Placencia is so fortunate to have both ocean and mountains within our everyday view. Victoria’s peak is the highest peak in Belize at 3,675 feet , is managed by the Belize Audubon Society and intrigues whoever sees its mystical peak forming the “Cockscomb” filling the sky behind Placencia.




One ambitious group of “locals” from Placencia has been so enticed over the many years here that they have decided to join together and finally fulfill their curiosity. Fiona MacFarlane, Cassie Dial, Boris Mannsfeld, Kristine Small, Allison Hogan, Philip King, & David Vernon tackle the peak May 14-17th under the guidance of David Vernon who has already been gifted by one view from the summit. What lies ahead? 4 days of rigorous hiking with 30-pound backpacks through the Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve, very hot weather, hungry bugs waiting for a new meal, lethal snakes, sleeping in hammocks in the jungle, drinking water out of the jungle streams and a steep climb assisted with a fixed rope to the top. Just 2 weeks ago a group that attempted the climb was stopped in their tacks when one member was bitten by a venomous Fer-de-Lance snake and had to be evacuated to the Dangriga hospital just in time to see the next day.

The individuals have all been training in one way for another to prepare for the journey. Cassie has been aggressively walking as many stairs as she can find. Some have been tackling early morning runs and bike rides before the temperature gets too hot. Fiona even went the extra mile to fly all the way to Australia to bring back some tasty Kangaroo Jerky to fuel all the bodies. David and Boris have met to go over the logistics to make sure everyone makes it to the summit and back safe and sound. The group has gathered over beers to discuss, prepare and sample the group meals for the trip (lots of Pasta and Snickers!). The team enjoyed a practice hike to the beautiful double waterfall at the end of the Tiger Fern Trail at the Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve. Everybody made it and realized that the hike to Victoria’s Peak is going to be a challenge. The adventure should be quite interesting.

Besides being intrigued for years by Victoria’s Peak this team of individuals shares many years in Placencia and a true love for the peninsula. Look for a follow up article and a photo in the June issue of the Breeze.