"It's as if a great bird lives inside the stone of our days and since no sculptor can free it, it has to wait for the elements to wear us down, till it is free to fly." Mark Nepo

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Belize the Beautiful

As much as it is everything in the last post, Belize is also one of the most breathtaking places I've ever experienced. 


A house in Hopkins we walked by every day, and every time it made me stop.

Sunrise at Crooked Tree

A small Ceiba tree, considered sacred by the Maya. The branches hold up the sky. The roots connect with the underworld.

Soldiers were at two of the ruins we visited. Boys with big guns, and equally big grins.

Silk Cayes where we went snorkeling. Tropical postcard perfection.

Walt had so much fun shooting birds. One of  many incredible photos.

El Castillo at Xunantunich. We climbed to the top of that!

Ivar (ee-var'), one of the many guides who led us, taught us, and entertained us.  True ambassadors, every one.

Shot while we drove around San Ignacio

At the Community Baboon Sanctuary (where they call Howler Monkeys baboons for some unknown reason), the monkeys live in a wild made possible by the cooperation of the many landowners in the area. 

The Hummingbird Highway, our last morning in Belize.

Green Iguana in the wild.

And another - these prehistoric monsters were everywhere, yet every time we saw one was an event.

Kids on the  main street of Hopkins.

Champagne cup mushrooms seen hiking through the jungle.

A sunrise from the beach outside our house in Hopkins.

I felt like I should know this tree, but do not. They were common in the south.

You'll need to expand this for full effect. Oropendola nests with a bird, also known as a Yellow Tail, flying toward a nest.


The pier in Placencia.

A random house in Hopkins.

Sunrise from our deck in Hopkins.


Bromeliads (air plants) grew everywhere, some on power lines, some enormous like this one. Notice the vulture  whose head is the same color as the flowers.

The market in San Ignacio, one of my favorite experiences in Belize,  with my favorite guy.

We didn't follow this sign into the jungle, as the trail was big rocks, going straight up.  For me this picture is a reminder  that I'm living my life This Way. 

11 comments:

Debbie Crawford said...

Wow! Awesome Awesome pics! Thanks for sharing you adventure.

Stacy said...

awesome pics

Love the one with the boat and sunrise/set

DJan said...

What a fantastic way to be living your life. Yes, that's the "right way." It looks to be a most amazing adventure. I am so glad you brought me along! :-)

Sandi said...

The photos are spectacular, yet they leave me yearning for "the rest of the story" if you know what I mean!! I'm so thrilled that you and Walt gave yourselves this incredible experience. I envy your sense of "roughing it" adventure, wishing I could want to go where I sweat all day . . . but can't quite make myself!!

I love the variety and uniqueness of each photo! Great choices!

Jessica Nelson said...

Great pictures, Deb! I haven't visited in a while but your blog background is lovely. :-)

Sally Wessely said...

This place truly is beautiful. I loved seeing this part of the world. I know I would love it there.

kario said...

Awesome! I am so glad you two did this!

Dee said...

Dear Deb, the houses are so colorful! I've never heard of or seen a Ceiba tree before. What a lovely belief the Maya had in them. Peace.

Nancy/BLissed-Out Grandma said...

Beautiful indeed. Pretty sure I'd like it there.

Survival Food said...

The natural beauty of Belize is truly awesome.

Barb said...

I feel like I've toured with you, Deb - such incredible sunrises! I've enjoyed reading about your trip.