5 Days 170 km Mahahual-Bacalar
16th of January 2012
After a very late start and the first trip picture we are heading out into the wind and waves, leaving Mahahual and "Kabah-na Ecoresort" behind us.
The nearby Reef protects us from the big waves but there are open spots, cuts in the Reef where the waves roll all the way to the beach. Staying to long in the breaking zone leads to the first capsize and I get washed ashore, luckily all sand.
Kayak empty, I try a new start, through the waves as fast as possible to get out of the break zone. When I watch back I can't see Dave. OK I have to wait for the next wave crest but still nothing to see of him. After 15 minutes I return to shore and there he is standing and waiting for me. After his first attempt of launching failed he paddled out a second time but could not find or see me either so he returned to the beach and waited for me.
So we decided to camp here and hope for better weather tomorrow.
We made only 7 kilometer but lost 1 hat,1 paddle float, water bottle and 1 paddle is broken so time to rest. Of course when setting up the tents one of the tent poles breaks, great first day.
17th January 2012
Still windy but far less than yesterday and without any problems we head out but we have to keep away from Punta Herradura, where the Reef comes all the way to shore. We have cross the reef and stay outside for the next couple of kilometers.
After 2 hours outside of the reef and being alert 200% , 360 Degrees we are tired of big waves but it is not easy to get back inside of the reef. Almost running in to the corals we finally spot an opening but as the wave washes through coral heads are rising around us and we wait for the next wave to carry us through just hoping it is not dropping us on the sharp corals. Near Xahuachol we made it, now it's easy but paddling makes hungry so let's make a lunch stop.
Our next stop will be Rio Huache, with its Mangrove's lined beaches and enter Arrecifes de Xcalak National Park. 
With the sunset we arrive in Xcalak setting up the tents and relax after 40 km of paddling.18th January 2012
After an early start we paddle in to the Canal de Zaragoza, part of Boca Bacalar Chico that separates Mexico from Belize. Those Lagoons are famous for Fly fishing but we did not have fishing equipment with us, maybe next time.Cristal clear water and silence around us, here and there a heron or egret taking off and besides one Fly fishing boat we are alone. 
Entering the Bay of Chetumal we feel like as if we were in Thailand, so many rocky islands overgrown by large trees. The water color has changed from the Caribbean blue to green amber. We pick one of the many island for the night and enjoy a beautiful sunset and as it gets dark everything stands still.
Only a few mosquitoes are keeping us from sleeping outside. On the horizon just below the Southern Cross we make out the lights from San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.
19th January 2012
Sunshine, blue sky and a small breeze, perfect conditions for continuing through the shallow waters, max 4-5 meters, of the Bay.
30 km later we find an old balneario for the night, where we can see the lights of Chetumal 24 km across the Bay in the night sky.
Tomorrow will be the last day, we decide for a pick up in Chetumal and skip the last 50 km since we are running out of time. Still crossing the bay will be a challenge if the wind picks up while doing the 24 km open water.
20th of January 2012
After deciding for the return to Bacalar by car today, we have lots of time for breakfast and lunch preparation. At 10 am the kayaks are packed and we are ready to leave. As we paddle out the east wind is pushing us stronger and stronger. Slowly waves are building up and we can enjoy an easy ride always directing the kayaks towards Chetumals big white steel monument, witch is visible from far away.
Always being careful not to get pushed side ways and then after only 3 hours we are in Chetumal where the trip is over. Since our lunch got soaked in the kayaks we are craving for a Burrito.
We load up the kayaks and in half an hour we are back in Bacalar looking for the next kayak adventure or as Dave calls it Gunnars dumb ideas.
