Memories of Blue Mountain Ranch

Wendy Galdamez ♦

Most parents want to give their children the best childhood. Many think this involves giving a lot of material things like TV, expensive phones, tablets, and money, but it does not. Money can make a child happy for a moment, but the time spent on something valuable like nature can last a lifetime. My best childhood memories are of Blue Mountain Ranch in St. Margaret’s Village where I used to play with the animals, climb trees, and spend the day at the river.

Across the street, there was a cattle paddock. My dad used to feed those huge cows, and I can clearly remember that I was so anxious for that time of the day to feed them. When the cows came close, Mom would yell at Dad, “Careful with the girls!” Dad would take that white salt and place some in my hand. I would then let the cows lick from my hand. It was disgusting to feel their tongues but exciting at the same time. On the weekends, Gaby and Danny, my cousins, would normally come for a sleepover. Climbing the paddocks was fun because when we called the cows, they came, but then we would get down and run because we were afraid of them. Danny would cry when the cows came toward us and he was not able to get down. That was always the fun of the morning. One evening my dad killed a jaguar and we were able to touch that dangerous animal. Touching its soft fur was something I would never forget. Not everyone has the opportunity to do that.

I used to be called “mona,” which means monkey in Spanish, because I loved climbing trees. My favorite was the mango tree since it had many branches. I'd jump from one branch to the next. During the mango season, I would climb up a mango tree and stay there almost all evening. Usually, when I got hungry, I would just grab a mango. One time while pulling a juicy ripe mango, I thought it would be easy but it was hard to get it, and while pulling with all my strength, I didn’t notice that the branch was weak. Suddenly I heard a crack, and before I could hold onto something I tumbled to the ground. I got marks on my body from the many times I fell from trees, but that never stopped me. Climbing orange trees was risky since the branches were a little bit slippery, so I did it when my parents couldn’t see me. I was sometimes punished and kept from going to the farm, but even today if I have the opportunity, I will always have that climb.

Every Sunday we went to the nearby river, famously known as the Sibun River. Our preparations were made with so much joy. We all were so happy when arriving because we loved swimming. I also loved watching the water flow. The current was strong and made the flow of water look so lively. On the riverside, there were big, green, slippery rocks, which parents would always tell their kids to be careful of.

Sibun was a very nice place to do a barbeque, and I enjoyed eating barbeque at the river. I remember one time when I was eating, my piece of meat dropped in the water, and fish came to bite my piece of meat. I got so angry I tried to punch the fish, but the water was shallow, and I hurt my little hands.

All in all, my parents know they gave me the best childhood. We now live in Belmopan, and I have two small siblings. I see how their childhood is going, and I sometimes reflect and say, “Thank God I lived my childhood on a ranch because it was the best time of my life.” Being able to contemplate the creations that God made was what I mostly enjoyed. If you are a parent, it will fill your heart with joy to see your children adventuring into the natural world. When they are grown-ups, they will thank you for letting them explore nature. Do not stop them from playing outside because it is much more fun and healthier than being inside with tablets. Let’s value and explore nature, especially so that our children can experience the same. ♦

Photos by Wendy Galdamez

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Wendy Galdamez is a business major at the University of Belize. She lives in Belmopan and enjoys baking and spending quality time with friends.