2010 BMAF Book of Mormon Lands Tour


2010 BMAF Book of Mormon Lands Tour

February, 2010


 
 

 
Teachers Strike

As we began our bus trip from the airport at Flores, the road was blocked by these small three wheeled taxis as part of the nation wide teachers strike.

 
Negotiations Failed

After trying to get them to let us through, we had to back up and make a detour around the area.


 
Ferry

Our first stopping point on the trip was on the ferry to take us across the Pasion River. Note the guard with the shotgun.  Most stores and places with valuables had an armed guard.

Bus leaving the ferry
Note the rough uphill surface the bus and a small truck had to unload to.
 
 
 
Water Taxis

In the town of Sayaxache

Loading our boat

Beginning our one hour boat trip up the river to El Ceibal.

 
This boat held 25 people

It was nice that it had a sun shade.

Gentle, sloping trail to CEIBAL

That's what we were told it was.

 

Ryan explains
the significance of stela #3 at El Ceibal
 
Some of the glyphs on a stelae
First view

of ruins of El Ceibal

Excavating

A very tedious job for native workers

Stelae 4

 
Close up
glyphs on stelae 4
 

 
Reconstruction

Workers reconstruct a section of ruins

 
Relief side view of warrior

 
Main structure of site

 
Scale model of site
Most areas of the site have not been mapped or restored.
 
Roots of the giant Ceiba tree

The national tree of Mexico and prototype of the tree of life


 
Reflections on the Pasion River

Pulling up to the trail to Cancuen
 
Ball Court at Cancuen

Cancuen was a major city during the Classic Period and a major trade center in Jade, Pyrite and Obsidian.  It's strategic position on the Rio Pasion helped it dominate trade in the region.   Taj Chan Ahk built the city's palace in 770 A.D.  It covered nearly 23,000 square meters and was the largest in the Maya area.  It had two ball courts a market place and a dock on the Pasion River.

 Steps of a secondary building
 
Sacred reservoir possibly for washings
 
Giant Steps to the Main Plaza
 
 
Steps to the main palace
 
Glyphs in Palace
 
Candelaria Caves
 

 
Hotel at Chisec
Although the hotel is several years old, it is still a work in progress.  The top level is not finished and some not filled in.
 

 At the Coban Mall
Mountain Clouds as we approach Coban
 
Restaurant at the hotel in Coban
Finca Valpariso
Earlier owned by Cordell Anderson
Proposed by Ric Hauck as the narrow pass
 
Trench Warfare

One of many trenches strategically placed throughout the narrow pass.

Ric lectures at Valpariso
 

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