The weather in Belize has been all over the map lately from high winds keeping divers on land to reports of the hottest day at 102°F on Tuesday to the incoming cold front and rainy weather Wednesday and yesterday.

In spite of the reports, our cruise wasn’t rained out and I was glad. Not only did we have Barb and Joe’s going away party, toasting the end of another perfect day in paradise on a big @ss boat is something we never grow tired of 🙂

Our bitchin’ ride was the beautiful Infinity, a 50-foot long with 27-foot beam owned and operated by Ecologic Adventures (formerly Ecologic Cats in San Pedro). The Catamaran is fully furnished with a built-in bar and kitchen, plus a quality sound system and DJ that kept us grooving.

This boat was made for a good party and props to the wonderful crew Charlie, Janelle, Eric, Said and Marcos for making it a great one. They provided drinks and snacks, and the cruise always offers a good chance to meet new people and connect with friends. Of course, I knew the company would be great as I already knew half of the people on the boat.

Even though we did not get a spectacular sunset that night, life was still good. We sailed along the coast of Ambergris, enjoying an open bar with freshly made pina coladas, beer rum punch, fresh seasonal fruit and other tasty treats. That evening’s fruit was watermelon and grapes. We were also served fresh conch ceviché, cream cheese with sweet habanero jelly and Chex mix.  I moved to the front of the boat to hear the tunes and to chat with Jack. Janelle was my personal “hostess with the mostess” and made sure I was well set all night long 🙂

Love getting party invites on the Infinity

Joe, Sheldon and I picture courtesy of Barbra Minnear

Viewing sunsets isn’t the only thing to do with Ecologic Cats. Both the Infinity and Impromptu have bedrooms so you can do fully catered island hopping, go on an extended scuba diving adventure, or just celebrate life in style like we did Wednesday night.

Sunset picture courtesy of Barbra Minnear

After the “goodbye boat cruise” Barb had decided that one last dinner at Casa Picasso was in order before they return stateside, so she invited the same sailors from their boat party to continue the fun. Unfortunately, not everyone she had asked on the boat could come to the after party but we had a great time anyway. The food and drinks were fab as always and to spice things up, I brought Cards Against Humanity. Nothing like some twisted laughter over dessert 🙂

My Casa Picasso menu choices (click through to see full menu)

• Watermelon Cooler – watermelon Juice, basil, ginger, ginger ale. Note it comes with vodka but Nicolai knows I am still on extended alcohol break and makes mine virgins 🙂
• Warm Bacon Salad – local greens & crispy kale, tossed in a roasted corn, sweet pepper & warm bacon dressing, topped with grated hard-boiled egg
• Chocolate & Vanilla Pork Short Ribs – slow roasted pork short ribs, dusted with cocoa, served in a red wine demi-glace with vanilla risotto & garlic green beans
• Molten Chocolate Cake – a rich chocolate dessert served with house-made vanilla ice cream & an espresso sauce (prep time 15 minutes)

Casa Picasso after party pic courtesy of Barbra Minnear

Chocolate & Vanilla Pork Short Ribs

In the midst of experiencing our erratic weather, Mark Pekar came to me for a repeat Tropic Air coupon code so he and his wife Jacquelyn could fly to Caye Caulker. We got talking about the weather and he gave me his 2 cents to share along with a couple of pictures from Cayo area.

Mark’s Weather Report

It has been raining here in Cayo (Cristo Rey) all night – a light rain but steady … We have cooled off 35 degrees from Monday’s bake …

Weather forecast picture courtesy of  Mark Pekar

Bullet Tree in Cristo Rey by Mark Pekar

Cahal Pech ruins by Mark Pekar