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Backpacking in Belize (Sr.
ric (note 1) Feb 2007)
Belize is balmy and would seem to be a dream come true for
backpackers, but it's also buggy, and some of the creepy-crawlies are
dangerous. This should guide your thoughts if you're going to rough it
here.
Tent or Hammock. Most good tents have an integral floor and
built in mosquito net. Gerry used to claim that "Mosquitoes like
Blue" and he made his tents blue so the mozzies would light on the tent
instead of you. Be that as it may, you should have a good floor, with a
threshold that will discourage small visitors. Another alternative
is a jungle hammock. You might google on that phrase -- there are
lots of them and they seem to
sell for about $40US right now.
A hammock will get you off the ground, but you may not sleep
so well. The Mexican Hamaca is much more comfortable than a traditional
hammock, because you sleep crosswise in it, and you can straighten
out. (Note 2) Belizeans wrap themselves in a sheet as protection against
mosquitos and sleep very well in a hamaca.
Another option for backpackers is the Hostel. It
provides a bed, shared bathroom facilities, and sometimes kitchen
privileges. Take a look here
for some interesting facts on hostels in Belize, as well as a look at one of the
best.
Up here in BelizeNorth, there are a couple of places that are
pretty cheap. Look here for the hotels
which have a green $.
**
Note 1: By way of qualification, I'm a graduate of the CMC
Mountaineering School and walked the Sieras and Rockies for 20 years, alone,
with a companion, or with a Boy Scout troop. I've bagged 8 "fourteeners"
and spent hundreds of nights under canvas, nylon or the stars, before coming to
Belize. Currently, I prefer a bed!
Note 2: Your Chiropractor will be
aghast at the idea of you sleeping in a hammock. I looked up the word
"hamaca" hoping to find a picture of someone sleeping properly in
one, to no avail. Many of the pictures show the typical sticks head and
foot to spread the thing out. This is not necessary. The Mexican
hamaca is woven -- big and expensive -- but no sticks for extenders!. Side to side, it is almost 8 feet wide
(perhaps wider than it is long.) You sleep crossways in it! When
you're in Belize -- or Chetumal where they are the cheapest -- get someone to
demonstrate for you!.
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