Belize isn't Antarctica but...

2011 got off to a rocky start when Abercrombie and Kent called to advise that Le Boreal would not be in operation for my client's January 4 expedition to Antarctica. Fortunately, the call came in 21 hours BEFORE their departure from the US but did not leave much time to come up with a new itinerary for the 3 weeks they had carved out of their busy schedules. I asked for their bucket list which was rather extensive and started trying to figure out what would be possible given the timeline we had to work with. Belize was one of those options and as luck would have it, we have a WONDERFUL Virtuoso partner - Belize Expeditions. Now, the problem would be trying to reach someone on New Years Eve or throughout the holiday weekend. Luckily, Mark Howells, the owner was able to jump right on it. He made property suggestions, called to hold space and came up with ativities for this couple that didn't want to just sit and do nothing. The clients loved the proposed itinerary and Mark set about lining up a myriad of private activities from working with a dolphin trainer to searching for crocodiles to reef fishing and snorkeling. 4 days after learning of the Antarctica cancellation, we had an entirely new trip plotted from start to finish including flights. It was looking great!

On the morning of their planned departure, I received a frantic call. The plane was NOT coming in from Denver and their flight had been cancelled. There were no other flights on the same airline and if they missed this, they would miss the only non-stop to Roatan Honduras which was to be their first destination. My flight expert, Susie Gilbreath, found an alternative option on another airline. This meant paying twice and leaving the house immediately as the flight departed in 1 hour and 15 minutes. The clients scurried out the door while we wrapped up the flights and got the last 2 seats on the plane. They made it to the airport and sent a text with relief they were on the plane. They would have 2 hours in Salt Lake City to make thier connection. Uh oh - another text - unbelievable!!! The pilot just came on the intercom announcing extreme fog in the Salt Lake Valley advising that there was a good chance they would be landing in Pocotello, Idaho - a small airport without a connection to Houston where they were to catch the flight to Roatan. I followed the flight every step of the way on-line and was literally screaming like I was at the Auburn/Oregon BCS Championship when they sent a text to say they were in Salt Lake AND that the flight to Houston was on time.

They made it and each step of the way, Mark has written to let me know they are enjoying themselves. Here's a photo he sent from Lamanai Outpost Lodge on their crocodile adventure last night. Looks like they are having fun and I couldn't be happier or more relieved. There are still 5 days to this trip and while I would like to say we're home free, I won't because it might jinx them!