Itinerary Day Seven in Belize: Waterfall Cave Adventures

There was no doubt we needed some beach time before leaving Central America. Of course, that meant we only had one last adventure before our vacation was over. Which to pick, which to pick – Black Hole Drop or Waterfall Cave?

Runa and I spoke to several groups at our lodging about which they preferred. Both adventures were highly praised as favorites, but the Black Hole Drop seemed like a steep hike following by just a rappel. So, we opted for the waterfalls – I love the water anyway, especially in this humid, hot heat. Bam, done.

Escape from Les Misérables

Quick break from my Belize stufff… I’ve got a new guest blog over at the Pioneer Theatre Company‘s website. Them kids are so darned cute.

http://www.pioneertheatre.org/blog/2013/05/escape-from-les-miserables.html

A few heart-warming tales from the cast… and some hilarious strongman Valjean poses.

Itinerary Day Six in Belize: A Day at Caves Branch

For ease and lack of time, my friends and I settled on Caves Branch – nine days in the jungle!!

Many families and couples that we spoke to at the lodge told us that they had split their time between the jungle and the beach during their time in Belize. I planned this trip in the middle of working the Sundance Film Festival and didn’t think that far ahead. I even had to Skype with Runa in London during our taping of the Daily Buzz to grab her credit card info.

Needless to say, we didn’t regret one moment of our trip. Although next time, beach time would have to be a definite agenda item.

Anyway, on the day that Alex left for home (so he could get back to school), Runa and I stayed on campus.

Itinerary Day Five in Belize: Mayans Ruins in Tikal, Guatemala

There’s nothing like getting a double stamp in your passport on a monumental anniversary of birth. My friends and I woke up at the incredible hour of 5:00AM to commiserate with another family of tourists for our long shuttle ride into Guatemala. Tikal National Park – here we come.

Itinerary Day Four in Belize: Water Caving at Actun Tunichil Muknal

So, by far, this was my favorite excursion while in Belize. And, ugh!! *throws fists in the air* at that tourist who fractured thousands-of-year-old ancientness…

Itinerary Day Three in Belize: Inland Blue Hole & St. Herman’s Cave

On a lazy Sunday when Runa was arriving, Alex and I decided to stay near Caves Branch. The inland Blue Hole (not to be confused with the more famous Blue Hole in the ocean) was right across the street after we walked out to the main road. A quick breakfast….

Meats, potatoes, eggs, fresh fruits and fry jacks (typical of the daily Caves Branch breakfast buffet)….

And an made-to-order omelet later….

Itinerary Day Two in Belize: Cave Tubing and Zipline

Our first Caves Branch adventure – cave tubing and zipline combo! After a relaxing day at the lodge, we were ready to embark on some fun.

Packed with Lisa’s borrowed waterproof camera, we boarded the tractor trailer and held on to the piles of tubes in the middle for our adventure.

Itinerary Day One in Belize: The Zoo – Lick, Claw, Snap

A long overdue vacation – February 2013. BELIZE!

It was decided. I needed a trip out of the country in a place I had never been for adventures I’d been longing for… Belize! Amazing jungles, beaches, landscape and rich cultural history. I was in. Alex was in. Runa was in.

TORC 9: (I’m) Try(ing to be like) – P!nk

Track on Repeat Craze #9: P!nk – Try / Truth About Love album.

Okay, I love this video.

Okay, this video came out like six months ago… I still love this video.

And I totally want aspire to be buff like P!nk. Damn, girl! Wait, can I pull off that phrase? Well, either way, damn, girl! Awesome. That is all…

Spinning in the 6-disc player:

1. Diana Vickers – Songs From a Tainted Cherry Tree
2. P!nk – Truth About Love
3. Sandi Thom – Smile… It Confuses People
4. Missy Higgins – The Sound of White
5. The Band Perry – The Band Perry
6. Uh Huh Her – Nocturnes

A Good Ol’ Seafood Boil… in SLC

During the holiday season, my friends invited me down to Bucket o’ Crawfish. It wasn’t bad…. for Utah.