Barton Creek (3/24/11-3/27)

on my way to Barton Creek



camped next to the creek

After 2 nights at a campground just west of the mountain town of San Ignacio - where I did some spring cleaning, recharged my aux. battery and put some air in the tire that doesn't leak - I spent 1-1/2 hours wandering the hills and dirt roads to the southeast (I drove a grand total of 22 miles) to find the next campground, Barton Creek Outpost. This was a tip given to me by the Norwegian campers I met in Guatemala.
 

finally, a wild toucan shot...yes!

Barton Creek is a neat little hideaway on a corner of the river owned and run by Jim and Jackelyn, ex-navy divers, which is pretty cool. They cater to backpackers who either bring their own tent (and attached car) or you can rent one, and they now have a bunkhouse. For my two nights here there are only four, then three, other people. The main attractions for me are the peace of the river and the swimming hole that I can camp right next to. The water is the perfect antidote to the hot weather that is becoming more uncomfortable by the day. It's urging me north at this point.

local Mennonite

Notice please, my toucan photograph. A bit blurry, but it just showed up suddenly and I had to go to digital zoom without a tripod so I'm happy. My two nights here marked 10 days in a row of camping, a record for Central America. This part of Belize is home to many Mennonites, several wagons of whom I passed on the drive back to the highway, like this one crossing the river ahead of me. I love this part of the country.