I was really glad we'd agreed to push all the way to La Ceiba, instead of stopping someplace earlier along the way. That put us close to the ferry, so it was easy to make the 9:30am to Utila. We did have to find some breakfast, and reluctantly stopped at a Dunkin Donuts as it seemed to be the only place open. A guilty pleasure involving air conditioning, decent coffee, and some grease & sugar. Breakfast of champions!

The ferry ride to Utila was quite pleasant, although there were lots of people yarking over the side and in the one functioning bathroom. We arrived at the dock and walked into a sea of touts promoting the various dive shops and hotels on the island. I'd pretty much decided on Alton's, after some really strong recommendations from my Guatemalan CS host Percy and a few other travelers. Matt wanted to check out Captain Morgan's, so we did that as well. They didn't have good answers to a few of Matt's tough questions, while the Alton's rep did (good job, Jim!), plus Alton's offered accommodations as well. OK, Alton's it is!

It was a bit of a hike to Alton's with our bags, but it turned out to be an absolutely perfect choice. Rooms right on the dock where the dive boats left from, shop and office right there, small bar/snack shack on the dock as well. And such cool fabulous people! Staff and fellow divers alike. Good peeps, great vibe. The rooms were your typical dorm jobbers, and I got bunked with two friendly German girls named Julia and Sara. Matt & Helen got a double right next door, and Evan was in the next door down. The neighborhood is complete! Once we settled in and did all our paperwork and chose our various dive packages, courses, etc, it was time to hop off the dock and go for a quick swim. Then a nice cold beverage as the sun set. Ahhhhhh, life is good, indeed!