You are not going to believe this, well maybe you are at this point...
Kevin and I are sitting in the exact same room at the exact same hotel on South Padre Island that I checked out of yesterday when I went to pick him up as he flew into Brownsville! So get a cup of coffee, smoke 'em if you got 'em and I'll fill you in on how my Angels have saved me once again.
You all probably know that I've been downloading movies, TV series, and audio and ebooks like a madman for months now in anticipation of using them as entertainment when I finally found my spot to settle down in. I have them all on a 1 terabyte external hard drive (well actually on two 1 terabyte hard drives because the other is a mirror image of the 1st in case something happens). Now hold that thought!
Kevin and I arrived at the border, on the U.S. side, and were politely questioned by the local county sheriff's department and Border Patrol about what we had in the trailer. They decided to do a routine check. Absolutely no big deal because, like the good citizen and international traveler I am, I don't have any contraband products, too many cigars (thanks to Kevin not smoking and our allotment being double because there are 2 of us), too much liquor, or anything else that I shouldn't be carrying. During an outside walk around one of the officers noticed that the left front trailer tire looked tilted. No kidding it was! Checking it we found that the tire was worn to the metal tread bands on the far inside of the tire. Well, knowing that we were about to hit some pretty iffy roads in Mexico, and having about 1800 miles ahead of us I decided we better have it checked out. We drove to a truck repair shop that I had seen on my travels in and around Brownsville. They looked at the wheel, replaced the tire, and then told me that the axle was bent. I don't know when, where, or how it happened but it did. So I told them to fix the axle and we'd stay the night because they wouldn't be done until 5pm. Kevin and I decided to head back to South Padre Island and visit a bird sanctuary and a turtle rescue facility that we'd seen the day before when we went out there for dinner. He and I packed for the night and I went looking for my hard drive case (holding both of them) and I COULD NOT find it! Crap!!! All that work and now they were gone!? Thinking I, and saying it to Kevin, "I wonder if I left it at the hotel?" Nah, I couldn't be that careless or forgetful. Din,g ding, ding wrong answer! When we got to the hotel desk I asked if they had a black hard sided case and showed him it's twin. Out he came with it! Now I don't know what's worse, having more work done on the trailer that's holding me up from crossing the border or having more work done on the trailer to prevent me from crossing the border and finding out days later, when it was too late to do anything about it, that I couldn't find my hard drives. I always looked at these delays to my trip as my Angels watching out for poor old Rich and not letting me do anything until it was the right time for me to do it. I am a very firm believer in my Angels guiding and protecting me. Those of you that know the story of Angels All Around and our journey finding a store front and all the good works that it allowed us to do know that. And if you haven't heard the stories please go to http://www.angelsallaround.com/ourstory.html and read about it.
I just called the repair shop and learned that the trailer won't be ready until noon tomorrow. Poor Kevin has a return flight from Belize City to Phoenix next Thursday. Leaving tomorrow will not give him time for the photo ops he was anticipating and still get us to Dangringa Belize. He's going to call American tonight to see if he can extend his trip through the following Sunday. He's using frequent flier miles so extending his trip may not be an option. I'm praying that it happens though as I want to see him enjoy his trip and us not be so rushed to get where I'm going so that he can make his flight.
We had a great time at the bird sanctuary and turtle rescue and Kevin was as giddy as a kid at the almost 100 pictures that he took while we were at the sanctuary. He does some kind of photography that used 2 low end out of f-stop focus, 2 high end out of f stop focus, and 1 perfectly focused pictures which are then merged into a single photo using a software program that he says turns out incredibly sharp pictures. It will be interesting to see the results when he's finished.
Trust me when I tell you that I'm not demoralized in any way but now we're waiting until tomorrow to see if we can successfully cross the border and be on our way or if my Angels have something more in store for me...
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Underway...shift colors!
It's finally happening! My cousin Kevin arrived in Brownsville yesterday and we're ready to head for my new home in Belize! Well almost... We're sitting in McDonalds using their free internet for the last time in the U.S. Not sure if McD will have it available out of the country. That certainly would be nice but I'm not counting on it. Plus I'm not planning on driving into any of the cities with my trailer attached because I don't want to get stuck on some narrow street or somewhere I can't easily turn around.
Kevin and I are trying to come up with a name for the trailer. He calls his the "Fun Hut". He's going to use "Beliz-a-bago" for his writings for now. Any suggestions?
So once we're done with the net we have to head back to Walmart, fill some gas containers, stow a few things, hitch the trailer to the Jeep then head for the border. Not sure how long the crossing will take because I still need the temporary vehicle doc and I'm sure they'll want to tear the trailer apart before letting us get on our way. In things we've read on the Mexican roads the first 35-40 miles are the worst in all Mexico. Lots of pot holes and bad road surface that will keep us down to 30-35mph, although I typically don't drag the trailer faster than 55 anyway. I figure that they want to make sure whatever you are driving and/or dragging is up to par or that they want to help their auto/truck repair shops are happily busy. After that it's mainly paved 2 lane highways and 60-70mph. We'll be traveling on MX180 for about 90% of the trip. Not sure how far we'll get today or where we'll stop for the night. All I know is that Kevin is drooling over getting real Mexican tacos and make some photo stops. Fine by me! And I think he's already thinking about extending his trip. Fine by me too! I'm hoping he'll love Belize as much as I do. he's looking for a foreign country to retire in when his time comes. Maybe we'll be neighbors!
More later but I'm not sure when! Adios!
Kevin and I are trying to come up with a name for the trailer. He calls his the "Fun Hut". He's going to use "Beliz-a-bago" for his writings for now. Any suggestions?
So once we're done with the net we have to head back to Walmart, fill some gas containers, stow a few things, hitch the trailer to the Jeep then head for the border. Not sure how long the crossing will take because I still need the temporary vehicle doc and I'm sure they'll want to tear the trailer apart before letting us get on our way. In things we've read on the Mexican roads the first 35-40 miles are the worst in all Mexico. Lots of pot holes and bad road surface that will keep us down to 30-35mph, although I typically don't drag the trailer faster than 55 anyway. I figure that they want to make sure whatever you are driving and/or dragging is up to par or that they want to help their auto/truck repair shops are happily busy. After that it's mainly paved 2 lane highways and 60-70mph. We'll be traveling on MX180 for about 90% of the trip. Not sure how far we'll get today or where we'll stop for the night. All I know is that Kevin is drooling over getting real Mexican tacos and make some photo stops. Fine by me! And I think he's already thinking about extending his trip. Fine by me too! I'm hoping he'll love Belize as much as I do. he's looking for a foreign country to retire in when his time comes. Maybe we'll be neighbors!
More later but I'm not sure when! Adios!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Hanging out on South Padre Island TX
My cousin Kevin Dre's, who owns a construction/remodeling company in Phoenix, decided he needed a break and will be taking a week off to drive through Mexico and down to Belize with me. I can't tell you how much I appreciate his doing this with me! Besides having the company he has a lot more experience towing a trailer than I (and you'll see how little I have in a minute) and speaks some Spanish. Not sure if I wrote why I'm still in the U.S. or now so I'll briefly tell you, and if I did please bear with me.
Early last week one of my nieces posted on Facebook that my step-mother Jean had passed away. After a panic phone call I found out that she was still alive but Hospice was now taking care of her. She passed early Saturday morning. I've been having sniggle little problems keeping me from crossing into Mexico and I decided that my Angels were holding me up until Jean left us and I while I was still in the family loop. Friday Kevin sent me an email asking if I was up for company. I jumped at the chance and he booked a flight to Brownsville for Wednesday so he could take care of some outstanding business. So, once again my Angels helped me out.
So now I have a few days to wait so I thought I'd take a ride out to South Padre Island. My Houston cousin Pat Coyle loves the place and it's one of his top two beaches in the country, Destin FL being the other. I hitched the trailer yesterday and dragged it out and parked along the road and walked onto the beach to talk with some of the RVers parked on the sand. I found out it only costs $18 for a 90 day stay. Of course there are no facilities and you're living off the grid but who cares! Here's what happened though. I drove onto the beach and looked for a suitable spot to park until Wednesday morning, finding one about a mile from the beach access building. Now I'd passed quite a few RVs and trailers parked prettily on spots with excellent views. So I found one that I liked and did a U-turn so that I was parked parallel to the water and where I thought it was above the high tide mark. Bad move!!! I immediately started to bog down and tried heading back for the firmer wet sand of the beach path. I didn't make it. Well thought I that's why I got a 4 wheel drive jeep, for just such situations. Wrong answer. The sand was just too soft and the trailer a bit too heavy to pull forward or push back. I placed a couple of the 2x12's I carry for placing under the stabilizer jacks under the 4 wheels of the jeep and was just about to unhook from the trailer. My thought was to get the Jeep out using the 4 wheel drive and then hook to the rear of the trailer, since it was closest to the firmer sand, and yank it out with towing straps. My Angels are always around me though and sent a 4-some with a monster pickup to help me out of my predicament. They hailed from northwest Iowa and are "winter Texans" as the snowbirds are called here. We soon had their pickup and my Jeep secured and they pulled me out with one big tug. I certainly thanked them, God, and my Angels as soon as I hit firmer sand. One of the guys mentioned that they were staying at the Best Western and had remembered seeing my trailer parked in the McDonalds parking lot. He laughingly remembered the large blue garbage can (about 75-80 gallons) on the back storage deck. The 4 of them jokingly said I must be planning on generating a lot of garbage but were glad that I had somewhere to put it. I actually brought it for water storage (I have another 40 gal one that will go on top of the trailer for showering, heated by the sun) for when I find my plot of land in Belize. I won't have access to city water or a well, at least not in the near future. I'm familiar with the water catch containers on the Cayes. There aren't any wells and no city water so they catch rain water and use reverse osmosis to purify it. Me, I'll use household bleach. Don't believe me? Here's a website that gives you all the info on using bleach. Bookmark it because it may come in handy one day when your city water is turned off due to a water main break and they tell you to boil your water until further notice.
http://www.newjerusalem.com/PureWater.htm
So anyway on with my tale. I drove up the beach toward the entrance and stopped to talk with a guy who had a trailer much like mine. I came to find out that they use sections of 2x12 plank to ease up to where they will park and then leave the final section under the tires. Since I didn't think of that in my earlier planning I decided to be safe and head for somewhere off the beach. I'll have to hit Home Depot and pick up some planks for the trip because I may run into the same situation when I go looking for my plot of paradise. As I was headed back to the local Walmart to park I passed a really nice small motel offering $23 a night. Hmmm...a hot shower, free continental breakfast, and 24 hour Internet... So here I sit, checked in for 2 nights for a total of $52, writing on my blog and waiting for Kevin to fly in at 5pm Wednesday. Not sure what the next couple of days will have to offer but I know I'll be spending a few hours of it in my beach chair, enjoying the warn sunny weather staring out at the Gulf Of Mexico, smoking cigars and reading a book. Another of my TX cousins, Matt, recommended a seafood joint that he says is really good so I may try it tonight. But if nothing else I'm getting in some very restful days. Now you may think that all I'm doing since I retired is resting but that truly is not the case. I've spent many long days investigating the requirements for possibly living off the grid, finding a trailer to live in, outfitting it foremost for basic survival and then comfort, and preparing for the drive. So I'm pretty worn out from all that and having a few days to just kick back before the long drive to Dangringa BZ is just what the doctor ordered!
More later!
Early last week one of my nieces posted on Facebook that my step-mother Jean had passed away. After a panic phone call I found out that she was still alive but Hospice was now taking care of her. She passed early Saturday morning. I've been having sniggle little problems keeping me from crossing into Mexico and I decided that my Angels were holding me up until Jean left us and I while I was still in the family loop. Friday Kevin sent me an email asking if I was up for company. I jumped at the chance and he booked a flight to Brownsville for Wednesday so he could take care of some outstanding business. So, once again my Angels helped me out.
So now I have a few days to wait so I thought I'd take a ride out to South Padre Island. My Houston cousin Pat Coyle loves the place and it's one of his top two beaches in the country, Destin FL being the other. I hitched the trailer yesterday and dragged it out and parked along the road and walked onto the beach to talk with some of the RVers parked on the sand. I found out it only costs $18 for a 90 day stay. Of course there are no facilities and you're living off the grid but who cares! Here's what happened though. I drove onto the beach and looked for a suitable spot to park until Wednesday morning, finding one about a mile from the beach access building. Now I'd passed quite a few RVs and trailers parked prettily on spots with excellent views. So I found one that I liked and did a U-turn so that I was parked parallel to the water and where I thought it was above the high tide mark. Bad move!!! I immediately started to bog down and tried heading back for the firmer wet sand of the beach path. I didn't make it. Well thought I that's why I got a 4 wheel drive jeep, for just such situations. Wrong answer. The sand was just too soft and the trailer a bit too heavy to pull forward or push back. I placed a couple of the 2x12's I carry for placing under the stabilizer jacks under the 4 wheels of the jeep and was just about to unhook from the trailer. My thought was to get the Jeep out using the 4 wheel drive and then hook to the rear of the trailer, since it was closest to the firmer sand, and yank it out with towing straps. My Angels are always around me though and sent a 4-some with a monster pickup to help me out of my predicament. They hailed from northwest Iowa and are "winter Texans" as the snowbirds are called here. We soon had their pickup and my Jeep secured and they pulled me out with one big tug. I certainly thanked them, God, and my Angels as soon as I hit firmer sand. One of the guys mentioned that they were staying at the Best Western and had remembered seeing my trailer parked in the McDonalds parking lot. He laughingly remembered the large blue garbage can (about 75-80 gallons) on the back storage deck. The 4 of them jokingly said I must be planning on generating a lot of garbage but were glad that I had somewhere to put it. I actually brought it for water storage (I have another 40 gal one that will go on top of the trailer for showering, heated by the sun) for when I find my plot of land in Belize. I won't have access to city water or a well, at least not in the near future. I'm familiar with the water catch containers on the Cayes. There aren't any wells and no city water so they catch rain water and use reverse osmosis to purify it. Me, I'll use household bleach. Don't believe me? Here's a website that gives you all the info on using bleach. Bookmark it because it may come in handy one day when your city water is turned off due to a water main break and they tell you to boil your water until further notice.
http://www.newjerusalem.com/PureWater.htm
So anyway on with my tale. I drove up the beach toward the entrance and stopped to talk with a guy who had a trailer much like mine. I came to find out that they use sections of 2x12 plank to ease up to where they will park and then leave the final section under the tires. Since I didn't think of that in my earlier planning I decided to be safe and head for somewhere off the beach. I'll have to hit Home Depot and pick up some planks for the trip because I may run into the same situation when I go looking for my plot of paradise. As I was headed back to the local Walmart to park I passed a really nice small motel offering $23 a night. Hmmm...a hot shower, free continental breakfast, and 24 hour Internet... So here I sit, checked in for 2 nights for a total of $52, writing on my blog and waiting for Kevin to fly in at 5pm Wednesday. Not sure what the next couple of days will have to offer but I know I'll be spending a few hours of it in my beach chair, enjoying the warn sunny weather staring out at the Gulf Of Mexico, smoking cigars and reading a book. Another of my TX cousins, Matt, recommended a seafood joint that he says is really good so I may try it tonight. But if nothing else I'm getting in some very restful days. Now you may think that all I'm doing since I retired is resting but that truly is not the case. I've spent many long days investigating the requirements for possibly living off the grid, finding a trailer to live in, outfitting it foremost for basic survival and then comfort, and preparing for the drive. So I'm pretty worn out from all that and having a few days to just kick back before the long drive to Dangringa BZ is just what the doctor ordered!
More later!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Another delay...and a very good reason for it
Well I didn't get to cross the other day due to minor, but critical, electrical problems. But I decided it was my Angels keeping me here in the states for a reason.
Cause and effect: My fridge stopped working the other day. Stupidly I thought about not bothering to fix it. That thought lasted all of 10 seconds. I bought it on to a repair shop on Saturday and they found a short in the wire to the heater, which is on the same circuit as the fridge. That's fixed now. But stupidly failed to check my electrical outlets. So when I parked for the day I plugged in my cell phone charger and it didn't turn on. That clued me to the new problem. So it's back to the repair shop on Monday morning. I decided that these and the other sniggly problems are what my Angels were placing before me to delay my crossing the border.
Reason 1: I had heard from my brother Tom that my step-mom Jean, who has been in a nursing home in a Chicago suburb for 4 years, had died. It turned out that she was still alive but critical. She finally passed early Saturday morning. In talking to a couple of my siblings, and due to the funeral arrangements that were made I can't get up there for the service. So I went to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Brownsville and lite a candle and said a prayer for her and my Dad and Mom who are already enjoying heaven.
Reason 2: Now this is worth sticking around for! My cousin Kevin, who is a world traveler, contacted me about traveling with me on the drive through MX and BZ. Having a traveling companion is going to be GREAT! Plus he has a lot of experience towing a travel trailer, which will be a big plus. And he even speaks rudimentary Spanish. I can ask for a beer and the bathroom and that's about it. So anyway Kevin flies into Brownsville on Wednesday at 5pm and we're shooting for crossing the border at sun up on Thursday.
Since I have a few extra days here I'm thinking about taking a side trip to South Padre Island. My cousin Pat says it's one of the prettiest beaches he's ever seen here in the states. He also favors Destin FL.
Cause and effect: My fridge stopped working the other day. Stupidly I thought about not bothering to fix it. That thought lasted all of 10 seconds. I bought it on to a repair shop on Saturday and they found a short in the wire to the heater, which is on the same circuit as the fridge. That's fixed now. But stupidly failed to check my electrical outlets. So when I parked for the day I plugged in my cell phone charger and it didn't turn on. That clued me to the new problem. So it's back to the repair shop on Monday morning. I decided that these and the other sniggly problems are what my Angels were placing before me to delay my crossing the border.
Reason 1: I had heard from my brother Tom that my step-mom Jean, who has been in a nursing home in a Chicago suburb for 4 years, had died. It turned out that she was still alive but critical. She finally passed early Saturday morning. In talking to a couple of my siblings, and due to the funeral arrangements that were made I can't get up there for the service. So I went to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Brownsville and lite a candle and said a prayer for her and my Dad and Mom who are already enjoying heaven.
Reason 2: Now this is worth sticking around for! My cousin Kevin, who is a world traveler, contacted me about traveling with me on the drive through MX and BZ. Having a traveling companion is going to be GREAT! Plus he has a lot of experience towing a travel trailer, which will be a big plus. And he even speaks rudimentary Spanish. I can ask for a beer and the bathroom and that's about it. So anyway Kevin flies into Brownsville on Wednesday at 5pm and we're shooting for crossing the border at sun up on Thursday.
Since I have a few extra days here I'm thinking about taking a side trip to South Padre Island. My cousin Pat says it's one of the prettiest beaches he's ever seen here in the states. He also favors Destin FL.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Fatboy In Belize - The Adventure Begins...tomorrow...
Well I got a late start from my cousin's house in Houston yesterday and was slowed by rain and fog. So far my delays have been due to inconsiquencial causes. Thank God for that! I'm sitting in a McDonalds in Brownsville using their free AT&T internet service. I parked my trailer in the furthest Walmart south and spent the night and will spend tonight there too. I'm about 5 miles from the MX border. As a matter of fact I crossed it this morning to get an idea what I'm in for and to get my paperwork. I'm definately going to be getting a crash course in Spanish! I can undestand having to learn the language when I move into their country. And not to be politically incorrect, I think it only fair that they learn ours when them come north, not us having to make concessions for them, like press 2 for Spanish. I'm sure there will be very little of that in Mexico. The people working the various bureaus on the MX side of the border spoke very little English, and me no Spanish but the pleasentries, so lots of hand signs and other novel gestures by both parties got the issues settled.
Since I didn't have the trailer with me I couldn't get the temporary vehicle permit but I did get my 6 month visa. I also found that it I will set off alarms when I cross the check point. They have a chemical reader that was set off by one or more item I had in the back of the Jeep. I was carrying 3 gallons of bleach (for water purification), enough oil for 2 oil changes, 2 gal of windshield wash/bug remover, 2 gal of antifreeze, a bottle each of brake and transmission fluid, and 2 spare tires (not on rims). I also have 2 spares (not on rims) for the trailer plus, of course 1 spare each on rims. See...I'm prepared for most possibilities. The guy inspecting the car said it wouldn't be a problem bringing that much spare stuff with me so that was a relief.
So the rest of today I'm going to take it easy and get some rest. Getting ready for this move I've been on the go for the last couple of months and am a bit worn. I know I'll be getting a lot of rest over the next weeks but I wouldlike to cross feeling as fresh and relaxed as possible.
I'm not sure when I'll next have access to the internet but I'll try and update this as I go and will keep you all informed of where I've been and what's happening. Hasta mas tarde!
Since I didn't have the trailer with me I couldn't get the temporary vehicle permit but I did get my 6 month visa. I also found that it I will set off alarms when I cross the check point. They have a chemical reader that was set off by one or more item I had in the back of the Jeep. I was carrying 3 gallons of bleach (for water purification), enough oil for 2 oil changes, 2 gal of windshield wash/bug remover, 2 gal of antifreeze, a bottle each of brake and transmission fluid, and 2 spare tires (not on rims). I also have 2 spares (not on rims) for the trailer plus, of course 1 spare each on rims. See...I'm prepared for most possibilities. The guy inspecting the car said it wouldn't be a problem bringing that much spare stuff with me so that was a relief.
So the rest of today I'm going to take it easy and get some rest. Getting ready for this move I've been on the go for the last couple of months and am a bit worn. I know I'll be getting a lot of rest over the next weeks but I wouldlike to cross feeling as fresh and relaxed as possible.
I'm not sure when I'll next have access to the internet but I'll try and update this as I go and will keep you all informed of where I've been and what's happening. Hasta mas tarde!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Fatboy in Belize - The Adventure Begins!
Well it's Monday night and tomorrow around noon central will be the start of my journey to a new country and a new life. While I'm very nervous about moving alone to a foreign country, possibly living semi-off the grid, I'm excited about the possibilities in front of me. I know that I WILL have some obstacles to overcome hopefully all the planning I've done will make my move easier. Only time will tell.
My plan tomorrow, Tuesday January 19th, is to drive to Brownsville where I plan to cross the Mexican border, park for the night, and get an early start on Wednesday, crossing over and driving far as I can before dark. Since it is advised not to drive at night I'll drive sun up to sun down. And since I really don't have a schedule to keep I'm thinking of taking the eastern route along the coast, stopping in Tempico, Veracruz, Campeche, Cancun and Chetchumal. So it may take a week or more before I head into Belize depending on how much fun I'm having in each place. Of course all that may change if I get antsy to get to Belize.
So keep your eyes on my blog and I'll update it with where I've been and what I've done as I find internet cafes that will have me...
My plan tomorrow, Tuesday January 19th, is to drive to Brownsville where I plan to cross the Mexican border, park for the night, and get an early start on Wednesday, crossing over and driving far as I can before dark. Since it is advised not to drive at night I'll drive sun up to sun down. And since I really don't have a schedule to keep I'm thinking of taking the eastern route along the coast, stopping in Tempico, Veracruz, Campeche, Cancun and Chetchumal. So it may take a week or more before I head into Belize depending on how much fun I'm having in each place. Of course all that may change if I get antsy to get to Belize.
So keep your eyes on my blog and I'll update it with where I've been and what I've done as I find internet cafes that will have me...
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Not going to be able to leave on January 13th...
Well I was hoping to be on my way south on January 13th but I didn't make it. And I sure ain't waitin' until February 13th (remember that 13 is my lucky number and I left Orlando on Friday November 13th). I still have 1 important issue to clear up that has to be completed before I leave. Hopefully I'll get it done early next week and I can be on my way.
I'm repacking the trailer to distribute the weight correctly and that's going swimmingly. But I've had to discard a bunch of stuff that can't support more than 1 function to maximize space. I remember a couple that I was friends with years ago who sold everything to retire and move onto their sail boat. They did what I'm doing now. I didn't realize how difficult that would be. But I'm almost done now. One more thing to scratch off my list...
As a side note I've been looking at house sitter websites and have submitted on a few that were at least 6 months long. I figure that maybe I can do some sitting around Mexico and Central America to see if maybe there is somewhere else I might like more than Belize. So far I've not gotten 2 of them because they wanted a couple but I'm still looking.
I'm repacking the trailer to distribute the weight correctly and that's going swimmingly. But I've had to discard a bunch of stuff that can't support more than 1 function to maximize space. I remember a couple that I was friends with years ago who sold everything to retire and move onto their sail boat. They did what I'm doing now. I didn't realize how difficult that would be. But I'm almost done now. One more thing to scratch off my list...
As a side note I've been looking at house sitter websites and have submitted on a few that were at least 6 months long. I figure that maybe I can do some sitting around Mexico and Central America to see if maybe there is somewhere else I might like more than Belize. So far I've not gotten 2 of them because they wanted a couple but I'm still looking.