View Full Version : Invitation to jungles of Belize
Ichneumon
15-10-2011, 18:44
After a wonderful time on Dartmoor with members of BCUK Igor, our friend from the USA, has asked his new friends to join him for a week or two in the jungles of Belize.
He has property right on the coast which is jungle, mangrove and sea-front.
The propose time will be some time in Feb/Mar next year as this is when he plans to visit.
The exact date is yet to be established and even I don't know the location.
It seems I was wrong about the cost of flights in my previous post on the other thread - it seems to be much less than I said if you are prepared to accept flights at very unsociable hours. A friend of mine travels to Mexico regularly and suggests trying the Flight Centre 02074361942 to get a quote.
Any provisional takers? Once there are a few Igor will take over from me and start giving exact details and firming up arrangements.
ATB
Paul
You Bad man Paul , Katie has access to this very sensitive material !! so double bubble or no can go ! once a little more about exact location and dates are available , even if by PM , Then perhaps the crazy Dartmoor gang could go all international ..
PS thanks for the invitation Igor ...
JIM-BEAM
15-10-2011, 19:00
Hello everybody!
As Paul mentioned my invitation is very informal. I wouldn't mind people come to visit, camp or just enjoy the jungle in that part of the world. I travel there often and my dates are very flexible, based of work load in the office.
If and when people start responding with their wishes and their available times to travel - I could adjust the schedule to fit most of the group. As far as location - Northern District of Belize - Corozal district. The closest civilized Mexican city is - Chetumal.
IG
JIM-BEAM
15-10-2011, 19:13
Hi Ivan,
If you would go to www.maps.google.com and type Chetumal, "Quintana Roo, Mexico" it will show you the Chetumal Bay. Go SE across the bay and you will be in the area of bush where I reside.
From Cancun to Chetumal (which is the border town between Mexico and Belize) is approximately 5 hours to drive via decent highway. The buses are available, also the flights are landing on local airport. You can check different routes... To fly to Belize City is usually more expensive, plus then you have to drive or take bus to Corozal.
I think it would be enough info for people to decide. As the questions arrive - I will be answering to my best ability.
Also this note: since I go there often - the time to go is flexible. I go there at least 3-4 times per year, so we can combine it with any of my trips.
IG
Ichneumon
15-10-2011, 19:18
Sorry Iv'. How did you know about me liking to lead young women astray? :naughty: Thought I'd kept that quiet. :puppy_dog
It would be great if Katie could make it, what an experience for her?!
ATB
Paul
Thats a great and very generous offer indeed!! Unfortunately the Arctic Courses are all booked around that time ,, but if we could re-schedule I'd be up for it.
Savagewolfrm
15-10-2011, 20:41
Awright chaPs
I am up for this chance to actually get good weather whilst in a jungle
I can pick a choose times so guess if anyone else us interested I can always work around them maybe for a week of whatever the general concensus is
Anyway will be monitoring closely with you guys to see what happens all the best and again cheers Igor a real great invitation
JIM-BEAM
15-10-2011, 21:03
There are no schedules yet. My comings and goings there has nothing to do with the trip we can plan based on everybody's availability.
Do not be discouraged, keep in mind and check for the developments on this thread.
IG
mrcairney
15-10-2011, 21:13
My mate has a bar in Belize. He's never once invited me! Good show, fellas
JIM-BEAM
15-10-2011, 21:19
You are right, if we can get about 10-12 people group, who are interested in-general in this trip - then we can figure out appropriate to everybody's schedule. I go there with some intervals of 3-4 months, sometimes earlier.
So, let's who and how many people are interested, first.
IG
JIM-BEAM
15-10-2011, 21:23
He's never once invited me!
It speaks for itself, Steve!
We are less discriminated :cool: You could join....!
IG
Savagewolfrm
15-10-2011, 21:23
Well I am very interested so put ne down to go
mrcairney
15-10-2011, 21:25
It speaks for itself, Steve!
We are less discriminated :cool: You could join....!
IG
I'd love too. I haven't had a break for 5 years! I will keep track of this and see what happens.
JIM-BEAM
15-10-2011, 21:35
I think we should appoint Paul as a "MASTER OF THE CEREMONIES". He is easer accessible by all of you guys. He can collect consensus about the trip, then we will select the appropriate interval of time to fly there.
Meantime I have few things to take care there. I also will be interested to hear from everybody the wishes for specific activities while there. I've been going there for at least 3 years, so I have the access to people and places. Besides my land ( 4 acres ) there are many things to see and visit. I can arrange fishing trips, barrier reef trips and more.
IG
Paul Webster
15-10-2011, 22:49
Yup, put the websters down for this (me,my wife & daughter). Feb, march sounds fine, but can probably be fairly flexible as long as we have a few months notice. Thanks for the offer Igor
JIM-BEAM
15-10-2011, 23:36
Good, Paul Newman will be tracking everybody, who are interested. As soon we get some kind of quorum we can talk details...I will share everything I know and will answer any Questions may come up.
IG
Ichneumon
16-10-2011, 09:32
Looks like we've got a few provisional takers. At this stage it can be taken as read that because this is about 6 months off some drop-outs are almost inevitable. As Igor is flexible we should start thinking about when, and set a target date. I am thinking that school holidays could have some bearing on this if Katie, Talia and possibly Lucy are going. Looks like the school Easter holidays are the first two weeks in April. On the cons side, flights over Easter could be more expensive. So give it some thought, I'll start a cut'n'paste post for a show of hands.
At this stage this is not an 'organised' trip, you are travelling independantly and making your own arrangements. However if we find that 10 people want to go on the same day and for the same length of time we could get organised with travel and other logistics.
Paul
Ichneumon
16-10-2011, 09:48
BELIZE JUNGLE TRIP - Show of hands (cut n paste)
'Yes Please' - Prefered travel date - Duration (weeks 1/2)
Ivan........................?. .............................?
Katie.......................?. .............................?
Savagewolfrm...........?...... ........................?
Paul Webster............?.......... ....................?
Mrs Webster.............?......... .....................?
Talia.......................?. .............................?
Paul Webster
16-10-2011, 13:01
Paul, Julie & Talia Webster April 2nd to 13th 2 weeks
PS. Looked at school term times for next year and there isn't a holiday in march, we'd have to coincide it with term holidays in April if we're all to go.
mrcairney
16-10-2011, 13:05
Am I right in thinking that Igor has offered up sleeping arrangements? (Don't want to sound like a cheapskate, but I'm just wondering!)
Hi Paul, You know me non conformist, and with all travel/holiday companies taking the urine during school holidays , with it being a trip of a lifetime for us , i for one am quite happy to exclude Katie during term time , whatever Mr Cameron says !! (responsible parenting as ever ) its worked fine with the other 5 !!
Ichneumon
16-10-2011, 13:31
Hi Paul.
I assume you could/would travel the weekend of Sat 31/3 - Sun 1/4 if you are wanting to co-incide with school holidays. Ivan seems to be prepared to overlook this small technicality, so the ball's in your court. Of course we have not heard from Lucy, who may also be effected by this too, and Rick hasn't cast his lot yet either, and that's just from the the ones we know about - it's early days yet.
Steve.
About the only thing Igor is offering is hospitality and a warm welcome - there is nothing on the land but trees. So it's tarp and hammock or tent, up to you. There is some civilisation not too far away (by car) so supply/resupply is not a problem. (Igor: Correct me if I'm wrong).
ATB
Paul
mrcairney
16-10-2011, 13:37
there is nothing on the land but trees. So it's tarp and hammock or tent, up to you. There is some civilisation not too far away (by car) so supply/resupply is not a problem. (Igor: Correct me if I'm wrong).
That there sounds extremely interesting. Put me down with a possible +1, I'm easy on the dates (but later is better. More time to gather kit and save up)
Ichneumon
16-10-2011, 14:49
BELIZE JUNGLE TRIP - Show of hands (copy n paste)
Please copy and paste this list to join it or update it with your preferences
'Yes Please' - Prefered travel date - Duration (weeks 1/2)
Ivan........................Op en............................ ?
Katie........................O pen ...........................?
Savagewolfrm..............?... .............................?
Paul Webster.............1/4?.......... .................2 wks
Julie......................... 1/4?.......... .................2 wks
Talia........................1/4?.......... .................2 wks
Steve......................Ope n............................?
JIM-BEAM
16-10-2011, 15:27
Paul BTW how about you? Yourself? Do not be modest!!!
IG
JIM-BEAM
16-10-2011, 21:34
Correct me if I'm wrong).
Paul, you are not wrong. The land about 3-4 miles from the village by land. 40 min by boat to Chetumal. regardless of number of bushcrafters in the party we will have to rent at least one vehicle. There are no structures on the land now, but I am planning it in the future. Some area of the land is dense with bush and trees, we will have to find the spot for the camp ourselves, unless the trip will be later, after several my trips alone and I will discover good spot for it. My local guys and I will be thinning the jungle and will be clearing the beach area too. I will post some pictures, when it will be done. Meantime I can post some of the latest pictures from the area. Machete and knifes are WELCOME!!!
IG
mrcairney
16-10-2011, 21:50
IG, can I ask what you do? Sounds very interesting. I'm guessing we'd be safe in your hands.
JIM-BEAM
16-10-2011, 22:34
Steve, I do lots of crazy things. For now I run this: www.ceu-inc.com
My goal is to spend more time in Belize. I do not have exact plans for this land, but I think I am done with SNOW!!! for now.
I already have one of my boats in Belize, then - I'll see where it takes me...
IG
mrcairney
16-10-2011, 23:09
I have intimate knowledge of large format printers myself :)
Sounds like your on to a winner at the moment IG!
JIM-BEAM
16-10-2011, 23:19
http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern%20Belize/belize.jpg
JIM-BEAM
16-10-2011, 23:21
http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern%20Belize/BELIZE_MAPfull_country.jpg
JIM-BEAM
16-10-2011, 23:22
http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern%20Belize/100_1289.jpg
JIM-BEAM
16-10-2011, 23:24
If anybody want to see some pictures - I uploaded into photobucket...
http://s1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern%20Belize/#!cpZZ1QQtppZZ20
IG
Paul Webster
17-10-2011, 20:32
There's no reason we can't pull Talia out of school during term time as well, if the fights will be cheaper etc. If I'm not wrong though, the sooner we book the flights the better, in terms of costs. Flights are published 11 months in advance and become more expensive as taxes rise etc.
IG, can we fly to Chetumal rather than doing the 5 hour bus trip from Cancun?
JIM-BEAM
17-10-2011, 23:48
IG, can we fly to Chetumal rather than doing the 5 hour bus trip from Cancun?
Hi Paul, Chetumal is not big airport. I don't think you can find direct flight, but probably you can find the connection. In the past I found out that it cost me the same to fly from Chicago to Cancun and then from Cancun to Chetumal. If you find good flight prices - no problem at all. About the flight prices - it is erratic and based of many things. You are right in one respect: to book it at least 21 day prior the flight I found mostly acceptable. At the same time any region is different, I would verify with your local availability. I would also to consult the agent with no obligation to buy through them. I find all y tickets anywhere I fly (and I fly a lot) on the internet.
Also let's see who is committed to go and let's agree on some dates.
IG
LRforestschool
29-10-2011, 20:38
I have just returned from being buried in my coursework (nearly there now) to find that you guys have cracked on nicely with some plans. In theory I am still in but looking at the finances. Has anyone managed to estimate cost yet? Really don't want to miss this opportunity.
Ichneumon
30-10-2011, 00:06
I was wondering, to the point of worrying, where you'd got to. Welcome back!
Good to know it was only coursework that had buried you.
It's all gone a bit quiet over the last week or two Lucy. Paul (W) and family have their names down provisionally, as does Ivan. Rick and Adam put their hands up originally but have gone quiet since. We're not expecting commitment at this stage, just a show of interest to see if it's worth pursuing.
Looks like the cost would be about £200 - 300 (see my previous posts) for the flights but after that - peanuts.
ATB
Paul
mrcairney
30-10-2011, 00:11
I'm still here. Watching.
Where's the previous posts re: flights Paul?
Ichneumon
30-10-2011, 00:13
Earlier in the thread Steve, or in the previous thread that led to this one (Dartmoor 4)
JIM-BEAM
30-10-2011, 05:19
Hi everyone,
I want to ad the map file:
http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern%20Belize/Locationmap.jpg
This is approximately location where we are going.
We have to drive around the Chetumal Bay or take the water taxi to village of Sarteneja.
IG
JIM-BEAM
30-10-2011, 05:22
Also you can got to the photo-bucket:
http://s1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern%20Belize/
I put more pictures from the area.
IG
jonajuna
06-11-2011, 19:34
Looks lovely and a fantastic opportunity. Am very jealous :(
Have fun and take plenty of pics for me to see when you get back
Jon
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Ichneumon
06-11-2011, 20:11
Your presence will be missed Jon, sure you can't make it? They like pyrotechnics in Belize too! :rolleyes:
Paul
jonajuna
06-11-2011, 20:39
Would love to, but cost for four, plus time out to do it :( did say about it at home and the sensible one here has reservations of her babies going to such remote locations too lol
Maybe next time when the kids leave home lol
Sent via tapatalk from my shiny sgs2
hi all been busy lately but am still wanting to come when is not the problem, costs are the issue I've read through the thread and wouldn't it be cheaper to go as a
group rather than individuals or am i wrong, the other thing for me is that the great barriar reef is on my bucket list and I'm cool with that will ad my name to the
list regards dave
'Yes Please' - Prefered travel date - Duration (weeks 1/2)
Ivan........................Op en............................ ?
Katie........................O pen ...........................?
Savagewolfrm..............?... .............................?
Paul Webster.............1/4?.......... .................2 wks
Julie......................... 1/4?.......... .................2 wks
Talia........................1/4?.......... .................2 wks
Steve......................Ope n............................?
dave53......................op en............................ whatever
JIM-BEAM
08-11-2011, 04:26
Dave, I want to add few things or explain my thoughts about travelling in the group:
Since we are going to be NOT walking distance from anything slightly resembling the store, where Ivan can buy his BEER!!! we would need some kind of the transportation. That is First.
Second: regardless where you are going to fly ( Belize City or Cancun) everybody will need to take few buses (or as PaulW asked - possible local flights).it is possible, but busses are going with same regularity, although not as often as ones from Piccadilly to Buckingham, so it will take some doing to get there.
My idea was (based on the number of people in the group) rent on van, pack all of us in it and get the hell out of the airport to the camping grounds. The cost to rent the vehicle dividing by number people will be more affordable and more convenient. ( And Ivan could do his evening beer run driving instead of jogging 4-5 miles.)
This all required real organization, so we can wait until our group will be organized. Since I probably know no more then 5 minutes of material then everybody else - when time comes - I will try to take care of it.
Meantime let's see how the group will coalesce.
IG
jonajuna
10-11-2011, 22:20
guys, where have you seen flights for £200-£300?
the cheapest i have been able to find is £550 from UK to Cancun
Ichneumon
10-11-2011, 23:24
Hi Jon.
I searched the web when Igor first invited us to visit his patch of jungle and couldn't find a return flight much under £800 return. Then I talked to a mate of mine who has a brother in Mexico (same flights) and he reckons his brother flies there for about £200-300. The trick (apparantly) is NOT to use the web but to book through back-street travel agents and to use flights that go at unsociable hours. The one he reckons to try is the Flight Centre 02074361942 to get a quote.
I did ring them but they were having problems with their computer system at the time. As I don't think (though I'm hoping otherwise) that I can make this trip I did not pursue it further. The whole thing is NOT an organised trip - it is simply an invitation to attend. How to get there and what arrangements people make is their own affair. However anybody finding a good deal will, I am sure, share this information with the rest of us.
Dave53: Yes, booking as a group could, and probably would, be cheaper but as this is not a centrally oganised trip, and we don't have much of a '100% certain' group, I don't see how this could be arranged. It would involve deposits, commitments and advanced bookings. This is not something I would want to be responsible for.
BTW Jon: You said you couldn't come! Having second thoughts? Leaving SWMBO and kids at home? (Sorry for the wicked thoughts! :naughty:)
ATB
Paul
thanks for the feedback igor and paul we will see what transpires regards to you both
jonajuna
11-11-2011, 00:12
Lol, no, not leaving them behind... Been talking about it when considered sub 300quid flights :) if it was to happen for us, out would have to be the first 2 weeks of april cause of school and me getting leave from work. But flights at the 500 plus mark would be no go as meant to be saving for a family antipodean adventure too and 2 grand would be half our flight money for that... A quarter we may be able to manage. Will have to see I guess
Sent via tapatalk from my shiny sgs2
jonajuna
11-11-2011, 00:17
Oh, of course appreciate not organised, though if it does work for us, we will be sorting a 4x4 as would need to take advantage of the fact we're there and go explore for a few days too... So would have a seat from airport.... Or more beer space.... I imagine the tequila is good there too! Lol
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LRforestschool
04-12-2011, 18:40
Dave, I want to add few things or explain my thoughts about travelling in the group:
Since we are going to be NOT walking distance from anything slightly resembling the store, where Ivan can buy his BEER!!! we would need some kind of the transportation. That is First.
Second: regardless where you are going to fly ( Belize City or Cancun) everybody will need to take few buses (or as PaulW asked - possible local flights).it is possible, but busses are going with same regularity, although not as often as ones from Piccadilly to Buckingham, so it will take some doing to get there.
My idea was (based on the number of people in the group) rent on van, pack all of us in it and get the hell out of the airport to the camping grounds. The cost to rent the vehicle dividing by number people will be more affordable and more convenient. ( And Ivan could do his evening beer run driving instead of jogging 4-5 miles.)
This all required real organization, so we can wait until our group will be organized. Since I probably know no more then 5 minutes of material then everybody else - when time comes - I will try to take care of it.
Meantime let's see how the group will coalesce.
IG
Thanks mate, good points made.
From my experience of going out to rural parts of Uganda with a charity, I have learnt that it makes it a lot easier for people to stick together, and a lot cheaper. It does mean having to be organised - but that seems to be what we are all so good at in bringing together all the elements of a meet together, and when going a distance like this getting there is part of the fun of it - Just a meet on a bigger scale this time. My only concern is that if you guys are planning for April it will be upon us before we know it.
JIM-BEAM
11-02-2012, 21:55
Hi Gents and Ladies,
I am on my current trip and we started to work on the land. I wish all of you be here, but for now I am by myself together with few local friends.
As I mentioned before if anybody would take upon himself or herself to organize few BRITS to come - just let me know. I am planning to come hers often and we always can coordinate the time.
Meantime I would like to post few pictures if I figure out quickly how to manage it.
IMG
Ichneumon
11-02-2012, 21:57
You lucky so-and-so Igor! It's below freezing here so I'd love to be there with you now. Looking forward to the pictures.
mrcairney
11-02-2012, 21:59
Hey Igor, I certainly haven't forgotten about your offer. Watch this space!
JIM-BEAM
12-02-2012, 03:37
Paul, I put few on the photobucket, but did not link it yet. As you understand I do not have dosen of squirrels to to run the generator. I will do more as come back to civilization.
IG
JIM-BEAM
12-02-2012, 03:41
Paul, I am trying...http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern Belize/BZ-470.jpg
JIM-BEAM
12-02-2012, 03:44
Paul, here is another one...with MACHETE!!!http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern Belize/BZ-465.jpg
JIM-BEAM
25-02-2012, 20:37
http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern%20Belize/IMG-20120212-00475.jpgPaul,
I have more picture. It was hard work to clear some of it, even I was just helping...
JIM-BEAM
25-02-2012, 20:45
We have more wood...if you need for your fire...
http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern Belize/IMG-20120212-00476.jpghttp://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern Belize/IMG-20120212-00478.jpghttp://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern Belize/IMG-20120212-00480.jpghttp://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern Belize/IMG-20120212-00480.jpghttp://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern Belize/IMG-20120211-00448.jpghttp://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern Belize/IMG-20120211-00440-1.jpg
JIM-BEAM
25-02-2012, 20:48
You lucky so-and-so Igor! It's below freezing here so I'd love to be there with you now. Looking forward to the pictures.
You got it...
http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern Belize/IMG-20120211-00446-1.jpghttp://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern Belize/IMG-20120211-00457.jpghttp://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern Belize/IMG-20120211-00464.jpghttp://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/jim-beam1/Northern Belize/IMG-20120211-00450.jpg