A big day today. While in Antigua we came across an advert for a 7 day catamaran trip, sailing out of Rio Dulce, across the lake, through the canyon and in to the Belize Barrier Reef and the Sapodilla Cayes. It was an impulsive decision and we are not quite sure what to expect. We managed to rearrange our travel plans to fit around the "cruise", allowing us extra days at Lago Atitlan and dropping into Honduras.

Gary from Kangaroo Lodge ferries us into town with Bear the huge labrador coming along for company. We are ready and waiting at Brunos restaurant in Rio Dulce to meet the captain of La Sirenas. There are 7 others booked on the voyage and we try to work out who they are which isn't too hard given that the restaurant is not too busy.

Our fellow travellers are an American family.. mum , dad , two daughters in mid twenties and one of their friends, a girl about the same age. Two Italian guys in their forties make up the quota. We are met by Raoul, the humourless captain who ferries us out in the dingy in groups of three to the yacht where we meet Carlos, the cheery young sailor and Julio the equally smiley cook, and as it transpires, a very good one.

The boat is fitted out with 4 double cabins and 2 singles which are a bit coffin-like we are told...

Our double cabins are slightly bigger with room only for a double mattress with storage underneath and on the walls but no area to walk around. I bang my head every morning as the head clearance is only one foot above the pillow at that end, elsewhere the clearance is three feet.

Two toilets are out front and require a drop down a step ladder to the lower deck and you close the heavy door on top of you..

Elaine says she feels like David Bowie reversing into his wardrobe in his final video....wondering if she will return out again!!!!! Fortunately she does ....

The first day sailing is a short one and we moor for the night at a jetty next to a small village which we explored briefly on foot before coming on board to sample the first of Julio's delicious meals. Our fellow travellers are good company and we have a pleasant evening of drinking and chatting and a very peaceful nights sleep.