This was originally a limestone quarry. In 1912, when the limestone deposits were exhausted, Jennie Butchart began planting a grand garden. She began moving in topsoil by horse and wagon. The family has continued work on the gardens over the years.

Our Cruise ship was attacked by pirates in Mexico!

Actually they were friendly pirates!

Iximche Mayan City was the capitol of the Kaqchikel mayans in the 1400s. It was built on a bluff surrounded by ravines, making it easy to defend.

When the spanish conquistadors arrived in 1524 AD, they made Iximche their first capitol. Eventually there was a falling out and the Spanish burned the city down. It has been partially ecavated.

There are more than 3 million mayans living in Guatemala today. Iximche is still used for religious rituals.

 

 

Fuego is famous for being constantly active at a low level. Small gas and ash eruptions occur every 15 to 20 minutes. This is a photo of a small gas and ash eruption that occurred while we were there.

On 3 June 2018, the volcano suddenly erupted. Large pyroclastic currents were produced and unexpectedly buried several villages and killed many of the surprised residents.

 

 

The Johnson Mill was first registered as a tax-paying business in 1835 and bears the distinction of being the longest running business in the state of Arkansas. The structure was partially burned down by retreating Confederate forces after the battle of Pea Ridge in 1862 and was reconstructed in 1867. The mill remained in operation until well into the 20th century. It is now a beautiful hotel, near Fayetteville.  A lovely peaceful setting for one of the best hotels.

The falls drop 122 metres (400 feet) over a wide rock face, creating a “veil-like” effect. Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park is located at the site of the ancient village of Popkum which has settlement records dating back to the 1700s. Popkum is a First Nations word meaning “puff ball”, a mushroom which grows in the area in abundance.

Western red cedar, western hemlock, broadleaf maple, and red alder trees over

western sword fern and spiny wood ferns.

We missed our connecting flight due to bad weather so we were privileged to spend time with the USO at DFW airport, near B25 Terminal. Wonderful volunteers who make a difference in the lives of military personnel, active and retired.

 

Meet Jumper, he jumped 6 times and was over 6 feet long

 

The sturgeon I caught was 31 inches, the one we are both holding was 63 inches, the one Harold caught was between 7 and 8 feet long.

Catch and release.

Harold caught a Hammerhead Shark, we both fought that shark for over an hour..over 8 feet of angry shark!