Day 34 -Dec 18

What a fantastic day of cycling.  We rode for 109 kilometers and did just under 1,000 meters of climbing.  But you would not even know that we did that much climbing.  We formed a 20 person peleton early in the morning and rode pretty much in formation most of the day.  The rolling hills and the efficiency of the grouping pretty much smoothed out the hills into just an easy stretch of the legs.  The scenery was gorgeous although when in a tight group like we had there is not much time for gawking. 

Early on we came upon a lake that went on for a good while.  There were fields and meadows in the foreground and forests on its far side.  The water was calm and its surface as flat as glass.  This made the lake like a mirror.  You could see the forest and hillside reflected on the waters surface with the contrast of the green of the meadows.  It was strikingly beautiful like a painting in a gallery.

Later on the landscape with the rolling hills took on a wonderful patchwork of fields carved out of the rough natural growth.  Their bright green colors contrasted with the darker greens of the natural vegetation to paint another beautiful image.

After the lunch stop I took the lead of the peleton and cranked us into the border crossing to Belize.  My pedal strokes and determination were so good that I rode us right passed the Guatemala exit crossing and right up to the Belize entry point.  We had come up to a group of armed guards but I motioned forward with a gesture and they moved aside and waived us through.  When we came up to the Belize entry spot we were met by the tour guide.  He said wow you got through Guatemala customs very fast.  That's when we told him we thought that was Guatemala exit, pointing at the building.  He could not believe we got through without going through customs.  So we had to re enter Guatemala to exit properly and get the stamp in our passport.  :)

I had told the group they did not want me to lead because I could take them to places they might not want to go.  :)   And get them there faster than they wanted, too!

Well we are down to one day left.  Tomorrow we cycle into Belize City for the Grand Finale.  Five weeks of cycling will come to an end...

Only a couple of photos today:

View this morning just after sunrise of an island in the lake.

Another lake scene.

View of the city of San Ignacio where we are staying tonight.

Another view of how flat it will be for the ride tomorrow.  :)

Close to the end...  In Belize poised for the final ride.