11.19.2013
What is a Caye?
A caye (/ˈkiː/ or /ˈkeɪ/), also spelled cay or key, is a small, low-elevation, sandy island formed on the surface of a coral reef. Cayes occur in tropical environments throughout the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans (including in the Caribbean and on the Great Barrier Reef and Belize Barrier Reef), where they can provide habitable and agricultural land for hundreds of thousands of people. Their surrounding reef ecosystems also provide food and building materials for island inhabitants.
On this bright, sunny, perfect day in Belize. we headed out to the ocean to go snorkeling, meet some friends who live "down the coast" and do what everyone "thinks we do every day - play!"
We headed off to Goff's Caye with grey clouds above us, trusting that the weather would clear.
Here's where we are headed: Goff's Caye is a small island off the shore of Belize City, Belize.
It is 1.2 acres of sandy land.
(On the map above - our home is in the bottom "lake looking" body of water just inside the coast-line. There is a short river that joins the lagoon to the ocean.)
There it is!
Wait!!!! Is that ALL there is?
Yes, that's it! Remember - it's only 1.2 acres but the ecological wonder of all the coral and sea life in the water all around it add so much more.
They have packed all the necessities on it - boat dock, palapas, sandy beaches,
palm trees, bathroom. And, "Ranger Rick" will be by some time during the day
to collect the $10 per person fee. =)
What is a palapa? a traditional Mexican shelter roofed with palm leaves or branches
On the beach - this is what's in front of me!
A short walk over the rocks & we'll be snorkeling in coral all around the island,
seeing beautiful, colorful fish and other sea life.
This is my view to the left
Behind me
More behind me
To my right
Below are pictures of my favorite "find" of the day: Juvenile Yellow Tail Damsel Fish
Yes! those spots are neon AND they glow!
My apologies for less than stellar pictures - best I could find on the internet. Anyone wish to "gift" me an underwater camera that's better than whatever was used for these? =) Ah, well, the pictures will help me remember what beautiful, little fish these guys are!
Back on the PERFECT BEACH! White sand and waves!
I can do this ALL DAY =)
Someone to join me in the fun!
Avi Bradbury, daughter of Mark & Sarah Bradbury, who have been living in Belize
managing the Belize Mission and Retreat joined us for our "island fun."
On our way home - Perfect Shades of Blue
The Barr River
This short river joins the ocean to our lagoon -
not nearly the pretty blue of the ocean this day!
Mangroves line the sides of the river.
Usually see herons and pelicans along this stretch, at least in the morning.
It was a perfect day with great company and very grateful for this beautiful place to live. =)
Thank you so much for posting your amazing adventures! Am so enjoying living vicariously through you!
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Marti