with an occasional hit of lightning and then a few seconds later, the low rumble of thunder echoes across the sea. I can only watch, listen and contemplate. What about you? Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 14, 2002.

It rained off and on all night and the early dawn hours brought the low rumble of thunder, like God was up early and bowling. Along with the thunder came strong North winds and driving rain showers. What a great morning to stay in bed. The winds don't blow from the North very often, unless a cold front is coming from the North like now. The streets and yards are all full of water; the sand is already full like a sponge in a bucket.

I was just struck by the things I need everyday. It seems that life can get complicated and all I really need every day are these things.

Gaze at the Sea.

Walk on the beach.

Play my guitar.

Swim in the sea.

Do nothing bad.

Help someone.

Stay unattached.

Made some lobster chowder for lunch. Had it with white rice on the side and some garlic bread. The garlic bread I picked up from La Popular Bakery which is just about four doors down from me. It always smells so good when they are baking and they make great treats. I have to be careful or I will be in there too much!

A deluge of rain has been pouring from the sky for several hours, since about dark I guess. Virtually the entire island is suffering from minor flooding. The water can not run away fast enough and is left standing. My windows shuttered from the thunder as the mighty storm started its journey over us. The rain is hard driving and in sheets, like you might expect rain to be like in the tropics. What a coincidence. No stars, no moon, no anyone on the streets. My widows are closed to the rain and the water beats down on the ground even harder. A dark night. Suits my mood. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 15, 2002.

Including tonight, just six nights until the full moon. Lunar madness. I can feel the forces pulling and tugging at earth and everything upon it, including myself and all living beings. These days before the event are the strongest and most challenging. Our morning had rain and then clearing with the sun shining bright. There are some thundershowers around so we may get even more rain. I don't mind, I like thunderstorms. I just hope the clouds part for awhile tonight to reveal the mystery and beauty of the moon.

My boat is ready to push back in the water; we put the engine back on this morning. I still need a name painted on. I went to find my painter friend yesterday, but he has moved. A neighbor told me he thought he was working on something at Victoria. So, late this morning I took a ride down south to Victoria House Resort. He wasn't around there and I checked at the places next door also and no luck. The road was real bad, bumpy and full of pot holes from the heavy rains lately. Victoria House sure is a pretty spot. A creamy beach and lots of comfort with a great restaurant, bar and pool. The grounds are nicely landscaped and a treat by themselves.

The sun was out all day today after the showers this morning. The night sky is clear and the moon was visible high in the Eastern horizon before the sun went down. It is a force in the universe. It is sending us a message. Can you read it? The stars are about as good as they get tonight also. The light of the moon keeps a few hidden, but there are some so close you think you can reach out and touch them. Thank you, oh subtle natural way of the universe. I am your humble servant, and you; a kind master. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 16, 2002.

Life changing events. Things that happen, that literally change your life. Today is an anniversary of one for me. I guess life changing events can be either good or bad. Which it becomes, is much up to the individual I think. Sometimes what seems like something bad, can turn out to have been something good cloaked in one of those disguises that life puts on important things. I will have to focus much harder than normal to live this day and do nothing bad and make it a good day. Time is an impartial force and it makes you survive and go on, rather you want to or not. You may not be the same, in fact you can't ever be the same, but you go on in a different form of who you are. That realization is new to me, although a friend told me much the same thing over a year ago. Wisdom is elusive and only shows itself when it is ready.

To help me in my quest, the subtle natural way of the universe has laid a most beautiful day at my feet. For this I am grateful and I recognize my obligation to make the most of the gift. Living in paradise has its advantages for sure.

I went to some apartments called Melrose Place because they were having a sale. I bought a new tong for my kitchen. On the way, a lady was selling some beautiful Orchids along the street. I stopped and couldn't resist buying a purple one. She also had white Orchids and they were very splendid too. My only previous experience with Orchids would be in a corsage and that was many years ago. I think I will learn how to care for one now. Sunny sky and light breeze, it's a postcard kind of day in paradise.

The last faint light of day is just a wisp in the low horizon. The breeze is very calm and the mosquito's are out. The moon is nearly full, but is obscured by a low hanging bank of clouds. I could see it earlier about an hour before sunset. We had some rain come in the mid afternoon. A rather quiet Saturday on the island. Oh yea, I decided to name my boat: Baby Blue.

As another cold front passes over us from the North, the wind has changed to the North and is gusting at 30-40 mph I estimate. It is blowing the heck out of my Banana trees. No visible moon due to the clouds. This island is so full of magic. Wish I could reach out and share it with you. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 17, 2002.

The banana winds blew out finally this morning. We had a sunny day. The temperature was a freezing 77' F. according to my thermometer. That is low for here and had many people grabbing jackets and long pants. The moon rose a couple of hours before sunset and is visible in the evening sky.

Boca Del Rio Park

Starry night and moon so bright. Very calm breeze. The power of this night is overwhelming and I long to drink it all in. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 18, 2002.

My how the days pass so quickly in total, but so slowly in singularity. For the second time in about a week, great swarms of Dragonfly's have ascended on our island. They are everywhere flying in by the millions I would guess. Must be something about this time of year? I don't know why they are here, but I have never seen them here before. The day has been cool as the cold front has settled in over Belize. Temps are in the mid 70's, which does seem cold compared to normal. The moon is near full and you can feel the influence on our Earth. Calm seas, although I haven't seen anyone out. It would be ok in the water because it is the same temperature as usual, but when you got out it would be cold. The sun hasn't been out either, so cool air, breeze and no sun insure a cold day on the water. I got the name painted on my boat and am waiting for high tide now to push it back into the sea.

There is a once in a life time meteor shower tonight. Something like 5,000 shooting stars an hour. At about 10 o'clock tonight we have complete cloud cover and no stars, or the sky for that matter can be seen. The breeze is very calm also which makes me think the clouds won't be moving to fast. The moon is concealed behind the dense low hanging clouds, but still manages to light up the night. I went out to the end of the dock in front of the Hotel Del Rio and laid there to watch for the meteor shower. I didn't see anything. The tide was low and the sea was like a mirror, smooth and reflecting everything in its eye. It was quiet and I could hear the murmur of the waves as they crossed over the Staghorn and Brain Coral Reef and quickly died away. I will be up tonight, so I will be checking again for visibility. If I don't get to see it, I will hope you did. It will happen again in about 97 years, so not to worry.

Of note today: I noticed a very large white looking bird across from my house sitting on a light pole. I got out my binoculars and got a good look. At first I thought it was a young Eagle, but after looking at it for a while and looking in my bird book, I decided it was an immature Grey Kite. It was all white except for the wings and a band across its eyes were black. It had a hooked beak and large talon like claws. I didn't get a perfect look at the tail, but I am sure it was a kite, an immature one. It was a big bird for sure. I wondered if it had gotten blown off course or something because I have not seen one on the island before. A sign from the universe. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 19, 2002.

A cool Garifuna Settlement Day. Garifuna Settlement Day is kind of like July 4th in the states, maybe not as big. Many businesses are closed, except the tourist related ones of course. I only saw one shooting star last night from the meteor shower because the clouds never left. They are still here today.

The cool weather prompted me to make some chili, American style of course. During winters in the Mid-West, chili was just the thing. It's not often here in the tropics that you find `chili' weather. The night sky is still obscured by clouds. I know the moon is up there though, I can feel it.

Just around the corner from my house a real slice of Belizean life is going on. At the midway point in the block there is a street light. Below in the narrow sand street four young children are playing marbles. They are all about 7-10 years old. They each have a different skin tone, symbolic of the diversity of people in Belize. They laugh and poke fun at each other and occasionally they all roar up when one of them hits a good shot. The biggest concern in their young Belizean lives is to watch out for the mud holes while they play marbles. That's as real as life gets, anywhere. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

November 20, 2002.

We remain under a cold front with cloudy skies and cool temperatures. The night is full of steady, soaking rain. A fitting night for the full moon. So, until the next fit of lunacy comes around, my fellow children of the universe; Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

I want to wish a safe and happy holiday season to all you fellow children of the universe.  ---Reef Ransom.

I have flown on Tropic Air several times since the accident that occurred in the bad weather of New Years Eve. In that accident the plane was forced down into the sea short of Ambergris Caye and all 14 passengers and pilot were unharmed. I mention this because I have flown on Tropic Air since their inception and I know them to be safe with well maintained equipment and well trained pilots.

Full Moon

Everyday, they as well as Maya Island Air shuttle passengers all over Belize every hour on the hour, all day long. I would not hesitate to fly on either of the local Belize airlines and consider them both very safe.

March 23, 2003.

The weather has returned to normal in the temperature department anyway as it is in the upper 80’s here on Ambergris Caye. The last week we have had temperatures at or close to 100’ F., which is much hotter than normal. The sky has been cloudy and at mid –afternoon it is completely cloudy. I went up the coast in my boat to the area called Playa Blanca and did a le dive for Coracol (Conch). I stopped a good distance from the reef and let the boat drift over the grassy bottom below. I drifted with it and found a few conch but not many. I decided to go up close to the reef and I nudged Baby Blue all the way up to the edge of the coral and tossed in the hook. I put on my mask, snorkel and fins and slipped over the side into the shallow water. I could feel the strong current instantly and thought to myself it was no place for anyone who wasn’t a strong and confident swimmer. It was a le grassy which is good for conch, but mostly there were lots of corals. There were Brain Coral and Staghorn Coral and others I don’t know the name of.. I fought my way through and over them as the surf from the reef cascaded over me and made any forward progress nearly impossible. I got as close as I dared or could and managed to fill my dive bag with some good size conch. What a cool spot to be in. If you knew a spot like that existed in the world, why in the world wouldn’t you be close by it always? Just a thought. While in the sea I saw a manta ray bury itself in the white sand. It was around 5 feet across, which is fairly big for around here and it stirred up the sand into a milky trail through the sea as it buried itself. I also saw a nice Barracuda that was about 4 feet long and real girthy. I also got a le sunburn on my back. You can’t ignore the sun down here no matter who you are. The sea was mild and it was a great way to spend the morning. Later, sautéed conch.

A beautiful thunderstorm has taken over the night. It is really quite nice and we need the rain. It is like the whipped cream for the end of a really great day in paradise. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

March 24, 2003.

There is a lot of hustle and bustle on the still sand streets of San Pedro. The dive shops and restaurants are all getting a good amount of business. The day was steamy from the moisture left behind in last night’s thunderstorm. I did some yard work, played my guitar and caught a le hammock time in the afternoon. It being a hot day and all I was really obligated. The night air is filled with the smell of spicy fried dinners from every kitchen in the area, or at least it seems. I have been blessed with another day of living and another day of making the dream which is my life, real. Now, I go to sit at the end of my favorite dock and listen to the heartbeat of the universe all around me. Hope you get to do the same. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

March 29, 2003.

I went to The Riverside Sports Bar to catch the NCAA hoops on their big screen. The Riverside Sports Bar is not on the beaten path exactly but is well worth the effort. It is located on the river in the Boca del Rio area almost directly behind La Popular Bakery. The owners are a family from Texas and they have made the place into something real nice. Downstairs is a game room with pool, air hockey, foosball, etc. and upstairs is the bar. Along with the big projection TV they have several other big TV’s, all on different stations and they have a great sound system to go with. If you are into any sports they will have it. If you are into pool, watching the sunset or just a fun time at a bar, this is a nice spot to discover. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

April 3, 2003.

The breeze continues to be from the northeast and the weather is slightly unsettled but quite nice really. It is not to hot or to rough on the sea. I am taking advantage of the cool to moderate temperatures to do a spring cleaning on mi casa. I have two women from Honduras assisting me and doing most of the actual cleaning really. I clean, but come on. I am a man, so a woman’s touch is needed every so often. Amen to that.

While having dinner at Celi’s Restaurant on Tuesday night (I rate their fried chicken the best on the Caye) I overheard a conversation from the table next to me. Sitting there having dinner and talking about the days events were two grown men and a young boy around 11 or 12, I estimate. He was the son of one of the men. They talked and I could tell they had a great day and they seemed like just nice down to earth people. The conversation I noted was started by the father of the boy and he started talking about how as a boy he and his brother would go out and collect pop bottles and cans along the road side. They would take along big trash bags or burlap sacks and fill them up and leave them along the roadside and their mother would come and pick them and the bags up later. They would pile the bags behind the garage and when they got enough they would take them down to the corner gas station and sell them. What struck me as interesting was that this parallels the way that people survive here in Belize. They know how to squeak out a living from very meager resources, like we used to do with pop bottles and cans in the states and still do I think. Here it is an art form and I am always surprised at the resourcefulness of the Belizean people. I think that their self reliance is partially responsible for their overall natural state of happiness.

April 6, 2003.

It is a Sunday and I woke up before my Belizean Alarm clock went off. That’s what I call the tortilla cart that comes by every morning around 7:45 honking an obnoxious horn to alert everyone within miles that they are coming with tortillas. The horn is like the kind that clowns use in a circus, you know; HONK, HONK. I have come to count on the wake up call every morning. I had my coffee and decided to walk the beach in search of gifts from the sea. The sea has been active and so has the easterly breeze, so anything may have washed up on shore. The white sandy shore was covered with the daily ration of seaweed that washes up on shore every night. The town board has someone rake it up, but not on Sundays. That means more of a chance to find something. I didn’t walk far and was presented with a fine piece of bamboo about 7 feet long and about 1 and ½ inch around. I used it for a great walking stick until I got back home. I put it with my collection of bamboo which I use for decoration and anything else I can think of.

The sea is running with a mild chop and while not glass, it is still very doable if you are here on a visit. I watched some wind surfers cutting across the sea today. The wind is perfecto for it and the small white caps that are running inside the reef make it even more fun to do and to watch.. These guys were clipping along very fast, easily 25 mph. The parks and streets have been full of tourist and local families out enjoying the beautiful day here in paradise. Mostly it has been a slow uneventful kind of day. More or less normal I would say.

ONE NIGHT I stood along the edge of the sea one night,
the breeze blowing in my face, the wind howling in my ears.
I listened to a sound out in the darkness,
the call of the barrier reef, sounding off in the night.
Offshore in the darkness passed a light, a ship at sea,
close to shore snug at their docks, local boats danced to and fro in the waves.
Above, the Big Dipper, Orion’s Belt and the Crescent Moon graced the heavens,
I let out a grand sigh and walked home, lighthearted and conscious in mind.
The Gods were pleased that night, and why shouldn’t they be?


Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

April 7, 2003.

The day has started off with a somewhat typical layer of clouds overhead. It makes it seem hazy, but it isn’t exactly haze. I think the rougher seas toss up lots of spray and along with normal evaporation it makes these morning clouds.

The streets of San Pedro are, and have been full of hustle and bustle as our guests on the island enjoy themselves and spread that Yankee Dollar around. Even down here boy, we are working for that Yankee Dollar. The tourist business is not dead, but is very much alive in San Pedro, at least for the present. The sagging U.S. economy and The Bush family’s war hasn’t been the doom to tourism in Belize that many (yours truly included) thought it would be. It’s not any record year, although the Government of Belize would have us all believe it is because overall arrivals are up. The vast majority of increase in arrivals to Belize is from cruise ship business and the folks disembark and spend a few hours here and get to say they have been in Belize. They have everything pre-paid on the cruise and aren’t spending large sums of money because of that. Still, they are appreciated and welcome and they do bring some business. What is happening I think is a burst that is bringing the tourism industry in Belize up off the canvas and putting it back on its feet. How long this burst holds is another story for another day. So, for the moment and in true Belizean fashion, everything is good right now and that is all that matters. We’ll worry about manana, manana.

The moon is lounging in the western sky as it works it way towards full, night by night. I glance at the sky and everything is still there and I know that myself and the whole of mankind are merely transient and that our true worth lies in the way that we pass the moments here under this moon and these stars. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

April 9, 2003.

Buenas dias. At early morning I find the sea has gone calm and the breeze is absent from the scene. I see on my daily weather report I get via e-mail, that a cold front is approaching and this must be the lull between systems. The sky is partly cloudy and it is a pretty enough day. I look forward to passing the moments, one by one.

Around 4:00 this afternoon the air was filled with the sound of thunder. To the north the sky was covered in clouds and they were marching south towards Ambergris Caye. These clouds brought a serious rain and some very strong wind with them. The streets became empty for the couple of hours the rain lasted. The day turned to night and the sky stayed cloudy but the moon still managed to rhythmically slip in and out of view, giving the impression it was being serenaded by an unseen orchestra.

Had a great Pizza at Pauly’s Pizza which is newly located on Tarpon Street in the spot where Mickey’s Restaurant used to be. They advertise themselves as a real New York style pizzeria and I agree. The pizza is real good, so when fish, lobster or chicken doesn’t sound good, go to Pauly’s Pizza.. Their phone is 226-2651 and they have take out, sit down or delivery. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

April 10, 2003.

It is a cool morning, temperature wise. The cold front made it down and I saw Geraldo Badillo of The El Gato Sailing Catamaran and he told me that his trip for the day canceled because of the cold weather. Of course it was really in the low 70’s but that can feel cold down here in the breeze. The day turned out to be very pretty.

I pumped the rain water out of my boat from last night and mostly just stayed close to home doing small chores. When you live here, everyday isn’t some incredible experience and some are just plain boring. Still, I wouldn’t trade any of them for anything else in the world.

At around 8:30 I was on my way home from town and as always I was enjoying the true flavor of where I live and where I had chosen to spend the moments of my life. Here is a le piece of the pie we call life in San Pedro.

Last nights rain left a few puddles here and there and especially in low spots. One of those low spots was on the street corner across from La Popular Bakery in the Boca del Rio area. There on the corner was as nice of a water/mud puddle you could ever wish to behold. The worthiness of this puddle was not being ignored by the neighborhood youth. Two young boys had carved boats out of left over Styrofoam from some packing crate and they were “sailing” them along this miniature sea. The boats actually had good detail with a deck, tiller and wheel. Several of their friends surrounded them and they all played happily and very much in this Belizean moment. Above in the night sky the half moon gave a daunting glow to the night sky. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

April 11, 2003.

It is a perfect day with a clear sky, near flat sea and temperature in the low 80’s. Amen. I did some work on my boat this morning, just light maintenance but I need to pull it up and scrape the bottom again. That is a fact of life on the sea. I played my guitar, practiced my Spanish and lounged in my hammock and the day slid right on by. As I passed through town tonight, the streets were nearly deserted. It feels like the tourist count is starting to go back down. We need the season to last longer to make up for a bad January and February, not to mention December and March. Life in paradise can be tricky, think of Adam and Eve for example.

The sweet night air and the magical light from the moon and stars are calling me out. Hope you can feel the magic just like I can. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

April 12, 2003.

Saturday night has fallen on our Isla Bonito and the air is cool and all around people are ending their work day and planning for Saturday night. The moon is high overhead and has reached about 2/3 full. Light cotton ball looking clouds are streaming across the night sky. It’s another magic night in Paradise. What will the night bring?

I went to Fido’s to listen to Category7, I have been looking forward to hearing the excellent American Rock and Roll they play. I paid my $10.00 admission/2 drink minimum and went inside. 8:30 passed and I was wondering where the band was, so I asked one of the guys that worked there what was up. He told me the band broke up on Wednesday night and weren’t playing there. About the same time Barefoot Skinny was on stage playing and he said the band would not be there tonight because the drummer was sick. I don’t know which story is true but I tend to believe the first one. Either way I was bummed and felt slightly cheated at the door when they took my money and didn’t tell me that the same band that always plays there on Saturday night wasn’t there. Could be they thought I was a tourist and wouldn’t know the difference, but I did. (Editors note: when the owner of Fido’s found out about this he offered to return the admission). Barefoot is real good for sure, but one guy can’t do Santana songs justice. Ah, life in paradise. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

April 13, 2003.

I went to Lino’s Meat Market and got a lb. of ground steak this morning around 10:30. On the way home I drove past the Catholic Church and it was over flowing at the doors. It is Palm Sunday and there are lots of confirmations too. All afternoon and through the early night there were celebration parties going on everywhere. On virtually every block at least one home had music blasting, kids playing and adults enjoying Belikins. What a great way to pass a Sunday.

My neighbor and his family went to Punta Gorda to visit family for a week and they rented their house to another family. One of the kids is a little girl maybe 6 or 7 I guess. I stopped for a minute to talk to her because she had a big smile on her face and I was just drawn to her. Her Aunt was close by and told me that the girl couldn’t speak or hear. I smiled and talked to her anyway and she smiled back and seemed to understand me. I was struck by how happy she seemed despite her circumstance. I waved bye and came back across the street to my house. When I was 5 years old I had a friend who was one year younger and sickly. He was always getting picked on by some older bullies. I took up for him before I had any ability to really think about it and make some conscious decision to “help” someone. It seems ever since I have been drawn to others who need help or a hand with some “bully” or another. I consider this a blessing and I get a chance to know and learn from many different people from many different walks of life. I wondered how this le girl could express herself not talking or hearing. I decided to give her an art kit I had that contained crayons, paint, brushes, chalk, and some other art supplies. When she got it, I showed her how to open it and she got out the crayons and drew some pretty pictures.

The great orange ball sank away into oblivion and not a cloud was to be found in the sky. Already overhead the moon took center stage. The stars and planets appeared too, just like the other members of this grand play that is unfolding. Where is your part and how is it unfolding? Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

April 14, 2003.

It is a picturesque kind of morning on Ambergris Caye. The day is bright with sunshine and the ever magnificent blue of the sea is glistening on top like someone tossed in tons of diamond dust. The sea is not angry or rolling in any fashion but is calm and sedate with just very small waves from the light breeze.

Just a note that we have been experiencing water outages everyday and night for several days now, a problem that seems to continue to haunt us here in San Pedro. Think about not being able to shower (or worse, finish a shower), do laundry, wash dishes, wash your hands, or flush your toilet. Yes, that is life here in paradise. Why not spend several thousand dollars to come on down and experience it?

After I finished lunch today at Elvi’s, one of my friends who is a waitress there shared some photos with me. She went home to Orange Walk last Sunday to help with a party to celebrate her Mom’s birthday. She had photos of all the fun and all her family including her Mom. It looked like a real nice time and I thought to myself this is the part of Belize that I fell in love with. Once again I will say it, the people of Belize are its most valuable asset, the fact that being in Belize is like being inside an issue of National Geographic is a distant second. I am lucky she shared her special time through pictures and conversation. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

April 15, 2003.

Since we are still without public water supply I took an empty 5 gallon Barry Bowen water jug down to my rain water tank and filled it up to have water upstairs. As I was stooped there watching the captured rain water fill up my jug I thought of how life used to be simpler here on Ambergris Caye when everyone used their rain catch as their main water supply. I thought about how even here we have become used to the comforts of modern society.. I found myself smiling and liking the “simpler” lifestyle as I shut off the spigot and carried my rainwater upstairs.

The sea was calm and called me out today. I went fishing most of the day. I got back to my dock at about 4:00 and it took about another hour to get the gear in and clean the fish. I went with a friend and we went to the south end of the caye and caught some sardines along the mangroves that are all along the area there. Then we fished in the area between Ambergris and Caye Caulker. I caught a Barracuda trolling with a live sardine and then we anchored and fished with cut bait. The snappers were biting all day off and on and we caught a good amount. The breeze was very slight and it got hot in the mid afternoon. To cool off we jumped in and I looked for conch while my friend speared a couple of fish with a Hawaiian Sling. I saw a turtle while I was fishing. On the way home as we passed Hol Chan I counted about 15 boats including motor boats, sailboats and a small yacht all tied up at the Marine Park. Lots of tourist having a wonderful day I thought.

The night sky is clear of clouds. The near full moon has claimed the sky in the east and the stars and planets have claimed the western sky. The point where they meet seems to be right above Ambergris Caye and that would make perfect sense to me. I lay on my favorite dock and watched the night sky. As I watched and listened to the natural rhythm of the sea, I could feel myself settle into what I can only describe as the cradle, like the cradle of life. Hope you know what I mean. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

April 16, 2003.

Our island is filling up with visitors for the Easter weekend. Not just American tourist but tourists from all over, including Belize, Mexico and South America. Easter is typically a very full time here. I had a nice Club sandwich at The Blue Water Grill for lunch. The food is really good there and the view is too. They are located in the Sunbreeze hotel right on the beach. While I was there I watched the dive boats all come back in from their morning dives. Tanisha Eco-Tours, Amigo’s del Mar and Aqua Dive are all located close by and they were all full of divers.

A full moon graces us overhead and the light from it sinks into the shimmering sea, looking much like someone tossed a glow in the dark fluorescent stick in a swimming pool. Except this isn’t a swimming pool.. I look to the heavens and thank the subtle natural way of the universe for letting me be here and for letting me share being here with you. May your dream be your life. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

April 17, 2003.

I went up to a spot around Buena Vista this morning and spent about 3 hours hanging out and diving for conch. The sea is clear and calm and I nudged Baby Blue up into the shallow spots by the reef. If you pay attention to the breeze, the current and the coral you can get away with this. On a rough or windy day it is a bit more of a challenge. I jumped and spent some time in and among the various types of coral and sea life that make up the second largest living barrier reef in the world. I filled my dive bag with some very nice conch. On the way home I ran out of fuel. I don't like to leave much extra in the tank at the end of the day because it may get stolen. No problem today! I tipped up the tank and opened the cap a few turns to let more air flow and limped into the dock at the Essene Way. I checked there for gas but nothing much is going on there these days and no one had any gas. I walked along the beautiful beach to Captain Morgan's which is the next resort to the south. Of course it is the spot where they filmed Temptation Island for T.V. and it is happening. I found the right guy and bought 3 gallons of gas and a quart of oil and borrowed their gas can to haul it to my boat in. Just a minor setback and not really any big deal. Came on home and smiled as I landed at my own dock. I was hot and I was hungry, so I took a quick rinse and then crossed the river on the hand ferry and had a nice lunch at Sweet Basil. After that I came home and closed my bedroom door for about an hour and turned on my air conditioner. I caught plenty of sun and the day was calm and hot to start with so I was ready for some AC.

It is one of the nights that you can visualize in your mind but is hard to fathom completely in its reality. The sky has no clouds and is full of stars. The full moon is high and dancing on the tranquil sea. A lot of people are out and lots of people are on the island due to Easter. Oh yes, before I forget, a good friend of mine goes out in a small kayak and spears fish sometimes using a Hawaiian sling. He paddles out to the reef and then swims the whole time with the kayak tied on to him with a long rope. He didn't come back until after dark a couple of night ago. He told me he was clear past Captain Morgan's, meaning he swam 3-4 miles as he speared fish. The interesting part is he saw a real big Hammerhead and a real big Bull Shark. They were really beautiful he said, and smart. When they came to check him out they came in with the glare of the sun behind them. Now to me, that is the kind of thing that lets you know you are alive. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

April 30, 2003.

Easter came and went and with it the majority of our visitors. Everyone expects it to slow down some after Easter and it has. There are still tourists and the dive boats all came in around noon today full of divers. The days have been real hot and hazy. I had to fly to International airport yesterday to get a package out of customs and I noticed lots of smoke from burning of the bush around the airport and farther. I could see where a lot of area had already been charred and burned. I wonder if it is controlled by the Belize Government or just farmers clearing land to plant crops? Either way it was putting lots of smoke in the air and I also wonder if it is adding to our hazy sky? Not to mention it isn't a pleasant sight or smell when you first arrive into our beautiful country. First impressions are lasting. Then when I came back home to San Pedro, our trash dump was smoking up the sky. Yes it is paradise, but it ain't perfect! The nights are a god send with their cooler air and slightly stronger breezes. Tonight along the sandy shore, small waves are slapping at anything along the shoreline and the sea is singing a song with chorus after chorus. I hear the harmony in the background, hope you do too! Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

May 1, 2003.

It is Labor Day in Belize. Many places and of course government offices and banks are closed. Quite a few of other businesses are closed here in San Pedro also. The day was hot and humid and I passed it mostly around mi casa. I held down the hammock, played a few chords on my guitar and planted some vermilions in my yard. I enjoyed lunch out at the Blue Water Grill. The day just sort of melted away.

The night air is cooler and must contain some powerful intoxicating chemical because I feel its effects. I hear some people on the street below as they drive by on a golf cart, they must feel it too. No one escapes its powerful grasp, no one. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

May 5, 2003.

Much breeze. The wind surfers are in heaven. I see them flying by as they jump the small waves that are inside the reef right now. At least someone is enjoying all this non-stop wind. When I just visited for a week or two at a time like the average tourist, I noticed the blowing sand and felt its sting on my skin as I rounded the corner onto Barrier Reef Drive where the wind was less obstructed. I never really knew the extent of how much of an inconvenience it really is until I began living here. It gets into your eyes, and you breathe it all the time causing lots of respiratory problem.. This strong breeze just kicks it up even more. That is just one of a long list of things that you may not know but should before you jump ship and head for paradise. Just a le reality check. Ah. Paradise, I love it! Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

May 8, 2003.

It has been so windy the last few days. The sand is blowing in your eyes and nose and lungs, the sea is all foamy and slamming against the reef like an angry fist. It isn't prime for trips on the sea but still you can go. I know that one of the bigger sailing boats is not going out right now because of the breeze. Still in all the fury of the wind and the sea I find a natural rhythm that stirs my soul. I find that there is a beauty in this meshing of nature's forces and indeed then there is a meaning to life too. The souls of my feet are longing to feel the cool damp sand along the edge of the sea. Hope to pass you there. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

May 9, 2003.

It is a beautiful, albeit another "Ground Hog Day" on our Isla Bonita.. I am reminded of my reasons to smile and feel every moment of this day. Live is out there, how much you take is up to you. The wind remains strong and the sea very choppy. I walked down my dock to check on my mooring lines and the sea was very murky looking close to shore, not the usual clarity for sure.. I have some laundry to finish and then I will do whatever comes my way.

The clouds in the western sky sucked in the sunset and above the moon hung lazily in the sky high overhead. The sound of the sea permeates everything, including my very being. Thank you oh subtle natural way of the universe. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

May 10, 2003.

May 10 is the day that Belizean's celebrate Mothers Day. It is a pretty day. The sky is clear and the sun is shining. The Frigate birds are riding the thermals high in the sky. The sea is throwing small white capped waves up on our shore, a sure sign that the sea is very rough right now. I need to go pick up a few groceries in town. The electricity has been going off through the night and this morning and the water pressure is about half of normal.. Life in paradise, I love it!

Tonight we have a beautiful Night sky. I saw a shooting star and thanked the subtle natural way of the universe for sending me the sign. Hope you got to see it too! Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

May 11, 2003.

I called my Mom and wished her a happy Mothers Day this morning. It is hard sometimes living in paradise because not everyone you care about can live here too. Of course I don't really believe that because anyone who really wanted to live her could find a way. You have to make your way through life here just like anywhere else in the world. I called my Mom this morning for a couple of reasons. One to wish her a happy Mothers Day and tell her that I loved her and I also called because it is important not to put things off in life. You never know what may be your last action in this world. So, for the important stuff; don't wait.

In the dark of night I hear the roar of the sea, at my feet the fretted waves tango and salsa as they slap against the shore. Cocking my head just right I can find the true direction of the domineering breeze, and somehow that, along with the rhythmic sound of the sea leaves me a tiny message. Walking the sandy shore I feel the connection to all my surroundings, I'm in no hurry to make my way home, I'm already there.

The breeze is still strong but has dropped a le bit. The sea remains very foamy along the reef. I spend the afternoon on my veranda and in my hammock, listening to Jimmy Buffett. About an hour or so before sunset the moon was already very high and almost overhead in the twaining skies. It seemed to be saying "Hey, I am center stage here, lets get on with it." And so they did. I walked along the sea and on my dock tonight and the spray from the waves is soaking even the boards of the dock. The benches along the beach in the Boca del Rio Park have been getting waves that leave then soaked, if that gives you a visual reference point. The sea does seem to have calmed down a bit, but even so it is really stirred up and murky to say the least. It will clear fast when the weather.mellows. Until then, we can only make our way along the sandy shore the best we know how. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

May 12, 2003.

Sounds of this night: First the breeze as it roars through everything. Second the murmur from the reef and third the melodic clanging of the mainsheet against the mast of a lone sailboat tied up at a near by dock. Above in the night sky the moon is nearly full and dances in and out of the thick puffy clouds and cast a ring around itself whenever it is free from the clouds. The air is so wet from sea spray that everything gets a wet film on it and you think it has been raining but it hasn't, this is due to the high winds we have had for the last week. They have escalated the high seas and also carry the spray from these huge waves from the reef where they crash up into shore and our island paradise. The whole thing makes for some incredible magic and if you can feel it, you can be a part of it and use it to create your future. Now how's that for some lunar lunacy? Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

May 14, 2003.

Last night the electricity went off for the entire country sometime around mid-night although I don't know exactly what time it was. It stayed off all night and until after noon today. It was a short night for sleeping and I didn't sleep much at all. I went out on my front porch and laid in my hammock trying to catch some of the cooling breeze. It was a real inconvenience and I admit that I am way too spoiled when it come to small creature comforts like fans and a/c etc. We loose our power more often that we like and every time it goes out the coconut telegraph has the Government of Belize broke and not able to pay Mexico for their current (that is where we buy our electricity at here in Belize). I wasn't the only one who didn't sleep and who was complaining about it as several of my Belizean friends felt the same way. It is paradise all right, but even the Garden of Eden had a few dings. The cool night air is singing a song to me and calling me out. Hope to see you out there in body or spirit. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

May 15, 2003.

The moon is full overhead. There will be a lunar eclipse tonight I am told. It should be quite a site. Earlier this evening I watched a young boy walking down the street and he was playing with a wooden top. Yes a top, the kind you pull a string and it spins around and stays upright etc. It worked pretty good and looked like he was having a lot of fun. I wondered if the top was home made or not.

The sea has calmed down and I watched two different sailboats pass by out in the blue today. I gave a ride to Pizanno on my way into town this evening.. It seems I always pass through town when he is heading home and he always wants a ride. He is the same as ever for those who know him. This afternoon I spent about an hour sitting along the edge of the sea just watching the whole crazy scene. People walked by, golf cart's and taxi's sped by, churning up the dust that is almost a plaque for the island and out on the sea numerous tour boats were returning to shore from the afternoons activities.

Hot flash, I hear that category 7 will be back, now called category 10. They will be playing at Fido's Courtyard on this Saturday Night. That is cool news for those who like to listen and dance to great American Rock and Roll, me being one of them.

Life is like a walk on the beach. Every step you take leaves a footprint. The things we do in our lives are much like that footprint, sort of a genetic footprint of who we are. If you choose to be kind and helpful to others or if you choose to be surely and mean; either way you are leaving your own unique foot prints on the beach. With this in mind I go to walk the beach and pay careful attention to how I leave my foot prints in the sand.. Whatever beach you are walking, hope you do the same. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

May 30, 2003

One of the things I like about the Belizean people is their ability to enjoy life. They make the simplest things seem fun, like working on a bicycle or seeing someone they know pass by who they yell at and laugh with. Even the workers who carry and use a shovel all day long all seem to have a happy perspective in life. I find that to be very admirable and I humbly accept the fact that this is being made apparent to me in the smallest of ways.

The morning is partly cloudy and the air is still and thick. It feels like another typical day in paradise. Speaking of typical days in paradise, my golf cart is not running and needs a new switch. They are only $285.00 from Captain Sharks but have to be ordered from the states (3 week delivery time) or I could buy the only one I could find (after an exhaustive search) from another (unnamed) cart rental business for $500.00. Supply and demand is alive and very well here on Ambergris Caye.

The day was slight of breeze and warm. The night is cool and crisp and the breeze is causing the island to dance. I walked along the sea and checked the stars. They are still there, bright as ever and waiting for your eyes.. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

June 1, 2003.

It is an overcast Sunday morning here on Isla Bonita. Just a little before nine and I am enjoying the beauty all around me and listening to the sounds of the hood here in Boca del Rio. I here the sound of a skill saw, a hammer clanking against something metal and a tractor motor as the second trailer full of beverage goes past on its way to the Boca del Rio Park (the last day celebration of the Reef Festival, I think). Then everything turns silent again until the shrill sound of a melodious blackbird carries across space to my ears and a lone tour guide passes in his motorboat behind me in the river. I sit silently right here in the center. Don't tell me the universe is not what you make it.

I bought the bullet and paid $500.00/bze for my golf cart switch yesterday and it appears to be back on the road again.

Today is the first day of the Hurricane season. If you live on the island you know that all to well. I hope I have very little to say about it this year. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

June 2, 2003.

A big thunderstorm with strong wind and driving rain came over right about dawn this morning. Its sounds made for great sleeping in weather. The forecast has rain and we are entering the rainy season. The sea remains calm in spite of the passing storm. My golf cart is still on the blink. It left me stranded after a great dinner at Celi's last night. There are so many wires and one or more of them must have a hole in them. Even the tiniest crack or hole can let the salt air in and then they just turn green with corrosion from the point of the hole all the way back to both ends. Many times you can't see it with your eye but when you replace them you see the whole wire has gone green. Maybe today it will get fixed. Just one thing on the long list of "Things that you have to put up with to live in paradise that you don't learn from spending a few weeks a year here and should know before you jump in and move to Paradise". It is a very long list and not meant to scare anybody away, but it does exist. Yin and Yang are right here in Paradise.

A crescent or new moon hangs low in the early night sky. The day turned out to be perfect from a visitors point, sunny, calm sea and slight breeze. If you were working at anything it felt a le warm but still a perfect day. I walked along the beach at dusk and watched the lights come flickering on as the charter boats from TMM slipped into their nightly routine. There really is nothing like sleeping on a sailboat anchored securely at sea. I think you remember the natural rhythm you heard in your mother's womb. And of course that means, "you sleep like a baby." Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

June 3, 2003.

The morning brought lots of sun and wind. The sea was moderate with a le white inside meaning small wind generated white caps. Not the perfect day for the sea but not a bad one either. The streets of San Pedro are alive with activity, as several groups of visitors have arrived. I chatted for a while with a couple from Maine and another couple from Australia where it is starting winter now. They are staying at Seven Seas just up the beach a bit from me. I got a look at the small resort and found it quite nice. I have been by it front and back more times than I can know ever since it was first built but never went on to the grounds or into the rooms. Inside the 3 story towers that contain the small condos there is a nice pool and a nice area around it with a tropical feel. It is not grand but a nice blend of Belizean style and American comfort. That is how I would describe the condo I saw with its nice 1 bedroom with a/c, a living room/kitchen and a sufficient bathroom. Right on the beach and while not Big Resorty, a very decent place to stay I would think and middle of the road priced also at $100.00/US give or take according to season and direct booking etc. I don't have an email for them but shouldn't be hard for you to find, phone is 501-226-2382.

The magic of the night is all around as the wind rattles the coconut palms and the crescent moon crosses through the dark sky. I am not in need of anything at this moment but this moment. Thanks for sharing it. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

June 4, 2003.

It is just about 8:30 in the morning and the temperature is in the 86' F. range. I have been doing some projects around the house and my boat this morning and it is already hot. The sea has calmed and it looks like another great day in paradise.

I stopped in to the Pier Lounge for the World Famous Wednesday night Chicken Drop. There was a good crowd gathered around the game board. There seemed to be a lot of talk about who had which number and which number was going to win. I didn't see the winning number drop but it looked like everyone there was having so much fun that they were all winners. Can you imagine if an alien civilization happened to look in on us for the first time at the Pier Lounge on Wednesday night? Well for sure it would make for a better, kinder, more understanding universe. Wonder what they are doing on Jupiter this Wednesday night?

The night sky is creamy, Moon, planets, stars and all that cosmic jazz. Can't you just feel it, the energy of the universe as its hurls through the great void, ever expanding, ever retracting, ever regenerating, and ever exhausting? From my tiny vantage point on this tiny spit of sand in the Caribbean Sea, I can't help but feel it. Close your eyes and you will feel it too. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

June 5, 2003.

Night wind blasting through the window penetrates my brain, leaving behind a gluttonous fog that makes everything seem hazy. Moist tropical air surrounds my skin and fills my lungs, my being is immersed in damp, dark, primordial embryonic fluid of the universe. A masterpiece is unfolding above as the night sky gives its performance for this night, as sure as each star and planet does the right thing at the right time and right spot, all of us are just the same and life is just an endless plane.

The current was a bit strong along the reef for snorkeling today even though the sea was fairly calm. That can happen. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

June 7, 2003.

It is a very hot day with the same strong breeze blowing and the same choppy sea and strong current to contend with. I had lunch at one of my favorite spots and sitting across was a couple and the guy looked a lot like Lionel Richie and someone actually came up and ask him if he was. He wasn't and they joked about an autograph. Right after that the lady found a bug under her lettuce and that wasn't too cool. I left before I saw the way it all turned out but it for sure turned a pleasant lunch for them into a less than pleasant experience. I don't have any real comment except we do have bugs here. Also while at lunch I overheard two attractive women who I guess to be around 50 as they conversed. These ladies were really quite pretty and attractive. They were talking about everyone they knew and what type of cosmetic procedure they had had done. No big deal just a small sample of what has become the norm in our society. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

June 8, 2003.

I went to Fido's Courtyard last night to listen to the latest version of Category X. The crowd was modest and the band was a disappointment. They sounded good but didn't play the same great tunes that they used too as the "other band" and when I left at 11:30 almost nobody had danced all night except for when they played Play that Funky Music White Boy. The music was for the most part really good just not what the crowd wanted I guess.

So that means I was out semi-late and got to bed late. The last thing you want on a Sunday morning after a Saturday night out is to be woke up early. Guess what, the electricity went off just about daybreak and woke me (and many others across the island I think) up. What that means is it is a foggy morning and I don't mean outside. It is a glorious day with steady breeze and slightly choppy seas. The sea does appear to be calmer than the last few days. I am right here in paradise and I thank the subtle natural way of the universe for allowing me to live the dream.

I went up to the Mata Chica cut with a couple of my friends who are visiting and we did some snorkeling. The current was strong but I am a strong swimmer so it didn't bother me. I did have trouble getting all the way up to the reef because of the current and the big waves crashing down. I would swim towards it and get slammed back, swim forward get slammed back. The waves that were slamming me back were coming in sets of 2 and I could make a little progress in between. I really wanted to get up to the reef because that is where to find the nice conch. I got close but the waves were to big and caused a sort of white out in the water when they came crashing down. What made it hard to see was millions of air bubbles in the water after the waves hit. It turned out to be a short harvest of conch but a great time in the sea. The coral makes a lot of small le tunnels and caverns in this area and it is fun to explore them. A huge formation of coral will have an open area that is filled with white white sand and you can find some conch or lobster hiding along the edges many times. For me it creates the kind of feeling a small boy would have exploring things he always wanted to see. I hope you're explorations in life are just as rewarding. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

June 9, 2003.

I walked the short distance to La Popular bakery this morning for some pastries. One of the things I passed I found very precious and inspirational. On the small front porch of a very humble looking shack, to use an American term, sat an elderly woman. She had white hair and dark skin. I could hear her singing as she sat there on her le piece of the universe and I could see her smile and feel her joy. As I passed she slipped a "Good Morning" and big smile into her song. Her voice wasn't loud but was just the right level of volume for someone singing to themselves and it had a sweet almost holy sound. I took the song to be a religious hymn and continued walking down the street and she went back to being happy and singing. Just one moment in time in San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye in Belize, Central America, Planet Earth, and Cosmic Universe.

There is a swimsuit catalog/ model search going on here in San Pedro. I stopped and watched a photo shot along the beach in Boca del Rio right in front of Capt. Robby's house. Beautiful women in skimpy swimsuits, just another thing we have to put up with here in paradise. There was one male model also.

The day is fine with a stiff breeze and mostly sunny skies. The sea is kicked up a bit more but sure looks enchanting. Spent the balance of the day in my hammock or playing my guitar. Made a run around tonight looking for something happening but found not much. Monday night is only what you make it here in Paradise. I did catch The Punta Boys at the Playador Hotel for a while. The night sky is magic as always and the nearing full moon is on center stage; I am in the wings and loving every minute. Hope you are too! Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

June 10, 2003.

A bright morning here on our le island. The weather is pretty much the same right now with mostly sunny skies, stiff steady breeze and temps in the 90' range. We are late on the rainy season and could use some rain but not the normal long deluge that leaves us like a giant bowl of mud. Thanks for letting me be here for another day oh subtle natural way of the universe.

The day dripped by and I didn't really do much, or so it seems. I met some friends at Caliente's for dinner and it was really good. On the way home I paused and looked to the night sky. There I saw everything that has meaning in life, such as beauty, change, and the simple fact that all the pieces fit together correctly even if we can't always see the entire picture. Indeed, I am a lucky hombre. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

June 11, 2003.

The nights and the mornings are so luscious here on Ambergris Caye. This morning is no exception with sweet air, a cooling breeze and the sounds of life in paradise. The sea is calm with just a very light chop inside. Out in the blue is has calmed down also and the reef isn't being assaulted by thundering giant waves and the white foam that marked its edge has gone.

I went for a jump in the sea and dove for some Conch. The Conch is hard to find right now, but I still managed a few. The water was fairly calm and the current was just slight, a perfect day for cruising along the reef in your snorkel gear. I saw a Puffer Fish or Chicken of the Sea they are called here and of course the standard tropical aquarium varieties of fish. I looked for lobster, not to harvest but just to see if I saw many. I didn't see any but when the lobster season starts in a few days I know there will be thousands of pounds come in on the first day or two.

A post card night and I wish to send it out to all of you. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

June 12, 2003.

I stopped and talked with Richie Woods today. He is a wealth of information about the sea and area shipwrecks. He was telling me about the Gold carrying ship the Santiago which went down in this area around 1792 or a bit before then he said. It has never been found and is supposed to have been carrying as much gold and silver as was possible for its size. Richie told me the Spanish used to put clues on their maps as to the location of shipwrecks and would never put the exact location down. He says some old maps give you the approximate whereabouts of the Santiago. Richie is always worth the time for the things he knows about Belize. He also dove with Jacques Cousteau in the 1960's at the now famous Blue Hole. For those who might know Rich he said he was doing good and looked pretty good. There are many treasures around us in life and there certainly are clues to their whereabouts. Hope you find yours. A Near full moon. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

June 13, 2003.

Friday the 13th and full moon, can't touch that. The day is once again tropically perfect with copious amounts of sun and the steady, ever so steady, breeze. I went this afternoon to pay my water bill and learned that WASA (they have a new name but I am a creature of habit and use their old name) closed at 3:00 on Fridays, never knew that.

Along the moon drenched sandy white shore I walk,
listening to the call of the sea.
I hear much more than I can know,
And only try to understand it bit by bit.

May your lunacy be as mine, a dream of a lifetime. Right here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

RANDOM NOTES:

A ton of cocaine, more or less was floating around in the sea recently.

The electricity and water both continue going on and off.

Saw Miss Elvi, Elvi Staines and talked with her. She was doing well.

July 15, 2003.

What can you say about a tropical island that hasn't been said? Sort of a John Lennon approach if you will. I believe that is why I didn't keep a journal last month. I am much like an empty vase at times and I must allow time for myself to fill back up. It was a normal lunar cycle last month with a tropical storm named Chantal hanging around on a track right for us for several days and then turning north away from us. Many things happened but I was not inspired enough to capture them and set them into words. I did discover Coconuts Hotel and their nice little setting on the sea. I can't really say about the rooms but I like the spot for its view and bar and restaurant are both good. They had Jimmy Buffett playing the first time I stopped in and that was a good sign. Great Pina Colada's too! I have passed by the place since it was built and never stopped in. Glad I did. Now for today the sky is sunny and the sea is calm. It did rain hard and pass right over earlier this morning. Tourism seems to be holding its own as is somehow indicative of our le island enigma.

The tranquillizing blue of the sea is in full force and an occasional boat goes skimming past leaving behind a contrasting white foamy wave. The Palm trees are right in tune with the beat of the breeze and this small spit of sand in the western Caribbean Sea is right in synch. Right Here, mi amigos ---Reef Ransom.

July 18, 2003.

The night sky contained some lightening last night and the morning has brought some moderate showers and cloudy skies. I went to town and took care of some small errands and then stopped in at Elvi's for lunch. They had two large groups of people there and just arriving for lunch. One was a church group and there were 40 and the other was a group of 60 and I am not sure what brought them to Belize but it too looked like a group of church folks down to spread the good word to all the poor unsaved folks of Central America. A little cynical? Yes it is. The guys at Elvi's did a real good job of getting me in and getting me my lunch despite the large groups. This is a good time to mention a great bartender and great guy Emil. Emil is the bartender at Elvi's and a fun guy and knows his job real well.

The afternoon is going by slowly which is normal. What will the rest of the day bring to us in life? Just a walk on the beach and a swing in the hammock. Rough duty for sure. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

July 22, 2003.

Today after a nice lunch at Elvi's I went north along the coast with a couple of new friends from San Antonio, Texas. We cruised along the coast and talked about the development going on and went to about Habanero's and then turned around and stopped along the reef for a jump in the sea. I hoped to find some lobster but only saw very small ones. I did see a nurse shark about 4 feet long as I was poking around in the coral looking for lobster.. I tried to follow him but he was in a hurry. We tried another spot as we came back and still no lobster. I didn't really mind because anytime in the sea around here is better than about anything else in the world. We crept back in to the dock as the day was going down and tucked away another great memory in our mental scrapbooks. Oh yea, one more thing. Those folks from San Antonio sure know how to live; they brought me 3 bottles of K.C. Masterpiece BBQ sauce. Muchos gracias! Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

August 6, 2003.

Hot and Tropical, imagine that. The highlight of the day was seeing the Beauty Queens hanging around San Pedro. They are here for the Costa Maya Festival. My favorite is Miss Mexico or Miss Honduras. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

August 9, 2003.

My how time fly's. I woke up around 7 this morning. It seemed early so I lay in bed for awhile but I heard the horn from the tortilla cart go by and I figured it must be closer to 8. He was early and it was only 7:30. Now the significance of this is in that the electricity went off at 8 (a not uncommon experience here in paradise) and if I had gotten up at 8 I wouldn't have been able to make my coffee which I really need in the morning. I had just made it and poured my first cup when the current went off. I used to get mad at that obnoxious horn from the tortilla cart but I guess I got a gift from it so I don't mind it now. The moral of the story is: don't hate your neighborhood tortilla salesman because he bears a gift from the subtle natural way of the universe.

It is a fresh feeling morning. The breeze is steady and the air is not so thick, giving it a fresh feel. It looks like a perfect day ahead with sunny sky, lightly rippled sea and palm trees dancing to the maestros beat. I went to bail yesterday's rain out of my boat and was rewarded with a gift from the sea. I found a nice piece of bamboo floating right at the foot of my dock. It is around 12 feet long I guess and it is covered with le bi-valve shells of different types from its journey here in the sea. I brought it home and proudly placed it along the fence to dry and take its rightful place among my other pieces of bamboo in my collection. When or how I will use it is not important. Having it is.

The main event of the Costa Maya Festival is tonight it being Saturday.

The parties lasted till way past dawn and it was quite a blowout. Check it out next year; just be aware that it doesn't really get going till 11 or 12 at night.

Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

August 11, 2003.

Pre dawn thunder spread through the air this morning as a bit of a tropical wave approached. It rained very hard about 8 and has since passed leaving lots of billowy thunderstorm looking clouds in the area, all in all, not an untypical day on the island. It was fairly quiet on the island today because of the energy spent up this weekend I think. Just about everybody I saw was or had been partying at an Olympic pace.

Here is your dose of lunar lunacy for this lunar cycle:

There is something I have wanted to do lately, sort of an adventure I guess you could call it, but I have been putting it off; being a bit hesitant. What I want to do is nothing extreme but any true adventure has its share of risk, the unknown and some danger as well as mystery. The other side of the metaphysical coin is the sense of accomplishment you gain from taking on the adventure and its elements and coming out on the backside in some sort of desirable position. What I have learned is that as we live longer than we thought we would when we were in our teens or twenty's we tend to become more cautious about taking on adventure in life. We don't want to take the risk, to rock the boat or chance the status quo. I am not old nor am I young really, but I find I am like this. Now here is the reason that I mention this and the reason that it matters to me. As I reflect back I see the future and I know without a doubt that in life you don't gain anything if you don't embrace risk and take a chance when you know you should. Everything I ever learned or have or had in my life came to me through the process of embracing the adventure in life and taking the chance. Risk it seems is really just future reward in life. The reward may be material but even better if is not because there is no greater treasure in life than to catch an occasional glimpse of how it all works and what it all means.

August 12, 2003.

August 15, 2003.

I went to Jade Garden for dinner tonight. They will be closing on this Sunday for the slow season and I needed one more hit of Sweet and Sour Lobster and 2 pieces of the islands best (unfrozen) caye lime pie. This is one thing to remember or know: many places close for the slow season for a couple of weeks or in this case for 6 weeks and while there are plenty of places open you may not get to go to your favorite spot this time of year.. I sat in the screened in area and had sprayed with bug spray before I went in anticipation of mosquito's but they still got me a bit. That is one thing to remember if the breeze is calm like it was today and tonight, spray down before going or you will be dinner instead of having dinner. Now it is around 8ish and the breeze is still calm and the sea is almost without movement. In contrast to this calmness, out to sea there is a lightning display that would rival any major cities 4th of July celebration. It is really cool and sort of draws you out to be amazed by it. On the mosquito issue I will just mention, yes we have mosquito's here, no doubt about it. I am reminded of a conversation I overheard at the International airport a few months ago. A couple was just arriving in Belize and a small group of guys, more or less 20 years old were leaving. You wait in the same area whether coming or going and often I overhear lots of questions from the arriving visitors. The young lady ask about the bugs and one of the men from the departing group (been there, done that) answered by saying that for sure there were no bugs out on the caye. Now this was his first trip to Belize and if he didn't see any bugs then I wonder where he hung out most of the time. The town board sprays on a routine basis and they are worse in the summer or rainy season than in the high season but we always have mosquito's. If the breeze stays strong and steady they can't fly so you don't see them sometimes, but they are here. We are a tropical island after all. I guess the couple arriving in Belize probably figured out on their own that we have bugs. As for the man spouting unfounded new wisdom, well, just try not to be an expert on Belize if you have only visited. I overhear lots of things said that just aren't correct. Hell I have been hanging around here for 21 years and I am not an expert and I occasionally find out things I didn't know or thought to be different. We are of course only human and the adventure is in the journey. Hope to see you soon, bring bug spray. Right Here, mi amigos ---Reef Ransom.

August 17, 2003.

No breeze and very hot. The weather in five words, no talent there. I took my registered golf cart over to the old Boatyard, now called IT to re-register it as is required for all owners of any type vehicle on Ambergris Caye. It took about 10 minutes to fill out the form and get a new sticker for my license tag. Sound like America? Afraid so. I complied but am not so crazy about even more rules and regulations for life here in Paradise.

I got a good look at Mars in the night sky tonight. I am told that Mars is as close to us as it will ever be in all of our lives. With binoculars I got a pretty good look. Didn't see anyone looking back, but you never know, maybe we are as close to them as we will ever be in their lives? Hope you can check out this cosmic event wherever you are, it's all the same show. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

August 18, 2003.

The morning air was cool and fresh as our breeze came back to paradise. The last few days have mostly been very calm and so felt warm too. As I passed along the beach headed to town the Town Board workers were cleaning the accumulated seaweed from the beach and lots of Italian tourist were playing in the shallow waters or baking in the hot sun. Under one of the small thatch palapa's a couple of local guys were asleep on the benches in the cool shade. Displaying the patient demeanor of one whom is certain of the outcome; Frigates circled overhead as they waited for the fisherman to return, clean their catch and toss the unwanted fish parts out for them to eat. I just went along my way and tried not to let the magic of the moment pass me by.

A little before 8 this night I went out on my veranda to look at Mars through my binoculars. Mars is just up off the horizon but high enough to be the brightest spot in the night sky. As I stood there with Mars in my sights, a pompous gust of tropical breeze blew by my face and my entire being carrying me off to another place and I thought of the "No man is an Island." and then realized yes we are as I felt the same as the breeze and the stars and that beautiful dazzling planet Mars, way out in the universe. I realized we were all the same, Mars, the Tropical breeze, you and me. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

August 19, 2003.

Woke up to my Tortilla Alarm Clock and had my necessary morning ration of strong coffee. It is another calm morning with just a slight breeze. That means the sea is calm again today and should be a delight for anyone in it or on it. I went to town to make a deposit at the Belize Bank. The line to make a deposit wasn't too bad today and just for fun I timed the entire event to see how long it would take me to make a deposit of one check in my account. The official time was 14 minutes, which isn't to bad compared to busy times with longer lines. Can you imagine waiting for 15-30 minutes in a line to make a deposit in your bank account in America? If that were the norm for a bank in the states it probably wouldn't have any depositors. In a way that is a good thing because it reminds me that even though I sometimes think it is, San Pedro still isn't America.

I went out on the sea this afternoon. Took some friends and we swam and snorkeled and sort of fished. I looked for some lobster in the rocks but saw none. I was surprise that we had a medium strong current along the reef and it wanted to push you back to shore. I saw some of the biggest schools of yellowtail snappers I have seen in a long time. When I first got in I saw the fin of something just jut out of the water up a bit from where I was. I don't know what it was but sometimes when a big predator fish is around the other fish tend to circle the wagons and group up. I did see four Barracuda's all buddied up hanging around looking for some trouble to start. They were all average size maybe 3-4 feet long. While we were fishing I looked up and noticed our position had changed and thought we had drug anchor. When I went to reset it I started to fish in the anchor line and there was nothing on it, only my old rusty chain, which had been attached to the anchor itself because just regular dock line would chafe real easy on the reef. The anchor was gone and I didn't find it. Probably some lesson in there somewhere?

Felt so good from my time on and in the sea that I just stayed at home and had a light dinner, sat on my front verandah, took the breeze and looked at Mars and the other celestial sights. You know you have a true contentment when you no longer feel the need to "do" anything and tonight that is the case for me. Hope you know the feeling too. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

August 20, 2003.

A couple of my buddies showed up this morning wanting to go fishing. It was a real short hop to dropping whatever else I had planned for the day (some regular old productive stuff) to "Let's go." Gathered my gear and loaded up everything we needed and passed by the local Texaco and got some gas, then off we went. Went north and anchored (with my extra anchor) right on the edge of a channel. Right away I had a strong strike that played out all my line and then broke the line above my steel leader I had on. That was going to be the routine for the day as the same thing happened with my other pole except the line just kept going until it was all gone and broke off on the reel. Both my buddies had similar experience and we were in the right spot for some big fish. We didn't land any of those bad boys though and we only have the memory of the sound of the zzzing of the line peeling off the reel and the rush of adrenaline as the pole bent and wanted to fly from our hands and the complete nosedive let down when the line popped and broke. We did land some small yellowtail snappers and some small groupers (Jimmy Heinz, we call them here) which we put back until another year. We also landed several snakefish looking things and what I call a needle nose, all of which are a nuisance to get off the hook and not on the "eat them" list. Also we caught a small Manta Ray, which we tossed back. Before I knew it the day had flown by and it was time to head home. Oh yes, one thing of note, I found a plastic wrapper with tape all around it that had held a bale of Cocaine.

Both my buddies are owners of substantial business interest in San Pedro and we had quite a conversation about how hard it is for a business to make money here and how many people come down without really knowing what is going on and start a business only to be gone in 6 months to a year. One of the main things you need to know if you want to live in Paradise and make a living is that we don't need any more of any type of business. No matter what your idea is, someone has done it, is doing it, or has thought of it.. The businesses that you look at and think are profitable may not be. Now these are just thoughts and conversation between 3 guys out fishing who know the scene real well, a real true point of view from guys who had no reason to speak anything but the reality of San Pedro. That untainted viewpoint is not an easy thing to get and especially if you are at present an 'outsider' looking for a way in. We all also acknowledged that this reality will not stop more and more people, people with a dream, from coming here and starting more new business's. Now the really interesting part, we all agreed that this is what sustains San Pedro. Just as fast as one persons dream plays out, another person comes with their dream (and money) and replaces it.

Even if the dream doesn't play out taking the chance and having the dream is one of the true treasures of life and you can never be wrong or lost if you follow your dream in life.

So for Renegades and Dreamer's everywhere, Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

September 2, 2003.

Moments, moments. Precious moments.
A slice out of life.
Less than the flight of the Frigate passing overhead,
Less than the snapper darting about in the blue,
Less than the moonbeams dancing on the sea.
Just the dinging of the bell, the chiming of the clock.
A sudden and fleeting realization of what the moment means.
Past and Future await us all,
Grasping the moment is where we fall.

September 29, 2003.

Slow. Slow. It is the slow season. That's about all you hear wherever you go in Belize right now. Well what does that mean really? Glad you ask. From one man's imperfect viewpoint I will tell you what it means. We have two distinct versions or reality here on Ambergris Caye; one is the reality of the visitor and the other the reality of the people living here.

So for the visitors the slow season means mostly good things but some bad.

1. Discounts on most things from lodging to food to activities including all activity on or in the sea. (Funny thing, I can't think of any slow season rates on Belikins or Pina Colada's though).

2. It means going into Elvi's for lunch at peak time and being one of only a handful of tables with any one in them.

3. It means no wait to use the internet at one of our fine internet café's.

4. It also means most of our beach areas will not be crowded.

5. It can also mean that some restaurants on your list of places to visit may be closed for from 2 weeks or more.

6. It means we are in the peak hurricane season.

Now for the residents of Ambergris Caye the slow season means:

1. Days of being able to just sit and watch the world turn very slowly just trying to survive until the high season comes.

2. Layoffs at many places and little or no income.

3. For business owners it means time to fix up, repair and improve your place of business.

4. Hot days that drip by like butter melting in the midday sun.

5. It also means for residents (maybe more so), we are in the peak of hurricane season.

6. Time to take a vacation and travel somewhere else.

7. It is like San Pedro used to be 20 years ago all the time with very few people.

There is a slight haze over the crescent moon as it sits low in the southwestern sky. Life is quietly going on here in San Pedro. It must be doing the same elsewhere in the universe, but at the moment that doesn't really matter. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

September 30. 2003.

OK my fellow dreamers and schemers, a le reality check of what life is like in Paradise. At 6:00 a.m. I am nearly rolled out of my bed by the sounds of a neighbor's stereo system thumping out more bass than Iron Butterfly ever thought about. This neighbor is behind and off to one side from me and I sleep in the front of my cement house with the fan going which makes a le noise. Still I could not escape the repetitive beat of the Punta style music coming from the sound system of Boca del Rio. I am fairly sure that my neighbor only has one song on one CD or tape because it is the same sound every morning and every night. Next as I struggle not to let my mind take up the driving (though not that musical) beat, I hear the sounds of a power washer from a neighbor on the other side of me. The noise is one thing but along with it, the wind is blowing the spray and the nasty smell it creates as it blast off dirt and god knows what from the exterior of the house right on my house and I start choking a le bit from it. Next at about 7:15, and a bit early this morning the tortilla salesman passes by below with the ringing of his bell. Live and let live is the unspoken creed here, so you just choke, get up early and learn to like Punta Music at 6 in the morning. That is of course unless you want to spend a few Million to get a piece of property big enough not to have neighbors. The average lot width in San Pedro is around 60 -65 feet off the beach and about 100 feet on the beach, just FYI.

Watched 3 young boys walk by carrying a Crocodile around 3-4 feet long this afternoon. Don't know where they were taking it but it was still alive. Life in Paradise, I love it.

Three years since Hurricane Keith was just leaving our shores.

Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

October 3, 2003.

I watched the school kids as they waited in the bus (taxi van) across the street from me. They were waiting for the neighbor girl to come out so they could go on to school. They were laughing and talking and so very precious to see. I guess kids are angels and adults are fallen angels trying to get back. It was wonderful to see and I thank the subtle natural way of the universe for the gift.

It is another beautiful, fresh feeling morning, partly cloudy, calm sea and a wonderful feeling breeze to caress our skin. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

October 5, 2003.

I had an invite to go sailing up to Mexico Rocks this morning. I got up plenty early and had enough time to make it to the dock by 8:30. It rained for awhile this morning around 7:30 and I couldn't decide if I wanted to go out on the sea or not. I wishy washed back and forth and got my gear all ready just in case. I even called my buddy Geraldo to confirm they were going. Yes leaving his dock at 8:30 and then picking up some guest at Xanadu Resort at 9:00. I finally committed to going and left my house assuming I had missed the 8:30 chance at Geraldo's dock but I passed by anyway in case they were on Belizean Time this morning, they weren't. I looked out to sea but could not see El Gato so I headed south towards Xanadu. El Gato was just leaving the dock as I pulled up to the sea and I wasn't going sailing, snorkeling, or fishing this morning. It was of course my own fault and a direct reaction to my indecisiveness. Now, here's my point, which is above and beyond all that really. Every single thing that happens to us in our life happens because we make it happen through our intentions. Actions are just the form in which intention manifest itself in life, not to get to Buddhist on you. Now, knowing this and having it be something you stay aware of and try to live a reverend life by, can be quite a mountain to climb if you let it. Sometimes I do. When you fall short of what you know is the higher possibility, it can be disheartening. The good thing is it can be a catalyst for something good to start and that is the true magic of the universe.

I went to Coconuts Resort about mid day and had a great American breakfast with a Belizean flair. Bacon, eggs and hash browns, all American but add the incredible fry jacks and the pepper sauce and not to mention the great spot right there on the beach and it was a slice of San Pedro in every way.

Man I ate well today as I went to Blue Water Grill for dinner and had the most incredibly good Lasagna. I can't really say enough about how good the Lasagna was so after you have satisfied your lust for snapper, lobster and conch; check it out.

The majestic moon graces the night sky and is swelling each night as she spins towards a full view for all of us here on earth. I can't describe the powerful magic of the night as under these regal celestial beings in the sky, the coconut palms bend in the steady breeze and small foamy waves slap at the thin fragile slice of sand and humanity we call Ambergris Caye. Pause for a moment, use your inner eye and conjure up your version of a magical night on a Tropical Island. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

October 6, 2003.

It is a cloudy and blustery morning here on the island. Some Tropical weather up Mexico way is streaming some clouds, rain and wind towards us. A good example of how something happening far away can affect things somewhere else.

After I finish my coffee and assess the day I usually go to La Popular Bakery for a sweet pastry of some kind. It is close to my house but more importantly the largest bakery here in San Pedro supplying all kind of baked goods to the public and local businesses. Then from there I like to go up town and stop at Ruby's Café to see the girls that work there and grab a glass of fresh O.J., sometimes I get a snack from there too as they have great baked stuff and lunch also. Now, the day awaits.

We had a stabbing incident this afternoon (evening we say here) between two local guys. When Latin tempers flair stabbings (or choppings we say here) are the typical result. Of course the coconut telegraph (local gossip line) has various versions of the incident and why it took place. Could it be the full moon? Sometimes even Paradise is like a Novela. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

October 8, 2003.

In life we always have a choice we can make. What we say, do or attempt are all tied to our choices in life. When I loose my patience or get angry or upset I make a choice to be like that. Later on, when the chance to act correctly in life has already passed by, I can see the choice I should have made. At the moment I choose to be more aware of my choices. I would like for you to take a moment and do the same. Then make a choice that brings something good into this world. You will certainly feel the power of the universe, your universe when you do this.

Saw Richie Woods this afternoon, he is doing fine. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

October 9, 2003.

The sun is slowly sinking below the imaginary line of the horizon. Day is yielding to the strong thick cover of night. Out over the Caribbean Sea a full moon is ascending into the dark blue sky. Barely out of the water it seems that it may have risen from the depths of the sea and the last flickers of sunlight give its plump looking face a crimson red hue. This sight is always a reminder of how wondrous the world is and how true magic happens everyday.

I saw more than the average number of really drunk and ornery hombre's on my way home from town tonight. I would know it was a full moon even if I couldn't see it in the sky. The signs are everywhere. Lunar madness, lunacy. I am you and you are me and we are all together. Right Here, mi amigos---Reef Ransom.

Otro Cosas de Interesar:

MTV was on the island filming for one of their shows. They did a shoot at The Famous Pier Lounge on a Wednesday past during the Chicken Drop.

The "Catch of the Day" seems to be bales of Cocaine as they continue to float up here and there along the Belizean coast, most recently around Placencia.

The Joy of the Feast is in the First Bite.

There is a "Sports Book" at Sharks Bar now.

Click here to return to the main articles page.

Commons Island Community History Visitor Center Goods & Services Search Messages

Copyright Dal E Ha Publishing 2002. All Rights Reserved.