Semuc Champey

Kan-Ba Caves by Candlelight (not our girls)

Our five days at Semuc Champey were punctuated by learning and adventure. After class on a Sunday afternoon, the TTS21 girls strapped on their Chacos and headlamps and trekked their way down to the Kan-Ba Caves. There they were given a candle that would be used to light their way through the near darkness of the cave. With Carlos as our seasoned guide, we descended under the earth into cool dark pools. Some parts of the cave were shallow with stable rocks to stand on, but other parts were deep pools where the girls had to swim with their candles above water. Their afternoon was spent scaling underground waterfalls, climbing up ladders and jumping into dark pools by candlelight. Emelia was equipped with her waterproof camera. "The pictures and videos that I got are amazing! The candles created such a cool glow- I can't believe I just spent my Sunday afternoon in a cave!" With the help of Carlos, the girls successfully and safely made it through the cave and back. "That was one of the most amazing things I've ever experienced," said Abby, "I felt like I was Indiana Jones!"

Kathryn, VA, reporting