Friday, May 30, 2008

The Blue Hole National Park

So after a day of horse back riding and tortilla making it was time for a swim. This is a short walk for the entrance of Caves Branch. It is SO AMAZING!! I attached the info from the web after the photos.





BLUE HOLE NATIONAL PARK
The Blue Hole National Park, protected under the National Parks System Act of 1981, was established in December 1986. Located 12 miles southeast of the nation's capital, Belmopan, are the three park entrances. BHNP includes an area of some 575 acres, covered with primary and secondary forest growth. From its northern boundary, the Hummingbird Highway, this rugged karst landscape quickly rises to elevations in excess of 200 meters. Through and under BHNP flow some of the upland tributaries of the Sibun River, one of Belize's principal watercourses. Much of this central area of Belize is limestone of Cretaceous age and includes such karstic features as underground streams, rivers, sinkholes, cenotes and extensive subterranean cave systems. The principal attractions at BHNP are the Blue Hole and St. Herman's Cave.
BLUE HOLEThe Blue Hole is a popular recreational spot where water on its way to the Sibun River emerges from its subterranean journey into the base of a collapsed karst sinkhole. The sink itself is said to be about 100 feet deep and is roughly 300 feet in diameter. The pool, about 25 feet deep, is of a beautiful sapphire color, for which the area is named.
After a short exposed run through luxuriantly covered embankments, the stream disappears once more into a siphon, the top of a large underwater cavern. The domed shape of the opening creates an unusual echo chamber effect. The sparkling water, chilled by a long underground journey, has an invigorating effect and, during the hot, dusty months of summer, the pool is enjoyed by thousands of Belizean and foreign visitors.

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