Day 2 at Banana Bank

Group 1 headed out early on the Western Highway to visit Xunantunich, the "Stone Lady." Everyone climbed to the top for a magnificent view of the valley. Several brave souls (Will Joseph, Drew Dixon, Pearson Fowler, Erik Kimrey, Kris Simmons) got a Mayan suture, a la soldier ant on site. After having the best milkshakes in Belize, we enjoyed a thrilling swim at the junction of the cold Roaring Creek and the warm Belize River along with some local boys and their horses!
Tomorrow morning we sleep in (til 7!), before horseback riding. After lunch we're off to the zip line at Jaguar Paw, and then a night horseback ride after dinner!

1st Day at Banana Bank

The group arrived at Banana Bank tired out from an awesome afternoon of swimming, volleyball, rope-swinging, and water-sliding. Had our first taste of authentic Belizean food for dinner -- it was a big hit. We were welcomed to Belize by raucous howler monkeys and squawking peacocks! Welcome to the jungle!

Caves Branch, Group II, Day 2

Group II had an incredible day of adventure and cultural exchange.  We began the day with a nice jungle hike that led us to the site of the 300 ft rappel.  I think it is safe to say that everyone was pushed out of their comfort zone (some more than others), but everyone did it!  It was a wonderful experience for all.   After eating a picnic lunch in the jungle, we hiked out and came back to our lodge.  We swam in the Sibun River for a while and then went to the village of Armenia.  In the village, our students got to interact with many Belizian children and adults.  From giving books and reading to playing soccer, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  Here are a few photos from today. 

Day 1 is a Huge Success

Everyone made it to the three respective sites.  A long but great day.  All is well from Caves Branch, and everyone should sleep well.  Tomorrow, Group II will be attempting the Black Hole Drop - 300 ft straight down in the thick Belizian jungle.  Interesting fact: Bear Grills from Man vs. Wild was staying here where we are last week filming an episode that will air in roughly six months!

Great afternoon. Lunch as a full group then an afternoon of swimming and beach volleyball. We divided into groups and are now on our way to the first rotation.

HAMMOND BELIZE EXPEDITION GROUP LIST

Group I
Erik Kimrey

Adair Bramlett
Drew Dixon
Pearson Fowler
Sam Grosby
Brannan Hudson
Will Joseph
Jazie Kuilan
Ted Lydon
Leanna McDonald
John Mills
Emily Mungo
Perri Shockley
Kris Simmons
Kaki Smith
Georgia Theodore
David Tucker
Malachi Ware
Caroline Wood


Group II
Jim Lewis

Jake Ayers
Callie Beal
William Besley
Luke Chappell
Grace Cobbs
Beach Corontzes
Les Cotter
Sarah Dobbs
Priscilla Ehreth
George Foster
Hunter George
William Greenberg
Kaitlyn Jones
Andrew Lamb
Alexandra Manning
Joseph McDougall
Annie Richardson
Keli Wessinger


Group III
Ed Cecere
Devin Troyer

David Buck
Guy Castles
David Dukes
Sarah Felmly
Kyle Grant
Grace Graham
Jean Guo
Caroline Harris
Parker Herring
David Nidiffer
Fernando Posada
Kathryn Reddic
Mary Palmer Richards
Anna Speth
Braedon Troyer
Weston Verner
Christopher Wells

Just landed safely. Looks like a beautiful, hot day!

Everyone made it on board safely. Looks like we're on time. Away we go!

Everyone showed up with passports. Good start. We're on our way!

The day has finally arrived!!

Group Lists will be posted at 2:00 pm on Friday

The Hammond Belize Expedition 2010 officially begins 3-12-10!

Reminder that all students need to be on campus to begin loading the buses by 5:30 on Friday!  See you then.  Can't wait!!