This morning's ruins visit ... on horseback

With pics, it's easier to give less color commentary, and let the pics speak for themselves.

Pray for more pics, then, Folks :-)

I stuffed myself silly, again, and got picked up at my hotel.  About 20 minutes to Hanna Stables.  My horse -- "The Chosen One" -- was awfully handsome.

My guide, William, was a nice looking fellow (18 y/o), too, but not quite so much my type :-)

The ride out TO the ruins was probably 1.5hrs.  William was very mindful of his charge, and took it pretty easy on the trails.

Until I didn't.  The Chosen One had no problem running, so ... I'd take off periodically, and race William to the next river crossing (there were a couple).

The terrain was rolling hills, with single-track trails through forests and large properties owned by fairly wealthy Belizean industrialists.  And one little jaunt through town.  And one little river crossing where we had to board a hand-cranked ferry (and were the only ones on horseback on the thing).

The vistas were beautiful.

We had to tie off the horses at the park entrance, so I walked up to ... whatever this one was called.  It's well excavated, really beautifully presented, and -- other than the late arrival of a group of American college-aged kids, yelling and screaming to each other -- including lots of obscenities -- from temple top to temple top -- it was a pretty magnificent site.

The mansion I photographed is alleged to be owned by some "Bega family --" yet another one of the Belizean elite.  Nice digs.  Nice view.

William was a little more quick to run the horses on the way back, so we had a really nice time (and cut the ride time WAY down, but ... no complaint !)

It's the siesta hour, here in Central America.  Don't think I'll nap, but I WILL have to wash my pants.  They have saddle and horse all over them.

And that's not a complaint, either.

This afternoon should just be an around-town stretch.  I think I'll taxi, tomorrow, over to that Benque Viejo del Camen de la Whatever It Is, and spend 4-5 days there.  It's alleged to be a chill, friendly town with nothing spectacular to offer, other than shorter access to the same eco-tourism features that I already saw.

But I like towns like that.  Friendly people.  Nice restaurants.  Lower average costs.

The hotel I picked has an erstwhile Spa.  They do massages.  What can I say ?  I'm a hedonist, and my body's ready to take a little salutary abuse.  I've also been feeling a little horse ;-)

So ... the pics .... from the Belizean Equestrian Stables Tenants (B.E.S.T.) of ... The Gulag.

Guide, William, posing with a Black Orchid.

I didn't ask.  I just took the picture :-)

Nice house !

Sorry.  Editing is tough for me :-)

William, cinching up the saddle on The Chosen One -- my trusty steed.