Sunday 7th October:

Just before crossing into Belize we ensured we squeezed as much fuel on board as we could. With fuel prices in Belize around US/A$6.00/gallon in comparison to Mexico’s US/A$0.80/Lt ( $3.00/Gallon) we hope not to have to indulge locally, and refuel next in Guatemala. With being unable to use our Mexican currency south we used the last of it in the fuel purchase.

The border crossing was easy, and we had been prepared for the inevitable vehicle insurance scams that operate and managed to also bypass that.

Already we feel the slow pace of Belize. Customs and getting the vehicle permits was a very casual affair.

I will set out in finite detail the procedure in my DIY Overland Kit, after we return home in December.

Lunch was in a small typical Belizian restaurant in Corozal.

Then soon we, by choice, are on dirt roads and crossing rivers by small hand operated punts.

The track leads to the Mayan Ruins at Cerros. This was a major trading port for the Mayans from 250BC to 250AD then left to the jungle. Have to say we where not impressed with the restoration. It had been completely restored in concrete and looked like it was built ‘yesterday’

The best part was that we chatted to the ‘ranger’ and he suggested that we camp in his village of Progresso.  His father was head person and one thing lead to another ....

We met an American woman, Lynda who lives in Progresso and she welcomed us to camp in her beautiful front yard.

Lynda, we thank you again.

She not only gave us some great hints for our travels in Belize but also invited us to join her in a visit to the local Mennonite Community tomorrow.

Camp 237:  Progresso Private Camp    

Cost: MXP Nil                                    

N18* 13.659  W088* 24.392

Today : 91 Kms.  

Trip Total: 90,164 Km

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=18.22759,-88.40656&ll=18.22759,-88.40656&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Monday 8th October:

As Lynda rode her quad bike, we followed her in the trucks to the Mennonite community.

These Mennonites are farmers and came from the Chihuahua district in Mexico in the 1940’s (and their forefathers from Canada, their forefathers Russia, and before Europe).

The Mennonites did a deal with the Belize government whereby they pay no taxes, however receive no financial benefits from the government, no roads, no electricity, no social security, no phones or TV.    Part of the Government deal is before they can export their produce they must first supply the local market. The community and Belize has prospered.

There are a number of levels of religious ‘commitment’.

The first level use no power, and no motors, no mechanical means of anything - the fields are worked with a horse or ox.

This is a No2 level community where tractors can be used but no rubber tyres - only steel wheels, and horse drawn buggies for transport.

We met many of the locals and all were very welcoming of these Australian strangers. We respected their photographic privacy and apart from the road scenes, asked where we did.

Most families have between 12 and 20 children. Schooled within the community to the age of 12 then apprenticed within. The children stay with the family until 19 then marry and start their own production.

Power is generated from windmills that they make themselves. The magnets are ‘imported’ but everything else hand made.

Crops are corn, beans, peanuts, and sugar cane.

Living is basic, 1930’s style.

All dress very similarly, men - checkered shirts, braces, no belts and straw hats. The girls and ladies - same style dresses and wide white hat.

We visited the hardware store, windmill maker, corn grinding factory, and the well used baby clinic.

For us, an unusual lifestyle, but all are happy and following a holistic medicine approach are healthy.

Camp 238:  Lamani Ecotours Base Camp    

Cost: MXP Nil  (included in tomorrows US$50/person tour)                                  

N18* 01.439  W088* 33.188

Today : 71 Kms.  

Trip Total: 90,235 Km

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=18.02379,-88.55331&ll=18.02379,-88.55331&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Tuesday 9th October:

Normally we keep away from commercial ‘tours’ but the river boat trip to the Mayan Ruins at Lamani comes well recommended. There are many operators but we chose Lamani EcoTours who also allowed us to camp in their yard right on the water.

It is a 35 kilometre river speed boat ride stopping constantly on the way up looking at so many things. Along the way huge trees covered with orchids, bromeliads, and air plants.

Movement in the trees indicated Spider Monkeys.

Movement in the water Crocodiles.

Our guide Colin was great, pointing out and explaining flora and fauna, in between racing the boat up narrow river channels with wet tropical vegetation close on both sides.

Lamani is one of the oldest Mayan centres and dates back to 1500BC. With the abundance of water nearby, also one of the longest in operation until 250AD

Every 52 years a new ruler takes over and a new temple built over the old one. The one at left had 7 layers. Fortunately the facial relief was covered by the next build so is well preserved, but covered now with fibreglass to stop touching because the acid on fingers quickly erodes the

limestone. Over 75 structures are in this large complex but only 5 have been excavated and studied.

All around Lamani we hear these howling noises and just before we leave we have a visit from a group of Howler Monkeys starting to feed in an Allspice Tree.

To top it off we are introduced to this large Tarantula Spider.

It is about the size of your hand.

Camp 239:  Bush Camp  - Just up the end of a  dirt side road

On a further side track the Sibun River nice spot but only for one vehicle.

Cost: MXP Nil                

N17* 18.143  W088* 33.316

Today : 108 Kms.  

Trip Total: 90,343 Km

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=17.30230,-88.55521&ll=17.30230,-88.55521&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

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