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Published: February 12th 2011
Caves Branch
base for zip lining and cave tubingFriday we awoke to the cuckoo clock and barking dog alarms at 6:30 AM. The first water taxi didn't have enough room for the passengers at Caye Caulker so we had to wait for them to send another boat...30 minute delay to Belize City where we met Gustavo, our tour guide. We had a hour drive in the van on the western highway then a really bad secondary road. The pot holes could have swallowed up a cow and there were lots of them. The Caves Branch park in Belmopan was our final destination for cave tubing and zip lining. Gustavo took us to the zip lining base first and we met our two guides. This zip line facility is only a year old and very safe. The guides got us into our gear and we climbed the steps to the first platform. The first run was a practice/trial short low run to get you used to using the break...which is the leather glove on your right hand that had an extra leather piece on the palm. You pulled down hard on the cable with that hand to slow yourself near the end of the run. Piece of cake I thought.
river status
they had to close the tubing briefly last year because of high water levels. No chance of that today...YAY!!! WRONG!!! We climbed the steps, a lot of them and they were steep, to the next platform. OMG!!! Okay look it...I really wanted to go to the zoo and not zip line and now I'm confident I got talked into the wrong choice for me. This next run was high and long...Fred did it no problem but there was no freaking way I was going to do this. My guide said "come on, just sit and go have fun". No...absolutely not I insisted!!!! I refused...felt like a whimp but I just couldn't overcome my fear of heights. My guide said okay...I'll go with you...perfect I said...and off we went...did I mention he was young and handsome. I then managed to do a few runs on my own but there was one more I needed my guide to go with me. I was very relieved when we did the last short run to the base, feet back on solid ground and got out of our harnesses.
We walked with Gustavo to meet our river guide...Luis, had a short 5 minute walk to the river, crossed it and entered the dry cave. Luis pointed out bats in the ceiling, some interesting
tube corral
this just struck me funny. A corral for tubes instead on ponies. rock formations created by the water dripping through the limestone ceiling and Mayan history of the caves. We had a 30 minute walk through the jungle and Luis educated us about the trees, plants, animals and history of the area.
We got to river and the starting point of our cave tubing adventure....much more my style. Luis gave us headlamps, positioned our PFDs as back rests and off we went. Luis pushed me the entire trip so all I had to do was float and take photos...I was in heaven....talk about relaxing. I sure needed it after that damn zip lining!
All along the hour trip Luis pointed out rock formations with his headlamp so I could take pictures. Once through the two caves we were back in the sunshine and floated lazily through the jungle. Saw and heard birds but no snakes, alligators or jaguars...that's a good thing. We passed by the wooden steps leading to what used to be the Jaguar Paw Resort that was open to the public. It's now owned by a tour operator and used exclusively for Carnival Cruise guests. I'm really beginning not to like them after hearing stories from different sources
base lodge
lunch was served upstairs. about their business practices in Belize. The locals are not benefiting from the cruise ship guests and the ecology is also being damaged.
We exited the river by the dry cave and walked the short distance back to the base. I told Luis the walking path was in much better shape than the road we drove in on. Fred and I regretted our decision to not bring towels and a change of clothes...tried to pack light. Had a great buffet lunch of baked chicken, salads, fruit and my favorite fried plantains! Fred napped on the ride back to Belize City. Once again the water taxi couldn't accomodate the Caye Caulker passengers so we had to wait for a second boat. We bought a bag of plantain chips, skipped the hot sauce...and they were pretty tasty.
Had ice cold Belikins with J.K. at the hotel bar then wandered around trying to decide where we wanted to have dinner. Ended up at "Bambooz" where I had snapper with garlic butter...really good and Fred had shrimp creole...could have used a lot more rice but it was tasty. Back to hotel bar for a round of panty rippers before going back to
hook me up
trial run...I'm good to go. our room. Tomorrow is our last day and will be a lazy one. Have a little shopping to do before packing up and heading out on the 12:10 flight Sunday back to Belize City.
We have loved our time here and the local people have just made it extra special. They are so friendly and open, making you feel like family and Belize is home. The weather has been perfect although today might be overcast which is fine. It's getting closer to their summer and temps are in the mid 80's. Just a few suggestions for those thinking of coming here. If you want relaxed and non-touristy, definitely chose Caye Caulker instead of Ambergris Caye, and stay at Seaside Cabanas. The staff and facilities are the best and book your tours through them...they work with the best guides here and on the mainland and don't charge an extra fee. I'd skip the food at "The Sports Bar" and "The Happy Lobster". Our favorites were "Roses", The Rainbow Grill, Habaneros and the roast pig at Popeyes. Definitely chose a snorkel trip that includes shark and ray alley, visit Lamanai and don't miss the cave tubing. If you want adventure then
zip lining is a must.
See all our friends soon.
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donna
non-member comment
where's sharky
Hey, where's sharky? Was he in a time out? Beautiful pictures! Did Fred scream like a little girl going down the zip line, or was it a yahooooooo all the way down. Have a safe trip home. Love you, Donna