Belize City

After our three-day sojourn on Caye Caulker we boarded the water taxi for the mainland and Belize City. We stayed at a small hotel on the Belize River just a short walk from the water taxi dock and the Swing Bridge. After we got checked in, the proprietress drove us to the airport so that we could pick up our rental car. Bright and early the next morning, we headed to the Western Highway and the next adventure in our trip. We were heading to Caves Branch Jungle Lodge. We had a jungle cabana reserved and waiting for us. Caves Branch: I was really impressed with this place. The only fully electrified building is the main lodge (although that is changing with the new construction). Breakfast and dinner are served here in a community setting. After dinner you can stay and read, play a board game, visit with fellows adventure junkies, or go back to your sleeping quarters. The owner of Caves Branch is a Canadian expat. He hires troubled teens from all over Belize to work as guides for the caving adventures. They are trained in first aid and rescue operations. His team travels where they are needed in Belize to help in the event of a disaster (natural or otherwise). Caves Branch provides all levels of facilities. For the budget minded you can camp (about $5 a night) or stay in the bunkhouse (about $15 a night). If you want a little more privacy, you can rent a cabana or suite. Our cabana had a ceiling fan, oil lanterns, and a private commode. It also came with a cat. Loved the cat ;-) We had to use the jungle shower. I loved the jungle shower. I want one at home. The water was just the right temperature. Tomorrow: Cave Tubing