Belize 2003 - Introduction

Lisa and I went to Belize for Christmas 2003 (2003-12-17 to 2003-12-31). Most of the time was spent on the Ultimate Adventure trip by Island Expeditions. We were on our own for Dec. 18 and the Dec. 28 to 31.

The first day we spent at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. We stayed at the Bird's Eye View Lodge. Leonard, who is an excellent birder, works at the lodge and provides lagoon trips. We could have easily spent a few more days here.

Lisa and Leonard Small Medium Full Ref: 2003-1106

We picked up our Island Expedition trip at the Tropical Education Centre of the Belize Zoo. We had a night tour of the zoo so got to see the nocturnal animals, such as, margay, kinkajoo, and tapir, awake.

The next morning we toured the cave called Actun Tunichil Muknal. It was used as a Mayan ceremonial site about 600 AD to 900 AD.

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Entrance Small Medium Full Ref: 2003-1121

That afternoon we were off to the cayes and atolls for a few days of paddling, snorkelling, and diving.

Paddling by Mangroves Small Medium Full Ref: 2003-1181 Soutwest Caye Camp Small Medium Full Ref: 2003-1232

The last part of the Island Expedition's trip was three nights camping along the Macal and Raspaculo Rivers. These rivers are surrounded by incredible rainforest. The last of the Belizean scarlet macaws and unexamined and unlooted Mayan ruins are in this forest.

Macal River Small Medium Full Ref: 2003-1269

Mayan Wall Small Medium Full Ref: 2003-1292

Crocodile Small Medium Full Ref: 2003-1311

Unfortunately, the only reason we got into it is because it is going to be destroyed by a hydroelectric project. The saddest part is that the hydroelectric project is one of the worst, if not the worst, on the planet. It will the most expensive per watt; be built on geologically unstable footings; will be continually silting up. Why is it going ahead? Politics and money seem to be the reasons. If you are interested in lending your voice against this project, please follow these links:

• Page with good overview, information, and links
• Stop Fortis
• Probe International's Notes

Another disturbing fact, from my point of view, is that it is a Canadian company that is forcing this dam through. We are still practicing colonialism, destroying the developing countries to feed our own greed. It is a sad day for Canada.

After the river trip, Lisa and I travelled back to Dangriga and took a water taxi out to Tobacco Caye. We spent the last four days sleeping, snorkelling, diving, and eating.

It's a Tough Life on Tobacco Caye Small Medium Full Ref: 2003-1359 Reef's End Restaurant Small Medium Full Ref: 2003-1371

The pictures have more complete descriptions on the larger images. The toenail images just have the picture caption.

The full sized images are suitable for printing at 4in by 6in.