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2004 Daily Journal

Day Three: July 21, 2004
Xunantunich/Macal River
Physical Data: Humidity – 80% Air Temp. 28°C, Heat Index 34°C

2004 Q & A

Today we visited Xunantunich, a Maya temple near the Guatemalan border. We walked in the ancient footsteps of Mayan priests preparing to make a sacrifice to the gods. As we climbed the steep temples, the sounds of thunder drawing near made us feel closer to heaven. By 11:00 a.m., the thunder finally brought its promised rain. We headed to Chaa Creek resort along the banks of the Macal River for lunch. We took our time walking so the rain would cool our bodies. We had a traditional Belizean meal: carrot salad, chicken and rice, and a tasty citrus drink called “squash." The dining area was open aired and adorned with deep colored woods and hardy laughter.  

While waiting to be served, Nathan caught a Basilisk with his hands in the blink of an eye. The common name of these critters is "Jesus Christ Lizard" because they are supposed to walk on water (if Nathan doesn't spot them first). We finished our lunch and relaxed to the soothing sounds of the rain falling on the thatched roof.

The Maya temple at Xunantunich The Maya temple at Xunantunich

A snake makes a meal of a frog on the road to Xunantunich
A Parrot Snake makes a meal of a frog

The clouds eventually began to disperse and the thunder rolled away. We were off to the Macal River to make more astonishing discoveries. Gliding down the river, we were once again awed by the majestic trees and colorful birds and insects. We were on a mission to collect figs for an evening activity looking at fig pollination. We found them floating in the river and it wasn't long before our group began fig wars, and fig piracy began!

At a curve in the river we put ashore and cooled off with a swim. We swam across the river where we treaded water beneath a cluster of bats hanging from limestone ledges. Our excitement eventually bothered them and they flew off, only to return and swarm around and above our heads. Before we knew it, it was time to continue our journey and we slipped back into canoes. We enjoyed canoeing past children laughing as they played on a rope swing hanging over the river. The trip ended too soon, but with fond memories for each of us.

Canoeing on the Macal River
Canoeing the Macal River
Children playing on the Macal River
Belizean children playing on the Macal River

2004 Daily Journals
Day 1: July 19 – Raleigh/Dallas/Belize/Belize River
Day 2: July 20 – Mountain Pine Ridge
Day 3: July 21 – Xunantunich/Macal River
Day 4: July 22 – Warrie Head/Belize Zoo/Cockscomb Basin
Day 5: July 23 – Cockscomb Basin/Placencia
Day 6: July 24 – Beach/Barrier Reef/Mangrove Ecology
Day 7: July 25 – Mangrove ecology/Reef snorkel/Bird Rookery
Day 8: July 26 – Monkey River Village School
Day 9: July 27 – Placencia/Dallas/Home!

Previous Years' Journal Entries
Belize Institute 2003
Belize Institute 2005