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Welcome to Nakbe, one of the greatest Mayan cities in El Peten. This is a good view from atop the 20 story Templo I, because it shows the tiny exposed tops of these giant pyramids. This is all that is naturally exposed of these massive cities, maintained by the stiff, scouring winds above the wild ocean of green jungle canopy. Note also the mounds, which are Templos II and III. |
| The guards stationed at Nakbe to prevent looting collect rainwater in this device. I wouldn’t call it “fresh” water, but it’s water. |
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I spent one of the most incredible nights of my life alone atop Templo I, filled with moon, stars, heavily condensating moisture, wind and unexplainable dreams. Upon reaching camp below the following morning, Francisco informed me that during the night, our mule had become dinner for several vampire bats. What you see here is but one of its wounds, a cascade of blood covered in gnats, mosquitoes and bees. |
| Six days into our trek, and running dangerously low on water, we finally came upon a spring. It was dry season in the jungle, and accordingly, the spring was bone dry. Water had become a critical issue. |
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We returned past the only lagoon in this part of Guatemala. Francisco told me it was called Laguna Crocodila, the Crocodile Lagoon. The water was extremely low during this dry season. Many a chiclero’s mule had been taken down by the several huge crocs that dominate the lagoon. You will notice a large stick in the water on the right and a smaller stick in the water to its left. You will see a flat form to the left of the smaller stick. That is the barely visible head of a 10-foot croc that we saw slip into the lagoon from the opposite bank. Francisco would not allow the mule, nor ourselves, to draw water from this lagoon. Wonder why? |
| Return to civilization. The Mercado in Santa Elena. Spent the next two days removing garrapatas from all 2000 of my body parts, treating the infections, and sleeping. Eight of the most incredible and life-changing days of my life! |
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