Belize Cruising

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Triumphant

Sorry to say Wallens grocery is no more, only the hardware side is operating now BUT it is possible to get good steaks in Top Value and Sea and Sand (the old Mings) supermarkets in Placencia village and I believe Moorings bring meat in from Belize City

Whaaa! No more Wallens! Wow, end of an era. I guess there are just too many Chinos now?

[belizesailor]

Since it seems you are into meat, you might like to try some of the best in Central America. In Belize they call it "Gibnut", other CA countries have different names for it, but it is some of the tastiest meat in the region.

Once when the Queen of England was visiting, Belizeans wanted to show off their best, so they made her a meal of Gibnut. Well...the British media discovered that Gibnut is a rodent...and ran with it. After that unfortunate event, the Gibnut was dubbed the "Royal Rat".

http://www.belizezoo.org/mammals/gibnut.html

[keioki]

My daughter had Guinea Pig in Peru, but I think we'll pass on Gibnut.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Since it seems you are into meat, you might like to try some of the best in Central America. In Belize they call it "Gibnut", other CA countries have different names for it, but it is some of the tastiest meat in the region...l

Interesting.

But “... Like other Belizean meats, gibnut is typically served stewed or grilled. The taste resembles a gamey ham or a greasy rabbit... “
➥ https://www.atlasobscura.com/foods/g...lize-royal-rat

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by keioki

My daughter had Guinea Pig in Peru, but I think we'll pass on Gibnut.

We had "cuy" in Peru too...just something you gotta do...full on BBQ Cuy on a stick...none of that sissy fillet stuff. But, the visual of a crispy cuy on a stick does take a moment to get past!

Gibnut is not typically served whole and is much more tasty.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Interesting.

But “... Like other Belizean meats, gibnut is typically served stewed or grilled. The taste resembles a gamey ham or a greasy rabbit... “
➥ https://www.atlasobscura.com/foods/g...lize-royal-rat

Meeh, what do they know. My wife even likes it...and she would not like gamey rabbit.

[Triumphant]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Whaaa! No more Wallens! Wow, end of an era. I guess there are just too many Chinos now?

There are now 6 Chino supermarkets in the village and at least 3 or 4 friut & vegetable stands

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Triumphant

There are now 6 Chino supermarkets in the village and at least 3 or 4 friut & vegetable stands

Wow, who buys all this stuff?

Its not like the population has boomed. I was last in Placencia about 1.5 years ago, and there have been improvments, like the new muni dock, but where is the demand coming from for 6 Chinos? Or...are they just looking to break even on the cost to carry of the real estate?

[keioki]

Looks like we have a variety of places to shop!

[belizesailor]

Yes, not that long ago...Wallens was the only show in town.

[keioki]

Our crew took a lesson on a cat similar to the one we are chartering. We're all experienced monohull sailors, but had never operated a twin engine boat till now. After a full day, we feel we can handle the cat successfully. What are the winds like in February and March around Belize?

[belizesailor]

Cold fronts are likely to affect you in Feb and maybe into March. Otherwise its typically prevailing NE Trades.

In addition to handling under power, two other areas where cats differ from monos:

Handling Under Sail: Mainsail trim is mostly done using traveler. Jibing: careful with that big ass main sail. Tacking technique is different, see article at link below:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/hglsz89e0x...20Cat.pdf?dl=0

Anchoring: bridle use.

[keioki]

We worked on anchoring and using a mooring ball with a bridle. Did some sailing on SF Bay and tacked a few times. Winds were light that day, but we tried reefing to see how it was done. It was a good experience. Looking forward to our trip in several weeks.
We plan on fishing. Where do we buy a license and rent equipment? And bait?

[belizesailor]

I hear rumors of recreational fishing liscences in N Belize, but Ive never had nor been asked for such (and have done tons of fishing in Belize). Moorings may have some gear for charter guests.

Artificial baits can be productive in Belize. Bring along a mix of blue and green skirts. The Spanish Macks there seem to pefer green mix skirts, tuna blue.

[keioki]

Checked with our doc. Recommends we get Hepatitis A shots before we go. Plan to use bug repellent liberally. Any other recommendations?