6:30 AM, alarm goes off and we slowly roll out of bed, load up the new waterproof backpack and head to the lobby for a quick bite before we head off to explore the Ancient Mayan Ruins of Caracol. It was too hot for a fedora, leather jacket and I had no place for my bullwhip, Peter that reference is for you.
Andee, our guide greeted us promptly at 7:30 and we were off. With enthusiasm, we asked, "How far to the ruins?" Andee calmly notified us that we should relax and enjoy our 2 and 1/2 hour car ride. Ugghh, I can't even wait in line at Chipotle how am I gonna survive this.
Andee was amazing he managed to keep Kari and I engaged in conversation for 2 and 1/2 hours. He called my wife, Miss Kari. Andee had some amazing stories to tell about growing up on the Belize and Guatemalan border. He jumped out of a 3 story building and tore his ACL, had it reconstructed in Guatemala. He probably was in a common growth and distribution organization in Central America. He met a good woman and turned his life around and eventually studied some tourism at the university. He may buy some land and raise royal rodents.
On the way we stopped at our first cave, Rio Frio Cave. It was crazy to see the size of this cave. These caves are created as the water seeks the path of least resistance through the limestone rather than over it.
Kari and I in front of the cave
A view through the cave
Selfie Nation: 2 is easier than 5 or 9 or 10
From the cave we headed to the Caracol Mayan Ruins. This may have been on of the 5 worst roads I have ever been on. We survived and eventually made it there.
Caracol represents the largest Mayan City in Belize. Right now only about 5% has been excavated and explored. It was ruled by Lord Water. Under Lord Water , Caracol defeated Tikal.
These are two giant Cebia trees each over 100 years old. Can you find us?
Same trees
We then ventured into the first set of ruins.
Most of the ruins were arranged with building to the North, South,East and West
A room inside the ruins. Check the B&W out EB!!
This is the ball court where Mayan played games. Some historians think they were reenactments of battles. The winners were predetermined. There is a pedestal in the middle.
Look at the ruins!!!!
Pedestal marker may represent the conquer with their bound hands, this may reflect Lord Waters defeat of Tikal and Naranjo.
The astronomy building. The sun would rise in the east over the central building. Over the left on the summer solstice and the right on the winter solstice.
Toucans in the trees of Belize. Yes, TB you need a big lens to see these birds.
Kari and I in front of Caana, Sky Place. It is 42 meters or 140 feet above the jungle canopy.
A selfie at the top of Caana.
The tomb at the top. This may have been for the Queen of Lord Water. The tomb is straight and down. Straight ahead is the alter for sacrifices or tributes.
Mayan carvings in the stone
Kari at the top of Caana
Inside a tomb on the right side of Caana. I almost perished in here. We say a bat with Andee and I was almost trampled by my wife in her bid to escape the sleeping bat. The tomb goes farther down through the hole in the middle of the picture.
Down on the courtyard from Caana
Caana in B&W from the courtyard
We enjoyed a nice lunch. I had a salad. It isn't whey protein but it is a start.
Frolicking in Rio Pools after lunch. Kari elected to sun on a rock.
Rio pools. The granite river cutting through the rain forest.
Kari and Andee insisted that we stop at the junction for a Belikin. Kari refused to try termites. He did buy some green salted mango from a roadside vendor. I ate 2-3 slices. I required 6 Belikins to rehydrate.
Kari wanted to use Andee's machete at least once before the day was over.
In the end, Andee joined Martin and Pasco in the long line of great guides who have made me laugh, think and learn. No matter where you are in the world, there are more things that make us the same then make us different.
Kari has been asleep for about an hour so the grammar check on this will happen in the AM.
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