Category Archives: Belize

River Cave Adventure, Ian Anderson Style

Some of the most interesting things we’ve done recently have come completely out of nowhere. Such was the case when we entered Belmopan, Belize. Nothing at all was set up. We had some food in the back of the trucks, but it was getting late, and we had no place to sleep. Camping was an option, but there wasn’t any campsites in any of our guidebooks. Then we saw the sign, “Ian Anderson’s Cave Branch Adventure Company and Jungle Lodge.” We turned in to ask about camping and ended up being graciously accommodated with their bunkhouse and given a complimentary tubing tour the following day. Things were looking up.

Livin’ the dream in Belize!

Belize is awesome. It is an especially awesome English-speaking nation coming from all Spanish-speaking nations for seven months. We entered through the only border crossing from Guatemala, simply known as “The Western Border”–They like to keep things…well let’s just say…succinct in Belize.

Ruins TWBR style.

Throughout Mexico, Guatemala and Belize there are several dozen ruins that are available for tourists to visit, among them the two most recognizably famous–Tikal in Guatemala and Chichen Itza in the Yucutan of Mexico.

Photo of the Mid-Week: Las Ruinas

Lately, there have been too many good photos to only choose one for the week. This is the largest structure amongst the Mayan Ruins of Caracol. From this viewpoint you can’t even see the final climb as there are three more pyramids on top of this one. The Mayans must have been in very good shape cause we were all huffing and puffing at the top of the steps. But at the top the view is priceless.

Photos of the Week: Arachnophobia

While in Belize we were hosted by Ian Anderson’s Cave Branch Adventure Co. & Jungle Lodge and participated in the “River of Caves” Cave Tubing where we met our new spider friend. Nels and I get up close and personal with what our guides, Edgar and Vida, referred to as an “eight foot spider.” While it looks rather scary it really only tickled a little. Although I think the spider took an unnatural liking to me.

Nels’ Notes: Nomadic Wandering Shenanigans March 1-6, 2009

As we awoke on Sunday we said farewell to Placenia, Belize for a day on the road. We traveled from southeast Belize to the eastern city of Tulum, Mexico. Our 10 hours in the trucks were broken up by a really smooth border crossing in which the Steve’s, for the first time in the entire expedition, didn’t have to do anything with the trucks. No registering, no paperwork, nothing.

Forgotten Disputes

I am pretty sure that most people have no idea that there is a pretty heated border dispute going on between Belize and Guatemala. I had no idea. No one in the crew had any idea. But while the world moves on and focuses on other more pressing conflicts, the problems between Belize and Guatemala continue, sometimes with violent ramifications.

Nels’ Notes: Nomadic Wandering Shenanigans Feb 23-27, 2009

Rain awoke the occupants of the big tent, Craig, Melissa, Steel and I, Monday morning, after a night of celebrating Melissa Terry’s 26th birthday in San Ignacio, Belize. Our destination Monday was a campsite 22 miles outside of the Caracol Ruins. The road made us feel like we were manning a jackhammer for a day.