Chris and Janet's home page (2005).

29th November

(PS Happy Birthday Molly - three weeks old today)

3rd September 2005

- JanetBall

It all started with a bus ride across the country from Belize City in the east to San Ignacio in the west. There we relaxed in our hotel Cahal Pech Resort overlooking the town. Cahal Pech is the name of a nearby Mayan ruin (means Place of Ticks - so watch out), and well worth a visit. We decided to go just before closing (at 6pm) so had the place to ourselves.

The next day we took a day trip to the Actun Tunichil Muknal caves. This involved swimming into the cave and clambering over rocks to discover remains of Mayan sacrifice - yes, there were skeletons! The array of stalagmites and stalactites was very impressive - even better than Wookey Hole and Dan-yr-Ogaf :-).

On the way back we stopped off at Mountain Pine Ridge and treated ourselves to a very nice meal at Blancaneaux Lodge owned by Francis Ford Coppola (and no - he wasn't in). It's justly famous for its pastas, pizzas and other quality italian foods - so the man hasn't forgotten his roots. There's also a small airstrip there in case you want to fly in using your private plane instead of bumping down all the terrible roads - so we must bear that in mind for next time. We then drove a little way down (yes) a bumpy lane and snoozed off our lunch in a hammock next to the beautiful Five Sisters Falls.

I would recommend a guided tour by one of the official guides at the park. Ours was included in the trip itinerary. The guide gave us useful information about the site's history, and at the same time, while walking around, we became more familiar with the site's geography. Tikal is huge and it's easy to get lost; we found some of the signposts confusing which prompted us to buy a map.

19 June 2005

Ben and I managed to slip off for one of the practice sessions, leaving the girls to an afternoon of shopping and going from one eatery to the next!

9 June 2005

Otherwise not much news which is definitely how I like it. I'm well and not sick at all now. So well, in fact, that we're off to Belize for a holiday in a month (with my lovely doctor's blessing). It'll be hot, but then so is New York already - hitting 90 degrees (32 degrees C) which is a bit too much for me.

- JanetBall

Just back from a weeks holiday in the UK.

Then we set off for Wales where we had a hectic schedule. First day was spent driving around visiting family, mainly aunties - Hilary, Teresa and Vicki (plus Rachel). The next day we went on a 10 mile hike with Ian and John over the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons. The weather was great (for Wales) with wonderful views of Llyn y Fan Fach. Navigation was left to yours truly, with only a little help from our newly qualified Mountain Leader (congrats Ian). We did manage to accidentally roam onto private land, much to the disgust of a local farmer (or yuppie, it was hard to tell the difference), but apart from this minor indiscretion we stuck to our intended route fairly well, and were amply rewarded for our day's efforts with a warm pint at the Gwyn Arms.

The week ended with a drive back to London. First stop was Beckenham to see John and Pauline; where the short bread and posh jaffa cakes were very welcome after a long drive. Then we went to see our house in Thayers Farm Road (the inspiration for our domain name). It's still there and in pretty good nick, not bad considering we haven't seen the place in over 3 years. Janet's map reading skills were pushed to their limit on our way to Peckham to see Theo, Dawn and their new arrival Oliver (thanks J&P for the A to Z).

Spent the last night with Ian and Steph in their new home in Knockholt. Very nice too, tempted to move to the country myself now!

6 May 2005

- ChrisJones

20 April 2005

At the moment, the current due date is Novemeber 3rd - I've got a book running (don't tell the wife), so if you want in, drop me a line ;-).

- ChrisJones