Ed’s Sunday Stills Challenge this week is “Rivers and Creeks.” Whilst in Belize, we just had to visit the Maya temple ruins at Lamanai, one of the oldest sites in Belize, which dates back to 700 BC. The only way to get there, is by speedboat down The New River.
Our boat captain and guide Carlos, was really excited to show us some of the sights, such as the Morelet’s (Mexican) crocodiles. Did I mention that the name Lamanai, means “submerged crocodile?”
There did seem to be quite a few of them around. They are smaller than a lot of other types of crocodiles, only measuring about 7-10 feet, which I’m sure is plenty big enough for some of my friends here, who have a bit of an aversion to reptiles. You may remember my green pic for St. Patrick’s Day, which resulted in a few “Eeeks!” in my comments.
The possibility of encountering one of these crocs didn’t seem to worry the local fishermen at all, who looked quite relaxed in their small canoes.
I suppose the children are quite blasé about them too. There are no child safety precautions in Belize.
There were also some very pretty sights along the river, like this bird which the Belizeans call the ‘Jesus Christ Bird’. Can you guess why?
After our day at the Maya ruins, we were ‘treated’ to a helter skelter, rather hair-raising trip back along the river in order to be in time for our plane ride back to San Pedro.
To see more ‘Rivers and Creeks’, visit Ed’s Sunday Stills post.
great pcitures of the crocodiles. I saw alos 1 swimming near my boat when I was on a daytrip to Lamanai. Best trip I did in Belize. i like the picture at the Mask temple you put on top of your webpage. Here is my post about Lamanai, feel free to stop by, cheers and have a nice day. https://polmeetsworld.wordpress.com/category/north-america/belize/
I’d prefer to stay away from those crocs as well…
Hehehe. i wouldn’t want to get too close. 🙂
Yikes!! You are one brave girl Sylvia! 🙂
Well once you’re in the boat, there’s not much choice but to go with the flow. 🙂
Beautiful pictures! I love crocodiles. It’s always nice to see them. However, I never had the chance to get close to a wild one before. Still, it’s on my list 🙂
Thanks, Lucy. I wouldn’t get too close if I were you. 🙂
I’m guessing this bird doesn’t fly? 😀
Apparently they can fly, but don’t do so very often. 🙂
ONLY measuring about 7-10 feet? EEK!
LOL on the Jesus bird! 😆
Hehehe. I saw that the biggest crocodile ever was over 20 feet long. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/07/120702-biggest-crocodile-lolong-guinness-world-records-animals-science/
Holy mole guacamole!
Wow, how interesting. I love the bird walking in water..and the name! lol
Thanks, Dawn. The name tickled me too. 🙂
I enjoyed this series Sylvia – those crocs are a little to big for me.
Thanks, Mary. Yes, I wouldn’t want to get any closer. 🙂
Fascinating photos Sylvia…and that bird is definitely walking on water 😉 xx
Thanks, Sherri. Glad you enjoyed these. 🙂 xx
Wonderful series, Sylvia. Looks like an exciting trip. 😊
Thanks so much, Inga. 🙂
Maybe it’s called the JC Bird because it changes water into wine? Enjoyed the photo tour. Thanks, Sylvia.
Just imagine that! 🙂 That would almost as clever as walking on water. Thanks, Nancy. 🙂
Schöne Bilder ist eine schöne Landschaft liebe Grüße und eine große Umarmung Gislinde
Thanks, Gislinde. Big hug to you too. 🙂
That bird is brave sitting on the lily pads.
What interesting sights you have seen!
Oh yes. I think it’s time for another such adventure, but it may have to wait until next year, when the house is finished.
JC bird! Hilarious. Never heard a Jacana called by this name before.
Thanks for supplying the proper name, Ark. 🙂
You know me, I like birds. 😉
😉
I guess the Captain loves to see the *excited* faces of his passengers Lol when a croc is spotted !
Love the water walking JC bird !
Oh yes, Captain Carlos was full of glee when showing us the crocs, and also when demonstarting how fast he could take those bends in the river, hurtling around them on ‘two wheels’, much to my consternation. 😯
Marvelous captures…
Thanks, bulldog. 🙂
Awesome pics Sylvia. Paddling through that creek with crocs like that one has to be really courageous or they are friendly lot?
Thanks, Indira. I wouldn’t like to put it to the test as to whether those crocs were friendly or not. 😕
Just beautiful collection! I love the crocs.
Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed. 🙂
Ha! I like the Jesus Christ bird walking on water. 🙂
Thanks, Gallivanta. I loved the name too. 🙂
Especially love the first and last photos looking across the water…or maybe because there aren’t any reptiles in them! 🙂
Thanks, Geralyn. Yes, looking at those two photos, one would never suspect. 🙂
I’m thinking that bird is saying “Jesus Christ, there’s a croc next to me!!” But that’s just me…
Hehehe. I love it! 🙂
A nice ride along the river (creek) with you here. I have heard that Mr. croc or Mr. A that is 4 feet or longer is considered big and deadly.
Thanks, YC. Yes, you’re probably right. These can grow to as much as 14 feet. 🙂
The ‘Jesus Christ Bird’…love it, Sylvia! As for the crocs, they look pretty big to me. They seem to follow you wherever you go. 🙂 Great pictures!
Hahaha. Yes, it does seem as though I attract these scaly creatures. I do have rather a lot of croc and alligator pics. 🙂
Syliva, some of the boats … don’t look safe enough for that water with loads of strong crocodile tails. Stunning images …. my pick must be the only crocodile with waterlilies. I don’t know if I had been brave enough for a cruise like this,
Thanks, Viveka. I didn’t know if I was brave enough for a cruise like this, but by the time I saw the crocs, it was too late to change my mind. 🙂
They didn’t look that hungry … I’m sure you was safe enough. Beautiful and exciting adventure. Glad you didn’t change your mind.
I think it would be hard to say no if a croc wanted to ride along in your boat… so I don’t think I would take a chance.
Exactly,Roslyn. I’m not sure if I would go again, but I’m so glad I did. 🙂
I wouldn’t have let my children near that water! Tell please about the Jesus Christ bird?
Me too, Gilly. That bird seemingly walks on water. 🙂
Amazing photography for me no boats with a river full of crocodiles
Hehehe. I think you would have enjoyed it. just once. 🙂
I suppose so long as the crocs turf isn’t disturbed they’ll leave people alone huh? great shots 🙂
Thanks, Andy. Well. maybe that’s how it works. 🙂
mmm! hope so! otherwise I won’t get some close lol
Lovely pictures Sylvia. Those canoes are a little small.. not sure I’d be happy paddling a creek with crocs lke that circling.. 🙂
Thanks, Adrian. No, me neither. At least we were in bigger boat with an engine. 🙂