San Ignacio (Cayo)
Trip Start
Jul 04, 2008
1
20
31
Trip End
Oct 22, 2008
San ignacio,
Belize
Monday, September 15, 2008
after cahal pech, we made our way over to Parrot Nest Jungle Lodge, a few miles outside of town in a village called Bullet Tree Falls. It's really amazing here, there are separate bungalows and a big main hangout area overlooking the Mopan River. We've seen several large iguanas hanging out in the yard and a strange mammal that we couldn't identify called the gibnut.
the first day we pretty much hung out at the lodge, relaxing and checking out all the unusual animals
san ignacio main park
. we talked about maybe renting a car for the second day and sharing the cost with another guest who was due to come in... but in the end one of the owners said if we paid for gas then he could take us to see some of the sights in Mountain Pine Ridge National Park on Sunday. so Sunday (2nd day) started with a tube ride down the river about a 1 hour long trip with 2 small rapid areas, and a few rope swings. it was a great way to start the day. then next off in the car to go to Barton creek cave to do a canoe ride through the cave, but because it was slow season there were no guides to take us (in Belize to go into any cave you have to have a guide), but we got the owners of Barton creek outpost to let us come back for a midnight tour. so off to explore Mountain pine ridge until the midnight tour. first stop, mountain equestrian trails. our host there, Danny, works as a manager of an artists collaborative retreat that covers some 10 acres on a nearby mountain that boasts an old Mayan spring that still flows crystalline clear water - yum. we got back into Marcus' pickup for another harrowing ride to big rock falls for much swimming fun and breathtaking jumps from the rocks. the mist there was consistent and strong. it was like swimming in a dishwasher (as if i would know).
we then went to Misty Mountain, a bar and jungle lodge, and after multiple test shots, we decided to buy 3 bottles for the evenings festivities, consisting of 'coca-lua', 'bay-leze', and coconut rum; homemade and all very smooth - yum
whenever...clock of central america
!then more bone jarring pick-up excitement back to Barton creek for far too much alcohol consumption, and off canoeing of the cave. somehow, in the moment it made sense that we did these tow activities in that order WTF? surprisingly enough the canoe/cave combination passed without significant incident - we had to give the ranger a beer to let us in. then it was back to the bar, again, for entirely too much alcohol consumption and lively conversation. this morning came far too quickly for me (Shane) and my body felt as though I'd been hit by a fast moving Belgian garbage truck. i went tubing to clear my head...
enjoy the photos...
tomorrow morning we are off to Guatemala.. and we might make a side trip into Mexico for a week...TBD...
Comments
Shane wrote this one huh?
Good to hear from you even if it's on a blog. We need perspective for the 'big spider' pics, so we can see how big they are. Maybe if you put your hand near them? Unless they are not only big but DEADLY!!
The caves and all look fun as heck. You work hard Shanester, you deserve an awesome vacation! I'm finding plans for solar panels and wind generators that I'd like to try too. Cory is in first grade and loving it. Made some good friends who are neighbors today. Hope I get to know your lady better when you get back.
This blog is fun, thanks for the efforts.
Take a couple shots of something tropical for me will ya? We could toast to healing and forgiveness. Or how about being willing for a global miracle!
Love to you both, come home safely.
Kevin