By Kathy Brandt

In August I visited Ian Anderson's Caves Branch Lodge in Belize. Situated in the middle of the jungle along Caves Branch River, the camp consists of a variety of accommodations including a bunkhouse and cabanas. There is no electricity here and at night the trails are lit with glowing torches. You are surrounded by the sounds of the jungle as you settle in for the night.

Caves Branch offers many adventurous day trips, all led by extremely competent and knowledgeable guides. My first trip was the Black Hole Drop. After a strenuous hike through the jungle, we came to the edge of a huge sinkhole. The guides harness you up, and the next thing you know you are backing up to step over the cliff! As you look down, you cannot see the bottom, only the tops of trees 300 feet below. The first 10-15 feet, you walk against the cliff face, but then it drops away and you are hanging totally free. As you look around, you can see caves opening into the sides of the cliff. After you reach bottom, you get to hike around and explore this wonderful site, until it's time to climb out and head back to camp.

My second trip involved floating on an inner tube along seven miles of river that meanders through various caves. Bats fly overhead as you gaze at the formations by headlamp. You get a very calm, peaceful feeling as you drift along on this trip.

My final trip involved another shorter hike through the jungle to a very small opening in the hillside. As you squeeze through the cave entrance, you enter another world. A short hike through the cave brings you back to the outside world, but one that seems lost in time. Another sinkhole with vines hanging all around and beautiful foliage. Along the sides are more entrances to caves that you can explore. As you hike around the sinkhole, you find many pieces of broken Mayan pottery and even some whole pots. At two sites there are skeletal remains of ancient people.

If you are looking for a trip that will open your eyes and expand your knowledge, while at the same time leave with a great sense of adventure, this is the place to visit!