Raye and Paul's visit - 08/29/08

Melina’s mom, Raye, and stepdad, Paul, arrived on Thursday night from Madison. They were pretty tired from their long day of travel and were quite impressed with the bumpy unpaved roads in the mountains! However they were up and ready to go this morning. George gave them a nice tour of the farm.

The coffee plants are filled with beans. The red beans are ripe and will be picked this week. During coffee season, pickers need to pass by each plant every week to pick only the ripe beans. Later, the outer skin is removed and the beans are washed and laid out to dry. I have to admit I am really enjoying all the fresh coffee! It doesn’t get any fresher! After the farm tour, I took Raye and Paul on a hike to Tiger Creek Falls. We hiked a bit through broadleaf along Tiger Creek and ended at the fall. The trail ends with pools, cascades, large rocks, and a quite significant drop off. You can’t actually see much of the fall from up on top.

There was a magnificent view of the valley below. We stopped to have a sandwhich here and cooled our feet in the running water.

It started to rain so we hiked back out. Along the way I saw a baby armadillo crossing the path but he moved too fast to take a photo and Raye and Paul didn’t even see him.

We drove across the way and from here we had a stunning view of Tiger Creek Falls. We sat at the top of that fall for lunch!

Goin' down the mountain - 08/26/08

Today Melina and I went “down the mountain” again to shop and run errands. These days down the mountain tend to be quite brutal and taxing on the body. The drive from the farm/Pine Ridge to San Ignacio - down unpaved clay and gravely roads with large pot holes and ruts - takes about 45 minutes. Thank goodness Melina and George have good trucks! In town, the temperature has been in the high 80s to low 90s with 80% humidity! Let’s just say you don’t see a dry body anywhere.

In San Ignacio, we visited the outdoor market to buy fresh vegetables and fruit, the bakery, the butcher, the pharmacy, etc. The concept of one stop shopping hasn’t reached Belize yet. There are no Targets or Wal-Marts in Belize – but hey, I’m not complaining!

We also drove to Spanish Lookout, a Mennonite community, to run some other errands. Here the Mennonites are quite progressive, drive vehicles, speak their own dialect of German, and offer many unique products (chicken, dairy) and services that are not found elsewhere in the district. Here, I tried Craboo ice cream from Western Dairy which had an interesting flavor and texture! Craboos (I later found out on a hike with Peter) are trees that produce little, yellow, and somewhat sour berries. I still prefer the Chocolate Shoppe’s Fat Elvis ice cream. I am a true Wisconsin girl at heart after all.

Manakin Falls - 08/25/08

Today I went on a hike by myself to Manakin Falls on George and Melina’s property. I’m not sure who named the fall but I did find out that manakins are birds. I don’t think I have ever seen a manakin. I might have to work on my birding skills while I am here!

Manakin is a beautiful secluded spot. I have been here many times and love the view from atop the fall. Today, there was a beautiful vista of the valley with birds flying overhead and some orchids in bloom on the rocks.

Instead of taking the trail down to the bottom of the fall I decided to try to hike down the rocks. This sounded like a good idea and was very fun until it started to sprinkle half way down. Once these rocks get wet, forget about any sort of traction! I really was not interested in taking the fast track down the fall (sliding the rest of the way down)!

Luckily I was able to scramble my way back up with just wet boots and a dirty bum but without any broken limbs!

Because of the threatening rain, I did not stop to rest much at the bottom. There is a nice deep trough of water for swimming at the bottom of the fall. Even if I had stayed for a while, I wouldn’t have gone swimming. I’m not jumping in a dark pool of water by myself! I hear the Loch Ness Monster also resides in waterfall pools in Belize!

Escarpment and day of hiking - 08/23/08

Melina and George invited the Peregrine staff over for dinner last night and I learned more about their program that works to conserve endangered birds of prey. The Peregrine Fund has been working to increase the orange-breasted falcon population in Belize (and Panama) over the past few years. They release young falcons at a "hack site" on George and Melina's property. A hack box was built on the escarpment and the falcons return here for food and protection if needed.

From the hack site, I hiked my way back down to the farm. Along the way I noticed some debris just off the road. I hiked downhill a bit and found the site where a small plane had crashed on George and Melina's property along the escarpment in 2005. It is a truly sad love story. A couple on their honeymoon set out in stormy weather to reach their resort in the Pine Ridge. The couple and the pilot all died in the crash.

More views from the escarpment

Later in the day, Dave (George's friend) and I hiked to Orchid Falls and back...about a 45-60 minute hilly trek each way from the farm but well worth the pain. I plan to use all these hills to prepare for my future hike up the Inca Trail (Peru)!! You could see the farm in the distance.

George's new road to Orchid Falls.

The water at Orchid Falls was very silty from all the rain that fell the previous day. We still went for a swim anyway!

Cascade Trail - 08/21/08

Today Mr. Peter took me on a hike through Cascade Trail. Peter is the general manager of George and Melina's farm and has worked for George's family for years. He also works for Hidden Valley Inn doing land maintenance and trail blazing!

Peter recently built this trail with many impressive bridges, steps, and ladders to enjoy Cascade Creek and all living in and around it. Along the way we saw some spectacular blue morpho butterflies, crested guan (large birds that look like black turkeys bouncing from one tree top to another) and lots of varieties of plants and orchids.

The Farm - 08/18/08

Here is where we are living...on George and Melina's farm in the Mountain Pine Ridge of Belize. The nearest town large enough for shopping is San Ignacio which is 45 minutes away.

Jack and I have our own room, kitchen, and living space in the newly constructed guest house. Below, you can see Bella (Melina's dog) playing out in front.

View from the houses

The staff live nearby.

No farm is complete without large equipment. I hope to get behind the wheel of the grader again one of these days soon!

We made it! - 08/17/08

Jack and I arrived safely to Belize's international airport on Sunday, August 17, 2008. Melina was there waiting for us and cleared the big red dog through customs. Jack soon found out...Belize sure is hot!