After starting out early from Placencia at 7:30am, we arrive at Blancaneaux Lodge around noon, so it wasn't as much of a marathon drive as we had expected. I think this is because we knew what to expect of the roads - at least until we arrived in Belmopan. Taking the paved Western Highway from Belmopan to the turnoff at Georgeville was an easy stretch, however the road into the Cayo District quickly deteriorated into a very rough dirt road - the worst we had encountered so far. It took us about an hour to get to Blancaneaux Lodge.

There is a forestry gate, where we had to give our names and state our business - no fee - just a checkpoint - probably checking for drug growers as much as anything else. There is an airstrip right outside the entrance to the lodge, so I guess Francis Ford Coppolla (the owner of the Lodge) and his highbrow friends fly in, rather than drive the road like the rest of us!

Blancaneaux Lodge is a very special place (Patio area). The grounds are immaculate, the driveway is paved (!!), the food is classic Italian (believe it or not), the staff are very helpful and attentive, and the accommodations are deluxe and quite unique. We were upgraded from a room in the main building to a cabaña at no extra charge, which certainly made our stay that much more pleasant (Enclosed veranda of our cabaña). The Lodge had only reopened that same morning, after being evacuated for several days because of the forest fires burning all around it.  The staff were scrambling to get everything in order for the arriving guests.

We spent an hour and a half this afternoon driving in to see the 1000 Foot Falls, also called Hidden Valley Falls - most spectacular! The road to Hidden Valley Falls goes through a pine forest, which is typical of this mountainous area of Belize. Exploring the grounds of Blancaneaux Lodge is very interesting. There are trails to the Privassion River, where some natural swimming pools can be found.  Blancaneaux Lodge generates its own power from a small hydro generation plant located on the river. Sumptuous villas are located near the river. The cabañas are located in teh forest surrounding the main lodge. Sit still on a patio for awhile and you are sure to see some of the abundant wildlife start to appear.

Dinner for our first evening was very laid back, since there are only six guests in total - everyone having arrived this afternoon. Meals are classic Italian, just as promised - a bit heavy on the oil, but nicely prepared, and excellent service.

It started to cool off due to the high mountain location, and a breeze blows in through the screened porch of our cabaña. When we arrived at noon, it was 100°F, so needless to say we were concerned about sleeping in that heat! Now  a light blanket is needed toward the early morning hours - a first for Belize! It was pleasantly cool on the veranda. The next day we tour the Mayan Caracol Ruins.  The third day, after a quick breakfast, we leave Blancaneaux Lodge for Belize City. It is good to escape the smoke of the forest fires. We see some fires along the Western Highway, just outside of Belize City.

 Go next to Caracol Ruins