 This is Palenque, fantastic site of ancient ruins. |
 Detail of mayan heirgoglyphs. Uncanny detail of "medicine man." |
 We visited the Palneque ruins on a sunday which is free and less crowded. We especially like it because it was family day for locals versus big, giant tours. |
 View of surrounding ruins, seen from an open air window of the Templo I. |
 Paul just climbed a million steps in 90 degree humidity, yet appears cool and rested at the top of the temple. |
 Better hurry, folks, the train leaves in 2 minutes. Wait, that's not a train station, trains were invented over a thousand years after this Mayan structure was built! |
 A beautifully preserved Mayan Temple in Palenque's lush grounds. |
 At Palenque you're ablet to climb and explore nearly every structure, except for a few ruins where the steps were too dangerously eroded. |
 Broadview of this mind-boggling, land of the ancient Mayans. |
 This amazing structure was well worth the climb. Wait, we watched the others climb and took this shot from the top of a neighboring perch. |
 Another detailed 'glyph inside a temple. Much detail and ceremonial flourishes. Wild! |
 Paul pondered a new career, part-time archeologist, paid to dig, explore, travel and learn the secrets of the ancient Mayans. |
 Dot ran into a reknowned archeologist, Bert. |
 This pair of temples were especially breathtaking viewed high atop Templo VI. |
 Bird's eye view of a many ruins at Palenque. |
 Archeologists have done a fine job of excavating these Mayan ruins. The jungle landscape flourishes as it did in the Classical Period (6-700's) when Palenque was in full swing. |
 Awesome! |
 It is incredible just to stand in the presence of such architectural greatness. Palenque was a thriving paradise. |
 A splash of red leaves amidst the grey and green. |
 These beautiful temples are the first or last glimpse of Palenque, depending upon how you enter the area. The emeraldy grass creates a fine contrast to the dark stones. |
 We stayed 1km from the ruins at this wonderful campground. There are several others on this stretch of road, but we liked this one for it's natural splendor! |
 There's our van Poppy, peeking into the jungle. |
 Paul enjoys a well-deserved ice-cold coke while Dot belts it out nearby in an open-air "ancient" shower. |
 Our campground had a beautiful pool and we went for a dip before hitting the road. |
 Paul enters the water slowly, toes-first. Or is he actually eaves-dropping on the hippie love fest circle in the shade behind him? |
 Oh yeah, instant coolifying! |
 Palenque was a truly special place even beyond the ruins. Our campground, nestled in the wilds made us feel peaceful in the nature and this vegetarian cafe appealed to our tummies! |