On our last leg of the trip, we drove from duPlooy's/San Ignacio via the scenic Hummingbird Highway to Placencia. A colorful fishing village, Placencia is located at the tip of a very narrow peninsula on the southeast coast of Belize. We spent five languid days enjoying the beach scene on the Caribbean. |
| |
 |
 |
| Although vehicular traffic is low in Belize, the two-lane highways can be deadly as warned by this attention-getting sign on the Western Highway. We passed through periodic police checkpoints on the main roads. |
| |
 |
 |
| The Hummingbird Highway winds through the Mayan Mountains between Belmopan, the capital city, and Dangriga on the coast. Auto traffic was minimal with long-haul trucks and farm tractors (and yes, cyclists) far outnumbering cars. |
| |
 |
 |
| Bicycles are a major mode of transportation in Belize for work and recreation |
| |
 |
| Walking is also a primary means of getting around. It's common to see kids and adults on the roadsides. |
| |
 |
 |
| Stopping at Blue Hole, a cave and underground river |
The gatekeeper at Blue Hole |
| |
 |
 |
| There's a reason it's called Blue Hole |
| |
 |
 |
| Entering St. Herman's cave at Blue Hole. An underground river meanders for miles in the limestone formation. Cave tubing is a popular activity in this region. |
| |
 |
 |
| Agriculture (citrus and bananas) is big time in this region. Tractors on the highway are more common than cars. |
| |
 |
 |
| As well as bicycles. Between bicycling and walking (and no fast food), Belizeans must be some of the most fit people in the world. Childhood obesity is not a problem here. |
| |
 |
 |
| A typical roadside cafe |
Most people take the colorful James Bus to get to B.C. |
| |
 |
 |
| Houses on the move, another odd yet common sight on the road |
Check out the guy sitting on the porch |
| |
 |
 |
| On the way to Placencia, we stopped for lunch in Dangriga, home to many Garifuna (people of African/Carib descent) |
Drums of Our Fathers, a neat bronze sculpture at the town's entrance |
| |
 |
| Entering colorful downtown Dangriga |
| |
 |
 |
| Kids (and mom) coming home from school |
| |
 |
 |
| Aaaah, we arrive at the Caribbean . . . |
| |
 |
 |
| . . . in time for a great lunch at a beachside hotel |
| |
 |
| Hammock time on the sea |
|
