Hiking the Mystical Maya Mountain Jungle

This is pretty much what you see while traipsing through the mountain jungle if you're not really paying close attention. As beautiful as that is, to see the real beauty and mystery, you need to look a little off the beaten path. Today, my friend and I are searching for orchids and unusual plants to bring back to enhance her garden. We not only found several but also encountered a lot of mystery stuff along the way.

Like this thing to the right. It looks like a home for insects and is as big as a football but it seems to have a stem at the top. So maybe it's a plant, or maybe the insects built the nest around some kind of plant life. I donno! I guess that's why it's called mysterious.

Then there's this pretty fungus thing on the left which isn't really mysterious or unusual but I liked it, so there it is. Count the rings and see how old it is, or how many rainfalls it's been through, or full moons if you want. I haven't a clue but I still like it.

Next we came to a fairy pool. There were no fairies, but we did spot tadpoles, and turtles that would not cooperate for pictures. No, that's not a fairy, it's my friend searching for signs of life or maybe looking at reflections or making a wish.









After the pool, we set off into uncharted territory. We came across this termite nest which was pretty boring and not at all mysterious. Here it is after a major transformation. There were no termites harmed in this process but we did give them some extra work to do. They will be kept busy for days covering this over, but the image will remain. I'll try to get back and take another picture, but I may never find it again.

This is another termite nest with a bromeliad growing on top of it. It kinda makes me wonder if this is how the ancient Mayans got their ideas for head gear.




Here we are sitting precariously at the top of a very high cliff. It was very scary. The ground sloped downwards and there wasn't much to hold on to. But the view was breath taking. The trees were blooming with yellow flowers which is a sure sign that spring is starting. Time to go and plant the new orchids.

Sexy Sadie

I promised a while ago that I would post an updated picture of Sexy Sadie. This was no mean feat as she is getting so fat, I was afraid she would not fit on the page. Here she is, beautiful as ever and still ride-able for now although she is having a few hormonal problems. Like... stubbornness, faking fear of downward slopes, eating on the job and giving me dirty looks! Well I guess I can't really blame her. She has enough to carry without having a saddle and me on her back too. I'm really not cruel. I was very easy on her and didn't demand too much on the ride. However, like any typical horse she showed surprising agility and speed on the way home and really seemed to appreciate the molasses enriched feed when we got there. Thanks for putting up with me Sadie.

Mountain Pine Ridge

Five Sisters Gorge

I decided to mix a little business with pleasure and took a trip up through the Mountain Pine Ridge area in Cayo. Although the resorts are beautiful, the natural scenery can't be beat. Here a few pictures of both.

Pinocchio at Blancaneaux

The pool at Hidden Valley

No Heros or Villians... Justs lots of Fun

Since I never get picked for Survivor, I've decided to start my own Survivor Belize. My friend has a fantastic retreat for the location. It's so secluded that I couldn't find it again if I tried. Talk about your Blue Lagoon, Paradise Lost, or whatever you want to call your fantasy world... This is it!
We drove the bumpy back roads until the road turned into a deer trail, then walked for miles into the jungle to reach the river. Ah, we're there, but there's still a slight dilemma. We need to get to the other side!
No problem. An old canoe was hidden in the underbrush. Once it was pulled out and turned over we hauled it into the river where it promptly filled up with water and sank to the bottom. Our first challenge had begun!
We pulled the canoe out and put it back in the bush, then took off our shoes and walked across. Mission accomplished. Yea for the Maya Team!As we walked up the bank and away from the river, I sucked in the beautiful scenery all around. A 500 foot cliff with 4 caves in the top was to my left.
A smaller cave was close to the bottom and we found inside pretty much what you would expect to find. Cute little bats clinging to the rocks. They were very cooperative and posed willingly for pictures asking only that we send a set of prints to the family since they didn't have computers. I will try to oblige.
Just past the cave was the most fantastic view I've ever seen. I can't even show you in pictures how spectacular it is but I will show you bits and pieces.
Gorgeous falls cascading down into a clear spring fed pool surrounded by rock.

Ah ha! Challenge number 2. Climb to the top of the rock and jump in the pool. Your reward? A cool, refreshing dip and immunity from the heat of the afternoon.
I really did this and here is the proof. Kids, don't try this at home. It's very scary and does naughty things to your bathing suit top. Don't ask what. It was very embarrassing. But so much fun!