Team Equipt's "Central America Expedition"
- Thread starter benedmonson
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benedmonson
Disabled Adventurer
We have photos, just not a fast enough connection yet! We will post once we get to the headquarters of No Limit X in Antigua, Guatemala.
The ruins at Palenque were spectacular. This was our third trip to these ruins so we were much more dialed in this time as what to see. Spent quite a bit of time photographing from on top of the ruins and at the waterfalls.
Now headed to Bonampak Ruins right on the border near Corozal.
The ruins at Palenque were spectacular. This was our third trip to these ruins so we were much more dialed in this time as what to see. Spent quite a bit of time photographing from on top of the ruins and at the waterfalls.
Now headed to Bonampak Ruins right on the border near Corozal.
benedmonson
Disabled Adventurer
Team Equipt's "Expedition Mundo Maya"
O.K. so Team Equipt is 8 days into our "Expedition Mundo Maya" trip and finally has something worth while to say/show and a good enough internet connection to get it done!:sombrero:
We are now in San Cristóbal de Las Casas preparing to cross the border tomorrow into Guatemala where we will join up with James & Angela Brown of No Limit Expeditions.
We stayed at the Maya Bell Campground near the ruins at Palenque for three days recuperating from our bonsai drive to southern Mexico. Yesterday Jan. 6th we drove from Palenque to the ruins at Banampak which are on the Guatemala border. This morning we visited the ruins which are some of the most beautiful in all of Mexico. First here are some images from Palenque.
The ruins at Palenque as seen from the near the highest point looking down at the "Palace."
Paul giving Beverly his best explanation of how the Mayan people disappeared around 850 A.D.
This was the bathing cascades for King Pakal also known at "Pakal The Great" and his queen "Tzakbu Ajawat" who was the Princess of Oktán. It took all that I had to keep Beverly and Paul from jumping into the falls for a quick swim! BTW, this image is handheld as there are no tripod's allowed at these ruins.
This is really cool bark found at Palenque, please don't ask me what it's called......:ylsmoke:
One of the last structures that you visit at Palenque and well worth the wait!
Wow!
Who said that the ancient Mayan's were not good engineers or understood erosion evasion techniques?
We brought 4 of the new Snowpeak Hozuki Lanterns with us on this expedition and love the light that they produce. They are infinitely adjustable and very compact.
This is the first trip that Equipt is an official Snowpeak dealer. We are loving the benefits as this stuff is not only very lightweight, but just plain old cool.....:sombrero:
The view from our campmento at San Miguel de Allende. It was officially named the RV & Tennis Club?
While in San Miguel de Allende we camped near this Uni-Mog. Word is they arrived 1.5 years ago for a one week stay and have never left.:ylsmoke:
I know some people think that this is a vacation for Team Equipt, but lets get real. This is a product evaluation/testing trip and no fun at all!:sombrero: BTW, this stay on the way down shows that there are not many people traveling south due to the threats. This park is usually full and we had the entire thing to ourselves.
Now on to Bonampak!
O.K. so Team Equipt is 8 days into our "Expedition Mundo Maya" trip and finally has something worth while to say/show and a good enough internet connection to get it done!:sombrero:
We are now in San Cristóbal de Las Casas preparing to cross the border tomorrow into Guatemala where we will join up with James & Angela Brown of No Limit Expeditions.
We stayed at the Maya Bell Campground near the ruins at Palenque for three days recuperating from our bonsai drive to southern Mexico. Yesterday Jan. 6th we drove from Palenque to the ruins at Banampak which are on the Guatemala border. This morning we visited the ruins which are some of the most beautiful in all of Mexico. First here are some images from Palenque.
The ruins at Palenque as seen from the near the highest point looking down at the "Palace."
Paul giving Beverly his best explanation of how the Mayan people disappeared around 850 A.D.
This was the bathing cascades for King Pakal also known at "Pakal The Great" and his queen "Tzakbu Ajawat" who was the Princess of Oktán. It took all that I had to keep Beverly and Paul from jumping into the falls for a quick swim! BTW, this image is handheld as there are no tripod's allowed at these ruins.
This is really cool bark found at Palenque, please don't ask me what it's called......:ylsmoke:
One of the last structures that you visit at Palenque and well worth the wait!
Wow!
Who said that the ancient Mayan's were not good engineers or understood erosion evasion techniques?
We brought 4 of the new Snowpeak Hozuki Lanterns with us on this expedition and love the light that they produce. They are infinitely adjustable and very compact.
This is the first trip that Equipt is an official Snowpeak dealer. We are loving the benefits as this stuff is not only very lightweight, but just plain old cool.....:sombrero:
The view from our campmento at San Miguel de Allende. It was officially named the RV & Tennis Club?
While in San Miguel de Allende we camped near this Uni-Mog. Word is they arrived 1.5 years ago for a one week stay and have never left.:ylsmoke:
I know some people think that this is a vacation for Team Equipt, but lets get real. This is a product evaluation/testing trip and no fun at all!:sombrero: BTW, this stay on the way down shows that there are not many people traveling south due to the threats. This park is usually full and we had the entire thing to ourselves.
Now on to Bonampak!
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benedmonson
Disabled Adventurer
Team Equipt's "Expedition Mundo Maya"
Now on to Bonampak which is located near the Guatemalan border and about 100 miles from Palenque. We camped in a dirt parking lot about 5.6 miles away from the ruins. This is as close as you can get in your vehicle to this incredible place. From here you must pay 70 pesos to a cab driver to take you to the ruins???
The long drive into the middle of nowhere was well worth it as these are the only ruins left that will actually let you visit and photograph the brightly colored murals inside!
The view as you walk into the ruins, very compact and full of Mayan love! known as the Grand Plaza.
We were the only people there for about 30 minutes, very nice.....
Beverly was like a butterfly bouncing from ancient ruin to deep into the jungle to discover something else really cool.
This is what you come here for! The best preserved murals from approx. 800 A.D.
Although tongue piercing is very popular today, it was not over 1000 years ago when this was painted. This was a religious sacrifice performed by these three women in the mural.
This carving was just outside of where the murals were found at Banampak.
Beverly and Paul huffed and puffed, but no blowing over Edificio 17. It has stood erect since A.D. 850. The guards did not think this was too funny..... P.S. They weren't really trying very hard......:sombrero::
O.K. I have about 500 images from inside the mural vaults, but will not bore you with any more!
Until we reach our next connection in Antigua, Guatemala......
Now on to Bonampak which is located near the Guatemalan border and about 100 miles from Palenque. We camped in a dirt parking lot about 5.6 miles away from the ruins. This is as close as you can get in your vehicle to this incredible place. From here you must pay 70 pesos to a cab driver to take you to the ruins???
The long drive into the middle of nowhere was well worth it as these are the only ruins left that will actually let you visit and photograph the brightly colored murals inside!
The view as you walk into the ruins, very compact and full of Mayan love! known as the Grand Plaza.
We were the only people there for about 30 minutes, very nice.....
Beverly was like a butterfly bouncing from ancient ruin to deep into the jungle to discover something else really cool.
This is what you come here for! The best preserved murals from approx. 800 A.D.
Although tongue piercing is very popular today, it was not over 1000 years ago when this was painted. This was a religious sacrifice performed by these three women in the mural.
This carving was just outside of where the murals were found at Banampak.
Beverly and Paul huffed and puffed, but no blowing over Edificio 17. It has stood erect since A.D. 850. The guards did not think this was too funny..... P.S. They weren't really trying very hard......:sombrero::
O.K. I have about 500 images from inside the mural vaults, but will not bore you with any more!
Until we reach our next connection in Antigua, Guatemala......
southfarms
New member
Awesome! Thanks for sharing.
benedmonson
Disabled Adventurer
Team Equipt's "Expedition Mundo Maya"
After leaving Bonampak we drove about 6-7 hours to San Cristobal de la Casas also located in the state of Chiapas. It was a very winding road up through 9000' and only got the "rope" pulled on us once. A couple of sticks of red licorice got them to drop the rope for us without any further delay.:sombrero:
Upon arrival into SCS we drove through the maze of very small streets and found the now only place to camp there. It is called Rancho San Nicolas and is on the southeastern outskirts of town. It was dark and cold, but the host was very welcoming. It had great wi-fi and cost 70 pesos per person. We would stay here again as it has lots of shade and very friendly. We camped next to a ex-british army vehicle that had been converted in England into a Mog type vehicle with nice living quarters. It was by Overland Vehicles Ltd. and the owner said that it only cost approx. $60K US total for chassis and build.:Wow1: I think it may have been called a dana?
The couple in the rig were very nice and some of you may have met them when they were traveling throughout the U.S.?
After we crossed the border at Cuidad Cuauhtemoc/La Mesilla we drove for several hours through the mountains and then were witness to a superb sunset with a perfect overlook to Lago De Atitlan. I'm pretty sure the Volcano pictured is Atitlan at 3537 meters.
After a very long and tiring, but beautiful drive we arrived at our friends James and Angela Brown of No Limit Expeditions in Antigua, Guatemala.
The accommodations are tough to say the least......:ylsmoke:
And the coffee doesn't get any more fresh as the plantation is at their back doorstep!
While taking in some sun on the sun deck we noticed that their son Parker had drawn his version of the family wagon. although with the shadow it looks as though it is in lockup!
We are glad to be here to get some R&R, vehicles repairs, good food and drink......
After leaving Bonampak we drove about 6-7 hours to San Cristobal de la Casas also located in the state of Chiapas. It was a very winding road up through 9000' and only got the "rope" pulled on us once. A couple of sticks of red licorice got them to drop the rope for us without any further delay.:sombrero:
Upon arrival into SCS we drove through the maze of very small streets and found the now only place to camp there. It is called Rancho San Nicolas and is on the southeastern outskirts of town. It was dark and cold, but the host was very welcoming. It had great wi-fi and cost 70 pesos per person. We would stay here again as it has lots of shade and very friendly. We camped next to a ex-british army vehicle that had been converted in England into a Mog type vehicle with nice living quarters. It was by Overland Vehicles Ltd. and the owner said that it only cost approx. $60K US total for chassis and build.:Wow1: I think it may have been called a dana?
The couple in the rig were very nice and some of you may have met them when they were traveling throughout the U.S.?
After we crossed the border at Cuidad Cuauhtemoc/La Mesilla we drove for several hours through the mountains and then were witness to a superb sunset with a perfect overlook to Lago De Atitlan. I'm pretty sure the Volcano pictured is Atitlan at 3537 meters.
After a very long and tiring, but beautiful drive we arrived at our friends James and Angela Brown of No Limit Expeditions in Antigua, Guatemala.
The accommodations are tough to say the least......:ylsmoke:
And the coffee doesn't get any more fresh as the plantation is at their back doorstep!
While taking in some sun on the sun deck we noticed that their son Parker had drawn his version of the family wagon. although with the shadow it looks as though it is in lockup!
We are glad to be here to get some R&R, vehicles repairs, good food and drink......
benedmonson
Disabled Adventurer
Team Equipt's "Expedition Mundo Maya"
Now that we are settled into Casa De Brown for a few days it is time to do some checking up on our rigs! It seems as though one month is not enough time for me to prepare a vehicle for a 2+ month/10K mile expedition. Coming through the mountains of Guatemala I started to hear that all to known break squeal.:Wow1: Once in here in Antigua I was able to get them looked at by a really unique Canadian resident named Bill. Come to find out, Bill is a really well known Land Rover Guy and rebuilds Series and Defender trucks from all over Central America. Bill is not a fan of Toyota's though.:sombrero: I was introduced to our new found mechanic by James who is a good client of Bill's so he felt obligated to work on my truck (Not that I couldn't of done this repair myself except that it would have been in the street). In the end we are now good friends with Bill and he was even complimentary on the underside of my 80 Series. He said that it resembled a Defender!
Well come to find out, working on your vehicle in the street is very common.
It wasn't very hard to determine my problem.....
Here is why you drive a Toyota in Central America, parts availability. I went down to the local parts house and they had front and rears brake pads for my Land Cruiser for a total of $38.00 U.S.D. Not sure where they were made, but don't really care. Out of all the spare parts I brought, I boneheaded the brake pads:costumed-smiley-007
Since we are about to embark on a 10 day jungle/mud run from Belize back to Flores Guatemala we thought we should get all of the rigs checked out.
This is not a Mountain Khakis Ad, but Paul May looking for a distinct rattle.
While at Bill's shop we were introduced to James Browns newest creation, a 69' Series IIA. It will actually be finished from a full body off restoration this week and I can't wait to photograph it.
They just put the body back on and are on the windows now.
I love the simplicity of the old petrol engine going back into James new ride!
Now that we are settled into Casa De Brown for a few days it is time to do some checking up on our rigs! It seems as though one month is not enough time for me to prepare a vehicle for a 2+ month/10K mile expedition. Coming through the mountains of Guatemala I started to hear that all to known break squeal.:Wow1: Once in here in Antigua I was able to get them looked at by a really unique Canadian resident named Bill. Come to find out, Bill is a really well known Land Rover Guy and rebuilds Series and Defender trucks from all over Central America. Bill is not a fan of Toyota's though.:sombrero: I was introduced to our new found mechanic by James who is a good client of Bill's so he felt obligated to work on my truck (Not that I couldn't of done this repair myself except that it would have been in the street). In the end we are now good friends with Bill and he was even complimentary on the underside of my 80 Series. He said that it resembled a Defender!
Well come to find out, working on your vehicle in the street is very common.
It wasn't very hard to determine my problem.....
Here is why you drive a Toyota in Central America, parts availability. I went down to the local parts house and they had front and rears brake pads for my Land Cruiser for a total of $38.00 U.S.D. Not sure where they were made, but don't really care. Out of all the spare parts I brought, I boneheaded the brake pads:costumed-smiley-007
Since we are about to embark on a 10 day jungle/mud run from Belize back to Flores Guatemala we thought we should get all of the rigs checked out.
This is not a Mountain Khakis Ad, but Paul May looking for a distinct rattle.
While at Bill's shop we were introduced to James Browns newest creation, a 69' Series IIA. It will actually be finished from a full body off restoration this week and I can't wait to photograph it.
They just put the body back on and are on the windows now.
I love the simplicity of the old petrol engine going back into James new ride!
Last edited:
benedmonson
Disabled Adventurer
Team Equipt's "Expedition Mundo Maya"
While in Antigua we thought it would be a wonderful time to act like a truistico! What a fund place to hang out in, explore and just people watch.:ylsmoke:
For those who have never been here it is located in the Central Highlands and the name means "Antique." The name is very befitting for a city that was fondued in 1524 and was the third capitol for Guatemala. The city was destroyed on Sept. 11th, 1541 (what is it with 9-11) by an eruption of the neighboring Volcán de Agua. Antigua's luck with natural disasters was not good as it was hit by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake on Sept. 29, 1717 that destroyed over 3000 buildings. It was said at the time that the 100 square block town had over 100 church's at the time and most if not all were completely destroyed.
After another earthquake in 1773 the capital was moved to modern day Guatemala City. Today a lot of the churches that were destroyed by the earthquakes still lay in ruin and provide a beautiful foreground to the surrounding volcanos.
The Cathedral on the Plaza is overlooked by the 3,765 meter Agua Volcano.
The fountain on the Plaza, no she is not a "Fembot!"
The Plaza is a great place to take in the culture and sunshine, but beware the local peddlers are thick and will not take "No Gracias" for an answer!:sombrero:
On a side note we did buy a beautiful necklace from this very nice guatemalan for about $8 U.S.D.
Alternate view of the Cathedral.
The architectural details in this city are pretty neat and they are everywhere.
Paul and Beverly laying out our walking plans while sipping on a local Mojito.
This is for Beverly's mother to show her that our trip is not all about mud chains, snakes and spiders, guy stuff or working under the truck....:ylsmoke:
You could spend days just shooting really cool doorways. Of course this is typical of most larger Central American cities.
This is how most local's travel and they are really comfortable doing so.
those who don't take the bus choose to do it the old reliable way! A local family on the way to market.
More Antigua to follow.......
While in Antigua we thought it would be a wonderful time to act like a truistico! What a fund place to hang out in, explore and just people watch.:ylsmoke:
For those who have never been here it is located in the Central Highlands and the name means "Antique." The name is very befitting for a city that was fondued in 1524 and was the third capitol for Guatemala. The city was destroyed on Sept. 11th, 1541 (what is it with 9-11) by an eruption of the neighboring Volcán de Agua. Antigua's luck with natural disasters was not good as it was hit by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake on Sept. 29, 1717 that destroyed over 3000 buildings. It was said at the time that the 100 square block town had over 100 church's at the time and most if not all were completely destroyed.
After another earthquake in 1773 the capital was moved to modern day Guatemala City. Today a lot of the churches that were destroyed by the earthquakes still lay in ruin and provide a beautiful foreground to the surrounding volcanos.
The Cathedral on the Plaza is overlooked by the 3,765 meter Agua Volcano.
The fountain on the Plaza, no she is not a "Fembot!"
The Plaza is a great place to take in the culture and sunshine, but beware the local peddlers are thick and will not take "No Gracias" for an answer!:sombrero:
On a side note we did buy a beautiful necklace from this very nice guatemalan for about $8 U.S.D.
Alternate view of the Cathedral.
The architectural details in this city are pretty neat and they are everywhere.
Paul and Beverly laying out our walking plans while sipping on a local Mojito.
This is for Beverly's mother to show her that our trip is not all about mud chains, snakes and spiders, guy stuff or working under the truck....:ylsmoke:
You could spend days just shooting really cool doorways. Of course this is typical of most larger Central American cities.
This is how most local's travel and they are really comfortable doing so.
those who don't take the bus choose to do it the old reliable way! A local family on the way to market.
More Antigua to follow.......
Living the life guys and gal.
Can't wait to see more pics Ben, especially as you all embark into la jungla!
Can't wait to see more pics Ben, especially as you all embark into la jungla!