ATM- Cave of the Stone Sepulchre

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One thing that I absolutely love about Galen is the emphasis they place on taking fieldtrips. In the past weeks I have taken many, but the one I am about to describe is stand alone. I did not think I would have the privelege to attend, as I am not in the course, though had inquired earlier. My roommates had left earlier for the adventure of a lifetime as far as I was concerned, and I was still lying about mentally preparing for the day (i.e. wishing I was still asleep, but thinking about getting up for breakfast).

Imagine my surprise when my friend peers in the window, pops his head in, and shrieks, "ATM, now!" What is this ATM, that could be so exciting you wonder. Here in Cayo, ATM is synonomous with Actun Tunichil Muknal in Roaring Creek, Belize. The cave itself is a 3km journey into the underworld of Belize and holds many ancient Maya relics that have been left for the admiration of the adventurers who tour there. The only way to get into the cave is by swimming in and following the winding river up into the depths of the cave, which culminates in the, "cathedral."

With time only to jump out of bed, I got dressed, and grabbed my camera, forgetting this was an all day excursion. Thanks to the generosity of others I did not starve to death however. After what seemed like hours in the back of a pick-up truck, we finally arrived to begin the rest of the trip on foot. After a short hike in, and a refreshing dip, we began our journey into the cave. I don't think a smile was removed from my face the entire day, nor was my camera.

We spent nearly four hours exploring the depths of ATM, privy to many ancient relics, 2 skulls, and an intact skeleton, that was not fake for once. Because this was a course fieldtrip, out tour guide just happened to be the Director of Archeology here in Belize. Though, he did take it upon himself to make sure we saw many things that we probably wouldn't have seen otherwise. I suspect he may do this for his own amusement purposes as we soon found ourselves wedging through caverns that weren't fit for small children in pursuit of intact pottery among other things.

We spent many hours in the dark, and the light came to me as a shock when we rounded our final corner back out of the cave. We polished off our lunches, and hit the road, for the less fortunate of us had to return to evening classes. My tale of spelunking ends here, but a fraction of the numerous photos I took are online at:
http://uvm.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2047845&l=f12c8&id=6904435

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Photos

Our last sight of daylight
Looking out from inside the cave

The Crystal Maiden
Intact human skull from the Maya civilization

Ascending into the unknown
The climb to the cave cathedral

Comments

[Martha and James]

Cool skulls!!!!
James is quite enamored of the skull! He is studying South America and I have sent his teacher your blog site. I am worried that you are not getting enough stimulation down there. Can we trade places so I can be convinced of the intellectual content to your studies? Arggh I am so jealous. To spend one day in your shoes would be awesome.