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RE: Adventures in Belize - 4/11/2012 5:32:31 PM
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coloradofox
Posts: 1
Joined: 4/11/2012
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I have also been researching Belize. We love Akumal, love the snorkeling in Akumal bay, the diving and the wonderful people. But after 15 trips we felt it was time to branch out. But we want something similar to Akumal bay. I have been told to steer clear of Ambergris Caye and as you mentioned Belize City. I've been looking at Placencia or Hopkins. any help? Again looking for an easy place to snorkel, quiet laid back. But also love to dive and go deep sea fishing. Our 3 children will be joining us, ages 21, 19, and 13
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RE: Adventures in Belize - 4/12/2012 4:22:49 AM
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ChrisandCindy
Posts: 4699
Joined: 12/24/2005
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Ruin pix were great but I also liked the bug closeup, how did you capture that one?
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RE: Adventures in Belize - 4/20/2012 9:28:24 PM
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gamecock nemo
Posts: 130
Joined: 1/9/2012
From: Columbia, South Carolina
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Super Report... wow the caves are quite amazing.. and Tikal now those are some ruins...
Thanks for the inspiration..... felt like I was there....worn out..ready for rum punch....
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RE: Adventures in Belize - 4/22/2012 4:25:31 PM
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SnorkelNfools
Posts: 2447
Joined: 7/27/2008
From: Southeastern PA
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Friday March 2 A day off…..Sort of ….
Today is another nice day and a little warmer. We slept in for a bit today.
We have breakfast with some other visitors this morning. They are heading out to Caye Caulker today. We linger over a large plate of fryjacks and fresh fruit.
The bird feeders are busy with tropical birds arriving for breakfast. Jerone has set up a spotting scope, and is providing identification and information on the various species.
Violet saberwing Hummingbird
A pair of plain chacalacas
Keavin is planning to catch up on some work related e-mail and just chill out under the pavilion this morning. He is enjoying the idea of no bad roads or mountain hiking for a day.
I have a horseback trail ride scheduled with Andy at 9:00. The Tut family has eight horses that are used for guided rides. Andy, the youngest son, manages that part of the program. In the past day, I have received several messages from Andy through Carlita. They have all been variations on “Can you ride?” Each time my answer has been, “I may be old, but Yes, I can stick to a horse.”
The horses are ready at 9:15. Belize time is a lot like Mexico time…
I have been assigned a pretty little 14 year old bay gelding named Thunder. Andy is riding a younger similar sized gelding that he is training. He checks the tack, adjusts the stirrups and we head out the resort drive with all five family dogs following. The two older dogs leave us at the edge of the property, but the younger three continue along.
As we cross the road into a large field, Andy turns and asks, Do you like to gallop? I reply, Sure, sometimes….. and we are off! The horses know the trails well, and are sure footed, well trained, and fast!
We stop often to open and close the barbed wire gates that separate the pastures and properties that we are crossing.
The views from the hilltops are pretty.
To prove that I was there!
We pass a newborn Brahma calf in one field and see several young colts in another.
Andy keeps up a continual description of the various trees, fruits and birds that we see in passing. There are many long gallops through fields and jungle roads.
A side trail leads to Crysto Rey Falls. This little park like setting is used as a picnic area by the locals. Here we give the horses a break and Andy and the dogs go for a quick swim.
We did another long gallop down the main road back into Crysto Rey. Andy knew everyone that we passed, having grown up in the village. His theory was that knowing everyone is both a good and bad thing. I suppose that is true of growing up in any small town.
We take a side road which leads to the river below Crystal Paradise. At the bottom, Andy gives a Belizean cowboy war whoop and sends the horses up the hill at a dead run. We rip across the spacious lawn below the deck, suitably impressing all the people on the deck, and return the horses to the pasture. It was fun.
From the deck, Keavin attempted to get a picture, but we were moving a little too fast.
Today we had lunch at the Resort. Carlita’s deep fried chicken and pepper slaw hit the spot.
Our Canadian friends had described the relaxing time they had canoeing earlier. It sounded pleasant, so Keavin reluctantly agreed to an afternoon trip. Carlita makes the arrangements, then asks us if we have even seen the river since we have been at the resort. We sheepishly admit that we have not. She points out the path and says , Go – You need to see where to pull the canoe in when you get back. We make the hike – it is a long way – much easier on a speeding horse.
By the time we return to the top the canoe has been loaded on the old jeep and the driver is ready to deliver us to the starting point. It is, of course a several mile drive on bumpy rutted jungle trails.
There is a hydro electric dam up river from San Ignacio. Water is released daily in the early afternoon. This causes the water level in the river to rise about two feet. This makes the canoeing easier, but can cause problems if canoes are not beached and tied well.
There are several Lodges along the Macal River between the off loading point and Crystal Paradise. It is possible to stop at each and spend the entire day on the trip. Keavin had decided that he wanted to see the butterfly breeding facility at Chaa Creek Lodge. That was the only stop that we had planned.
The river is pretty and peaceful. The depth varies from two to several feet deep with a slow current and a few minor ripples. The jungle views are beautiful. We passed a few other canoes and several people tubing on the clear clean water.
We passed du Plooys Lodge, but did not stop. There is a nice botanical garden here that is open to the public.
When we reached Chaa Creek Lodge, we tied up the canoe to the dock, took the paddles and life vests with us, as instructed, and started up the path. The Chaa Creek Lodge grounds are beautiful and spacious. Our Canadian friends had stopped here for a lovely lunch by the pool. They had neglected to tell us that the butterfly facility was located at the top of the mountain above the resort. So much for a day with no strenuous hiking.
Near the top we spotted a wild critter.
The facility consists of a Nature center and the Blue Morpho Butterfly Center. There is a $5 admission fee. The nature center is full of nice displays of local flora and fauna. The Butterfly Center is done as a guided tour.
Both are designed with school groups in mind.
The butterfly building contains many mature Blue Morpho Butterflies. They are a pretty blue on top and brown on the bottom of their wings.
The breeding center contains live examples of each stage of the butterfly life cycle.
Finished with our tour, we hiked back down the mountain, across the Resort grounds, and along the river path to our canoe.
The wind along the river has picked up. We occasionally find ourselves crosswise to the current.
Just below Chaa Creek we can hear Howler Monkeys in the trees along the water.
The trip has been longer, and not nearly as relaxing as we expected. We spot the Crystal Paradise Beach and have a less than perfect landing with the canoe. Keavin vows never to go canoeing with me again. The hike back up to the room seems longer, steeper and hotter than before.
Hot showers, Advil and a large rum punch make things much better.
Tomorrow we leave for Ambergris Caye, so we get things pretty well packed before dinner. We meet the Canadian group in the bar and hang out. They have spent the day at Tikal. Trip tales are exchanged until Carlita calls us for dinner.
Tonight we are treated to enchiladas, salad, rice and a wonderful fish soup. It contains delicious chunks of tilapia, potatoes, carrots, zucchini and two local vegetables. When we ask her what they are, Carlita passes some raw forms around for us to see. One looks like a fuzzy prune. The other resembles a cross between a green pepper and a gourd. Both tasted great in the soup. We finished with strawberry cheesecake.
We spent some time after dinner discussing plans for next week. We will all be staying in San Pedro, but on opposite sides of town. Carlita tells us that she won’t miss us because there is a group of 30 college students coming into Crystal Paradise for the week.
The boys traded stories about interesting border crossings and mistaken identities. After much silliness and laughter we all wander back to our cabanas. Lights are out by 10. Across the jungle, we can hear the band in the bar in Cristo Rey.
But not for long………
Next up ... Belize Zoo and Ambergris Caye
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Keav & Pam
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RE: Adventures in Belize - 4/23/2012 5:33:31 AM
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ChrisandCindy
Posts: 4699
Joined: 12/24/2005
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So happy it rained all day yesterday so we could get another taste of your trip.
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RE: Adventures in Belize - 4/23/2012 8:26:25 AM
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Bosco
Posts: 6895
Joined: 5/8/2006
From: Another day..another seedy hotel
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Great report. Thanks for sharing.
Love all the critters and activities.
I want to do this trip!
Bosco
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RE: Adventures in Belize - 4/23/2012 3:51:03 PM
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SnorkelNfools
Posts: 2447
Joined: 7/27/2008
From: Southeastern PA
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Saturday March 3 Belize Zoo & San Pedro
It is warm and humid this morning. The tropical birds are back to being very noisy.
We are all packed and ready to transition to island life. We checked our plane reservation. It is at 2:40, so we have plenty of time to visit the market and stop at the zoo on the way.
Only half of the Canadian group meets us for breakfast. Both Jan and Jim are not feeling well. Breakfast is good, as usual. We have fried and scrambled eggs, fresh tortillas and beans, melon slices, OJ and coffee.
We tally up our self service bar bill for the week. We chuckle over all the “chicken scratching” in the ledger. And are a bit amazed at how much beer the group has managed to down in a week. We briefly consider adding zeroes to the drink tallies of a particular birder who was not overly friendly. (Those birders can be some SERIOUS people. When they ask, “Do you like birds?” - “Yes, especially fried!” is never a good answer….) The thought itself satisfies our need for revenge and we giggle and leave the subject.
Our total bill for extras for the week is just a little over $200 US. That included our bar tab, four lunches, my horse trip and the fee for canoeing.
While Keavin finishes up in the Cabana, I enlist the help of Jerone and one of the Bird books to help identify some of the birds that I have seen during the week. I will never be a Serious Birder, but I do have an interest in them and an appreciation for Jerone’s knowledge. My list for the week….
Collared Aracari
Keel Billed Toucan
Emerald Toucan
Blue Tailed Mot Mot
Violet Sabrewing Hummingbird
Pygmy Owl
Red Lored Parrot
Oscillated Turkey
Plain Chacalaca
White Hawk
Turkey Vulture
Snowy Egret
Great Egret
Cattle Egret
Golden Fronted Woodpecker
Green Jay
Black Headed Trogan
Ant Tanager
Montezuma Oropendola
Crystal Paradise is a nice place. I am sad to leave. We say our good-byes to the staff and exchange contact information with the Canadians. Keavin is also not feeling well. At about 10:30 we are on the road again. We decide to pass on the market.
The zoo is at the half way point in our drive back to the airport. It is right on the Western Highway, so it is an easy place to visit. The entry fees are $15 US. The zoo gets no financial assistance from the government. It has been in existence since 1983. Today it contains around 150 animals. All are indigenous to Belize. None of the animals were taken from the wild.
The zoo is small, but nicely organized. The enclosures are spacious and designed to be similar to natural habitat.
As we entered our cameras were checked. There is a rule that you may not use lenses larger than 300mm. My camera was fine, but Keavin’s was close to the limit. They let us pass.
The weather is hot. Most of the animals are sleeping, making them difficult to spot. For an additional fee, a guide will accompany you and let you in to certain enclosures to interact with the animals. We did not take the time to do this.
Fer-du-Lance This is the poisonous snake that we had been told to watch out for at the ATM cave
Black Spider Monkey
Ocelot
Howler Monkey
As I stepped closer to an enclosure, I heard a rustling near my foot. I looked down and managed to catch this with my camera. I have no idea what it is - but it was not in a cage.
Margay
King Vultures
We walk the well marked loop through the zoo and see nearly all the animals. The jaguars were sleeping and we could not find them.
There are more pictures from the zoo here
http://s389.photobucket.com/albums/oo337/SnorkelNfools/Adventures%20in%20Belize%20%2012/Belize%20Zoo/
I found a bag of large homemade chocolate chip cookies in the Zoo store. $4 BZ. A good deal!
We spend a little more time at the zoo than we had planned and are slightly late in starting back to Belize City. As we drove closer to the airport we noticed that the roads were closed. We were stopped and detoured. When we asked what was happening, we were told that Prince Harry was flying out this afternoon.
At the second check point, we explain that we also have a flight to catch. We are sent through the road block and directed to the airport.
By the time we return our car and drag our luggage across the parking lot to the Tropic Air terminal, we have missed our flight. No problem! We are just placed on the next flight scheduled to leave at 3:30.
Around 4:00 we are called to board. It is a full flight and a small plane. We squeeze in, settle our carry on luggage wherever it will fit and are ready to take off. Just as the plane starts to taxi, the pilot gets a call ….and turns off the engine. He turns around and tells us that we have to get off and go back inside. The airport is closed. HUH? ****???
It seems that Prince Harry and his entourage are ready to leave. Until they are all boarded and in the air, the airport is closed to all other traffic. We stand inside and watch as his plane is readied. Meanwhile, our luggage is unloaded and reloaded onto another plane. Evidently they were taking the opportunity to refuel the first plane.
Our group waits patiently and watches while Prince Harry’s plane takes off. We are shortly called to re-board the new plane. The delay has only taken about 20 minutes. We are soon in the air. It is a 20 minute flight to Ambergris Caye.
The brewery next to the airport
Leaving Belize City
The view is pretty. It certainly beats spending 1 ½ hours on a water taxi.
It is very windy so the landing is rather bumpy. But we’re here!
We collect our bags and hop into a waiting taxi to Mata Rocks Resort. This is a small resort on the South end of town. It is only a ten minute taxi ride. The resort pays the fare, $5 US / $ 10 BZ, to and from the airport.
At Mata Rocks, we are shown to Room #2 on the second floor. It is lovely! There is a small kitchen area with fridge and microwave,
large comfy bed, sitting area with a sofa,
Nice bathroom
Big balcony overlooking the pool.
I think we will like it here!
There is a large closet with plenty of shelving and space for hanging clothes. A room safe is also located here.
We unpack and walk next door to the restaurant at Banana Beach for dinner. We order mushroom swiss cheese burgers and fries. They were delicious and huge!
After dinner we walked back to the Squirrel’s Nest Beach Bar at Mata Rocks. The weather is still very windy and the ocean is choppy. There are large piles of sea grass on the small beach.
We meet a few of the other Rocks Residents and then climb the steps to our room and turn in for the night. Tomorrow we need to find a place to get some laundry done and look for an inexpensive golf cart rental.
We are whooped. Lights are out by 9:00. We fall asleep listening to the wind sing in the balcony screen.
< Message edited by SnorkelNfools -- 4/24/2012 10:37:08 PM >
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Keav & Pam
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I love doing this stuff. Hubby, on the other hand, thought I was trying to kill him. Week #2 on Ambergris Caye was designed to be more down time.
