In which Bob and Bing get the girl, sing a song and all is resolved. Arthur Freed where are you? I’m ready for my closeup Mr. De Mille.
I awaken Sunday morning and it is a bright sunshiny day! (O.K. Now I suppose I will have that song stuck in my head for awhile.)
Early Sunday Morning View from the Zephyr
We are going to freaking’ Semuc Champey and it is going to be gorgeous! After breakfast we again walk into town and hire a pickup taxi for a 10 km jungle ride.
Jungle Taxi
After a bit we pick up some more travelers.
Rack 'em and Stack 'em!
We are all in high spirits and before long Lucas starts singing Bohemian Rhapsody. Everyone joins in taking different parts. Our driver is no doubt thinking gringos loco. We arrive.
Welcome to National Monument Semuc Champey, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
Semuc Champey is a giant limestone bridge. It was formed by the action of Rio Cahabon, a raging torrent that disappears underground and reemerges 300 meters downstream. The interim limestone bridge consists of a series of turquoise pools and waterfalls that are spring fed.
First we hike 40 minutes up a steep path to the observation platform for a good look.
View of Semuc Champey from Observation Deck
High Above Semuc Champey
Since we are very hot and sweaty, perhaps a dive?
Swan Dive ala Federico Fellini
Seriously, time to hike down and hit the pools!
Semuc Champey
Lucas to Philip at the pools: "So when are you coming to Switzerland"?
We swim, frolic, dive and slide down waterfalls, enjoying this national treasure for a few hours. Then we return to Zephyr rejuvenated. We depart the next morning. Karina has a new boyfriend and she remains. Lucas departs along the way for points north. Manuel and I get back to the city several hours later very happy and hungry. So we end the journey with a celebratory Schwarzenegger. No this is not our former governor but a gigantic sausage sandwich worthy of Conan the Barbarian.
The Schwarzenegger
The End
Such a beautiful place! I bet that water felt really nice once you dove in! You are meeting so many people from so many different cultures; that in itself is something I’m appreciating right there with you ~ I can feel the bonds you are creating thru your words and photos…..deep heart connections for sure.
It’s true. I can’t say enough about staying in hostels. I have met so many amazing people and I have been fortunate to find really great ones, often through the recommendations of the folks I meet.