News from the South West remote TOLEDO DISTRICT OF BELIZE

UPDATES FROM THE REMOTE SOUTHERN TOLEDO DISTRICT

From the excellent new issue of The Toledo Howler (February-March 2011):

* Despite rumours to the contrary, the Cacao Festival is definitely on again this year, with the date set for May 20-22. Many of the events will be in PG Town.

* A new zip line is planned in Toledo at Las Faldas restaurant and bar on the Rio Grande in Big Falls. The zip line will be about 2500 ft. long and will cross the river once.

* The village of San Miguel is planting trees along the banks of the Rio Grande, in the hopes of bringing back more fish to the river. The river also is being cleaned up.

* Maya Day this year will be held May 14-15.

* There are now 9 Tropic Air and Maya Island Air flights daily each way between Belize City and Punta Gorda. Also, there are 10 buses daily between PG and Belize City, all on James Line, including one express. Four daily water taxis (Requena's, Pichilingo, Marisol and Memo's) run each way between PG and Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. Boats to Livingston are on Tuesdays and Fridays.

* Tranquility Lodge in Jacintoville has added three new thatch cabañas, making a total of seven rooms. The Lodge at Big Falls has added two new cabañas, making a total of eight. Coral House Inn has upgraded its pool. Hickatee Cottages has added a new room, The Den, and is offering free Garifuna drumming lessons on Wednesdays.

* This year's Christmas Bird Count in Toledo totaled 259 bird species.

The Toledo Howler is available free on a number of websites including www.thelodgeatbigfalls.com, www.tidetours.com and www.belizefirst.com.

--Lan Sluder