*Stopping for a late lunch on the way to Placencia…almost there!*

From Orange Walk we traveled the Northern Highway to the Western Highway stopping for petrol at Roaring Creek. Now all happily gassed up we turn onto the Hummingbird Hwy. An amazingly beautiful stretch of rough/potholed pavement that winds through tropical forests, rivers, gorges and basins. I would have to say that this stretch of highway is ranked as one of my top 10 motorcycle roads to date. It was stunning!" The tropical showers hit us with force today and slowed us down to a slow crawl in areas. I did manage to swipe the map from my "tank bra" and stuff it in my jacket before too much damage was done…but belize me I had to be quick! We stopped for a late chinese lunch along the way and rocked up to the very cute town of Placencia nearing 4pm. We were damp, steamy, and stinky! The day was much longer than we had expected and now that we are here all we had to do is try and locate our accommodation. I knew that the Westwind faced the ocean, but all of the little streets that led to the oceanside were narrow people pathways. When we came across a vehicle access it was deep dry sand. This could be a problem! We were approached by a local offering help, no doubt the frustration of being lost and overheated was stamped on our helmets! "Ahhh, sorry what did you say?" I knew that this young fellow was speaking english, but laced by his heavy Caribe accent, I could not understand a darn thing. Smiling brightly he finally gestured for us to follow him. Kev and I slowly rode behind this helpful guy who took off on his bicycle and lead us directly to Lisa Westby, the owner of the Westwind. Lisa's property was paradise surrounded by deep dry loose sand. Lisa kindly offered her personal garage for the safe storage of our bikes during our stay.

*Bikes tucked away safely in Lisa's and Georges garage.*

Look what I found here!  Ya Mon! — *Look what I found here! Ya Mon!*

The day breaks early in Placencia, with the sun rising around 5am, full of zest and already packing a punch. By the time you fight the urge, several times, to rise at this ungodly hour, it is 7am and now the skies have opened up with a fury. Rivers of rain pelt down, and send you back indoors to make another cup of coffee. Soon enough the dazzling bright, mighty sun returns with all rays blazing. The air is moist and steamy and within half an hour the drenched earth is dry. Placencia has many quaint restaurants, bars, shacks, huts and cafes that offer a variety of food options. The staple, rice and beans, or beans and rice were just to heavy to handle. Water along with fresh fruit smoothies hit the spot in this very humid climate. The on-shore warm trade winds blew non stop to varying degrees. At times my sensors were overloaded and I just wanted a quiet, cool place. Boating trips were out of the question so between the storms we explored colorful Placencia Town, swam in the ocean, and watched the soccer at the local hangout. The bikes stayed put in the garage the entire time we were in Placencia.

*We watched FIFA during the day and listened to Garifuna Drumming in the evenings…no complaints!*