July 19, 2006 • Tropical Ecology Institute • NC Museum of Natural Sciences

Early this morning we went for a bird walk. During the walk, we spotted a wide variety of native birds including the Smooth-billed Ani and White-collared Seedeater. We enjoyed the view from an observation tower far above the forest canopy. Some of us also enjoyed the delicacy of termites and fresh key limes.

At about 7 a.m., we returned to the resort for a scrumptious breakfast of fried jack, scrambled eggs, fresh watermelon, cheese and refried beans — some of us even braved the hot sauce. Shortly after breakfast, we boarded our bus and headed south to the Mayan ruin site of Caracol. The road along the way was bumpy, to say the least, but the scenery was breathtaking as we moved through two different kinds of forests. Due to some recent robberies along the road to Caracol, a Belizean Defense Force solider and a Belizean police officer joined us on the bus to provide security.

The only problem we encountered on the road was that the bus, despite our driver’s skill, couldn’t make it up a large hill — we walked a bit to lighten the load. Upon arriving at the ruin site, we were joined by our tour guide, Evril. He filled us with information about the history, culture and society of the ancient Mayan people. We saw Caana temple, a ballcourt, reservoirs and tombs. The tombs were especially creepy and exciting. It was a long way to the top of the Caana temple, but what an amazing view! While walking through the forest, we saw some fascinating trees and flowers, including a Cebia tree that is about 300 years old!

After another bumpy ride back down the hill, we stopped at Rio On pools for a refreshing dip in the cool clear water. We indulged our inner children by slipping and sliding down a natural slide. The river was beautiful and we didn’t want to leave.

Back at Crystal Paradise after a tiring day, we sat down for a home-cooked meal of spaghetti, salad and cucumber soup. We concluded the evening by meeting in our groups and sharing our newly gained insights. We are all exhausted but thrilled with the adventures our first full day in Belize.