Roatan - Day 21

So we slept the morning away.  Ok, so actually J did.  We didn’t get out of the house until after noon, but I got some stuff done for school at least.  We wondered down to West End and explored some overpriced tourist shops before we met up with the whole gang from the clinic for some afternoon sailing.  I wasn’t holding out for the biggest or best sailboat, but when a giant catamaran pulled into the bay, I couldn’t contain my excitement.  I have always wanted to ride on one of those!  Actually, I think us kids did when we were younger in Rocky Point once… remember?

A few of us sat at the bow (aka front) of the boat with our legs dangling over the edge (mine were long enough that I’d catch some water every now and then) as we sailed for open water.  Ok, it wasn’t really a sailboat… there was an engine or two involved.  We finally anchored at a prime snorkeling spot and right when we got in the water, we saw a giant eagle ray!  Incredible.  Actually only a few of us stragglers getting into the water saw it, the rest were too far gone to even notice it.  We spent over an hour out in the water exploring.  I saw a lionfish, squid, starfish, and even found some seashells for my souvenir.  It took me 6 or 7 times to actually get it off the ocean floor (pretty deep).  Every time I’d try diving down I couldn’t propel myself since my flippers were out of the water.  Ok, I also admit I couldn’t hold my breath very long.  And I was worried about touching the surrounding coral.  There were many factors involved… but I finally got it!  Turns out I don’t think I was supposed to take it either since we were in a marine park area.  Oops.  That just makes it an even better souvenir!  We also got to see the dolphins at Anthony’s Key Resort on the way out.  Who needs to go swimming with the dolphins?  This was just as good!

On the way back in, the crew caught a giant tuna fish (they should have fried it up for us right then and there.  I demand a refund.  Ok, I guess I can’t complain for only $25.  Free Coca-Cola makes up for it).  No sun was to be found, so I must have gotten my tan on the way out.  After a group photo (there were 12 of us), we set off to find some dinner in West End.  After walking up and down the main street a few times we finally settled on Lionfish Louie’s.  Fresh fried fish always hits the spot.  M showed up halfway through bringing a bundle of heaven with him, coconut candy, for us try.  Delicious.  The other kids set off to Coxen Hole for the festivities going on and J and I headed back to Ed’s for another $2 pirated DVD.  Who thought I’d be watching Les Miserables for the first time since it came out in Roatán, Honduras?