Mayflower Bocawina National Park

We decided to go on a day trip to the south of Belize to visit the Mayflower Bocawina National Park in the Stann Creek District. It was going to be a long day trip so Keri suggested we try out the new tent and camp overnight to give us more time. We threw together our gear, made about ten PB&J's for sustenance and grabbed a bus heading south out of Belize City. We made it to the drop off after the town of Dangriga and started the 4 mile hike down the entry road to the ranger station. A jeep rolled up about 2/3's of the way into the hike and gave us a lift for the last mile. The guy, named Mora, was the manager of a jungle lodge called Mamanoots located right by the park. We had a great conversation with him and found out he had been running dive tours out at Glover Caye until recently. The economic downturn had slowed things down so he had to take this job in the meantime.

After he dropped us off, we wandered around and looked at the Mayan site at the park. The site is unexcavated and very different from the usual sites. It is cleared somewhat of vegetation but really puts it in perspective of how quickly the jungle can reclaim things. Other areas of the park have structures less cleared and it was striking to see them appear as you walk down a trail. We then headed straight for the trailhead to Antelope Falls so we has time to make it back before nightfall. The sign at the ranger station stating the trail would have some steep parts.... the trail proved that "some steep parts" is relative! The trail started out pretty normal and then progressively became steeper and steeper until finally we were having to use ropes to pull us up the side of the mountain! It was well worth it though as when we reached the end, the falls appeared before us and was a glorious sight. We took a rest, stripped down to our suits, and enjoyed the cool water flowing down the mountain. There was a pool at the very top to swim in but we only made our way up half way to a shelf since we were so pooped from the hike in. Without sounding cliche, it was truly amazing. We even spotted a bright red hummingbird feeding right at the waters edge.

We made it back after the refreshing dip and set up our camp at a beautiful spot on a bluff overlooking the creek that runs from the falls. We started to relax and Pat started to fantasize about beer trucks appearing on the lonely road. Keri suggested a trip to the jungle lodge as a more realistic alternative so we went down the road to Mamanoots. There was another couple at the restaurant and we talked with them about the Peace Corps and such. Another couple in their party joined them and by the end of the evening they had invited us along in the morning for a guided birding walk. So we joined them and their guide the next morning and had a wonderful time. We found ourselves standing on the top of an unexcavated Mayan ruin in the middle of the jungle watching Keel Billed Toucans feeding in the tops of trees.... a beautiful experience. After the birding hike, we discussed our experiences in Belize with their group a bit more and then had to head back to the city. The entire group were very gracious and generous to share their guide, and vacation, with us. We were very thankful for the experience.

Check out the quick video below of the falls and we added some more pics of the area. Take care everyone!