I really wanted to see this place.

Well, we set out to see Guanacaste Park and go golfing at Roaring River Golf Course just outside of Belmopan. We got to Guanacaste Park about 10:30 as a huge load of school kids where taking over the place, and the little lady tells me her sister was preparing a special lunch at 1:00. Boy, I want to see the course and would rather not tick off the potential future inlaws in the process. We spent about 45 minutes on the park trails and somehow missed the famous Guantacaste tree. I try to prepare for a trip and little trip adventures. I know had visions of doing a little birding and learning the layout of the park, but sometimes I just forget why I am there, I even forgot about the tree.

We stood out on the Westerm Highway forever until a taxi showed up. I told him the Roaring River Golf was only about 2 miles (and it is, but on an unmarked road) We kept going, and going, I told the taxi it was further (maybe just a few miles) than I was told and told him we could settle up later. We turned off south at a sign and drove into the bush, there was a big fork in the road, one arrow said golf Course and the other Lodge. This was one of those times I just could not believe the car was still in one piece and made an executive decision to go the Lodge, who would likely take us to the Golf course. I was under the impression that the Roaring River Lodge owned the Roaring River Golf course. Well it isn't, as soon as we arrived the Belgium owners came out told us to go back and follow the sign to the Golf course, I really had planned for us to stay a few nights at the roaring River Lodge, before I found out the girlfriend was expected home every night. Guess what? The taxi broke down, luckily he was able to fix it at least for the moment, I told him sorry and that I would pay him more money. Off to the course and goodbye taxi man (I think I paid about $35us for this trip)

O.K. This is cool, a totally different strata in the Cayo to do category. As we arrive, the guys were out tending the course. This was a very dry time and the course looked a little burned up, and hoses laced every green. The owner Paul Martin is a real character, think of a Crocodile Dundee type. Paul is from South Africa and after doing some major construction jobs there, found himself here with some idle bulldozers and some spare time. We went in the club house for supplies and he told me about all the tons of soil and rocks that he had brought in. Interestingly he told of Hole 9 being an undisturbed ruin. This place is neat!!!

Paul offered to have the guys clear the greens of hoses, but I explained we were not serious and not to bother them. I was a little rusty, so he gives me a quick grip and swing lesson, the girl was obviously not paying attention, her club facing was awful, but she was laughing. This is an executive style, short course, great for Belizeans in golf training and improving a novices short game. I hit the green 3 or 4 times (lucky). Me and my Mayan sweetie were taking turns and actually pared a hole!!

As we were not serious, and I was making matters worse with the family more and more for every hole, we shot quick and played across the greens hoses. She loved it. I like her happy. Paul has a moter bike to tour the grounds, and met us on the 7th tee. He told us about the crocodiles he had put in the water hazard, we hit a few balls and he said if we wanted to bring it in soon, he would drive us to the bus station in Belmopan. Paul needed to get to a dentist appointment in Belmopan around 4:00. So we hurried up and got in his little van, hot wired it and left. How do you get out of here if he isn't around? I donŐt know.

On the way back, he told us his plans to carve out nature trails on the property and wished we had time to enjoy the river. When I asked how the locals were taking to the course, he said that they have local tournments on the week-ends that are really getting popular. On the way back to Belmopan he told us of several rich people that live in this area (Caribbean KFC guy down the road, for example). We took the short way back to Belmopan (the road I was looking for earlier). He said once they get this road graded and improved he will put a sign on the Western Highway and everybody will be able to get to the course quicker. Now he needs a few taxis at the Belmopan Bus Station with Golf Signs.

What a great project and what a great time. Many locals don't even know about it. I can't wait to go back and have a full 3 to 4 hours to enjoy the course, explore the trails, and have a swim. We got back to Esperanza just in time for dinner. I am not looking good today.