Continuing on from my last blog entry chronicling our trip to visit several cenotes in the Yucatan over Easter break I will pick up where I left off. We made our way along the path to a wooden staircase leading down to the first cenote, Chelentun,where we were greeted by a huge group of people all toting their cameras and swim gear. Once down the stairs I peeled off my clothing and amidst flashing cameras I dove into the cool crystal blue water.There was a beam of sunlight shining down from an opening above which lit the cavern up and enabled you to see the bottom though the cenote was quite deep. There were stalactites hanging down from above which added to the beauty of this natural wonder.
Bolonchojool
After swimming for our alloted 30 minutes we took a few pictures and returned to our cart.On our way to our next destination we had a bit of excitement as our cart derailed and Luis and Jose quickly mounted the cart once again onto the tracks and we were off again!. We arrived at Bolonchojool unscathed and Luis told us that this particular cenote was a favourite among visitors to Cuzama. We walked to the cenote’s entrance which consisted of a small hole reminiscent of Alice and Wonderland’s rabbit hole. It had a makeshift wooden ladder burrowing deep into the earth. There were people trying to go up and down it at the same time even though there was room for only one person at a time…you gotta love Mexico! I gingerly made my way down encountering steps that creaked and buckled under my weight—eeek!Once I arrived ,again there was a large group of people but I easily ignored them as I was captivated by Bolochojool’s incredible beauty. Amidst stalactites and beams of natural light I again stripped down and swam lost in the purity of this underground world.
Going down the ladder at Bolonchojool
Our last stop on this incredible tour was centote Chak-Zinik-Che. Another beautiful spot where once again we swam and snapped a few photos. Then it was time to board our cart for the trip back which involved stopping the cart and taking it off the tracks when 2 or more other carts came our way as there were only one set of tracks going to each cenote. I was amazed at how efficient our guides were and we were quite amused by the whole experience. As the other carts sped past the Pony Express came to mind. Once we arrived at the entrance I took an apple out of my bag and offered it to Pirata who sniffed it and turned his nose up at it!! My family has a guest ranch and I have never seen a horse who didn’t love a fresh green apple. I tried giving it to one of the other horses and they too declined.Jose told me that they didn’t like apples…I imagine that they have never been offered one before that day.
Chak-Zinik-Che cenote
We thanked our guides and made our way to our truck it had been a truly amazing experience.We were hungry and thirsty so decided to look for a place to stop before driving on to Chichen. We came across a sign for a place called Hacienda Tepich. We followed the signs and were quite surprised when we arrived at an actual Hacienda. I will leave that for another day and another blog.I hope that you have enyoyed reading about our Easter Yucatan Adventure so far.I would love to hear your thoughts.
Pony Express
Sounds like a super day out Ash.
The way it reads, you went skinny dipping too!!! – did you :0)
Uh…no, maybe I should change that…I was in my Bathing suit LOL
Once again Ashlie I am left waiting eagerly for the next part. You should definately write a Novel!! I would be one of the 1st to buy it. Hurry up with the next Chapter. Great photo’s as well Cousin Dawn 70×7 xx
Thank you Dawn! I will post another one soon
Beautiful pictures!
I also am greeted by a multitude of flashing cameras whenever I dive into water. I’m sure it’s because of my grace.
LOL…I am sure it is because of your grace.
Good blog Ashlie!
Historical note:
Am currently rereading “Aztec” and am struggling with all the virtually unpronounceable (at least to me!) Aztec & Mayan words liberally sprinkled throughout the book. What is really interesting is how so many of the modern day Mexican name places is a corruption by the Spanish conquistadores of the original indigenous name, often with unfortunate results. A good example of this is the beautiful high-plateaued town of Cuernavaca, which quite literally means Cow-Horn, whereas it’s original name, Quaunahuac, meant Surrounded by Forest. The state of Yucatan is so-called because when the Spaniards first arrived in that area and asked, “What is this place called?” the inhabitants not understanding Spanish replied, “Yectetan” which means, “I do not understand you!” Some of the Mayan place names are more familiar, since they roll off your tongue so fluently Ashlie, which has helped me a lot.