We have been in Guatemala about three weeks now and loving it.

Livingston is right at the mouth of the river, Rio Dulce, which is where we cleared into Guatemala. Coming into Livingston it’s quite shallow. We had been advised to hug the left side of the channel, and this worked well. No bumps.

We anchored just outside of town, where the river was flowing to the east and the wind was coming from the east. It was an interesting battle between the wind and current, Catnip eventually decided to go with the wind.

Cathie had lined up all the ducks before hand, so the check in process went smoothly. The paperwork and passports were stamped, signed and copied. All good.

Now we could start heading up the Rio.

There was something new around every corner. Little villages up tiny tributaries. People fishing, small boats coming and going. The river is like a highway for the area. Children going to school, goods and groceries going to and from town, lots happening.

Just before sunset we arrived at the lake. We dodged several fish traps and dropped the anchor at Bird island. Anchor set, dinner made, sun setting, it was obviously time to sample a local cerveza.

The next morning we went to explore the area. There were lots of little bays and water ways to be explored this day.

First we spotted a sail loft, so went in there right away, and to our dismay, Cloie said she could look at our sail today. 😊. It was damaged on the Dominican to Belize crossing. Quick trip back to Catnip, picked up the sail and brought it to Cloie.

We continued to explore going up narrow passages and deeper into the mangroves.

There were small communities of three to six homes built on stilts. Even though we didn’t see any crocodiles we suspect a few saw us.

The following morning, for $70 Canadian, we picked up our repaired sail and headed further up the lake and river system to Tijax jungle lodge.

Tijax has about 20 boats in the marina. There are about five, including Catnip with full time liveboards. We get together for morning coffee, Saturday barbecues, and afternoon swims in the pool.

There are also about 20 cabins on the property. Many are in the mangroves and accessed by board walks.

In the mornings, after walking Sequoia we often have coffee at the restaurant. Here we meet many travellers that are staying in the cabins. Some travelling on their own, others on a tour. Some from Guatemala, others from other countries. It often starts with “can we pet your dog?”

Between barbecues, swimming, coffee, watching the World Cup, I have found a little time to do some boat maintenance.

Ahh, time to take Sequoia for her walk.