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BRITISH FORCES BIG SALUTE Belize may be a small community but we have a big heart, deep pockets and lots of visiting troops!
Even though the worldwide fundraiser for the British Forces Charities starts on May 4th - we thought that there is no time like the present and when an opportunity presents itself we grab it. Ruta Maya Training
Its early and the first time the all the teams have really got together and so looking a little apprehensive about the challenge of their first race! It is Boom to Manatee, 13 miles away and at least two hours of hard graft. Some of the teams have never capsized before, some have never sat in a canoe for longer than and hour, some are worried about the appearance of crocodiles so this picture shows members desperately trying to smile and look ecstatic There were 19 teams taking part for the first race of the season and it was culminating in a BBQ and party at the Manatee Lookout. This was followed by the families race. There are various categories of teams, Veterans (for over 40), girls team, men's team , mixed team, leisure teams and a sports team. Many non-participants were at the Manatee to support and greet their friends and a party ensued for hours ending in the inevitable 'voluntary ' swim. All boats finished the race with only one capsizing 5 minutes before the end- the Commanders with his wife and the 2IC! This was possibly the most experienced boat as two of the team had taken part in the Ruta Maya last year but it did not stop the 2IC dropping his oar and both men leaning over to retrieve it - laws of physics prevailed and they soon found out how warm the water was! Fortunately the resident Croc at the Manatee decided not to go and investigate - phew.
Dive Club
The Dive Club at BFATC kicked off late in January with enthusiasm. There was a degree of curiosity by some to take advantage of the Try Dive and see if diving was for them. Others loaded on the tanks and wet suits and took a chance on what aquatic delights they may encounter. Day one was a little disappointing due to unclear water and rough seas but the waters came up trumps the following day with sightings of dolphins, plenty of Barracuda, huge reef crabs and plenty of sunshine!
Night at the Oscars
The theme for the Xmas Party was Night at the Oscars
and they certainly laid out the red carpet treatment for a host of would
be celebrities! They were treated to a three course feast whilst
being entertained by a live band who came all the way over from San
Pedro- La Isla Bonita. After lashings of champagne (or beer) they partied
till dawn in true C list celebrity style but always with the beady eye
of the management watching over them to ensure no naughty reporters
taking unsavoury shots. Check out for yourself the photos - could
make a fortune with some of them!
Hurricane Felix
2 weeks later and we here those words again Hurricane Felix. This time though we ended up on a Hercules going to Florida as on the monday Felix was heading straight for Belize City. The poor RAF guys were not prepared for a trip with the BATSUB ladies, and touch down had never been so looked forward too. After the shock of a trip a early night was had, though tuesday saw the mall get invaded, the cases take the strain and shoppers elbow became the main injury. The teachers took the school aged children on a trip to the NASA centre, i think a few ladies would of liked to come along. The Zoo was visited with a few more groans from the cases, the meeting was held and Thursday became D-day for the return trip this time via miami. The good news for Belize was the hurricane dipped and Nicaragua got the full force of the hurricane, though speaking to the locals they all have a feeling this is the year. With around 8 weeks left of the hurricane season fingers crossed that Belize's luck holds out.
A thank you to all involved in helping to make the trip away go so smoothly and feel like a home away from home.
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Potential New Divers!
The wives getting ready to depart for Florida
