July 21, 2005 • Tropical Ecology Institute • NC Museum of Natural Sciences

On our trip to Xunantunich, we stopped at a general store to get gas which cost $5/gallon. We then drove through our first town, St. Ignacio, on our way to the Mayan temple, Xuanantunich. Elsa Ochua who teaches seventh grade science in St. Ignacio guided us through the sights; schools, football (soccer) fields, and markets. After another 30 minutes of travel through the Belizean country side we crossed the Mopan River on a hand-crank ferry and proceeded up the hill to the temple. Nathan shared his considerable knowledge of the Mayan community who built, dwelled and prospered here 1000 years ago. We climbed to the top of the highest structure and had a 360 degree view which included Guatemala. We had a short shopping break after returning across the ferry.

After lunch at Chaa Creek Lodge, we hiked downhill to our raft of canoes. Launching quickly into the Macal River we began an enchanting 7 mile paddle, stopping often to observe and identify birds, iguanas and plants.

As we paddled we collected the figs that dropped and floated in the river. After about ¾ of our way down the river, we banked the canoes and swam over to see bats on a rock wall that sided the river.

Back at Warrie Head Lodge, we used the collected figs for an investigative learning experience about pollination. You would be surprised at all the action going on inside a single fig! After another wonderful dinner, we saw a slide show that previewed the coming attractions for the next few days.