Michael's Rock

We are at the perfect location on the island of Guanaja. Michael's Rock. It is on the north western side of the island and is absolutely picture perfect. On Tuesday, we left El Bight and circled around the northeastern tip of the island. We made it safely through an area marked on the charts as "dangerous swells" - and there were some pretty big swells - wouldn't want to cross that area in crappy weather - but we made it comfortably. We motor sailed the first hour and then sailed the rest of the way until we had to cut back through the reef. We are anchored in a nice thick sand patch right off a lovely white sand beach and the rock for which the area is named - Michael's rock.

There is just us and another boat that came around with us - Ivory Moon - an Island Packet 35 for all our IP friends. We took the northern route and they sailed the southern route. We edged them out into the anchorage by just a bit. We were able to sail a bit longer than they could. We'll go back the southern route so we'll have circumnavigated Guanaja.

There are great reefs that we can snorkel just a short swim off Astarte. The reefs are very colorful with a wide variety of hard and soft corals in interesting formations. We've seen lots of the dreaded - but beautiful - lion fish here. One hole had three very large ones inside. We've seen eagle rays, giant southern stingrays, lots of small grouper, snappers, and a wide variety of colorful tropical fish. There are lots of small jelly fish around - luckily not the stinging variety. We've enjoyed long swims and snorkels in very clear water the last few days.

This morning, we hiked up to a waterfall. It was a bit of a conundrum - the sign says waterfall (actually it says watehrfall) with an arrow and right next to it is a no trespassing sign. We went up the trail along a brook/stream. It was very jungly and interesting. The path was pretty clearly marked up to a point - then Michael went one way (a high rocky climb) and Barbara headed down towards the stream in search of the path. The stream had a small waterfall at one point - and Michael climbed a bit higher but decided the rope along a rock cliff would be too treacherous to tackle. So we enjoyed the small waterfall and fresh water pools before heading back. The bugs were hungry and we moved quickly out of the jungle. We did see a pretty remarkable turquoise blue and bright green lizard, along with several other lizards, hummingbirds, some fresh water fish and lots of interesting trees. It was a good hike.

This is a really pretty area and we are glad we came around the island. Not too many homes or "civilization" here - though around the bend there is the Green Flash Bar and another bar - Brian's. It's Friday night - so we may see if they're open later.

We've enjoyed several nights of good company with Jeff and Lelia of Ivory Moon over good margaritas, snacks and a curry dinner. They are fun folks from Australia - and we know the folks from down under know how to party!

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