Jungle Lodge with Nana and Papa

Papa Ben and Nana came for a 2 week visit! They were able to stay with us for quite a few days as well as go off and explore WILD Belize alone, just the two of them. They pampered us with a stay at duPlooy's Jungle Lodge which was started by a large family back in the late 80's. It can only be reached by driving down a looong bumpy dirt road, into the jungle (surprising since it is a jungle lodge! :) ) Also found on the same property is our favorite, the Belize Botanical Gardens. Since we had been out this road before, we were surprised to find it much more smooth this time. Then we found out why! During his stay in Belize a few weeks back, Prince Harry spent the night in the lodge right next door to duPlooy's! (Chaa Creek Lodge) Hence the improved road!

http://www.duplooys.com/

Kelly's mother Sue with Ben, her husband of 12 years.

The children affectionately call him 'Papa Ben'

The lovely office which used to be a tool shed, we've been told

Each room came with a nice screened in porch as well as a hammock and chairs

The boys had a fun time riding bikes which duPlooys provided for free. They spent quite a few hours biking the trails of the botanical garden

A favorite, Cat's Whiskers

We can never get enough of the gardens! This is our third visit and there is always something new to admire, smell and photograph! (thanks girls!)

We were served a complimentary breakfast on this immense deck while watching all of the lovely early birds. Mot Mots, Trogans, Chachalaca, Flycatcher,
Blue-gray Tanager, Collared Aracari, Catbirds and a lovely black Hummingbird were some that we spotted, just to name a few!

Our yummy fruit plate

This Chacalaca is enjoying a fruit plate of her own!

Can you spot the wonderful Aracaris?

This little guy came to have a little watermelon bite to eat too! In the evening even a little Kinkajou visited the fruit plate also..

Bird watching!

The dining hall and surrounding area

The pretty walkway in front of our room

these rock stairs which led down to Ben and Nana's room, dining hall and deck area were immaculate! I asked one of the employees just how many times per day they sweep this area. He told me that usually they do it twice daily!

For Amanda's early birthday gift, Nana and Papa treated the three older children to a lovely guided trail ride. They were taken through the jungle, along narrow trails. At one point they were able to see the neighboring Mayan ruin, Xunantunich off in the distance

One trail boasted of this breathtaking view!

We are so blessed to see Amanda with more energy these days!

Ryan with his trusty steed

Canoeing down the Macal River was also a hightlight of the visit

Grant, Amanda and Dad manned one canoe

Caves in the sandstone cliffs could be seen from the river

Ashley and Ryan manuevered the other canoe

The family saw some lovely Kingfishers and a beautiful bright yellow fish which the children were admiring in the water and which Grady promptly grabbed out of the water! The kid, Dad *and* the fish were quite surprised by that! After examining it for a few minutes they let it go!

Back on shore again! Thank you Papa and Nana for a lovely visit to the jungle lodge