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<\/a><\/p>\nWe followed the signs to the cave, but when we arrived the gates were locked, and a big banner indicated that the whole place was closed for maintenance. We looked around and noticed that the area showed serious neglect, as if it had been closed for years. Bummer, we really wanted to see this cave. In our typically rebellious style, we searched for a way around the gate. The place was deserted. We might as well see if we could sneak in, right?
\nSimultaneously, two things happened. On the ground, I spotted some pages, obviously torn out of a porn magazine, featuring male models. The pages were carefully weighted down with rocks\u2026okay, weird\u2026and we were approached by a really shady looking character carrying a tattered backpack. Were those his porn pages??
\nHe was trying to tell us something in his native Indian dialect, and I could barely catch a word. I finally guessed he was talking about money and wondered if he might be offering to be an illicit guide into the caves. Hmmm, might be interesting. \u201cDinero?\u201d I asked, and he nodded.
\nIn Spanish, I asked, \u201cIs it possible to get into the caves?\u201d
\nHe nodded again.
\n\u201cCan you guide us?\u201d
\nAnother nod.
\n\u201cHow much?\u201d
\n\u201c50 pesos,\u201d he replied. That was about 4 bucks.
\n\u201cWhat\u2019s your name?\u201d
\n\u201cManuel.\u201d
\n\u201cOkay Manuel, let\u2019s go!\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nThen the wind shifted. He smelled as bad as he looked. Remembering the porn pages, I wondered what we had gotten ourselves into. Would Charlotte get robbed by co-conspirators while we were away? Would we be ambushed once inside cave? For that matter, would the cave be dangerous? It was closed down for a reason! Oh, what the heck, out on a limb is where all the fruit is, right? We grabbed headlamps out of Charlotte, and as a last minute thought, I pocketed the pepper spray I keep on my backpack. I noticed Ned had picked up our huge Mag Light, and I figured that could be used as a weapon too. We were prepared now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nWe climbed over the fence and down some steep stairs. I was excited, but still apprehensive. I knew Ned was not worried, but that\u2019s always my job anyway. I decided that from here on out, I was going to maneuver myself to stay behind Manuel. I was not going to have a surprise attack from behind!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Down we went, into the bowels of the earth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The caves and infrastructure were in total disrepair, and piles of rock had fallen from the cave roof onto the walkways.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The lights looked like they hadn\u2019t been used in a decade. This was perhaps a \u201cDarwin\u201d moment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The cave was huge, and there were some very deep holes; not the most spectacular we have seen, but still impressive. Our footsteps echoed in the vast stillness, and we found ourselves whispering to each other. It really was a bit spooky, considering the circumstances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Manuel actually turned out to be an enthusiastic, if not terribly knowledgeable guide, laconically pointing out cool features without explaining their geological significance. He was even chivalrous, offering to help me over rough spots and lighting my way with his flashlight. The lack of personal hygiene and the porn pages? Well, that was his business.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Overall it was a great experience. We got a private viewing of a really cool cave. I was relieved, however, when I emerged alive and bounded back up the stairs into the fresh air and sunshine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Having survived our crazy cave adventure, we drove into the two-donkey, one house town of Cayal where Margarita ran this tiny restaurant out of her home. She cooked us a great breakfast of scrambled eggs, refried black beans and tortillas, which we ate with gusto.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n This little guy came out to wish us a warm farewell and \u201cBuen Viaje!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n We spent our last night in Mexico parked in a lonely campground in Bacalar, just a few miles from the Belize border. Our final Mexican dinner was in this cute little restaurant where we cracked open the Belize map for the first time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Mexico was a gift of amazing memories. Our eyes were saturated with gorgeous scenery and vibrant colors. Our bodies were fed with delicious food, and our hearts were filled with the warmth and kindness of the people. There is something about the Mexican people which is hard to describe and impossible to forget. Their spirit manifests in smiles, waves, loving hugs, impeccable manners and eagerness to help strangers. Mexico had become comfortable. We were sad to leave and will miss the people. As of today\u2019s writing, Ned and Charlotte and I have been on the road for over two months and have driven nearly 8,000 miles. We spent two months in Mexico, flew to Cuba for a four day side trip and … Continue reading <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nAhh\u2026but new adventures await\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"