· Although the Yucatán Peninsula has been pretty much as flat as a pancake, surprisingly it’s been tough cycling due to wind, humidity and the intense sun. Also, because on the flat terrain we need to be pedaling continuously meaning we don’t get mini rests and we’ve found our bums getting much sorer. Being on a tandem also means we can’t stand up so much so it’s been interesting.
· Welcome to the world of cenotes. Yucatán is famed for these wee treasures; with over 1000 of them scattered about the place. They are an underground sinkhole that holds water; often with limestone stalactites hanging from the ceiling. It’s quite the treat bathing in the cool water in the shade after cycling in the severe heat. Also, near Akumal on the Caribbean coast is the world’s largest underwater cavern system called Dos Ojos. Roland remembers seeing this on some discovery program and was keen to check it out (albeit expensive). He got to do some snorkeling in three cenotes that were connected and seemed “quite mysterious and magical”. We checked out another cenote together near Valladolid called Cenote Dzitnup and because we arrived at opening we were the only ones there which was awesome.
· In Akumal we stayed with a Couch Surfer host (Lucy) who originally hails from the USA but has been living here for 15 years. She is quite the inspiration, single-handedly running a ranch with 23 dogs she has rescued, owns a homemade ice cream store and restaurant. Take it from us, the food and particularly the ice cream is heavenly. To find out more about the Akumal Animal Rescue Fund click here. It was so refreshing to see happy, confident and well cared-for dogs in a country where this is not so common. We found it so difficult to leave as we only stayed one night but we don’t want to get to the five month marker in Mexico!
· It was lovely coming across Laguna Bacalar only 40kms from Chetumal (our final destination in Mexico). It is a crystal clear freshwater lake with shimmering colours and white sand bottom. A perfect retreat to break up our day of cycling under a palapa, surrounded by other Mexican families enjoying the Santa Semana holiday season. Even though we did get a flat tire, which the bored marine guards watched the repair very intently.
· On entering Chetumal we had a dousing of refreshing liquid sunshine but also surprising after so many days of blue sky. Chetumal is a perfect sized city and actually the Capital of Quintana Roo although Cancun is where all the money is. It is not very touristy and yet just like Campeche, it has a beautiful waterfront boulevard that is well utilized by the locals. This morning we got up at the crack of dawn after a sticky sleep to get a view of the city and our first glimpse of Belize from an old unused factory. Here we are staying with first time Couch Surfing host, Alvin who as grown up in this town. We had a driving tour of the town at night and then shared a delicious meal of tacos and papas (mashed potatoes smothered in all sorts of yummy goodness) at Chiles which is one of Alvin’s favourite eats.
Continuing on our ruin buzz we visited three more sites: Chichén Itzá, Cobá, Tulum on our way to the Caribbean Sea.
Chichén Itzá
Cobá
Tulum
Sad and yet exciting….
This is our last day in Mexico as tomorrow we cycle to the border of Belize which is only 10kms away. Looking back to when we first cycled into Tijuana, we would have never expected to stay this long or see and experience so many different and amazing things and meet such special people. And who would of thought, we do actually know some Spanish now too. We hope our ride through Central America continues to blow our minds………
Crib Score
Roland 135
Belinda 78 (I got skunked twice in a row!)
Tick Count
Roland 0
Belinda 3 (one on my bum, stomach and wrist)
A new addition…
We are excited to (in the near future) introduce a new member to our family. All we can give away right now is his name is “Nutty” but he is still getting acquainted with Atony, Big Bird and his chores.