The Most Beautiful Lake in the World

Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America, with over 1,000 feet of water submerging an ancient caldera.

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, was a bucket list destination for years. Finally, we arrived on New Year's Eve 2018, and soaked up the heavenly view until bedtime. Then, all hell broke loose. At midnight, a powerful celebration began - fireworks exploded from every twinkling hearth lining the lake. It looked like the perimeter of the lake was on fire. It really was awe inspiring. I wondered what it would be like to live on the furry feet of a volcano.

 Yesterday, all hell broke loose again - fire and fury blasted out of nearby Volcan del Fuego. Sadly, the death toll is rising. Now, I know what it would be like to live on the flanks of a volcano. A mix of awe and anger. Heaven and hell. Volcanoes don't want to be ignored. 

When we were there, luckily, it was heaven...

Boats bob in the waves near the town of Panajachel.

Inspiration.

Heaven's portal.

Sunset.

Sunrise.

When I gaze at this photo, I think of peace and tranquility. But what lies beneath is anything but.

Please pop over to Beautiful Boquete. I have a new illustrated map published on They Draw and Travel! 

The Awesome Links:

Wild Bird Wednesday

Wednesdays around the World!

Tanama Tales

Our World Tuesday

Budget Travel on Friday

Sky Watch Friday!

image-in-ing

Pictorial Tuesday

Reserva Natural Atitlan

A spider monkey watched us from the trees, at Reserva Natural Atitlan. 

This one was enjoying a moment of reflection!

This one isn't a monkey at all. It's a Coati.

This one was sleeping. So sweet. I love this photo.

The trail was connected by hanging bridges and passed a nice little waterfall. But the bridges weren't quite as adventurous (or breath taking) as the ones at ixpanpajul! (Be sure to check them out if you missed them) 

The best thing about the Reserva, was the butterfly dome. Hands down. See for yourself...

Visiting Lake Atitlan in Guatemala is all about the volcano views. But this place is worth a stop. 

Have a meaningful Memorial Day. 

The Awesome Links:

Wild Bird Wednesday

Wednesdays around the World!

Tanama Tales

Our World Tuesday

Budget Travel on Friday

Sky Watch Friday!

image-in-ing

Pictorial Tuesday

Yaxha

The city of Yaxha (blue-green water) is located on a ridge overlooking a lake of the same name in the lowlands of Guatemala. The city and its environs encompassed 92 miles, with a population of approximately 42,000. Although, that was around 350 BC - 250 AD.

The ruins include at least 500 structures linked by hidden causeways. You'll discover 40 mysterious stelae if you forage with a fine tooth comb. Other stats include: 13 alters, 9 temples, and 2 ball courts. If you're like me, you'll remember these Mayan ruins from the T.V. show Survivor. The cast and crew filmed inside the park. No joke!

We didn't see any jaguar, but we did see turkeys. 

I wonder how many people can say they had a picnic in front of a Mayan ruin? 

Tiny critters. 

Epic stairways. 

(You can see how the jungle grows over the temples like a vertical garden)

Uff da. 

  

There was a panoramic view from the top. Plus, we were smack dab in the middle of howler monkey American Idol try outs. 

My husband climbed this one, but not me. 

A spectacular plaza with a view. It has twin pyramids like Tikal. 

Stelae. If walls could talk.

Mummified. 

Smiley face stelae. 

Wow! What a view from the top. 

Yaxha was an adventure from the start - hidden away in deep jungle, with only a ground and pound dirt road for access. But, luckily, I love that kind of thing!

The Awesome Links:

Wild Bird Wednesday

Wednesdays around the World!

Tanama Tales

Our World Tuesday

Budget Travel on Friday

Sky Watch Friday!

image-in-ing

Pictorial Tuesday

Clearwater Crush

I didn't establish much of a crush on Clearwater, Florida. But I did receive two icy blue, (free) Clearwater crush cups. A major score. Ha! 

Orlando, (shown above) however, I love. Next year, we're staying in Miami instead of Orlando. So, no exhausting theme park days. And no sunrise views like this.

I will miss the misty, surreal mornings I enjoyed at our rental. 

I'll miss the restaurants and hubbub of Disney Springs too. 

I finally captured a decent mockingbird photo. I love to hear their Florida playlist.

For an exorbitant fee, you can take this sweet ride into the waters surrounding Disney Springs. I settled for a photo.

An unhinged jaw, diabolically laughing at all the money flying out of your pockets. Or something like that. 

After Orlando, we meandered over to Clearwater. It was so cold! Even so, it didn't prevent throngs, wearing thongs, from clogging the sand. Not my scene - even this turtle looked like she was shivering. 

Oranges = Clearwater crush. 

Club Wyndam even has a bowl of oranges in the lobby. I usually don't post photos of our accommodations, but this was free. Happy dance! (My husband's hobby is collecting points and miles) Two free nights and all the oranges we could eat. 

A groovy wicker chair.

A room with a view.

I do have a crush on sunsets.

The Awesome Links:

Wild Bird Wednesday

Wednesdays around the World!

Tanama Tales

Our World Tuesday

Budget Travel on Friday

Sky Watch Friday!

image-in-ing

Pictorial Tuesday