Placencia - Dec 5

Creole Proverb: The higher the monkey climbs the tree, the more he exposes his ass to danger.

This proverb was passed on to me by a local Placencia fisherman named "Harry" over a couple of beers and philosophical discussion on the importance of having an easy life. Now what Harry is trying to impart on us all is to take time to enjoy life, that the corporate ladder or tree will always be there for you to climb later. Seven days into our sail down the Belize coast, all on board the Carpe Feline are "feeling" Harry's message.

There are three catamarans in our Modern Sailing flotilla. There are nine of us on board our 41 foot Lagoon cat, and there are nine of us having a wonderful time. Should those from the other two catamarans be sitting here with us in Paradise, on the tip of Placencia, they'd surely say the same thing.

We set sail from San Pedro, an island town on Ambergris Caye off the coast of Belize, on November 29. We've sailed to a different caye each night, finding splendid anchorages each evening, just in time to watch the sunset and the full moon rise with a cocktail in hand. The snorkeling has been brilliant, with spottings of eagle rays, sea turtles, lobsters, eels, and of course, fish holding all the colors of the rainbow. We've bought fresh conch, lobster and fish from the local fisherman, perparing ceviche and grilled seafood on board.

Today is the first day we've come into a town with Internet access. We've truly enjoyed being off the grid, but with this chance to share how wonderful this flotilla journey has been, we wanted to take advantage of connection. We're eating fresh fruit under the palms of paradise at this moment, all chatting about how we'd love to be here again this time next year. There seems no better way to start the holiday season.

Signing off from the South of Belize, heading north again today, to sail our return course to San Pedro.

Happy Holidays to all from the crew on "Carpe Feline".