The internet has been iffy the past few days, so I’m catching up….

We spent two mornings this week hiking some of the hills around our anchorage. Covered with hats and long sleeves, and coated in bug spray we set out the first day, heading off on one of the local roads.

The plan was to walk some of the perimeter of the island, but Scott soon spotted a trail, so we made a right and started trudging upward.

As we followed it, the “path” got more and more narrow and overgrown. Just when I thought we must be wandering aimlessly, Scott would spot a blue dot sprayed onto a random surface meaning we were still on track. We passed several signs in Spanish, which Scott attempted to read. “Prohibited” was mentioned, but he didn’t feel that it applied to us….so on we trudged.

The trail made its way up, and got steeper and steeper. It was now completely covered with pine needles, which made for a slippery surface in places. We eventually came upon a clearing, where there was a reservoir that supplies the island with natural spring water.

I was ready to call the adventure complete, knowing I’d have to slide my way back down all those pine needles, but Scott was already looking ahead for the trail. We continued on just a bit more, where we enjoyed great views of the waters below.

We made our way back down the pine needle-caked path. I took advantage of a rope “railing” that locals had tied to some trees. It was a great help! Along the way, we could hear the water below ground, running downhill.

The highest point we climbed to was about 500 feet, and the total walk came in just under two miles. I’m sure it won’t impress serious hikers or backpackers, but it was nice exercise for us, and the views were great.

Inspired by our first “trek,” we set out again the next day, following a route that one of the locals suggested. This path started closer to the shore, and on more level ground. We passed beautiful flowers, bushes and plants as we made our way past houses nestled in the trees.

The paths around the island runs through people’s yards at times, which are fenced in, with “go-around” gates built in.

Along the way, we crossed many small streams and drainage ditches. The path across them was often questionable….I let Scott go first.

Eventually, we came to a paved road. It seemed to be part of a planned subdivision that never came to be, except for this huge house being built.

As we walked, the road got steeper, and steeper and steeper. Soon, it was as if we were on level 10 of a stair master work out! The road finally ended, and again we were rewarded with wonderful views.

At the end of the road, there were stairs that led up to a trail, which continued on up the hill. Of course, Scott argued his case for continuing on.

The path got immediately steep and was again caked in slippery, ankle-twisting pine needles. I did a few feet, and turned around, not wanting to push my luck. Scott left me behind, while he climbed on for a bit. I had a shady spot to sit in, and an Ipad with good internet, he could take as long as he liked!

Scott soon returned, and we made our way back down the ridiculously steep road. Our second hike took us higher, to approximately 700 feet, and we traveled just under three miles.

Both days we came back soaked through in sweat, but happy to have seen some of the local area up close, as well as up high. Here are many more photos from our two days of hiking Guanaja. You can also check out the routes we took on our little hikes by following the link on the Where Are We Now page.

“Shells Sink, Dreams Float. Life’s Good On Our Boat!”