The Maiden of the Rock: A Deep Dive into Xunantunich Mayan Ruins in Belize

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The Maiden of the Rock: A Deep Dive into Xunantunich Mayan Ruins in Belize Belize is a land rich with history and adventure, and for those who love to explore, its ancient Mayan ruins offer a glimpse into a world both magnificent and mysterious. My wife, Linda, and our friends, Eamon and Athena, and I dedicated our third day in Belize to exploring one of the most magnificent of these sites: Xunantunich, or "The Maiden of the Rock." This post will serve as your comprehensive guide to this breathtaking archaeological site, sharing our firsthand experience and helping you prepare for your own unforgettable journey. The grounds are well-kept, which we noticed the moment we walked into the central plaza, and the site is much bigger than we anticipated. The Journey Begins with a Hand-Cranked Ferry Getting to Xunantunich is a part of the adventure in itself, and it’s a detail that adds to the site's remote and timeless feel. The day of our visit was incredibly sunny, and the dri...
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Gear Review: Ahnu Montara Boots

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My New Boots: Ahnu Montara Boots

Three weeks ago, I needed black or brown polishable comfortable work boots for my new job. The human resources woman suggested $30 polishable tennis shoes from Wal-Mart; but when I talked to my dad (who is on his feet all the time for his job); I was convinced I needed a higher quality shoe.

I headed over to REI because some of my favorite purchases have come from there (a rain jacket, touring backpack, and no-blister hiking socks). I tried some recommendations on at the downtown Austin REI location, but they did not have many choices or anything in my size in men’s shoes. I took the employees advice to trek up to the north location, but was feeling skeptical, especially because it was raining. I came upon one men’s boot that fit the bill, but was a size too big on my bigger foot.  I was clopping around so no go. Across the table, though, was this pair:  the Ahnu Montara Boot.

ready for work and play
The Ahnu Montara Boots: ready for work and play


The shoe guy came up to me and began to tell me the perks of the boot:  better version of Gore-Tex for really breathable waterproofness, Vibram sole (which my chacos and Vasque hiking shoes have and I love love love) and good ankle protection. The one downside he said was they were not for more than day long hikes, but I just wear them for the work day so that didn’t sound like too much of an issue.

Ready for a hard days work
Ahnu Montara Boots: Ready for a hard days work

The website now says they retail at $160, but I lucked out and they were $110 in-store. I know there is also a low-top version of this shoe if boots are not your jam.

Having to buy them and immediately start putting them to use, I worried about breaking them in.

Breaking Them in: Here is what I did.

I bought them on Friday, wore them while I worked on Saturday for six hours in the cold rain. I knew instantly they were a terrific purchase. My feet were the only thing warm and dry that day.  I gave my feet a rest from the new boots on Sunday and Monday, but wore them the next two days while learning the ropes of my job. Had Thanksgiving off, and worked a short Friday. The following Monday I started wearing them every day for work. By the end of the week, I definitely noticed a sensitive spot on the outer edge of one of my big toes. I used a band-aid for extra cushion while I worked on Friday, but then made sure to not wear them over the weekend. I was back in good shape by Monday.


comfortable enough to just relax in
Ahnu Montara Boots:  comfortable enough to just relax in

So far, I have not noticed a downside to them. They ran half-size small for me so I had to get a 9.5 when I usually wear a 9 running shoe. When it is real cold, wool socks are nice with them; however, any temperature above 50 degrees Fahrenheit is too hot, so regular tube socks work well. The shoe salesman at REI taught me how to tie them properly and I have never had them untie on the job. I have put roughly 40 miles on these boots and cannot wait to keep on walking in them!

What are your favorite pair of hiking shoes/boots? Also, if you like the blog, please follow us on Facebook.

Athena Hathaway Meskimen

Comments

  1. JenDecember 13, 2014 at 7:14 PM

    I wear HI-TEC boots a full size larger than my normal because feet swell on long hikes. I order from Amazon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Adventures With BeeGeeDecember 14, 2014 at 7:55 PM

      I would love to be able to order shoes online, but I just have to try shoes on. I guess I have a weird foot and its hard to find a great feeling hiking shoe.

      Delete

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