Island time...Roatan, Honduras

We were up at 3:30 a.m. for our flight out of Tucson to Houston, with a connecting flight to Roatan which barely gave us time to make the mad dash to the other end of George Bush Intercontinental Airport.  But we made it, albeit a little tired!

We were met by our wonderful hosts, Carleen and Marlin, bearing cold Salva Vidas for all.  Their Canadians relatives were on the same flight as luck would have it.  We all piled into a van and headed into Coxen Hole, the largest town on the island, for some provisioning, before heading on to the Villa Delfin, and our studio apartment rented for the month of February.

View from our studio apartment balcony..

We are located in the jungle surrounded by mango and banana trees, about half-way down a very steep hill, perhaps 2/3 of a mile from main road to beach, or so we're told.  We have no idea what time it is when we wake up with the sun, excited to get our bearings and do some exploring.  Heading down hill, then up hill, then down hill to the beach for that first jaw-dropping moment...

Ahhh...we've arrived!

We decide to turn left toward the beautiful beaches of West Bay where the best snorkeling, restaurants, and resorts are located.  Our friend, Rich, lives at Infinity Bay Resort so that becomes our goal.

Thus starts our walk..

Though we do encounter unanticipated obstacles along our beach trail which gives yours truly a mild panic attack....

This bridge straddles an inlet for large boats to enter with steep ladder access, and a narrow plank crossing...

Howard holds on while I shakily snap a shot...

That accomplished, we continue on looking very pale and white, admiring all the tanned, buff bathers, proudly sporting tiny little suits.  

I know, you're looking at the couple behind me!

There is one Palapa Bar after another, and we are thirsty after what seems like a very long walk, so we decide to stop for a cold beer.  A glance at the ever-present wide-screen TV reveals our current time for Central Zone is 10 a.m....Yikes, how can it not be afternoon by now, and we never drink beer.  Ahhh...we're on island time.....

Salva Vida, the national Honduran beer, means lifesaver...