Day 1. January 8, 2025
Billings Montana to Hopkins Belize
This adventure is a switch from the usual. We decided to take a tropical adventure trip when it is usually cold and dark in Montana. I found a guided adventure trip in Belize for 7 days through a company called Adventure Life. They in turn connect up with a Belize company called Island Expeditions. Upon arrival in Belize we were part of Island Expeditions arrangements and guides. We will be part of a group that will take us from the mainland of Belize out to two separate cayes for sea kayaking and snorkeling. It’s pretty much a “glamping” trip… all the logistics, meals, accommodations and equipment are provided. Our job is to paddle, snorkel, eat and enjoy!
First we boarded an airplane bright and early out of snowy, cold Montana. Good luck was with us because we departed before it started to snow, blow and get foggy in Montana… arrived in Dallas before it got colder and snowed. Yes it was already cold in Dallas but no snow until tomorrow! So no delays and onward to Belize City.
Arrived in Belize City and got through 3 checkpoints. The first was a Travel Declaration form and passport check. Luckily I had filled this out online so got to express through the “paper” line. After retrieving our luggage there was another checkpoint for the actual Customs. And then for some reason we had to show our Declaration form to get back into the departures gate to take a short hopper flight to Dangriga. They bumped us up 30 minutes so we had just enough time to try our first local beer…Belikin.
are 1:00 minute.
About 10 people squeezed on the plane for a 20 minute flight. Once we arrived we were the only two not on a tour being picked up by a van. My research said we could get a taxi from here to Hopkins. (About 30 minutes). One look at the size of this airport and location and the possibility of a taxi seemed dismal. I inquired at the desk and the young lady said she didn’t know. A minute later a young gentleman employee said he was getting off work and could “taxi” us to Hopkins! Yeah… a few minutes to wait.
Joseph and his buddy Ronald worked all day at the Maya Air airport, then happily gave us the ride to Hopkins. He filled the 40 minutes with all his ideas about his world, culture, politics, religion and lots of idioms like… “if your bald in the front you’re smart, if you’re bald in the back you’re a thinker, if you’re bald in both then you think you’re smart”. He was clearly the latter. His buddy just laughed at him alot. We really appreciated the ride and they were so helpful and kind.
Right next door to our cabana.
We booked an AirBnb Cabana on the beach in Hopkins. Just a small one bed studio with bathroom and separate kitchen area. Perfect! Has air conditioning but not all that necessary as the weather has been cooler with rain lately. Right next door was a restaurant. We had a great meal of shrimp curry, coconut rice and beans and vegetables. Delicious…and we were starving after long day on 3 planes. Those pretzels and cookies on flight only go so far. Not much layover time to really eat between flights.
While dining there was a quick rain shower. We had to move the table a little away from the deck railing to avoid getting soaked.
That sums up the travel day to a different country and new part of the world for us! I loved stepping off the plane and getting that warm humid hug.
cinnicrew 