Hidden deep in the remote Maya Mountains of southwestern Belize, Doyle’s Delight involves a nearly-100 km round-trip trek of ferocious bushwhacking with the potential for encounters with armed and hostile Guatemalan poachers, 8 species of venomous snakes, flesh-boring ticks, and oppressive heat. Only 8 confirmed expeditions have ever reached the summit by foot. (Compare that with the ~800 people who summit Everest every year.)
When I heard there was an expedition of like-minded highpointers setting out to Doyle’s Delight this year, I jumped on the opportunity. Joining such legends as Serge Massad, Travis Greiman, Jared McCullough, Carley Ewert, David Darby, and Ben Murphy, as well an armada of 8 Belizean military personnel and 7 local guides, I would be in good hands.
When the team finally assembled in southern Belize, the conditions were dry and dusty. The country was in a heat wave of over 100° F that was excessive even for this hottest month of May. Despite this foreboding atmosphere, we excitedly convened on the village of San Jose on May 4 and got ready for the trek.
The trials and tribulations of the next 6 days were many. We encountered much drier than expected conditions, forcing us to ration water in one instance, and encountered ample evidence of illegal mahogany logging. Blisters abounded and ticks embedded. Upon summiting, I succumbed to a scary bout of heat exhaustion and vomited my way down the mountain. I lost over 10 pounds on the trek.
Despite the difficulties, the treasures of this hike were vast. We navigated through a magnificent natural arch hidden deep in this karst topography, with an ancient Mayan burial site within. Howler monkeys roared like T-Rexes. Fish swam in crystal clear springs. And new friendships were forged.
It was the most difficult climb of my life, and one I will never forget.