[Aztlan] Link to Part 1 of my Mirador Basin article

[Mike Reed]

Since the link to Part 2 of my Mirador trip was just posted, here is the link to Part 1 of my Mirador Basin trip article:

http://www.mostlymaya.com/2006miradorReed.html

It reads better in the correct order.   Unfortunately, the photos have been changed around from the articles published in "The Codex," the journal of the Pre-Columbian Society of the U of Pennsylvania Museum of Anchaeology, but the writing is essentially the same.

This link to Part 1 "On the El Mirador Trail" is the beginning of a two part narrative of one of the loop trips I took with some friends, and focuses on some brief explanations of the natural history of the region, some background on the Preclassic Maya, a tour of Mirador itself (on New Year's 2006), and some of our experiences on the trail and at Mirador.

Part 2, of the same trip, "Along the Nakbe Trail" is the link already posted from mostlymaya.com, but discusses more about the Maya and a description of Nakbe, Wakna and the trail back to the trailhead at Carmelita.  

Much has already changed at El Mirador and along its trail system as Richard Hansen's huge project forges ahead.  The main trail has now mostly been changed to follow along the top of the massive and long causeway between Tintal and El Mirador, greatly facilitating the enjoyment of the trail, which can get quite muddy and even inundated during the wet season.  It is a joy to follow now compared to only three years ago.  The Nakbe Trail remains pretty much the same, which is good because it passes through some of the most beautiful primeval forest scenery one can find and is in pretty good shape.  To the project's credit, they have cut back many of the worst (and most painful) spiny vegetation along the trail margins, making the trip all the more pleasureable.

I just returned to Guatemala City two days ago from nearly three weeks on and off of the Mirador Basin trails and enjoyed every day of it.  The massive restoration of La Danta Pyramid continues and many spectacular excavations are in progress at this time.  This is a trip not to be missed if you want to see it before the crowds eventually arrive.  It is the jungle though, and not for the faint-hearted.

I am always glad to anwswer any questions about the region and its sites, as I know it fairly well.

Mike Reed

Hope this helps.

Mike Reed