Hello everyone - this is brought to you live via satellite uplink from Ian Anderson's at Caves Branch. We have finally arrived and it has exceeded our expectations by far! What a wonderful, eventful, and unforgetable experience. Arrived yesterday after a short flight from Miami into Belize city. Got a taxi at the airport to the bus station and the bus dropped us off in front of the entrance to Caves Branch after a two hour ride - WELL WORTH THE EFFORT - For a total of $24 for 8 people, we were here. First order of business (after a quick introduction to the bunkhouse and surrounding grounds including bathrooms and showers by Abell) was the bar for one of their "Panty Rippers" and Belikians all around. Then next stop, rope swing, very fun and scary! Just make sure you hold on long enough before doing a full frontal belly flop - painful, but still worth it all the same. 0r, in the alternative, simply run and jump into the wonderfully warm and inviting water. Then a quick stretch, another round at the bar and dinner was ready. Let me just say here, come prepared to eat. The food is good, authentic and fun. Just plain fun - it's served buffet style, with Ian's guides talking to you and letting you know what will be going on the next day. The surprising thing for me is that while at home, I eat once a day, since I've been here for a full 24 hours now, I can't wait to eat. I mean, this morning for breakfast I was starving - thought I would die of hunger before we had breakfast at 8:00 AM. But wait, I must backtrack to last night - our first night in the bunkhouse. It's dark and scary and there are eight adults in the eight bunkbeds. But as soon as that first flashlight went on, the terror began. Watch out for all the critters, make sure you bring your deet. Sleeping to the sounds of the jungle and waking to the sounds of howler monkeys and birds, unbeleivable! There was actually very little sleep,a lot of laughing, a lot of flashlights going on and off, with people explaining "something just jumped on me and it made the bed bounce. Oh, but not to worry because the next morning at breakfast, Ian simply said there was nothing in there, because if there was, we would charge you for it. Day two - Black Hole Drop, thank you Island Junkie for the push to do it, I did it and loved it. What a RUSH! I can't even express in words how incredible it was, long hike up and back but so worth it. Thank you Pablo, you were an excellent guide! I highly reccomend this to anyone in fair shape, it's something you will never forget and something you have to experience first hand to understand the pure thrill of it! Note to Effie from Beale1 - you will be here next week - you will not believe how much it meets your expectations. It is so out of our everyday experiences, that you will truly be changed from this experience.

Well, although Ian has so kindly let us use his uplink to fill you with this up to the minute report - we will sign off now and fill you in tomorrow after we do the 7 Mile Cave Tubing.

Ladies and gentlemen, and all the ships at sea - this is Beale1 and Scottjenn 22 signing off for the evening. Brought to you live - courtesy of Ian Anderson's Caves Branch.

More Later -

Just wanted to give an update from Ians. First of all the rope swing is great, we did the Black Hole drop today (fantastic, for sure lost 25 pounds on the hike), anyway came back covered with mud but the rope swing fully clothed took care of everything. Last night was an adventure lots of noises and bugs, but still slept great would recommend benedryl to take the edge off. The food is great the fruit alone is reason for coming, the staff is amazing, fun and knowlegable, so far a big two thumbs up.

rebecca, zac's girlfriend: After a day at Ian's I feel like I'm at home, the staff is so very friendly and understanding when you sometimes don't understand them. Black hole drop has for the first time in my life made me feel how small I really am. The cave is the most amazing thing I've ever seen. Completely exhausted now but so entirely happy.

p.s. bring dog treats

Hey! I'm SOOOOO glad you loved the drop! What an experience, huh? It sounds like you're loving it there as much as we did. Gotta love those pantyrippers, too!

Enjoy the rest of your time, and post some pics when you get back (I never did post mine...)

IJ

Thanks for this awesome report!

We can't wait to be there in just a few days. I'm so glad you guys are having a great time -- have a wonderful rest of your trip!

Best,
Effie

Wow, great life report!

Hey scott&jenn,

how's about a full trip report? Are you back yet????? Inquiring minds want to know! You know we all live vicariously through who is planning, going, just returning!

IJ