In front of the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM) a sacred place to the Mayan. And one of the highlights of our trip.












The only way to explore this cave is with a guide. This is the last bit of natural light we saw besides our head lamps. Lots of swimming through the cave and bouldering on the rocks and narrow passage ways. The Mayans did this with torches and carried heavy loads of ceremonial offerings almost 2,000 years ago. Unbelievable!









Olivia's, last two years of summer rock climbing camp really came in handy. As did the flash on the camera for cave shots.
















Amy and Olivia wading through part of the cave.

Deep in the cave we see ceremonial bowls that the Mayans offered to the their gods as a sacrifice. All of the artifacts have been left were they were discovered. This is one of the few bowls that was left hole. The chip on the rim was to release the offering, often the bowls were smashed for the same reason.









Humans were also scarified for offerings. In this part of the cave there are six human remains. This one has been crystallized by the dripping minerals of the cave. Dated at about 600 AD.

Banana Bank is a 4,000 acre working ranch. Gus is a natural on the horse. His favorite part is the speed.











Olivia's horse was named SeaBiscit. She had 3 days of riding and 2 bilsters.













The trails of Banana Bank.

From Belize City we chartered a sailboat to take us south to Placencia.












We meet a local who took Gus out for spearfishing and diving for conch. He is cleaning there catch.







Olivia really enjoyed the sailing experience.












Fresh caught conch, fish, and crab for dinner.

South of Placencia, the remote head water of Monkey River are only accessible by boat.












Amy spots Howler Monkeys up in the forest canopy.












Gus and Olivia in front of a giant bamboo forest. The bamboo easily reached 70 ft. and made a great noise in the wind.












Our guide kept giving me (things) that were edible in the jungle. I trusted his judgement.

On our third day of sailing we hook into a fish. Gus has a good battle.













Gus brings in a fish called a (tunnie) little tuna. The Captian new what was going to be on the lunch menu now.











Delicious sushi!!!!!

Today's big news... Gus finds out that he got accepted to his first choice of middle schools.
















Gus and Olivia have set up a conch store on the beach. So far they have sold 19 conchs to beach strollers.











The secret to the local pulled pork sandwich. Is to hand turn the pig slowly.












Gus... in the drivers seat of a jeep that is submerged... it is now home to many species of fish.