08 May, 2000 - Belmopan
A six-person All-Belizean team from the Ministry of Natural Resources,
the Environment and Industry completed a three-day trek to scale
Victoria Peak May 4-6. They climbed the 3,800-foot peak, the highest in
Belize, Friday, May 5. The team comprised Percival Cho; Angel Chun
(leader), Juan Chun, 65; Raul Chun, Stafford Garbutt and Jeanna Hyde.

Aside from the challenge of climbing the peak, the team studied the
effects of expeditions on the environment adjacent the trail, monitored
wildlife sightings, inspected Trekforce facilities and observed the
general health of the forest.

"Our goal was two-fold," said Angel Chun, who had climbed the peak last
year. "One, we were interested in seeing if we were up to the physical
challenges of the climb. Two, as Forest Department staff we wanted to
see if expeditions were affecting the environment adversely. If that
were the case we'd use our experience to recommend changes we thought
necessary. Fortunately, we detected no problems."

The team left Belmopan Wednesday evening and stayed overnight at the
sanctuary's visitors center. The next day they trekked 19 kilometers
with full 45-pound backpacks to the base camp, slept overnight then
climbed to the summit and returned to the base camp the next day. On
Saturday they hiked back to the visitors center whence they left for
Belmopan.
"This is a singular achievement for me. I've wanted to do it for a long
time and feel proud I've accomplished something that tested my physical
stamina and shows my appreciation for the natural wonders of our
country," said Hyde. Other members of the team expressed similar
sentiments.

Victoria Peak is part of the Cockscomb Mountain Range located in the
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in the Stann Creek District. It is
reached by a 19 kilometer hike to a rudimentary base camp and a further
4 kilometer hike to the summit.

The trails are well kept and there's abundant drinkable water in swiftly
flowing streams. The sanctuary is maintained through a co-management
agreement with the Forest Department and the Belize Audubon Society
allowing local residents, especially indigenous people, to run its
affairs. It includes a visitors center with sleeping accommodations,
bathrooms and cooking facilities. There's a nominal fee for using the
visitors center.

Interesting that the Ministry of Natural Resources still considers Victoria Peak the highest in the country. I thought another peak in that same area was found, a couple of years ago, to be higher.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First Magazine http://www.turq.com/belizefirst/

Doesn't that trek sound great? Sign me up!