Team Equipt's "Central America Expedition" [Archive]

benedmonson

12-07-2011, 04:18 PM

We here at Equipt Expedition Outfitters are preparing our lists and checking them twice! Paul May, Beverly Edmonson and myself will be leaving for a two month trip down into the jungles of Central America Dec. 29th 2011. Accompanying us will be our two 4 legged friends "Jackson" the border collie and "Desi" the black lab. We will be taking Paul's 98 100 Series Land Cruiser and our 97 80 Series Land Cruiser otherwise known as "Lucy."
Our loose itinerary is very loose:
1. Our plans are to drive hard and head south down the Gulf of Mexico until we get Chiapas where we will visit Palenque and San Cristobal as well as other surrounding areas.
2. We will be joining James & Angela Brown on the "Ruins & Rainforests" No Limit Expedition from Jan. 14th-23rd. We will arrive at their home in Antigua a few days early to prepare the trucks and hangout in a beautiful Guatemalan city. Video from last trip: http://www.nolimitx.com/no-limit-expeditions-details.php?Belize-Guatemala---Jan-14---23-2012-SOLD-OUT-7
3. Next we will have a little more than a week to play around in the Peten before heading up Cancun to pick up Heather May for 2 weeks of fun in the sand! We will be camping and visiting white sandy Gold Coast Beaches, Cenote's and Mayan Ruins all over Quintana Roo and Yucatan.
4. We will then head down to Costa De Cocos (http://www.costadecocos.com/) for some world class Bone, Tarpon and Permit fishing on the fly. David and Ilana are great hosts at this Jimmy Buffet like palapa style lodge right on the Caribbean Sea...
5. Who Knows???

Suggestions or comments gladly accepted......:sombrero:

cruiseroutfit

12-07-2011, 04:57 PM

Very jealous!

Spent a few weeks in Guatemala years ago and would love to go back, be safe down there and enjoy the trip!

RMP&O

12-07-2011, 05:05 PM

Sounds fun!

Make sure you have all the right documnets for your dogs. USDA APHIS form is the most important. It takes some time to get it back from the USDA so do not slack on this till the last minute.

I suggest you stop off at the Caves Branch in Belize. It is right along the Hummingbird HWY between Dangriga and Belmopan. If you like outdoor stuff you will not be disappointed there. If you want to do something really exciting in Belize, contact Island Expeditions. The river trips they do down the MoHo River is outstanding, one of the funnest trips I have done in Belize. If you are scuba divers, Off The Wall located on the Glovers Reef Atoll is hard to beat. They only accept very small groups and you stay on a 10ish acre island that is a true eco-resort. A week out there will run over $1,000 though. Jim and Kendra who run Off The Wall are outstanding people though and their island paradise is well worth a visit.

A really great drive in Guatemala is the Pan Am from Antigua to the Mexico border. You can do this drive easily in one day but I would plan on at least 2 days (or more) so you have a chance to see a lot. Sunday is the best day to be on top of the mountains as that is when the market is. If you are in eastern Guatemala I also highly recommend a stop at Finca Ixobel which is near the town of Poptun. It is an awesome place and a good stop off for the night if you are headed north or south in eastern Guatemala. Rio Dulce is a more popular stop in eastern Guatemala but I found Finca Ixobel to be an outstanding place tha is very cheap. If you like rum, well then trying Zacapa while in Guatemala is a must. I think it is some of the best rum on the planet.

Down the Gulf Coast can be tricky, at least without GPS. If you have GPS or the Mexico Atlas it shouldn't be to hard. Really watch out for cops around Veracruz & Tampico. Both cities can be bypassed but the bypasses are not clearly marked and easily missed. If you hit the border at Brownsvile early a good stop for the first night is along the Emerald Coast. Or you can make it almost to Veracruz in the first day if you push really hard. Comitan is also a great place to stay in Chiapas with lot's of good cheap accomidations. Or of course San Cristobal is nice too. If yo have a little time in Southern Mexico, it is just a half day or so drive to the Mex200 and the Pacific coast. Well worth a visit to Puerto Escondido and surrounding areas and easy to kill a few days or more here.

Have fun, stay safe and do a trip report! ;)

Dgurley2000

12-07-2011, 05:26 PM

Sounds like a fun trip!

mep1811

12-07-2011, 06:36 PM

I'd start reading the Border Beat and Blog del Narco to get intell on current Narco Terrorist situation. Also keep in mind that there is no such thing as rule of law or legitimate security forces just two different sides on the Narco war.

Equipt

12-07-2011, 07:52 PM

Great information guys. Thanks for the insight. We're getting pretty excited about this adventure. Our travels down the Baja Peninsula last January gave us the bug to make it an annual activity for us. Heading to Central America made sense. I am really looking forward to experiencing this region. The sites and history of the area is quite intriguing to me, and I am looking forward to some jungle travel as well. We will be posting a great deal, and actually producing our January newsletter "The Sojournal" while we are down there. Please sign up on our site, if you haven't already. We are going to try to Spot post our location live too.

Keep the suggestions coming. They are much appreciated. Right now, it is vehicle prep time! Lot of little things to sort out. My largest prep task is changing out all the major hoses on the truck. I have a little over 237K, and haven't changed a hose yet. At least that I remember. Plus a full shake down of vehicle, to hopefully mitigate any "middle of nowhere" vehicle experiences. Also dialing in a bunch of new gear. We are taking a complete Snow Peak set up with us this year. We love the quality, and we'll put it through the long distance test.

Cheers,

Dgurley2000

12-07-2011, 08:01 PM

Right now, it is vehicle prep time! Lot of little things to sort out.

Cheers,

Paul - are you taking your vehicle on the Ruins and Rainforests trip? If so, what tire are you planning on using?

Equipt

12-07-2011, 08:06 PM

Hi David,

Yes, we are tagging along at the back of the group. I am running BFG All-Terrains, 295-75-16s. I believe they will be fine. We'll see.

Cheers,

Dgurley2000

12-07-2011, 08:16 PM

Hi David,

Yes, we are tagging along at the back of the group. I am running BFG All-Terrains, 295-75-16s. I believe they will be fine. We'll see.

Cheers,

That's good to know. From what I was reading it sounded like mud terrain tires make the going a lot easier on the jungle tracks.

6string

12-07-2011, 08:27 PM

David, I'll have the same tire as Paul in a 315/70r17. Hopeful things dry out: I hear it's still very wet right now. We may not make it too far into the jungle on our trip! :snorkel:

Paul, Ben et al: Safe travels, gents. We'll be in touch. Hopefully we bump into y'all.

benedmonson

12-07-2011, 08:33 PM

That's good to know. From what I was reading it sounded like mud terrain tires make the going a lot easier on the jungle tracks.

David,
You will be very pleased with your Mud Terrains on the jungle route. We are running All Terrains because that is what we already have installed. If I was shoeing "Lucy" just for this trip I'd go KM2's!

benedmonson

12-07-2011, 08:36 PM

Dgurley2000

12-07-2011, 08:39 PM

How long are you guys going to be down there? Maybe we will bump into your group!

Crossing TX/MX border on 12/18/2011, returning 01/06/2012

I'll have my mobile with me and we should coordinate a meet-up if possible.

NoLimitX

12-07-2011, 08:55 PM

Ben..I'll send you an email regarding your tires. Judging by the last trail we ran in Belize (last week) the all terrains will have there work cut out for them, the Peten is still going to be very wet and the ruts huge. Now just hurry up and get down here!
77671 77673 As you can see the KM2's are totally caked.

Equipt

12-07-2011, 09:02 PM

Hey James! CC me on that email, please.

Thanks,

RMP&O

12-07-2011, 09:21 PM

benedmonson

12-07-2011, 11:28 PM

FYI, a great option for agressive tires for the muddy jungle sections yet still keeping the BFGs is tire chains. Will only cost $300-400 for a good set. A bit heavy and bulky to carry but allows you to use the BFGs for most of the trip which is a very good all around tire. Then chain up for the jungle off-roading. All the guys in the Panama 4x4 club run chains even if they have boggers. Believe it or not the chains will work excellent in the mud.

Thanks for the tire chain tip! I've never used them. What brands to look at? Also thanks for your previous post that was full of info. My All Terrains have 41K on them so a little life left in them and the chains could be perfect!

endo

12-08-2011, 12:08 AM

RUD-Chains

NoLimitX

12-08-2011, 12:17 AM

Chains still clot in the thick clay...they will help a bit, the lockers will go along way as well. Don't worry though those photos of the Defenders pulling out the LC's will be priceless!

Equipt

12-08-2011, 12:23 AM

endo

12-08-2011, 12:30 AM

Chains still clot in the thick clay...they will help a bit, the lockers will go along way as well. Don't worry though those photos of the Defenders pulling out the LC's will be priceless!
I agree, thick clay will clog them just like AT's, no substitute for lockers and good mud tires. but in a pinch they are better than nothing, plus they are fun to put on and take off (wink) It will be just like the VT rally, Ben can give you some pointers Paul.

RMP&O

12-08-2011, 03:57 AM

My buddy David with chains on his SOA FJ60....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMKG31QLr9Y&feature=related

Another one, here you can see tires are clogged but still helping a bit...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB03JVwfEDk&feature=related

I am not famliar with Rud but any old heavy duty set of chains should work. There is a bunch more videos on youtube of the Panama 4x4 Club and them using chains....

cheers

RMP&O

12-08-2011, 04:05 AM

And a good picture of Davids FJ60 with the chains on...

http://4x4panama.com/foro/attachment.php?attachmentid=1504&d=1293505210

cruiseroutfit

12-08-2011, 04:11 AM

Pablo, remind me what size tires you running. I have some 33" and 35" tire chains here your welcome to drag along for the ride, LMK

Equipt

12-08-2011, 12:53 PM

Ben can give you some pointers Paul.

I do believe there will be a learning curve. The south west landscape doesn't offer much opportunity for mud like there is back east or down south. I am looking forward to the experience

Kurt, I might take you up on that. I have a full set of chains, but I believe they are for 35's or 315's. Not sure if they will adjust down. If not, I will give you a buzz.

Cheers,

upcountry

12-08-2011, 01:48 PM

Sounds like a great trip - I am EXTREMELY jealous.

Suggestions:

1) Dont bring too much gear - less is more in Central America. You make yourself a target by showing off your "stuff". I have been guilty of this but over time learned to trravel with a daypack, a sheet, and two changes of clothes and some basic food items like canned tuna and sardines.

2) Make sure you park the truck and get out on foot and take a few buses. The culture is rich and your not going to expereicne it very well from behind a window.

3) Don't just hang out with others like you, be outgoing and meet some locals. Getting out of the truck will help you accomplish this. Instead of staying at a hostel or hotel, ask around in town for a place to stay - store owners or clerks are a good place to ask. Someones backyard is a great option when you get to meet their family and friends too.

4)If you dont speak spanish, learn, or focus the trip on Beleize where they speak a dialect of english (Beleize was a British colony untill 1981 when it gained solidarity).

5)You dont need a heavily modified vehicle to get around and get into the backcountry - during my 3 years in the Peace Corps in Panama all we had were state department 80 series and 100 series cruisers and they were stock with MTs. They got stuck sometimes but that is part of it. Hardly any of the locals have modified vehicles and they can get into most places where the dirt tracks go.

6) Watch out for malaria, botflies, aemeboic dissentary, etc..... May want to bring some cloroquine with you to take to avoid Malaria. We saw lots of Malaria in Panama while we were there, Beleize has a history of it too.

7) Dont worry too much about safety and security. It is what it is. In my time down there I only have three really bad experiences which are paert of the adventure. I have only been robbed once. With the police, just make sure you smile and stay up-beat, dont argue but dont agree. I had diplomatic immunity in Panama so cant speak to that there, they simple let you go after showing them your "Funcion Administrativa" ID card from the State Department. Haha.

8) If you go to Beleize, I strongly suggest reading this book to get an idea of what the Country is all about, problems it has overcome, and the cultures within: The Making of Belize: Globalization in the Margins by Anne Sutherland.

As a qualifier I have spent several years in Panama, almost a year in Beleize, and several months in Costa Rica between 1999-2003.

Enjoy. You are NOT going to want to come back.

benedmonson

12-08-2011, 10:17 PM

upcountry

12-08-2011, 10:58 PM

Hope I dont come across as telling you how it is or as arrogant. I have never driven there like you (maybe) have/are? I am sure you are more than capable and already practice the suggestions I listed, pretty much traveler 101.

I just love Central America and the culture. I'll be quiet and just jealously read posts and updates from your trip while I sit here at work!

Ruined Adventures

12-10-2011, 01:10 AM

Ben, sounds like you have a great trip planned. It will be fun to read the report afterwards!

Make sure you have all the right documnets for your dogs. USDA APHIS form is the most important. It takes some time to get it back from the USDA so do not slack on this till the last minute.
RMP&O, how long would you expect the turnaround time to be for the USDA APHIS?

trailsurfer

12-10-2011, 03:42 AM

Paul and Ben,

I just got back from riding my motorcycle from Durango, CO to Panama. I rode down through Baja and then followed the Pacific coast the all the way down. It sounds like you all are going down the Caribbean side, but if you would like any info, please let me know.

Mike

RMP&O

12-10-2011, 06:23 AM

Ben, sounds like you have a great trip planned. It will be fun to read the report afterwards!

RMP&O, how long would you expect the turnaround time to be for the USDA APHIS?

This very much depends on your state USDA office but mine does it in less then 10 days. I suggest you fax them the form after your vet fills it out to make sure it meets their criteria. If you send it to them and they don't like it, you have to do it all over again. If you fax it to them and they say it is good then you mail off the hard copy. You also want the USDA to stamp and certify your rabies vac cert form. These two forms are all you really need but I also take a full vet history on my dog, proof of treatment for mites/ticks/fleas, a proof of ownership and a few other forms. Mexico doesn't care about any of it, most of CA does. Taking your dog into Belize will cost $50 per dog.

RMP&O

12-10-2011, 06:35 AM

The one thing we are looking heavily into is the proper papers needed to take our dog across the Belize and Guatemala borders. This is proving to be a small problem as Guatemala looks as if they take a long time to approve things once you have jumped through many loop holes to get your pet in legally.

Not true about Guatemala. Absolutely no problem, in fact very fast, painless and cheap (maybe free I don't recall since I crossed so many borders). I actually recall at least one Guatemala border crossing where they didn't care one bit about my dog permit, however I have had to show the docs to police who have stopped me in the country. Have the right docs and forms and it is faster and easier then the truck permit at most CA borders. El Amitillo & Belize are the only borders I ever crossed where they did a visual inspection of the dog by the on duty AG officer. At the border simply ask where the AG office is, walk in with your docs and say "necesito un permiso para mi perro." They stamp them, might charge a small fee and you are on your way.

Take percautions for your dogs if you take them. Make sure they are up to date on rabies (required anyways), heartworm, kennel cough and a few others. Take stuff to treat your dog on the road for mange, ticks, cuts, diarrhea, vomiting, wounds and so forth. Be a responsible pet owner! :)

I have had my dog get mange, kennel cough and a few other things while on the road with him. Seven months traveling in Latin America with my dog, something is bound to happen. I have found vets in Latin America to be very good though, as good as my vet here in the USA who I have used for 14yrs. And Latin vets are dirt cheap! ;)

Equipt

12-11-2011, 12:01 PM

Trail Monkey

12-11-2011, 12:49 PM

UP Yurs Paul... Have a great Time...!

RMP&O

12-11-2011, 06:07 PM

Thanks for all the advice. It sure is helpful. I did a little digging on the Guatemala Embassy site, and found a document saying that we have to get the USDA certified US vet health certificates authenticated through the Embassy or closest Consulate of Guatemala. So I called to see where that was. The Embassy forwarded me to the Denver Consulate. I called them, explaining my plan. They said that the authentication was unnecessary and the US vet health certificates would be plenty. I guess we take their word for it.

Take my word for it too, it is not necessary. On my first trip my final destination was Panama so I had the Panamanian cosulate stamp my papers before I entered Mexico, in San Diego. Sure it was nice to have that extra stamp and certification but was not required at all. In fact when I did hit the border for Panama, I still had to pay a small bribe! The AG guys do not know all the rules for a dog. The consulates are not going to have accurate up to date info too. Every time I have talked to a consulate they told me I needed things that never mattered. A lot of what you will be told is for people who fly down with their dog or are moving to the country with their dog. Last time I went to Panama I skipped the consulate stamp, it made no difference at all. All you need is the USDA form filled out by your vet and stamped by the USDA plus a rabies certificate also stamped by the USDA. Make sure the dogs get a rabies vac right now even if they had one in the last 6 months. The newest date rabies vac is the one you want the USDA to certify.

I gather from talking to my vet that they can create the certificate at their office for us. If I understand your comments correctly, the vet office cannot stamp the documents though. That has to happen by the USDA at their office?

Yes your vet should have the USDA APHIS form. Most vets will have not likely filled one out in a long time if ever though! If they don't have the form get it from the USDA, it is a cabron copy of like 4 sheets. Since your vet may be unsure exactly how to fill it out and since the USDA can be picky, this is why I suggested faxing it off before mailing. Plus you are on a time limit here if I am not mistaken so a botched form will delay you.

Here's another fun item. The research I did on Mexico stated that the examination had to be within 72 hours of entering Mexico. Right.

Cheers,

Mexico doesn't care about dogs at all. Even if you ask at the border they won't tell you to do anything. I don't ask now, I just bring my dog into Mexico. You will have the forms so if somebody hassels you (a cop) you are covered. A cop tried to bribe me once in Tampico over my dog but I refused him since I had all the right docs even though they had no Mexico stamps on them. The police officer had no idea he was just trying to use my dog as a way to bribe me. If you read up on the internet (gov websites, consulates, ect) it tells you when you bring your dog back into the USA the pet has to have another recent rabies vac. That is not true. Twice now I have come back into the USA with my dog, the last time I told the officers I was out of the country for 4 months with my dog. Both times the USA border side officers said nothing other then take him for a walk and let him pee on the lawn over there while we search your truck. :)

So don't worry. Just get the docs you need and the other ones I mention in previous posts if you can. You are really only going to need the docs for Belize, Guatemala doesn't care although it does vary border to border and who you talk to at borders. If they want you to go stamp the docs at the AG office, no biggie. Watch out for scams at the Guatemala border depending on which one you cross. I know somebody who was scammed and then robbed at the border along the Pacific Coast over car insurance. I was scammed entering Belize from Mexico. Chances are though you will not encounter this.

Oh and take about 5 copies of all the documents. Yes you can get copies at borders but it is just simply better to carry some copies. You will be all set and will have a great time with your dogs down there!

Buddy in Baja....

http://www.rmp-o.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=7566&g2_serialNumber=2
http://www.rmp-o.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=7635&g2_serialNumber=2

Here is Buddy leaving Belize and entering Eastern Guatemala....

http://www.rmp-o.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=7953&g2_serialNumber=2

Buddy on the road...

http://www.rmp-o.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=8010&g2_serialNumber=2

Buddy off the coast of Panama heading out to camp on an island for a week...

http://www.rmp-o.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=14837&g2_serialNumber=2

Buddy in Costa Rica...

http://www.rmp-o.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=14702&g2_serialNumber=2

Buddy in Antigua Guatemala....

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/165005_1248717115986_1771228273_434769_8163241_n.j pg

Buddy in Honduras...

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/198558_1326642904082_1771228273_539539_4756683_n.j pg

and Buddy in Panama....

http://hphotos-sea1.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/199808_1326641904057_1771228273_539537_7210154_n.j pg

Here are my friends Ben & Megan with their two little girls and two large dogs! This is right after they entered the USA and after spending more then 3 months with the family plus dogs living in Costa Rica.

http://www.rmp-o.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=8392&g2_serialNumber=2

Buddy has spent more then 7 months on the road in Latin America in the last several years. ;)

RMP&O

12-11-2011, 06:13 PM

Oh and last thing...if you want to take advantage of the dogs being your vehicle security which they very much are that....make a sign and put it in the window(s) that says "Cuidado con el perro" which means beware of dog. Since you are spending time in Belize I would have it in spanish and english. That is what I did. This sign along with the dogs will keep people away from your truck like nothing else! ;)

womacje

12-12-2011, 11:25 PM

What a great trip! I'm jealous and I haven't even seen one of Ben's stunning photos yet. If you trip brings you on the ferry to Baja on the way back, let me know.

Have fun and see at the Expo at the latest.

Jeremy

gjackson

12-13-2011, 11:43 PM

benedmonson

12-14-2011, 04:32 PM

Paul, Ben,

Looking forward to it! Angela just got my flights for Ruins & Rainforests sorted. James and I have a great route planned that may involve some pretty heavy jungle work. Make sure your winches work.

cheers

Graham

Graham, just checked and the winch does work! As a matter of fact it has never even been unspooled. I also got in the MAXTRAX yesterday and have been playing with the mounting a bit:

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Land%20Cruiser%20Build/MaxTrax-01.jpg

Traveling Mode

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Land%20Cruiser%20Build/MaxTrax-02.jpg

Jungle Mode

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Land%20Cruiser%20Build/XMAS-01.jpg

Assorted Snow Peak goodies that I got in from the www.Equipt1.com ferry yesterday....

Dgurley2000

12-14-2011, 04:37 PM

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Land%20Cruiser%20Build/MaxTrax-01.jpg

Assorted Snow Peak goodies that I got in from the www.Equipt1.com ferry yesterday....

Looks like you're ready, Ben! How tall is you aluminum box? Does it sit flush with your RTT?

benedmonson

12-14-2011, 04:39 PM

Yes David, my Alu-Box is flush with my Eezi-Awn Roof Top Tent. We will see how I fair in the jungle with all of the vines, you will have fun with your setup too!!

Dgurley2000

12-15-2011, 05:22 AM

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Land%20Cruiser%20Build/MaxTrax-01.jpg

Ben - just notice you won't have room for a handy-dandy Trasharoo with your MaxTrax :)

Ray Hyland

12-15-2011, 05:24 AM

I think the trasharoo will fit over top.

benedmonson

12-15-2011, 10:06 PM

I think the trasharoo will fit over top.

Paul is carrying our designated "Trasharoo" on his 100 Series, so we are covered! I'm going to be mounting my Front Runner Tire Step in the next few days and then only have to figure out how to mount my shovel......

Dgurley2000

12-15-2011, 11:03 PM

only have to figure out how to mount my shovel...... I heard FrontRunner has a spade mount. Let me know if you need a point-of-contact :)

6string

12-15-2011, 11:35 PM

:xxrotflma

benedmonson

12-16-2011, 12:10 AM

@6 String & Dfurley2000, you 2 funny guys:) BTW Both of you be safe and have a blast on your trip south leaving in a couple of day!!! Keep us posted.....

womacje

12-16-2011, 04:22 AM

benedmonson

12-16-2011, 04:35 AM

78503

That is where I carried my MAXTRAX while trying to make Imogene Pass this last fall. I used them so often that it didn't make sense to remount them on the rack every time, so they lived at the junction of hood and bullbar.

My shovel, was used even more, and that was shoved in between my trasharoo and the spare. Think Shovel holster, I got to be quite the quick draw.

Jeremy

Nice setup Jeremy! I love that long climb you are on there right to the top of Imogene, 13,115? As for my MAXTRAX, I'm sure once we get into the mud the traction devices will ride where ever I throw them in between "Bogs." Just trying to get them secure for the several thousand mile trip to the real starting point! It's kind of like when we shot the BTL episode in British Columbia, after one or two winching scenarios we just started wrapping the line around our ARB Bull Bars so we didn't have to burn the battery spooling in and out so much......

womacje

12-17-2011, 12:18 AM

Nice setup Jeremy! I love that long climb you are on there right to the top of Imogene, 13,115? As for my MAXTRAX, I'm sure once we get into the mud the traction devices will ride where ever I throw them in between "Bogs." Just trying to get them secure for the several thousand mile trip to the real starting point! It's kind of like when we shot the BTL episode in British Columbia, after one or two winching scenarios we just started wrapping the line around our ARB Bull Bars so we didn't have to burn the battery spooling in and out so much......
I like your strap thru the spare wheel technique, very nice! That last climb on Imogene whooped me. I never made the pass, too much snow. Backing down that with a trailer sucked!

Jeremy

benedmonson

12-17-2011, 03:37 PM

Looks like we may be entering through Laredo instead of Brownsville, TX. Seems the Gulf road down Mexico is quite sketchy right now especially around Tampico. Was reading some of Mexico Mike's stuff last night and now thinking about a mountain route south, maybe more interesting. We will be watching Wes and David's progress as they left yesterday and are somewhat doing a shorter version of our trip, we wish them well!

RMP&O

12-17-2011, 08:41 PM

Dgurley2000

12-18-2011, 03:50 PM

We will be watching Wes and David's progress as they left yesterday and are somewhat doing a shorter version of our trip, we wish them well!

We are waiting in the line at Laredo bridge ii. Lots of folks heading home for Christmas!
http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd0a23-19cb-3291.jpg

6string

12-18-2011, 04:06 PM

Lots of paisanos loaded with gifts all headed home for the holidays. Traffic suck? Sure. But at least we overlanders don't stand out too much amongst the multitude of other trucks with crap strapped all over them! :D This also means that there are lots of fellow Americans on the road south with us today.

All is well. Mexico is open for adventure!

Will check back in soon.

---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=27.496556,-99.493234
Sent from Tapatalk.

cruiseroutfit

12-18-2011, 04:42 PM

Paul, got my tire chains out of storage. Looks like I have a set for 33" and a set for 35", your welcome to either. I'll followup with a call this week.

Equipt

12-23-2011, 11:42 PM

Hey Kurt.

Thanks for loaning me that set of chains. Hopefully they work out. I am sure they will.

I thought is was time I start to share some of the vehicle preparations. We worked on the back end a bit. Some of the goodies are a new ARB bumper with dual tire swing outs. We added the Max Trax, Trash a roo, and a shovel mount. Turned out pretty good.
79306
79307
79308

The shovel mount was a custom job I came up with. The Max Trax are hanging from a proto type hanger that Ben Meddows loaned me for the trip. Rear wheel steps too.

Cheers,

Equipt

12-24-2011, 10:13 PM

Up front we fabricated some limb risers for the jungle fun we anticipate in Guatemala. The trick was that the Sahara Bumper on the 100 didn't have the higher bar surrounding the head lights. So I put together something that I believe will work for the trip. It isn't the prettiest thing in the world, but I think it will work for the trip.

5/8" threaded rod, sleeved with 5/8" ID tubing, nutted top and bottom, then braced back into the engine compartment at the intersection of the radiator apron and the inner fender wall. It is really a stout mounting. I can't use the hood with the risers on, but they are designed to come off in less than a minute if necessary. We'll see how they do.

7936179363

Cheers,

womacje

12-25-2011, 04:14 AM

Well resolved Paul! Very clean and simple, not to mention stout.

Equipt

12-25-2011, 09:24 PM

There were a couple things that needed to be addressed on the truck, other than bolting on new goodies. The main one was that not one hose on the truck has been replaced in 12 years and 237K miles. Pretty cool to say, but I'd rather address this here than there. So, a wholesale replacement of the hoses took place. With the help of my friend Will Carroll, we replaced all the coolant lines on the truck, and changed out the coolant.

79390

I also had a full transmission flush, had the drivelines balanced and replaced all the u-joints. A oil change and tire rotate/balance will happen once we return from our Montana Christmas run. New fog lights and turn signal lights were put in the front bumper. The K&N filter was cleaned and coated too.

We are taking along a spare ignition coil, a new fuel filter, and a spare set of front brake pads just in case.

Cheers,

RMP&O

12-25-2011, 10:19 PM

you may want to carry some spare bulbs too, at the least. Take the K&N kit with you, no reason you can't clean the filter on the road. And where you are going, you may need to.

Equipt

12-26-2011, 02:08 AM

Great idea. Will do.

Cheers,

6string

12-29-2011, 01:26 AM

Equipt

12-29-2011, 11:07 AM

OK, let's do this. Leaving Salt Lake City this morning. I have our Spot tracking on. You can follow us at this link.

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=06fOFUFNhJH7Z6uQ05W8USO58LRAynQ 7j

Cheers,

98roamer

12-29-2011, 12:35 PM

Be careful and enjoy, we'll be watching!

TACODOC

12-29-2011, 01:43 PM

:lurk:

AFSOC

12-29-2011, 02:08 PM

Tracking Have a great time. Post progress and photos as often as you can. Be safe

pskhaat

12-29-2011, 03:20 PM

Moderator how do we get this moved to "In Progress Adventure?" or start new thread?

Moved. Look forward to frequent updates here :)

rhyary

12-29-2011, 03:46 PM

subscribed
Have fun Paul and company

Rami

benedmonson

12-30-2011, 12:48 AM

It's official, Beverly, Jackson and myself are on the road and headed to rendezvous with Paul May in McAllen, TX tomorrow!:sombrero: We decided to dodge the Houston Lead Flying competition and make our first camp just outside of town at "El Campo La Quinta."
Also, from now on the trip will be officially called "Expedition Mundo Maya" in honor of the the long count Mayan calendar coming to an end in 2012. Team Equipt will be visiting many Mayan ruins, beaches and fly fishing spots in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize over the next 7-8 weeks. We will also be joining James and Angela Brown for the "Rainforest & Ruins Tour" from Jan. 14th-24th.
For now we start our trip south by entering at Reynosa New Years Eve and doing an on-road/offroad route thru the Sierra Madres all the way to San Miguel de Allende that was put together by our good friend Scott Brown. From there we are thinking about heading to the coast of Oaxaca and getting some beach time before entering Guatemala. Our goal is to be in Antigua Jan. 9th and we are very excited to see this city in person.
We will be updating as much as possible and you can follow us here on our SPOT:http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=06fOFUFNhJH7Z6uQ05W8USO58LRAynQ 7j

benedmonson

12-30-2011, 01:55 AM

Ready for y'all to get here! Hurry up already! ;)

David et al are in Chiapas. Emily and I are in Guatemala. All is well. His crew and ours will re-link in the coming days.

Hope to see your convoy come through this week sometime! We'll be flexible.

Buen viaje, amigos!

Sent from Tapatalk.

Hope you guys are having a blast! Are you still going to do Rio Azul and I assume with David??? We cross over Saturday morning and will hopefully hook up with you guys for a beer on our way down. We will have a better feel for our itinerary once we get in a few days.

Dgurley2000

12-30-2011, 02:34 AM

Make sure you don't give away any secret spots! We're finding we need more than three weeks to do this trip justice. Wish we had 6-8 weeks as well!

Equipt

12-30-2011, 04:33 AM

1100 miles first day. Not bad. I hope Ft. Stockton TX looks better in the daylight. Kinda doubt it though. Really looking forward to catching up with B&B. Dezi is ready to see Jackson again.

Had something really weird happen on southbound 285 north of Roswell. The double DIN LCD in the dash started to create a weird green and black static across the screen. Real irratic and not associated with vibration, mode or sound. It didn't effect the output, and hasn't acted up since leaving the Roswell area. I don't feel any symptoms of time loss or probing. Should be ok. Heading east in the morning, taking a right at San Antonio.

Cheers,

pskhaat

12-30-2011, 04:39 AM

...really weird happen...Roswell...started to create a weird green and black static across the screen. Real irratic and not associated with vibration, mode or sound

Hmmmm........

TangoBlue

12-30-2011, 05:24 AM

It didn't effect the output, and hasn't acted up since leaving the Roswell area. I don't feel any symptoms of time loss or probing.

Excellent. It's working as planned then...

Have a nice trip!

endo

12-30-2011, 12:09 PM

cruiseroutfit

12-30-2011, 07:03 PM

I hope you don't mind me sharing this thread with my Cruiser Outfitters Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/CruiserOutfitters). Keep the updates coming!

benedmonson

12-31-2011, 03:58 AM

I hope you don't mind me sharing this thread with my Cruiser Outfitters Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/CruiserOutfitters). Keep the updates coming!

Absolutely Kurt!! Please share it with everybody!!!

Ash

12-31-2011, 06:46 AM

Have fun guys - I will be following from the arm chair.

benedmonson

12-31-2011, 10:52 AM

It's 5:30 A.M. here in McAllen, TX and we are just about to cross over. Time to run the gauntlet! We decided as usual at the 11th our to change our route. Instead of exploring our way down thru the central Sierra Madre mountains we will "Haul The Mail" and make it to Palenque as fast as we can taking some toll roads if needed. If all goes well our first stop will be San Luis Potosi tonight.

"Expedition Mundo Maya" has officially began...:ylsmoke:

Dgurley2000

12-31-2011, 10:58 PM

Instead of exploring our way down thru the central Sierra Madre mountains we will "Haul The Mail" and make it to Palenque as fast as we can taking some toll roads if needed. If all goes well our first stop will be San Luis Potosi tonight.

"Expedition Mundo Maya" has officially began...:ylsmoke:

Are you going to bypass the Oaxaca coast? You might enjoy strolling the beach at Zipolite :)

JBailey

01-01-2012, 12:38 PM

Awesome! Living vicariously through you right now!!!! Keep posting! Be safe! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

TACODOC

01-01-2012, 04:33 PM

It didn't effect the output, and hasn't acted up since leaving the Roswell area. I don't feel any symptoms of time loss or probing. Should be ok.

:coffeedrink:

timaus13

01-01-2012, 08:01 PM

Hope you have a terrific Trip and Stay safe looking forward to reading more of your Expedition.
PS following you on spot.
cheers from Down Under:coffeedrink:

Dgurley2000

01-02-2012, 09:52 PM

thecriscokid

01-02-2012, 10:23 PM

Boy, What I would do to be on the road in Mexico right now...

Don't forget to enjoy yourselves :sombrero:

JBailey

01-03-2012, 12:26 PM

I checked you out on spot yesterday and I hate to say it but it looked like you were driving on the wrong side of the road!!! Love it! Wish we could be there!!!

ENJOY!!!

benedmonson

01-04-2012, 03:33 PM

Good to see you guys on the road today. Sorry we couldn't find a good place to stop and talk for a few minutes. I tried to get a photo of your convoy but I was not fast enough. We have your camping spot from last night night in SMA - neighbors said you were well behaved and they didn't hear you leave this morning :) You guys are going to have a great time! We're already planning a longer trip around the same time at the end of the year..

Great to see you guys too!! your 80 Series was looking sweet!!
We made it to Palenque where our trip really begins. We drove mostly toll roads to get here and did it in 3.25 days. We were hauling the mail to do it. I've never driven my 80 Series so hard, but had to with Paul on my tell in his very fast 100 Series Land Cruiser. We paid approx. $100 US in tolls including the new ARCO NORTE which saved us a ton of time. Now it is time to relax and take some pic's. We will go to the Palenque Ruins this afternoon and will then head to the ruins at Bonapak (I'm sure I'm not spelling these names correctly) tomorrow or the following day.

RMP&O

01-04-2012, 10:52 PM

Nice! Let your adventure begin!

Those friggin' toll roads are expensive but worth it. I am just curious about a few things since I know routes down through the same area. Did you track mileage from the border south? If so what was it? And by driving hard can you tell us how many hours a day driving? For my own purposes I would like to compare your mileage, time and distance to routes I have used.

cheers

Mlachica

01-05-2012, 12:28 AM

Such an awesome adventure. I'll be living vicariously for a while ...:lurk:

bobDog

01-05-2012, 02:49 AM

some point and shoot photos would be nice...???!!!! Yet, No? I'm quite sure some scenery was worth showing us you think? maybe not...:coffeedrink:

Dosruedas

01-05-2012, 04:52 AM

no photos... din't happen!!! :sombrero:

bobDog

01-05-2012, 05:29 AM

no photos... din't happen!!! :sombrero:;>]

benedmonson

01-06-2012, 03:59 PM

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.

womacje

01-07-2012, 07:40 AM

Sounds like a blast! Your photos are always worth the wait Benjie.

JBailey

01-07-2012, 02:18 PM

DESPERATE FOR PHOTOS!!!

benedmonson

01-08-2012, 03:17 AM

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.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_3930.jpg
The ruins at Palenque as seen from the near the highest point looking down at the "Palace."

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4071.jpg
Paul giving Beverly his best explanation of how the Mayan people disappeared around 850 A.D.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4039-web.jpg
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.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4015.jpg
This is really cool bark found at Palenque, please don't ask me what it's called......:ylsmoke:

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4001.jpg
One of the last structures that you visit at Palenque and well worth the wait!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_3980.jpg
Wow!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_3897.jpg
Who said that the ancient Mayan's were not good engineers or understood erosion evasion techniques?

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_3781.jpg
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.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_3766.jpg
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:

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_3750.jpg
The view from our campmento at San Miguel de Allende. It was officially named the RV & Tennis Club?

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_3741.jpg
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:

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_3728.jpg
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.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_3735.jpg

Now on to Bonampak!

benedmonson

01-08-2012, 03:51 AM

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!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4151.jpg
The view as you walk into the ruins, very compact and full of Mayan love! known as the Grand Plaza.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4145.jpg

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4133.jpg
We were the only people there for about 30 minutes, very nice.....

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4287.jpg
Beverly was like a butterfly bouncing from ancient ruin to deep into the jungle to discover something else really cool.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4179.jpg
This is what you come here for! The best preserved murals from approx. 800 A.D.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4228.jpg
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.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4247.jpg
This carving was just outside of where the murals were found at Banampak.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4312.jpg
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::

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4235.jpg
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......

ckkone

01-08-2012, 08:18 AM

Amazing!

UNI

01-08-2012, 01:36 PM

Very Kewl!

Alan

southfarms

01-08-2012, 08:17 PM

Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

benedmonson

01-10-2012, 08:17 PM

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?

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4326.jpg

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4330.jpg
The couple in the rig were very nice and some of you may have met them when they were traveling throughout the U.S.?

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4368.jpg
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.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4370.jpg
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.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4390.jpg
The accommodations are tough to say the least......:ylsmoke:

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4376.jpg
And the coffee doesn't get any more fresh as the plantation is at their back doorstep!:coffee:

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4388.jpg
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

01-10-2012, 08:31 PM

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!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4413.jpg
Well come to find out, working on your vehicle in the street is very common.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4414.jpg
It wasn't very hard to determine my problem.....

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4417.jpg
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

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4421.jpg
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.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4419.jpg
This is not a Mountain Khakis Ad, but Paul May looking for a distinct rattle.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4423.jpg
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.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4433.jpg
They just put the body back on and are on the windows now.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4399.jpg
I love the simplicity of the old petrol engine going back into James new ride!

pskhaat

01-10-2012, 08:34 PM

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4368.jpg

Love that pic :)

benedmonson

01-10-2012, 08:57 PM

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.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4544.jpg
The Cathedral on the Plaza is overlooked by the 3,765 meter Agua Volcano.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4506.jpg
The fountain on the Plaza, no she is not a "Fembot!"

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4482.jpg
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.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4545.jpg
Alternate view of the Cathedral.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4471.jpg
The architectural details in this city are pretty neat and they are everywhere.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4527.jpg
Paul and Beverly laying out our walking plans while sipping on a local Mojito.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4517.jpg
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:

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4553.jpg
You could spend days just shooting really cool doorways. Of course this is typical of most larger Central American cities.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4555.jpg
This is how most local's travel and they are really comfortable doing so.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4441.jpg
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.......

LaOutbackTrail

01-10-2012, 09:28 PM

Living the life guys and gal.

Can't wait to see more pics Ben, especially as you all embark into la jungla!

WLNordy

01-10-2012, 09:36 PM

Looks like James and Angela picked an awsome compound. Its not how they look from the street, but whats inside.
Chris N.

WLNordy

01-10-2012, 09:38 PM

My guess is that with all the polishing going on here James you will not be taking your new/old series Rovers into the jungle.
Chris N.

WLNordy

01-10-2012, 09:42 PM

pskhaat

01-10-2012, 09:42 PM

Keep 'em coming :)

The city was destroyed on Sept. 11th, 1541 (what is it with 9-11) by an eruption of the neighboring Volcán de Agua.

Total side-note, but is that a translated date? 1541 was in the pre-Gregorian (Julian) calendar and as such would translate to 21 September 1541 today.

To keep in context, that is 11.16.2.16.4 in Mayan :)

6string

01-10-2012, 10:01 PM

I recognize that local Peddler with Beverly. You would be surprised how many languages they speak. Enjoying seeing Antigua again through new eyes. Looking forward to seeing more from you. All my best to Team Equipt and NLX.
Chris N.
NLX Alumni 2010

Weird. I recognize her, too. She put a braid in my girlfriend's hair about two weeks ago. Really sweet lady.

AFSOC

01-11-2012, 12:37 AM

Fantastic photos! Looks like you guys are really having a great time. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you keep finding good internet connections so we can keep getting photo updates in this thread.

Ray Hyland

01-11-2012, 06:16 AM

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?

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4326.jpg

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4330.jpg
The couple in the rig were very nice and some of you may have met them when they were traveling throughout the U.S.?
.

It is called a DAF. Very cool truck. If you see them again say hi for me, I slipped a copy of Overland Journal under their windscreen wiper when they stopped in Hope BC.

RMP&O

01-11-2012, 06:20 AM

benedmonson

01-11-2012, 01:04 PM

That is a similar story to my last trip south and stop in Antigua. If you came down the CA1 it is a steep road, steeper going north. Your trucks look really heavy, mine was too. That takes it's toll on the brakes, especially in a truck with an automatic.

How was the border crossing, painless? I don't see any pictures of your dogs or mention of them, did you leave them home?

I am jealous, keep having fun!

Our trucks a very heavy! We do have our dogs with us and also have all the required paperwork, but have never been asked for it. As for the border crossing it was on a sunday morning and painless, nicest border agents ever. They shook our hands after they got all of our paperwork done. Also, they played with the dogs as they inspected the rigs, but never asked for their papers.

LaOutbackTrail

01-11-2012, 01:46 PM

What has the climate been like thus far on your journey?

Dgurley2000

01-11-2012, 02:17 PM

cruiseroutfit

01-13-2012, 04:42 AM

Keep the updates coming :cool:

TACODOC

01-14-2012, 04:03 PM

EPIC!

:bowdown:

diesel toyota

01-14-2012, 04:51 PM

I bet we cross paths. Leaving this week and driving down to Peten, El Zotz, etc. Have fun!

TemboTusk

01-14-2012, 05:32 PM

.

Good to see you are all having a good time! How rough are the roads?
.

How is the food; are you sampling the local cuisine?

.

benedmonson

01-14-2012, 06:11 PM

.

Good to see you are all having a good time! How rough are the roads?
.

How is the food; are you sampling the local cuisine?

.

Jerry we are have a really good time and pretty much eating and drinking our way through Guatemala and Belize! This morning we had a big ole' helping of "Fry Jacks!" Yummy Belize cuisine.

benedmonson

01-14-2012, 06:22 PM

just as quick update as we got into Belize yesterday afternoon. We had to spend a lot of time at the border getting our trucks and our dogs in. Long story short the border guards/Quarantine BAHA People decided that we should have gotten our dogs landing papers previous to our arrival. They were not going to let them in, and then they called "The Guy." This is the guy who can make things happen here in Belize and just takes American Dollars.:sombrero: $50 USD later per dog and we were in the country, but not before the other border guard searched our fridges for a second time and took all of the beer!:Wow1: So over the course of searching our now 4 rigs he accumulated about 50 beers and limes. There is going to be quite a large party on the gringos very soon....
Even though we were scammed a little, I'm very glad to be in the country. Below are a few images from the last few days.
Tomorrow we start the trip with No Limit X so there will be lots of actions shots to come!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4684-web.jpg
Our vehicles parked in front of an old church ruin with Agua Volcano in the background.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4691-web.jpg
Another view of Agua Volcano, thought I had better start shooting some images of the trucks!:ylsmoke:

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4713-web.jpg
This town is full of these kinds of church ruins, I would love to have time to explore everyone of them!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4721.jpg
This was our cabin on the Rio Dulce last night. We stayed at Tijax where you have to walk about one quarter of a mile on suspended bridges just to get to the camp. It was fun watching our pups do this!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4760.jpg
Our crew having a drink at the boathouse at Tijax.

Now our adventure really begins......

TemboTusk

01-14-2012, 06:23 PM

Jerry we are have a really good time and pretty much eating and drinking our way through Guatemala and Belize! This morning we had a big ole' helping of "Fry Jacks!" Yummy Belize cuisine.

Fry Jack! Not sure what that is, but it reminds me of my favorite snack while overlanding through Africa. Every stop we would try to find a road side shack that sold scrambled eggs mixed with French fries. It sounds simple and weird, but it was delicious and the locals just ate it up!

1leglance

01-14-2012, 09:22 PM

wow when you guys do add pics you don't mess around.
Great sounding trip so far and nice to see that ya'll have slowed down and are really getting a feel for Central America...I love almost every country down there.
Keep up the report as we are all hooked.
Also looking forward to some info on what you are happy with & what not gear wise.

bobDog

01-14-2012, 11:58 PM

just as quick update as we got into Belize yesterday afternoon.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4760.jpg
Our crew having a drink at the boathouse at Tijax.

Now our adventure really begins...... I remember how you were saying this was a working trip and the hard work of testing product was going to overshadow the trip......I was just wondering what products were being given the hardcore Equip test here? I looked at everything and for the life of me I just can't find any product testing going on....how will I know what to buy? Value wise of course. You folks do look worn out I must say! Help me out I'm missing something I'm sure....:coffeedrink:

Ryanmb21

01-15-2012, 01:23 AM

Thanks for the fantastic updates, really enjoying this thread!

Willman

01-15-2012, 04:41 AM

Living the dream Paul!

Keep it coming!

shultzie

01-15-2012, 07:38 PM

Great trip report!
love the Pics. I always wanted to do a trip like this. Cant wait for more!!

p1michaud

01-17-2012, 09:12 AM

Great read and nice photos...

benedmonson

01-18-2012, 05:30 AM

Jan. 14th we started our trip with No Limit Expeditions here in Belize. The Rainforest and Ruins Trip started at Pooks Hill Jungle Lodge just outside of San Ignacio. During our 10 day trip we will have 3 nights of Luxury Lodging at very high end resorts, not really roughing it are we?:ylsmoke:
That's O.K. because in between those stays we are deep in the jungle living with things that want to make us a part of it. A nice hot shower isn't bad every 3 or 4 days, at least my wife thinks so!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4778.jpg
Jackson had to ask Paul one more time if he could go on the trip...... later this day he and Dezi were delivered to a very nice British lady who is keeping them in her home. On a side note we did have to sign a form that if our puppies were bitten by a snake or jaguar she was not responsible.:Wow1:

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4817.jpg
We got things rolling right off the bat with a descent water crossing at Barton Creek. It was moving rather fast with all of the rain we have had, but it wasn't more or close to what the trucks could handle.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4827.jpg
After crossing the creek we followed it up the bank for quite a while before turning and going up again.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4908.jpg
Later on in the day we made it to Rio On Pools in the Mountain Pine Ridge Cayo District and always have some weary travelers soaking in them. Although they are not hot springs they bring a welcome reprieve on these hot and muggy days. They are spring fed from the ground and have a series of pools and falls that go on for quite some distance.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4916.jpg
This particular weary traveler A.K.A. Paul May of Equipt had a blast. He was seen sliding down falls and even performed a canon-ball for the video.:snorkel:

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4872.jpg
These young girls were staying in a hostel down the road and made a big splash with the locals.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5053.jpg
Here is where one of the famous shots from the 95' Camel Trophy La Ruta Maya were made. It looks a little different when the water isn't flowing over it.

Up next will be Caracol Ruins.

benedmonson

01-18-2012, 05:49 AM

The next morning we were at the Caracol Ruins early and had the place to ourselves until almost 10 A.M. Caracol is said to be the largest archeological site in all of Belize. The acropolis which is the main structure at Caracol is the largest man made thing in all of Belize at over 140 feet above the jungle floor. If you have been here that isn't saying very much, this is a small country filled with really small things.: )Excavation didn't start until about 1950 and most of the work and clearing has been done since the mid 1980's. In 650 A.D. the urban area of Caracol covered a larger area than present day Belize City. This site is located on a very bad dirt/muddy rut filled road that requires a military escort to the ruins. When you get within 8 or 10 miles of them the road turns into a two lane paved highway, very weird. On the day we were here there was a Hi-Ace Toyota Van getting pulled up a muddy hill by a Hilux who apparently was tired of it blocking the dirt single track. BTW, the guards let us go without the military escort as they were just starting to eat breakfast.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5075.jpg
Our team along with the NLX guys got to the ruins early and took advantage of being the only ones there.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5093.jpg
The steps are even and well made here, but very steep!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5123.jpg
Some of the details you will see throughout the ruins, they have surely been reconstructed.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5127.jpg
I think we were midway up the acropolis for this image. It is built as a generational pyramid. Meaning one was built on top of the other several times.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5137.jpg
The view from the top. You can see forever on a clear day.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5150.jpg
From the top looking westward.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5196.jpg
More Mayan hieroglyphics. Caracol has more than any ruins in Belize.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5224.jpg
One of the many Stella's that you can view here at Caracol.

Overall this was a great day and now on to the Monkey River Trail!

benedmonson

01-18-2012, 06:11 AM

FINALLY SOME MUD!!!:wings: Yesterday and today we ran the Monkey River Trail and camped at a jaguar research institute. The trail is approx. 6 miles long and since it is the wet season we only made it about 2 miles. We were halted by intermittent downpours and darkness. This is not the kind of place that you want to let your guard down as it is very close quarters with jungle things!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5498-web.jpg
James Brown and Graham Jackson piloting the NLX Defenders down a very rutted and muddy track.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5422.jpg
Our "Lucy" just doing what she does best!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5265.jpg
Our new friends Jennifer and David from New Orleans. They seemed to have found a ditch in one of the NLX Defenders.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5289.jpg
From the front and very stuck! This is called "Angela's Ditch" I'm told.....

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5369.jpg
Mr. Graham Jackson taking care of business.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5412.jpg
our ditch diggers taking a minute to look very Vogue in the jungle.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5560.jpg
There was no stopping Paul's 100 Series in the mud even with her expedition loaded.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5454.jpg
A camp shot with the new RUD Mud Chains on our 80 Serie's from wheels. Paul used our other two for his rear tires. We chose to go this route since we have all terrain tires on and it worked very well.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5471.jpg
A very pregger's friendly spider that decided to hangout under our truck.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5444.jpg
A little motion blur and not a photoshop trick!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5426.jpg
Beverly drove this entire route in the quagmire of mud and didn't even rip the awning off, you go girl!

jginca

01-18-2012, 07:06 AM

Very nice.

Detslider

01-18-2012, 12:02 PM

Great pictures.
I was about to ask if you had used any of your recovery gear yet, particularly the winch.
I'm thinking about ditching mine to save weight and just use the hi-lift if needed.

benedmonson

01-18-2012, 01:20 PM

Great pictures.
I was about to ask if you had used any of your recovery gear yet, particularly the winch.
I'm thinking about ditching mine to save weight and just use the hi-lift if needed.

Fortunately we have not had to use any of our recovery gear yet, but that will change shortly I'm sure! As for ditching the winch that is something I wouldn't personally do, but to each his own. We do not carry the high lift jack anymore due to its weight, size for storing and safety concerns. If you are one who is very good and knows the ins and outs of the high lift then it is a great tool. We utilize our winch with synthetic line of course and MAXXTRAX.
This is just my personal opinion and in no way a challenge to someone or debate on the high lift.

LaOutbackTrail

01-18-2012, 03:41 PM

Great pics Ben! Can't wait to see more!

What are the temperatures like down there this time of year?

pskhaat

01-18-2012, 03:43 PM

Great stuff and pics, please keep 'em coming en force.

6string

01-18-2012, 04:03 PM

What are the temperatures like down there this time of year?

Whoop, there it is. (http://bit.ly/x38QTV) :p

LaOutbackTrail

01-18-2012, 04:21 PM

Whoop, there it is. (http://bit.ly/x38QTV) :p

Yeah, well thats Belize City on the coast, not up in the jungles and mountains.... Still, my kind of weather. :drool:

NLX Chica

01-18-2012, 04:31 PM

You guys are making me VERY jealous. Glad I am not the only one who seems to find that ditch on the Monkey Trail - Yes I take the credit for the name Angela´s Ditch and wish I was there now!
Great photos Ben, I feel as if I am there. But since I am not I am in the process of planning a really cool extension trip that will head South to Costa Rica and we hope Team Equipt can join us for at least part of the fun. Will join you guys in a few days in Tikal and hope the adventures continue

Keep Enjoying the Jungle,
Angela
No Limit Expeditions
www.NoLimitX.com

AFSOC

01-18-2012, 05:29 PM

Very nice! Keep the pics coming.

Detslider

01-18-2012, 05:38 PM

I've been debating for a while if the mpg hit that comes with the winch and bumper is worthwhile.
I've travelled all over Central America in a stock Pathfinder, Montero and Mazda 3. I went down plenty of dirt roads in those vehicles though it was on rare occasion that I ventured into sticky mud.
I guess I'll have to decide how far off the beaten path we'll be going this time. We'll be travelling solo so that'll be reason to either not get into anything too sketchy or to make sure I have a full recovery kit with me before I depart.

What jack are you using if not a hi-lift?

RMP&O

01-18-2012, 08:04 PM

Great pictures! Good to see you off-road....and looks like the chains was a good idea. ;)

So what I am hearing is the Rovers winched but the Cruisers did not? If true was that due to the chains?

6string

01-18-2012, 08:30 PM

So what I am hearing is the Rovers winched but the Cruisers did not?

Oh, Lord, here we go...

:lurk:

r3run33

01-18-2012, 09:01 PM

wow chains for mud you definetly have to give us a write up discussion on how they worked out.

NLX Chica

01-18-2012, 09:26 PM

So what I am hearing is the Rovers winched but the Cruisers did not? If true was that due to the chains?

OKAY I'll take the bait in the LR vs LC debate. The Rovers are currently very heavy with 4 people in each and lots of extra gear. Maybe in this case its a weight issue. All the trucks are prepared for this kind of terrain. But I am also curious to hear how the chains work. Guatemala, where the conditions are more extreme and the mud is very very sticky, will be the deciding factor. Continue having fun guys and keep us posted.

-Angela
www.NoLimitX.com

RMP&O

01-18-2012, 09:40 PM

Oh, Lord, here we go...

:lurk:

whoa there folks...not what I was after. No debates needed!

I simply was wanting to know if the Cruisers were chained up and Rovers were not, as a result the Cruisers didn't winch and the Rovers did. Since I am the one who suggested the chains I am interested in the results.

That is all....

6string

01-18-2012, 09:53 PM

I was just practicing my SUPERPAC-political-campaign-management-cut-out-one-blurb-in-an-attempt-to-spin-everything-out-of-context skills.

Nailed it.

Carry on. :D

REDrum

01-18-2012, 10:23 PM

Subscribed... :coffeedrink:

NLX Chica

01-20-2012, 01:32 PM

Just got word from the group that they met their match. Seems they have found the most challenging route in Guatemala and ALL have now officialy used their winches along with all their recovery gear. This route is normally tough but this time it was extreme, the extensive rain late in the season has filled this swamp land beyond capacity. 3km took about 3-1/2 hours so they were forced to turn back as the track was 17km each way and time gets in the way.
Stay tuned for some amazing photos - I was told Ben was swimming in the mud to get the perfect shots (as always).

-Angela
www.NoLimitX.com

6string

01-20-2012, 01:53 PM

WooHoo! I noticed from the SPOT tracker that they weren't moving much yesterday. I was curious about all that late-season rain, too.

These pics are going to be epic! I only wish I could've lingered down there a few more weeks so that I could follow their track in! ;)

diesel toyota

01-20-2012, 01:55 PM

We are headed this way; glad to have these updates! Buen viaje!

LaOutbackTrail

01-20-2012, 02:53 PM

I love jungle mud. Wish I were there!

bobDog

01-21-2012, 02:38 AM

I love jungle mud. Wish I were there! Geeez...loving mud is like saying I love uncomfortable dirty underwear a size to small.......personal opinion. :coffeedrink:

LaOutbackTrail

01-21-2012, 03:44 AM

There is something about the smell, texture, and the feel of the jungle all around you... kind of like dirty underwear a size too small. Perfect analogy.

Seriously though, nothing like the smell of the jungle during and after a nice rain. :)

shultzie

01-21-2012, 03:59 AM

Great trip report and photos!!! I've always wanted to go to the jungle!! Good travels!!

benedmonson

01-23-2012, 02:55 AM

No debate on the Land Cruiser vs. Land Rover is going to come from me!:ylsmoke: They are just really well built vessels that get us from one adventure to the other in style and comfort......
On a side note, the RUD Mud Chains work really well when they actually stay on the truck. We have broke 2 of 4 chains so far and have had to make field repairs to continue their use. Basically the yellow tension chain could use some serious rethinking!

benedmonson

01-23-2012, 04:20 AM

We have in the jungle for the last 4 days and are now just inside Guatemala. After the Monkey River Trail we headed to Chan Chich www.chanchich.com and had a very nice one night stay where we were able to get our laundry done and our bellies full! This is a spectacular very small resort built on an ancient Mayan Plaza. The looters got to it many years ago as seen below, but missed the main prize of the King's Tomb. Yax Ehb' Xook's tomb was found in 1997 and is the earliest royal tomb in the Three Rivers Region of east-central Yucatan Peninsula. After leaving Chan Chich we headed to the Yaxhá, Nakum, Naranjo National Park located just over the Guatemala line. We camped where in 2005 Survivor Guatemala was shot.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4358-web-1.jpg
Another image shot of Lago de Atitlan buried by clouds.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5732.jpg
The entrance to Chan Chich.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5707.jpg
A looters trench at Chan Chich, there are several here. Having the lodge here now protects this mayan plaza from future looting.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5718.jpg
The trench that leads to Yax Ehb' Xook's tomb found in 1997.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5749.jpg
Some new found friends that are on the NLX trip enjoy their morning at their Chan Chich super sexy diggs.......

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5773-1.jpg
Our first night at the campgrounds near the Yaxha Ruins just over the border in Guatemala. This is where "Survivor Guatemala" was shot.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5785.jpg
The same boats the following morning when Lago de Yaxha was covered in fog. These boats took us to the Topoxte Ruins on an island in the middle of the lake.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5857-1.jpg
Beverly was first off the boat and eager to get to the ruins right up until.....

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5865-1.jpg
She came to the realization that there are many crocodiles on this island and in this lake!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5922.jpg
We kept hearing that we might see a pair of monkeys on this island...

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5910.jpg
Building C at Topoxté.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5897.jpg
The main plaza on Topoxté.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5928.jpg
No doubt our boat captain is within 6 degrees of separation of the Marlboro Man!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5797.jpg
The NLX trucks shot in front of some pretty sweet palapas located at the Yaxha Ruins campground.

Detslider

01-23-2012, 07:31 AM

Awesome

cruiseroutfit

01-23-2012, 07:36 AM

Keep it coming Ben, Bev & Paul, loving the updates! :cool:

AFSOC

01-23-2012, 12:24 PM

Fantastic! Keep the updates coming, enjoy the adventure.

WLNordy

01-23-2012, 02:35 PM

benedmonson

01-23-2012, 08:25 PM

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5797.jpg
The NLX trucks shot in front of some pretty sweet palapas located at the Yaxha Ruins campground.

Romulus & Remus pose so well. How are you and Paul enjoying the mud with your trucks? Really enjoy the posts, keep them coming.
Chris N.[/QUOTE]

Chris, Paul and I are enjoying our trucks to the max! They are keeping up just fine. We didn't know how they would perform at first with all of their weight and BFG All-Terrain Tires, but the front and rear lockers + a pair of RUD Tires chains evened the field a bit!

benedmonson

01-23-2012, 09:20 PM

After visiting the Ruins of Topoxté out on the island we ventured the short distance to the Yaxhá Ruins. Yaxhá is located about 18 miles southeast of the famous Tikal and is right on the lake of the same name. There are over 500 structures and nine plazas. Not all have been discovered or excavated at this time. Structure 216 is quite famous as it was used in many ariel shots during the 2005 Survivor Guatemala TV Series. It stands over 100 feet towering above the jungle, other complexes and the lake. These were very impressive ruins, but not many people visit here as they choose to go to Tikal instead. That was O.K. with us as we had the entire park almost all to ourselves. Also, these ruins are hard for archeologist to date because the lack of inscribed monuments here.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6107.jpg
The view from structure 216.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6129.jpg
The pyramid is so steep that the only way to access the top is by a very long, steep and winding stairway.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6082.jpg
Another view from the top of the famous structure 216.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6006.jpg
One of the 40 Stelae located on the grounds.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5985.jpg
Since everything here is written in spanish I'm not sure what some of these structures are called.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6032.jpg
Paul May taking in the view from one of the smaller still yet very large pyramids at the ruins.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6024.jpg
The ruins are in very good shape for their age which date back as far as they can tell to the classic period and were over run by neighboring Naranjo in 799 A.D.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6036.jpg
Yet another impressive ruin at this site.

WLNordy

01-23-2012, 09:21 PM

Awesome. When do we get to see the action shots in the mud?
Chris N.

benedmonson

01-23-2012, 09:25 PM

Awesome. When do we get to see the action shots in the mud?
Chris N.

Chris, page 14 has quite a few mud shots! I'll post more shortly:)

RMP&O

01-23-2012, 09:31 PM

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_4358-web-1.jpg

That is one awesome picture!

benedmonson

01-23-2012, 11:25 PM

That is one awesome picture!

Thank you sir, we at Equipt aim to please!!!:sombrero::sombrero::sombrero:

benedmonson

01-23-2012, 11:45 PM

Now for another muddy track!:wings: After hanging out at the Yaxhá Ruins we decided to try and get to the Late Classic site of Nakum. We had very little intel as to the road conditions so in Equipt/NLX style we set out on the 17KM route through the dense jungle. In a little over 3 hours we had made a solid 4 KM's with some winching and lots of low and locked driving! After almost five hours we decided to turn back and camp again at Yaxha which was a favorite of ours anyways. It wasn't for the lack of trying, but this route is only suitable we know now in the dry season.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6152.jpg
Paul stuck the 100 Series Land Cruiser right off the bat, after this he drove with what Graham Jackson calls "A little more mo!"

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6144.jpg
About five minutes into the route James Brown came upon a five foot Boa that was dead set on not leaving his sunny place in the track. Finally he did move, but ever so slowly.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6181.jpg
How muddy was it, you decide?

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6199.jpg
The mud was an equal opportunity opponent as everybody got stuck at least once.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6277.jpg
The winch pulls were very long and most required an extension rope because there were no trees of any size along the track.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6272.jpg
In this shot Paul slid down while trying to make it to the MAXTRAX and got his first body damage after 10 years driving his cruiser, ouch!:Wow1:

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6262.jpg
Stuck + stuck= stuck!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6310.jpg
Graham Jackson came up with a good use of the MAXTRAX.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6266.jpg
There are many uses for these things.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6315.jpg
Afterwards if you could make it across the first ditch and get to the MAXTRAX then you had an easier going of it.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6264.jpg
Deploying the MAXTRAX was a great idea to get the differential safely over this stump. We also deployed two more sets across the deep ditch at the end. So we used four pair to get over this obstacle.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6326.jpg
And then it is time to have a MAXTRAX cleaning party!:costumed-smiley-007

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6348.jpg
Everyone partook in the festivities......

These images are just a snapshot in time of what went on for hours on end, what we like to call fun!!

6string

01-24-2012, 12:05 AM

Amazing.

Sort of happy now that we didn't try this last month. (dgurley2000 might disagree.)

Major props, brother.

Tjaank

01-24-2012, 02:18 AM

Hi Paul,
Kristin just helped me get a National Luna Power Pack shipped down to Santiago. I just bought a Defender 110 and is now getting it set up for expedition travel. Thank you:) Keep you excellent post going. If you have a GPS, coordinates would be helpful, especially of places where you camp. I may be taking my Defender back to the States in April or May so I am vey interested in the route you are taking. Have a safe journey and most of all, have fun!! Cheers, Ed

AFSOC

01-24-2012, 02:28 AM

That looks gooooey :Wow1:

FlyNdrive

01-24-2012, 02:43 AM

I love how MAXTRAX can be used over an obstacle before becoming stuck. One trick is when someone gets stuck in front of you put in a MAXTRAX board and covering the hole and have a go!

Beowulf

01-24-2012, 04:01 AM

Are any videos in the works?

Driver-Navigator

01-24-2012, 05:35 AM

Sweet photos and reports... Great stuff!!!

DaveO

01-24-2012, 01:12 PM

Hello Portal!

I just finished the NLX trip with James and Graham and had a blast. I know Ben took some video along the way and I'm sure it will surface sometime soon. In the meantime, I took some amateur video that I'll post. I'm working on editing, but here's a quick teaser for anybody that's interested.

http://youtu.be/ca7DbXess3c

6string

01-24-2012, 02:13 PM

Barton Creek! Absolutely love it down there. That's the best countryside that Belize has to offer, in my opinion.

Thanks for posting, Dave, and welcome to ExPo!

benedmonson

01-24-2012, 07:09 PM

Are any videos in the works?

Yes we are shooting lots of HD Video, but it will not be properly edited until we get back from the trip. Thinking about putting it together in a movie to show at the upcoming Overland Rallies!

benedmonson

01-24-2012, 07:26 PM

We just launched out newest issue of the Sojournal today which features the first part of our trip here in Central America. You can view the digital magazine here: http://sojournal.equipt1.com/ Let us know your thoughts. We will continue the story from down here in issue 2 which comes out in March.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Sojournal%20Images/Sojournal-JanFeb121copy-web.jpg

nickt

01-24-2012, 09:06 PM

Awesome trip guys, glad you had plenty mud. Look forward to seeing the "push-rope" shots!

Nick.

AFSOC

01-24-2012, 11:21 PM

Great issue of "The Sojournal", I really enjoyed it

RMP&O

01-25-2012, 02:05 AM

Again...great pictures. Nice to see you all in the mud. Not everybody would think that is a good way to spend a vacation! Cool bit on the boa too! :sombrero:

benedmonson

01-25-2012, 02:54 AM

Again...great pictures. Nice to see you all in the mud. Not everybody would think that is a good way to spend a vacation! Cool bit on the boa too! :sombrero:

Thank you sir, Team Equipt is having a blast in the mud & sun...

benedmonson

01-25-2012, 04:03 AM

Wanted to say that we met Mike (Diesel Toyota) yesterday while on Lago de Itza. What a great guy with a killer truck. So glad that he took time to look us up. Hopefully we will get to travel with and shoot he and his sweet BJ74 in the future!!!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6856.jpg
Beverly Edmonson, Paul May, James Brown & Diesel Mike

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6861.jpg
Diesel Mike's sweet BJ74, I want, I want, I want.........

gjackson

01-25-2012, 09:01 PM

benedmonson

01-26-2012, 10:44 PM

One of my favorite places to camp is at Uaxactun as I've done before on an NLX trip with James and Graham. I was anxious to share the ruins with Beverly and Paul. This is one of the ruins that you can actually camp at!:sombrero: The hard part is getting the paperwork from the Guatemalan government to do so and James is very good at it.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6689-web-1.jpg
A shot of camp at dusk from the pyramid lit only with 8 Snowpeak Hozuki lights.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6673-Edit-1.jpg
This is a reminder to everybody that Equipt Expedition Outfitters is now a full line Snowpeak Dealer!!!:ylsmoke: We have been using their stuff for almost 4 years and are very proud to be offering it for sale.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6699-1.jpg
Our 80 Series Land Cruiser camped at the base of the ruins.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6637.jpg
With the new ARB lift came a higher ride height. This is the first time I've deployed my Eezi-Awn Roof Top Tent Room with the newer and longer walls. They fit perfectly with a little room for more growth, 35's maybe:sombrero: Also, you can see one of the three Campmor Outdoor Safari Tents in the background that NLX uses for their clients now.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6759-Edit-web.jpg
Another one from Uaxactun from the other side of ruins.

benedmonson

01-26-2012, 10:53 PM

On the last night of our No Limit Expeditions Ruins & Rainforest Trip we had dinner and stayed at La Lancha which is one of the Francis Ford Coppola properties, very posh. It is so much fun on these trips to go from knee deep mud and snakes to staying in some of the nicest accommodations available!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6838.jpg
Dinner was terrific and drinks kept coming. The view was overlooking Lago Petén Itzá.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6845.jpg
The pool at La Lancha.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6872.jpg
Sunset from down on the water.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6909.jpg
Another one from a beautiful sunset.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6912.jpg
Some of the likely suspects toasting a wonderful sunset.

NoLimitX

01-27-2012, 01:35 AM

Ben, we miss you guys already! Enjoy Mexico, we are having a great time in Honduras and are looking forward to catching up at expo! Keep the great pics coming.

James

RMP&O

01-27-2012, 03:10 AM

The sight of those Belikin's are making me thirsty!

Dgurley2000

01-27-2012, 03:14 AM

Did anyone get a good photo of Ben in the mud working the recovery?

benedmonson

01-27-2012, 12:09 PM

Did anyone get a good photo of Ben in the mud working the recovery?

I hope they did as I was muddy from head to toe many times! It wasn't easy working the camera covered in mud while sweating and fighting off lots of bugs......

Viggen

01-27-2012, 03:53 PM

The winch pulls were very long and most required an extension rope because there were no trees of any size along the track.

No Pull Pal?

got his first body damage after 10 years driving his cruiser, ouch!:Wow1:

Thats how you know youre having fun. The first one is always the hardest and then its Meh from then on.

benedmonson

01-31-2012, 02:20 AM

We made it to Honduras finally after waiting quite a few hours for 10 minutes worth of paper work! Honduras should think about getting a copy machine in their own country instead of making you walk back to Guatemala every time you need more.:sombrero: Overall a very good experience at the border it just took forever! We stayed in the town of Copan Ruins and took a tuktuk ride to the ruins. The carvings here and being able to do the archeological tunnels underneath are really worth the drive down here. There are actually over 4KM of tunnels that they have dug to study earlier stages of Copan civilization.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6992.jpg
The ball court is the second largest to be found in central america. It also has carved heads on the top of it on both sides like I've never seen at any ruins before.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6959.jpg
The Stellas and carving here are incredibly detailed.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6962.jpg
Alternate view.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_6999.jpg
The Hieroglyphic Stairway is the most famous of Copan's monuments. It has 63 steps and several thousand glyphs tell the history of the royal house of Copan and is the longest known text of ancient mayan civilization.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7009.jpg
The steps are not in the original order so they cannot be totally deciphered.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7054.jpg
An overview of one of the courtyards that leads to the jaguar tunnel.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7069.jpg
There are 4KM's of tunnels under the ruins that show how ancient civilizations here at Copan built right on top of one another.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7079.jpg
Paul May is a little too tall for most of the tunnels, but made it O.K.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7063.jpg
Another image from down inside the tunnels.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7040.jpg
Once again the details all over this site are out of a sic-fi novel.

benedmonson

01-31-2012, 02:27 AM

I wish that I could give more information about these beautiful ruins at Copan, but just don't have the HP to do so right now. So I will leave you with a photo journal of our time spent there!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7117.jpg

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7152.jpg
Team Equipt had the entire museum almost all to ourselves, there was nobody here.....

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7155.jpg
There were walls and walls of artifacts and we tried to read every single plaque of information.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7149.jpg
I got tired of looking at masks after a while as they were everywhere.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7161.jpg
They even carved statues of their bats or at least what they would look like in the Mayan underworld.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7171.jpg
I can never get tired of looking at or photographing these artifacts!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7205.jpg
the earlier civilizations seemed to use more color and really liked "Equipt Red!"

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7216.jpg
The town of Copan Ruins had one of the coolest ambulance's we've seen so far!

1leglance

01-31-2012, 02:57 AM

great pics and write up guys...
amazing that you have the energy to do the reporting while traveling, thanks very much for keeping us hungry to go places.
Also nice to see you give the gear such a solid testing, people will have no doubt you guys are speaking from experience when you recommend a bit of gear.

Driver-Navigator

01-31-2012, 04:57 AM

Love it! Very cool stuff.

medicfernando

02-02-2012, 02:05 AM

Awesome pics and great write up guys! Its been fun to follow your adventure. Fernando

Pedro

02-03-2012, 03:49 PM

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7216.jpg
The town of Copan Ruins had one of the coolest ambulance's we've seen so far!

That's the Honduran Red Cross.

defrag4

02-03-2012, 08:55 PM

so in!

benedmonson

02-06-2012, 03:02 PM

We are now in Xcalak, Mexico which is on the border of Belize and doing a little relaxing. It has been a very busy 5 weeks and we decided that it was time to lay on the beach for a few days before we start to explore southern Mexico and it's Mayan Ruins. This town only has an average internet speed of 8/KB's per second so I only got one image uploaded from the past weeks photos. Once we get a better connection I have lots more to show!:sombrero:

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7607-Edit-web.jpg
Here is a boondocking spot that we found on Corozal Bay in Belize. This is no photoshop and all in camera. I did a very long exposure for the star trail and then used our Snowpeak Hozuki lights to paint the truck, beach and trees to look like daylight. I hope to do more of these throughout the trip when I have the chance. We also shared the coordinates of this great camp with our friends at "Home on the Highway" and they reported back that they had a great time there!

1leglance

02-06-2012, 11:45 PM

that is an insane pic....maybe no photoshop but a lot of serious mental work to think through what you needed to get the image.
thanks for keeping us updated, I am not sure I would care after relaxing on a beach like that :)

targa88

02-07-2012, 02:53 AM

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_5773-1.jpg
Our first night at the campgrounds near the Yaxha Ruins just over the border in Guatemala. This is where "Survivor Guatemala" was shot.

Ben,
Great shots/story - this one is brilliant.

Safe travels

benedmonson

02-07-2012, 06:22 PM

@Lance and Colin, Thank you!!! I'm glad people enjoy seeing things thru my eyes!
I'm currently setting in front of two huge blue steel doors that are the guard the entrance to the Lubricantes y Filtros De Quintana Roo. Mobil Super building in Chetumal, MX trying to upload tons of new images, but can only get about 35K speeds:oops: Funny thing is we pulled into the Mobil Oil distributor here in Chetumal this morning while searching for some 15/40 wt. oil and made an instant friendship right on the spot with Milo who is the owners son. A few hours later we are having lunch with Milo and his family and then his assistant took us all over town to look for a new windshield for Lucy, get laundry done, car wash, provisions and more..... Traveling in other countries is fun, but when you get to meet and spend time with the locals it is like getting a key to unlock the hidden door. We now have plans to come back and stay at the families home and Milo's mother who is a regionally known Mexican Chef is going to prepare a fiesta for us!:sombrero:

Milo would love to meet and help all of our friends/overlanders who are passing thru Chetumal. He can help with finding things and give advice on where to get the coldest beer at the best price!

GPS Coordinates:
N 18.51731º
W088.28727º

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/milo-chetumal.jpg
Carlos, Beverly, Lola and Milo at the counter of the Lubricantes Shop in Chetumal. iPhone pic

benedmonson

02-07-2012, 06:47 PM

After leaving Honduras in the rear view mirror we wondered up through Guatemala and wanted to make an attempt at Naranjo Ruins which are located in the Yaxha National Park Area near the Belize border. We arrived and camped late at our usual spot right on the laguna. This is where we mounted our attack along with our friends from No Limit Expeditions a few weeks earlier. On that attempt we were headed through some very dense jungle with a destination of the Nakum Ruins. Although we weren't successful we did have an epic time with some deep nasty mud and several snakes! The Naranjo Ruins are located near the others, but on a little bit higher ground. We started off our journey knowing that we would have to turn back about midday no matter where we were. This would put us in Belize by late afternoon where we had an appointment to pick up our dogs from the kennel (very loose use of the word).

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7293.jpg
Immediately the jungle became dense as during the wet season there is no traffic at all using this trail.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7325-Edit-web.jpg
Beverly took the lead in Lucy and Paul waited an obstacle behind until the front vehicle made it to solid ground. There were not a lot of opportunities to winch out forward on most of the mud holes, so a rear winch was the best response to a stuck truck.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7337-Edit-web.jpg
A little over 3 KM's in Beverly and Lucy found the bottom of a very deep hole. She would've made it with a little more momentum, but was trying to go slow and smooth as to preserve her favorite Land Cruiser!:snorkel:

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7345-Edit-web.jpg
Beverly knew the drill and hooked up Paul's synthetic winch cable and looked good doing it in her ExOfficio digs.....

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7349-Edit-web.jpg
It only took a small tug and Lucy was free to try the obstacle on a different line, we did not come here to go around!!!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7366-Edit-web.jpg
With a little more mo and the line that she originally wanted to take, Beverly made it with ease.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7398-Edit-web.jpg
It was cool working with all of the shadows in the jungle tracks, not something we see much of in the southwest of the U.S.!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7430-Edit-web.jpg
After some tight line driving with barely inches on either side we made it through the swamp area and to the higher part of the drive, but still had to turn around as we ran out of time. Naranjo will have to wait until next trip.

There are so many off-road tracks to take throughout the jungle down here. One just needs plenty of time, fuel and patience.

benedmonson

02-07-2012, 07:01 PM

Once we turned on the track to Naranjo Ruins we exited beautiful Guatemala and entered Belize. We first had to get our dogs from a british lady who had been keeping them for about two weeks. It was funny that she made us sign paperwork that laid out the things that could go wrong with their stay at her kennel. These things included crocodiles, jaguars, snakes and others. This explained why she was building a new fence that would cover the top of her kennel!:Wow1:
She also told us that she had recently lost two dogs to the crocs that were playing in the river just down the dirt path. We asked her not to let our dogs out of the house if at all possible....
Although our time spent in Belize was brief, it was fun. We decided to explore some of the area up around Corozal Bay which would mean taking the hand cranked ferries.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7664-Edit-web.jpg
Beverly loading Lucy up on the hand cranked ferry. The weight limit was 20,000 pounds and I'm pretty sure with our two land cruisers and the Dodge truck with a filled horse trailer went well above that!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7761-Edit-web.jpg
Because there was so much weight they split us and put the loaded farm vehicle in the middle. Until they did this they couldn't get the ferry to budge.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7724-Edit-web.jpg
I don't think this little old church lady was going to be much help either?:sombrero: The calendar was his motivation I'm thinking???

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7554-Edit-web.jpg
Once across we found some delicious conch at a little place called Donna's which was incredible! Afterwards we were rewarded with this great campsite. We were many miles from anybody and this was a good nights camp!

haven

02-07-2012, 07:08 PM

benedmonson

02-07-2012, 07:13 PM

Thanks for the great write-up of what looks like a fabulous trip!

I'm curious about the narrow tracks you drove. The LC 100 series is 1940 mm wide, or about 76 inches, and has a turning circle of 40 feet. The typical USA full size pickup is 79 inches wide and has a turning circle also of about 40 feet. In your opinion, would the driver of a full size truck be at a disadvantage on these trails?

Haven, The turning radius hasn't been as important as the overall width of the vehicle. There have been many times where we didn't have inches to spare to get between a couple of give and take trees or other things lining the trail. Like any trip in a full size truck if you don't mind getting some scraping and or body damage then I'm sure you'll make it no problem. Remember though that these tracks are made and maintained by horses, walkers and some times a four wheeler. So they weren't designed for larger vehicles to start out with.

Hope this helps!

southfarms

02-07-2012, 07:14 PM

Outstanding! Thanks again for taking the time to share.

Stephen

LaOutbackTrail

02-07-2012, 07:38 PM

Wow, I really like the ferry photo... just 'says' travel in Latin America, lily pads and all!!! Excellent photos, as always, Mr. Edmonson!

Mauka2Makai

02-07-2012, 09:18 PM

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7554-Edit-web.jpg

Now that is living life... Thanks for sharing your folks journey and taking all these awesome photos. This thread is like a favorite book, I'm going to have to go through it again and again. Stay safe.

RichardT

02-08-2012, 12:35 AM

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7607-Edit-web.jpg

That's a beautiful photo, thanks for sharing :)

overlander

02-08-2012, 12:48 AM

My crew is next up with NLX! This is going to be awesome! I hope we get some camel trophy quality winching action!

gjackson

02-08-2012, 01:30 AM

Thanks for the great write-up of what looks like a fabulous trip!

I'm curious about the narrow tracks you drove. The LC 100 series is 1940 mm wide, or about 76 inches, and has a turning circle of 40 feet. The typical USA full size pickup is 79 inches wide and has a turning circle also of about 40 feet. In your opinion, would the driver of a full size truck be at a disadvantage on these trails?

Maya Rally entrants want to know!

Haven

In the mud in Central America you will find that throttle control is by far the best measure of whether a vehicle will make it through. Much less to do with vehicle dimensions and options and much more to do with driver ability. Rut cannot be avoided, but they can be overcome if driven correctly. Slow as possible fast as necessary just as Land Rover says, but with an eye to reading the terrain ahead, the quality of the mud, obstacles, both on the track and in the surrounding canopy. It's a very 3D world and one that takes a bit of practice to become competent in.

Dimensions will be more critical when considering the "hole" previous traffic has made in the jungle. Considering it was probably made by a Hilux that gives you an idea of how much cutting you'd have to do for a full size.

Cheers

Christian P.

02-08-2012, 02:25 AM

you guys are so going to be ready for the Maya Rally in December....it's almost not fair...

:)

mk216v

02-08-2012, 04:13 AM

Keep up the fantastic ink and film Ben!

haven

02-08-2012, 05:55 AM

Re: Hole through the foliage, the standard HiLux is 69 inches wide, a recent Wrangler is 74 inches wide, and a Tacoma 4x4 is 75 inches wide.

nwoods

02-08-2012, 06:27 AM

Ben, your photography is simply amazing. And the fact that you are doing it on the fly (processing and so forth), even more so.

Please keep sharing as many as you can!

Mr. Leary

02-09-2012, 02:43 AM

Wow. great job guys!

Game on, my friends, game on!

clcoyle

02-09-2012, 03:21 AM

what amazing pictures and report! thank you for keeping us updated as you travel. Great Work. Pura Vida.

NLX Chica

02-09-2012, 10:13 PM

My crew is next up with NLX! This is going to be awesome! I hope we get some camel trophy quality winching action!
Mark, we are looking forward to the next adventure! Its going to be a challenge for sure, not many people make it to El Mirador. Hope you have been practicing with your winch.

Team Equipt - come back to Antigua anytime, we will talk about Ron (Zacapa).
Angela
No Limit Expeditions
www.NoLimitX.com

Titanpat57

02-10-2012, 01:39 AM

Can't wait to see the 8" x 10" glossy's of "Jack the Wonder Dog" hanging out in the RTT chewing on a Tarpon....:ylsmoke:

Inyo_man

02-11-2012, 02:25 AM

Simply amazing photos!
It makes me think of the year I spent driving from California to Costa Rica and back (via Baja and a ferry ride).
The ruins and jungle trails are incredible!
Safe travels.

iRagedoYou

02-11-2012, 04:19 PM

I just read this entire thread today.. great photographs, amazing journey and story telling. Really enjoyed every page and all the information provided on here.
Thanks for taking the time to sit down and share your adventure with us.
I plan on making a trip down that way when I get back to states on some leave and I found a lot of useful information on here from everyone's inputs. Thanks everyone.
Happy Trails!

-Tony

Scott Brady

02-11-2012, 04:42 PM

Such an awesome trip report. I bet Paul has perma-grin.

It says a lot for Equipt IMO that they are out there doing it. Very few retailers have this kind of experience.

Purple People Eater

02-11-2012, 10:09 PM

This thread has been a breath of fresh air. Well done, guys.

GCRad1

02-12-2012, 03:24 AM

Awesome trip report and spectacular photography! Sorry, but I'm particularly partial to the 80-Series too!

spikemd

02-12-2012, 03:32 AM

Thanks for sharing. What an incredible experience and amazing photography.

Dgurley2000

02-12-2012, 03:49 AM

\ Very few retailers have this kind of experience.

They are not retailers. They are "lifestyle consultants" :)

mk216v

02-12-2012, 05:24 AM

They are not retailers. They are "lifestyle consultants" :)

Awesome. :victory:

Alchemyguy

02-12-2012, 04:34 PM

Great trip report, fantastic way to live!

I'm curious if the tire chains played nice with the Maxtrax. It's pretty common to chain up out here and I'd hate to invest in a set of Maxtrax to have them trashed up...

nwoods

02-13-2012, 04:48 PM

6 days since last update....I think I'm feeling an onset of withdrawl symptoms!

cruiseroutfit

02-14-2012, 03:55 AM

Dgurley2000

02-14-2012, 03:58 AM

Spoke with Pablo on the phone today, they are in need of a couple minor parts to keep them rolling smoothly. Waiting on a Mexico addy and they are ready to launch. Those 3 are having the time of their lives :cool:

Let me guess.... replacement bottle opener to replace their worn out one :) Paul, Ben, Beverly - hope you're enjoying yourselves thoroughly! Have you been to Zipolite yet?

cruiseroutfit

02-14-2012, 04:02 AM

Let me guess...

About as severe :D

mk216v

02-14-2012, 04:03 AM

PS--Your site won't load Kurt.

cruiseroutfit

02-14-2012, 04:11 AM

PS--Your site won't load Kurt.

I believe it is down for some maintenance. I'll look into it.

benedmonson

02-14-2012, 03:52 PM

Thanks to everybody with their kind words and encouragement!! It makes staying up late in a thunderstorm downloading and editing pic's while fighting off killer mosquitos much easier knowing that there are people who actually take the time to view them and comment!:ylsmoke: Team Equipt is having the time of our lives down here this winter and don't want the trip to end. We actually have extended it by another 2-4 weeks because we are having so much fun and meeting some insanely cool people....

Just a little bit on the vehicles and how they are holding up. Paul's 1999 Land Cruiser 100 Series developed a small almost unnoticeable exhaust leak just before he left SLC. That was 7,300 miles ago and it has now turned into something that sounds more like a street stock car awaiting the first heat race on a Saturday night!:Wow1: Did I mention that it is all stock and has over 246,000 miles on it?
Benjie and Beverly's "Lucy" a 1997 Land Cruiser 80 Series with 224,000 miles on it developed a steering wobble after hitting about 10K Topo's along the way! The wobble has only happened a couple of time and we have traced it to the tie-rod end that if on the front drivers side. It hooks to the steering stabilizer and is easy to repair, if you were not in Mexico. Had this happened in Guatemala or lower it would have been fixed immediately, but here in Mexico they don't carry parts for our LC.
So all in all we have two land cruisers with a combined 470,000 miles on them with almost all stock parts and this is all of our trouble's, we couldn't be happier! Although we have many great friends in the Cruiser Community we called on our amigo Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters in SLC who has the parts in stock and will be shipping them to us in Sayulita where our good friend John Hartley lives. We will be staying there for some beach time before continuing our trip to Copper Canyon later this month.

Now if we can just get this thing they call the internet to speed up a little so we can upload some new pics........

benedmonson

02-14-2012, 04:25 PM

So after our hand cranked ferry rides in Belize and our sweet camp on Corozal Bay we headed into Mexico. This border crossing which is only 1 of 2 for Belize was much easier and we didn't get anymore of our beer taken!:victory: Once into Chetumal we headed for one of our favorite camp spots right on the water in Laguna Bacalar, but first stopped for some good cheap provisions and an oil change. Once we were set up in Bacalar we were joined by a really awesome couple who some of you may know as "Home on the Highway." James and Lauren are a very good looking couple that love to travel and are actually doing it! We all had a blast sharing stories and beer while watching a killer sunset on the lake. Bacalar is very unusual as it is fresh water with seven colors of blue that can be seen during midday when the sun is high. It also helps that it has white sandy bottom and is very shallow. This is one of Beverly's favorite places to swim and we can't keep the dogs out of the clear blue water either. This campsite has become a favorite of ours as we have returned here time and time again.

GPS:
N 18.65174º
W088.40901º
There is no sign and the old man in the hammock hasn't walked in 40 years so please do not haggle over the 75 pesos per person he charges:) It is the only place like this on the lake and I hope that development stays out for many more years. We also donated some medicine to the family.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7805-web.jpg
Camp on Laguna Bacalar. We love the grass as their is no sand to deal with and no shoes needed.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7814-web.jpg
The weird unexplained to us stone structures in the waters edge. Limestone I'm assuming and they are slippery like it. One of our team members took a complete face dive when stepping on one!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7836-web.jpg
James and Lauren of "Home on the Highway" you can view their site here: http://homeonthehighway.com

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7821-web.jpg
Doing what we overlanders do best, TALK!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7819.jpg
More of the shore line right at camp.

benedmonson

02-14-2012, 04:34 PM

After our great visit to Laguna Bacalar we headed out to the coast and visited our great friends David and Ilana at www.costadecocos.com This is a place where the Parrot Head can live like a beach bum. You never know as the chief Parrot Head may walk in to the bar here anytime? Costa de Cocos is a fly fishing/diving haven. We have been visiting here to shoot for fly fishing magazines for years and never tire of living on island time.... The soft caribbean breeze and the Cuba Libre's never stop here, just the way we like it.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7882-web.jpg
Paul and Heather take a paddle out to see the reef which is the 5th largest in the world.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7889-web.jpg
A couple of the cook's take some time to do a little fishing. I was glad to hear that they were not fishing for our dinner as the fish were very small.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7898-web.jpg
They finally caught one of the little critters, just enough for about one bite from what I could tell....

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7892.jpg
You be the judge???

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7911-web.jpg
I'm continuing to take photos of my favorite cup from SnowPeak and they always seem to be with my favorite rum.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7842.jpg
A beach scene not far from here.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/_MG_7851.jpg
Our poor "Lucy" had a run in with a crazy coconut, never ever park under these again!!!

benedmonson

02-14-2012, 04:53 PM

More images from our trip up the Caribbean Sea!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/CF015418.jpg
The dive boat leaving camp for an afternoon trip, love the color of the water here!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/CF015522.jpg
These are some serious reels for catching and landing tarpon, snook, bonefish and permit!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/CF015532.jpg
Just saying....

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/CF015617-Edit.jpg
I never tire of looking at these trees.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/CF015620-Edit.jpg
My lovely wife on the pier.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/CF015277-Edit.jpg
you gotta love some serious fish tacos!!!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/CF015257-Edit.jpg
A great fly fishing guide down this way is somebody you always want to have on your side.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/CF015085.jpg
From the pier looking back to the restaurant.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/CF015062-Edit.jpg
And when it was all said and done this english teacher from Pennsylvania did get snookered....

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/CF015049.jpg
Costa de Cocos...

I hope I didn't post too much of this place, but I just love chilling out and chasing some bones on the fly here!

nwoods

02-14-2012, 05:27 PM

More images from our trip up the Caribbean Sea!
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/CF015620-Edit.jpg
My lovely wife on the pier.

Wow what a cool shot! Love the effect.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/benedmonson68/Expedition%20Mundo%20Maya%202012/CF015085.jpg
From the pier looking back to the restaurant.

And more Wow, that's a beautiful place. A bit more developed than I typically go for, but I can see the appeal...... Very reasonable prices too.

Christian P.

02-14-2012, 05:36 PM

Paul, Ben and other

I really enjoy your thread/images!!! this makes me really excited that we are putting the MayaRally (http://www.mayarally.com) together, so we many of us can also experience this great area in less than a year.

I hope you guys will be able to join us again!!!

benedmonson

02-14-2012, 06:04 PM

Nathan, we are very fortunate to be able to swap out photos here and other places for room, board & Beer!!! That is how we roll.... Couldn't afford it any other way.

Christian, if at all possible Team Equipt will be at the Mayan Rally!

jginca

02-14-2012, 06:09 PM

I am enjoying your trip, while drooling on my keyboard.

medicfernando

02-14-2012, 06:12 PM

WOW! Thats all I can say! Oh and cheers, or salud!

Larry

02-14-2012, 11:53 PM

I’m loving this! Wish I was with you. Great pictures! Neat to run across James and Lauren while you are down there. Who knows before long maybe you’ll run across Brenton and Shannon rolling around in there old 4Runner as well.

Sean VHA #60013

02-15-2012, 04:49 PM

Love reading your trip reports and updates - keep it up :coffeedrink:

SlowChevy07

02-15-2012, 05:37 PM

Great thread! Hope the rest of your trip is safe and fulfilling! Can't wait to see future updates!!

RMP&O

02-15-2012, 08:06 PM

Totally awesome pictures! Just stunning! Makes me so wish I wasn't sitting at my pc right now!!

Great write up, awesome pictures and better then any of that.....it is simply prefect to see somebody just get in their truck and go for it plus get off the beaten path. So many people don't go because of fear. It is really awesome to see you toss that aside and head south. Even better that you are a vendor.

Funny but what better way to learn not to park under the coconut trees then to take a hit? It is also good to see I am not the only one who loves Zacapa. I like it so much I made my local liquor store start special ordering it and stocking it on the shelf. Problem is at $60 a bottle I can't afford it often these days. However, not many people buy it here in my small redneck town, so it is almost always on the shelf!! I doubt you will find it now since you are in Mexico but if you ever get a chance to try the 50yr stuff do it! It is even better then the 23yr stuff. And if you get a really wild hair, try a shot in a dark beer like a Guinness or a Belkin. It may surprise you just how good it is, although be careful, it is potent and doesn't taste like it. ;)

In Sayulita there are a couple of RV parks, usually full with snow birds. However there are a few other places to camp, right on the beach, just ask around and look before you buy! I liked Sayulita but if you are a surfer it leaves things to be desired. When I was there the drainage ditch in town reeked of sewage and was also dumping directly into the main surf break. Hopefully that has been taken care of by now. Also hopefully you have driven up the Mex 200. IMHO, it is one of the best stretches of road to drive in all of Mexico. It easily rivals the HWY1 in California, maybe better.

Cheers to you guys!