 | Pirate Party - CanCun, Mexico 2011 - Part 10 | From: basusa2008 Views: 0  0 ratings |
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Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Pirate Party - CanCun, Mexico 2011 - Part 10
Beneath The Jemez Mountains, New Mexico
While on my way to the Jemez Mountains in Northern New Mexico for a long awaited vacation, I found myself in the Sandia Mountains after avoiding a traffic jam in Albuquerque. I soon realized that I was on the road to Sandia Man Cave. I had read about the archeological importance of this cave so I had to stop (being the caver I am) and explore this historic cave with a host of other passers-by.
I grabbed a small backpack and a couple of flashlights from my truck and set foot to trail. The maintained trail from the parking lot leads directly to a spiral staircase and platform fashioned against the cliff where the cave waits. Along the trail, I heard words from people leaving the cave like, “Wish I had a flashlight,” and “That guy is smart, he has a light.” It made me wonder just what these people were expecting after all it is a cave. I guess the idea of caves being dark places hasn’t quite hit some people but I’m not surprised. When I worked as a park ranger for Carlsbad Caverns visitors constantly asked, “How much of this cave is underground?”
I climbed the stairs to the cave’s entrance which is basically semi-circular in shape. The passage quickly led to a rock wall with a person sized hole gouged through it. I crawled through and was met by a fog of dust which previous visitors had kicked up. The floor of this cave is coated in a thick layer of dust and careful trekking is necessary if you want to see where you are going. Inching my way deeper in to the cave, the only thing I found were cans, bottles, a little breakdown rock material, and more dust. I did see some fossils in the low ceiling but no cave formations to really speak of unfortunately. The entire 600 foot length of the passage is absent of any side passages to explore so no one can get lost in this cave.
As I explored this cave I had an overwhelming sense of the anthropological significance of Sandia Man Cave. With artifacts as old as 10,000 years excavated there, it’s not a hard sense to have. There I was in a cave known to have sheltered so many ancient people before me and now I was briefly using that same shelter from the approaching rain. The parallel of human needs was eerie.
When the rain stopped, I searched the area for other rumored caves and actually found one that was little more than an alcove in the rock. It is a vertical slit leading to a fair sized room. Soot from campfires stained the walls and ceiling of the room. Three passages stray from the room with only one being accessible. I crawled through to a dead end. I returned to the cave’s entrance and hiked back to my truck excited about this small unexpected underground adventure.
Later, I made it to the Gillman Tunnels. Walking through a man made, railroad tunnel in granite is hardly exploration but my stroll through the Gillman Tunnels at the Guadalupe Box in the Jemez Mountains was enough of an underground experience for me. The two tunnels are large enough to fit logging trucks and are impressive among the cliffs and river that surround them.
From the tunnels, I went in search of the new Spanish Queen Copper Mine near Jemez Springs. Marked on the topographic map as being on public land, I soon found that I needed to cross private land to get there. So, I opted to search for the old Spanish Queen Mine. Later a forester told me that the new mine collapsed and the mine was limited to 8 feet. I expected difficulty in the finding the old mine and was surprised to just about walk right to it thanks to the tailings pile at the entrance. The entrance is filled to a level where a crawl is inevitable. Once inside, I could stand and carefully walked down the tunnel. I came up on two drifts heading in opposite directions only to quickly dead end. Farther back, the main tunnel ended at a length of 200 feet. Outside the mine, I found some interesting green copper and blue fossilized minerals in the tailings pile.
Cruising from one underground adventure to another during this trip, my next conquest was a small cave formed under the Soda Dam in the Jemez River Valley. The Soda Dam is a formation built of calcium carbonate from a spring. The dam is 300 feet long, 50 feet high, and 50 feet wide. It naturally blocks the Jemez River flow to a point that a violent waterfall rushes through the remaining opening. Carved in the dam is a shallow cave dissolved from wind and rain. Inside the cave is one of the prettiest sights I’ve ever seen. Flowstone covered in tiny rimstone dams shines in a round, green algae coated room. The water flowing over the flowstone shimmers against the walls creating a reflection that looks metallic. It is very hot and humid in this cave and its small size doesn’t really allow you to linger. This cave was a nice surprise.
Jemez Cave sits 100 feet up in the side of a mountain directly across from Soda Dam. The early occupancy of this cave dates back to 2500 B.C. and many ancient artifacts have been recovered. Even a mummified body wrapped in a turkey feather blanket was found. It’s a steep but short climb to this cave which is really a very large shelter. Soot covers the ceiling and the best thing about this cave other than it’s archeology is the view from it. I didn’t linger long since I had so much more to see and so little time. I climbed around the mountain side to check out some dark holes and found one just big enough to sit inside and take a short break.
Racing down Highway 44 to my next cave, I noticed a couple of springs oozing from the ground just off the road so I stopped to take a look at them. Sure enough, not far from the springs was an opening in the side of a hill. I climbed to it, peered inside, and decided that I would have to come back later. I just didn’t plan on finding so many interesting natural features on this trip.
On a caving roll, I made it to a cave that would be the biggest one I would see on this trip. Alabaster Cave is a true gypsum cave. Close to San Ysidro, this cave was created by a stream. Breakdown and a sandy floor are the main facets of this cave. I did find another entrance and black graffiti arrows pointing out (I hoped) on the walls. But other than seeming to never end, I found little to see in this cave. I was warned by a fellow caver that when I came to the water passage to take the upper passage because the water is too deep but I never found the water. If I would have spent more time inside, I may have managed to find the water and also get myself lost. When I excited the cave, it was dusk and time to make camp.
The Tent Rocks near Cochiti Pueblo are tent shaped Fillers formed by wind and water. The volcanic tuff and pumice wore away around caprocks creating these unusual shapes. In this area is a cave of ancient origin that is carved in the base of the tuff wall. It’s a six foot climb up to its round entrance. Sitting inside feels like sitting inside an egg. Allegedly some of the hundreds of petroglyphs etched on the walls are authentic. Nonetheless, the etchings are impressive and artistic. Soot covers the ceiling here as well. The view from this cave is spectacular and I was really fascinated by this place.
In the Bland Mining District, I found three obvious prospects at the side of a road that were short and sweet. Then I found a mine that was about 250 feet long and had several short drifts. At the end of the tunnel, I discovered that the walls looked fuzzy. Further inspection revealed tiny crystal hairs growing from the mine’s walls. It was an intriguing sight and totally unexpected. After exploring this mine, I headed back to my truck when I noticed a faint road leading around a bend. Naturally I had to follow it. It took me to yet another mine. This mine had an old log frame partially collapsed around its entrance. I peeked inside before deciding to go in a short distance to determine the mine’s safety. It really had the look of doom. I came to a pile of debris that left just enough room for a person to squeeze through but I resisted the urge and backed out slowly.
Later that day, I made it to the McCauley Hot Spring to relax after a busy day of exploration. Just up the hill from it, two rock shelters fooled me in to thinking they were caves. Turns out, the soot covered walls made the entrances look dark and deep which they weren’t.
In the faint light of a fleeting sun, I was staring at a distant jet going overhead when suddenly a familiar shape fluttered over. It was a bat who was skimming the spring for insects barely missing my head on a few passes. Soon there were several bats swirling around me in the darkness of night.
I visited Jemez Falls the following morning and basked in the beauty of nature. I found another rock shelter here with water surging from the falls among huge boulders.
The last cave I visited is carved in the base of Tea Kettle Rock in Jarosa Canyon. This unique sandstone boulder throws out a narrow arch which strongly resembles the spout of a tea kettle hence the name. The cave is just a hole beneath the boulder. A duck walk in one entrance turned in to crawling out the other entrance. Footprints and trash told me that I obviously was not the first explorer.
This trip was too short for me. I found underground experiences in an area not really known for this type of adventure. Most people just explore the surface of the Jemez Mountains but I went much deeper and came up some truly unique and fascinating memories.
NOTE: I took many pictures of this trip but unfortunately I can not share them as they were taken from me during my divorce. However, pictures of many of these places can be found on line. Thanks for reading this hub.
Source: Ixtapa Information
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
gold cup_103
By Lucio_V
No real name given
+ Add Contact
This photo was taken on June 25, 2011 using a Nikon D700.
Article source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/luciovilla/5874895950/
Source: Ixtapa Information
Mexico Best Family Vacation
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By lov2travel
Mexico Best Family Vacation
Mexico – best family vacation, like no other. I love Mexico! I’m sure it’s great to travel there as a single person but it’s unbeatable as a family vacation. There is something for everyone. There are cultural festivals, markets for artisans, bull fights, sporting events, archeological sits, Spanish immersion school, humanitarian opportunities, eco-tours, and, of course, the beach.
Beach
For young children you can’t beat the beach. With such a wide range of resorts as well as locations off the beaten path you are sure to find something that fits your budget and your sense of adventure. The water is consistently warm, unlike the beaches in the USA. It’s a great introduction to the ocean for small children especially since most major beaches are in the confines of a bay. Thus the waves are small and risk of rip tides or other water dangers are minimal.
Study Spanish
If you have a desire to study Spanish there are great immersion schools in some wonderful locations throughout the country. You can spend a week or more with native speakers who will guide you through grammer rules and, most importantly, get you speaking.
Monarch Butterfly Reserves
Most people don’t know that the annual migration of monarch butterflies ends in a beautiful canyon in Mexico. There are special butterfly reserves so that these magnificent creatures can spend the winter in peace as they prepare to mate in the spring. It’s something you can only see in your Mexico best family vacation. To see it through the eyes of your children is an entirely new experience as well.
Culture and Serving
Mexicans love their fiestas! Cultural and religious events are a regular part of life in Mexico. If you are able to plan your family vacation around a major holiday, like Day of the Dead, you and your family will be astonished at the wide range and depth of traditions that make up Mexican culture.
If you’d like to have the experience of serving families in Mexico, opportunities abound. Not only are several rural areas in need of assistance to build schools and basic infrastructure, for instance, but even if you want to stay close to the cities you can find ways to help in one of the many orphanages.
Mexico is home to an abundance of archeological sites. Great cities of the past are being discovered all the time. Ancient pyramids and Aztec temples as well as more modern cathedrals, castles and nunneries are open to the public to climb, learn and explore. Many of the sites now house extensive museums and visitors centers with English speaking guides.
Downtown Mercado
If you love unique artisan markets you’ll find one in most major cities. Most towns are known for some kind of unique technique or material the people use. For instance Taxco is known for its silver and places closer to Cuernavaca for their work in clay. You can visit markets in the cities or just stop in a small town and discover some wonderful treasure.
Food Futbol
Mexican food goes way beyond tacos and burritos. Did you know that in the city of Oaxaca the streets smell of chocolate? Can I say Mexico great family vacation? What family wouldn’t enjoy a day exploring there? Chocolate is made into drinks and candies but also savory soups, marinades, and moles. You’ll never think of chocolate in the same way again.
Sporting events are a big draw for communities in Mexico. Most towns and all the major cities have their own soccer team. Loyalties run deep. The facilities are generally well maintained and accommodating. If you are a sports fan, attending a Mexican futbol (soccer) game will give you a new perspective on what it means to be an “avid fan.” It’s an outing the Mexicans share as a family and one you should consider as well.
As you consider your next family vacation I encourage you to explore the many unique and exciting options available in Mexico. Mexico best family vacation is a paradise where you can relax, explore, learn and grow as a family. It’s a vacation you’ll never forget. I can bet as your children think back they’ll say when asked which was your best family vacation? Mexico best family vacation hands down.
CasaDeMataOrtiz 3 years ago
I’ll be driving through Moab next week on my way south to Mata Ortiz! Great hub.
Bill
Source: Ixtapa Information
Ixtapa Sunrise
By sunsetmedina
Marcia+ Add Contact
This photo was taken on January 1, 2008 using a Canon ZR70 MC.
Source: Ixtapa Information
Mexico Best Family Vacation
rate or flag this pageTweet
By lov2travel
Mexico Best Family Vacation
Mexico – best family vacation, like no other. I love Mexico! I’m sure it’s great to travel there as a single person but it’s unbeatable as a family vacation. There is something for everyone. There are cultural festivals, markets for artisans, bull fights, sporting events, archeological sits, Spanish immersion school, humanitarian opportunities, eco-tours, and, of course, the beach.
Beach
For young children you can’t beat the beach. With such a wide range of resorts as well as locations off the beaten path you are sure to find something that fits your budget and your sense of adventure. The water is consistently warm, unlike the beaches in the USA. It’s a great introduction to the ocean for small children especially since most major beaches are in the confines of a bay. Thus the waves are small and risk of rip tides or other water dangers are minimal.
Study Spanish
If you have a desire to study Spanish there are great immersion schools in some wonderful locations throughout the country. You can spend a week or more with native speakers who will guide you through grammer rules and, most importantly, get you speaking.
Monarch Butterfly Reserves
Most people don’t know that the annual migration of monarch butterflies ends in a beautiful canyon in Mexico. There are special butterfly reserves so that these magnificent creatures can spend the winter in peace as they prepare to mate in the spring. It’s something you can only see in your Mexico best family vacation. To see it through the eyes of your children is an entirely new experience as well.
Culture and Serving
Mexicans love their fiestas! Cultural and religious events are a regular part of life in Mexico. If you are able to plan your family vacation around a major holiday, like Day of the Dead, you and your family will be astonished at the wide range and depth of traditions that make up Mexican culture.
If you’d like to have the experience of serving families in Mexico, opportunities abound. Not only are several rural areas in need of assistance to build schools and basic infrastructure, for instance, but even if you want to stay close to the cities you can find ways to help in one of the many orphanages.
Mexico is home to an abundance of archeological sites. Great cities of the past are being discovered all the time. Ancient pyramids and Aztec temples as well as more modern cathedrals, castles and nunneries are open to the public to climb, learn and explore. Many of the sites now house extensive museums and visitors centers with English speaking guides.
Downtown Mercado
If you love unique artisan markets you’ll find one in most major cities. Most towns are known for some kind of unique technique or material the people use. For instance Taxco is known for its silver and places closer to Cuernavaca for their work in clay. You can visit markets in the cities or just stop in a small town and discover some wonderful treasure.
Food Futbol
Mexican food goes way beyond tacos and burritos. Did you know that in the city of Oaxaca the streets smell of chocolate? Can I say Mexico great family vacation? What family wouldn’t enjoy a day exploring there? Chocolate is made into drinks and candies but also savory soups, marinades, and moles. You’ll never think of chocolate in the same way again.
Sporting events are a big draw for communities in Mexico. Most towns and all the major cities have their own soccer team. Loyalties run deep. The facilities are generally well maintained and accommodating. If you are a sports fan, attending a Mexican futbol (soccer) game will give you a new perspective on what it means to be an “avid fan.” It’s an outing the Mexicans share as a family and one you should consider as well.
As you consider your next family vacation I encourage you to explore the many unique and exciting options available in Mexico. Mexico best family vacation is a paradise where you can relax, explore, learn and grow as a family. It’s a vacation you’ll never forget. I can bet as your children think back they’ll say when asked which was your best family vacation? Mexico best family vacation hands down.
CasaDeMataOrtiz 3 years ago
I’ll be driving through Moab next week on my way south to Mata Ortiz! Great hub.
Bill
Source: Ixtapa Information
Monday, June 27, 2011
What I Would Have Done In Cancun
 | Our trip for Barstool Sports (the company I work for) got cancelled due to lack of sales and other things. Sadly, I had to spend spring break in my house. Please subscribe to my channel and my other channels: Jennamarblesvlog Jmourey66 Facebook: www.facebook.com Twitter @Jenna_Marbles www.jennamarblesblog.com 3 Swimsuits in this video were from Bella Beach wear, the turquoise scrunch butt one, the bubblegum pink top and the brown bikini I wore in the bathtub. Bella Beachwear: www.bellabeachwear.com The song I used is from the band Crunk Witch- Battle Beyond, off of their album The Legends of Manicorn itunes.apple.com | From: JennaMarbles Views: 2152643   13713 ratings |
| Time: 05:42 | More in Comedy |
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