Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

El Pilar was featured in the latest Popular Archaeology.  LIDAR, while nothing new, has retaken the headlines lately due to it finally being used in the Peten.  The discovery of the 'citadel' in El Pilar with it is highlighted in the article.  

"In fact, archaeologist Anabel Ford has been using the results of this technology application for years. The following video tells her story about the rediscovery and conservation of El Pilar, a large ancient Maya city that, for the most part, still lies enshrouded in its forest canopy. She describes the discovery of what she has dubbed the 'citadel', an ancient Maya structural complex that differs markedly from anything else revealed in the land of the ancient Maya. She also relates, on the ground, the unfolding tragedy of a Maya preserve and heritage that is under daily threat of destruction."

Video of the day.  This is a blast from the past.  This great video from Daniel Velazquez was recently uploaded for everyone to enjoy. 

"2005 expedition into the Chiquibul, to create awareness on the wildlife poaching and looting issue by Guatemalans from Peten, funded by Pact, coordinated by FCD, documented by The Fosters wildlife films produced by Carol Foster shot by Richard Foster and Daniel Velazquez, expedition leader Lenny Gentle."

Benque held their El Encuentro Procession yesterday.

"The procession of 'El Encuentro' was brought to Benque Viejo in the late 1800's by the founding parents from San Andres in Peten.  In the 1980's it was revived under the pastorship of Fr. John McHugh."

The Bluffs will be hosting this year's Xmas Rock 2 concert.  Planeta Vagabundo and half of Ascenthium will be performing on Saturday, December 21st.  Great food, awesome rock and roll, and prizes too.   

"In case you missed out our 9th annual event we bring u back XMAS ROCK #2 but this time we its going to be #thebluff cristo rey road.we got Planeta Vagabundo from flores peten performing (classic rock and spanish rock) and 3 band members of #ascenthium. Guido Gonzalez,Dina Halsall and Cesar Gonzalez performing an instrumental set list.this is a concert u don't want to miss its our last show of the year."

Feelgood news of the day.  The Rotary Club of San Ignacio donated 18 wheelchairs to the Rotary neighbors next door. 

"Our club has a longstanding wheelchair program working with clubs in the US. John Acott has led the donation efforts for many years. 18 chairs were donated to the Tikal Peten Rotary Club in Flores. The handover took place between the two border posts. 9 of the wheelchairs will be distributed in the Flores/Santa Elena area and the other 9 in Sayaxché, which is a town about 1 ½ hours south of Flores. It is an interesting place as you cross a large river on a huge car and truck ferry, powered by a tiny outboard motor at one corner."

Congratulations to Jhoshi Valencia, who won while representing Belize at the Mr. and Ms. Pacifico and Caribe pageant yesterday.  

"Jhoshi Alexander Valencia represented Belize at the Mister & Miss Pacifico & Caribe Pageants in Peten, Guatemala on March 30, 2013 and came away with the crown - Belize's first in an international male pageant."