Adventures with BeeGee

Hiking the 10 miles into Havasupai isn’t just a walk in the park—it’s a descent into a remote desert oasis where your gear is your lifeline. Once you hike down those switchbacks, there is no turning back to grab something you forgot. The heat is intense, the dust is everywhere, and the water crossings can wreck your feet if you aren’t prepared. After months of planning and testing, I dialed in my loadout for our 2026 trip. Some items were absolute heroes (saving me weight and stress), while others... well, let's just say I have some regrets. Below is the complete breakdown of everything I carried, from my sleep system to the camera gear I used to document the adventure. What I Wore (The Desert Uniform) The hike in is hot, dry, and exposed. My goal here was sun protection without overheating. The Altra Lone Peak 9s were the MVP of this trip—the wide toe box let my feet expand in the heat, preventing blisters even after miles of pounding downhill. Pants: REI Co-op Sahara Convertibl...

 Climbing Belize's Caana Temple at Caracol The vast jungle of Belize holds countless secrets, but none are quite as imposing or remote as Caracol . Known for its sheer size and strategic importance during the Classic Maya period, Caracol demands an effort to reach, but the reward is standing atop the tallest man-made structure in all of Belize: Caana Temple . My friends Eamon, Athena, Linda, and I recently made the journey, and the experience of climbing Belize's Caana Temple at Caracol was truly unforgettable—a perfect blend of rugged adventure, deep history, and breathtaking views. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about the trek, the remarkable history of this Mayan metropolis, and what you can expect when you visit this incredible site. For those interested in more of Belize's ancient history, check out our guides on  Xunantunich  and   Cahal Pech . The Journey to Caracol: More Than Just a Drive Getting to Caracol is an ...

 The Wild Heart of Belize: Our Cinematic Adventure at El Pilar Mayan Ruins Every adventure has a final, unforgettable scene, and for our group—my wife Linda, our friends Eamon and Athena, and myself—that scene played out at the largely unexcavated El Pilar Mayan Ruins . Our trip to El Pilar was decided on a whim , suggested by Eamon, and turned out to be the perfect, atmospheric conclusion to our third day of exploring Belize’s ancient history. It was a journey into the wild, a true exploration, and a moment that felt more like a movie than reality. The Journey to the Unexcavated: Road Tips & Logistics The adventure began on the road. For any traveler looking to drive to El Pilar, there are crucial logistical details to keep in mind. The long road leading to the site has been recently improved to a gravel surface, but it is far from a smooth ride. Due to the constant rain in the jungle, the road was a little muddy and full of potholes. We didn't need four-wheel drive, but trave...

Texas Renaissance Festival 2025: Epic Full Day on Opening Weekend A full-day adventure at the Texas Renaissance Festival 2025 is an absolute whirlwind of excitement, food, and theatrical spectacle. As one of the world's largest and most acclaimed Renaissance Faires, TRF is a must-see event for any traveler or history enthusiast. My visit on opening weekend was a solo traveler's quest to experience every moment, from the morning cannon fire to the final Royal Fireworks display. This year marks a new era for the festival under its recent ownership, but the core magic remains—a vibrant journey back to the past. Over the course of the day, I captured over a dozen shows, explored the quiet corners of the grounds, and indulged in some of the best festival food available. This post details my favorite moments and the must-see performances that made the full-day trip worthwhile. Planning Your Visit to the Texas Renaissance Festival 2025 The Village of New Market is expansive, and tryin...

The Secret World of Cahal Pech: Navigating Belize’s Oldest Mayan Maze For any traveler seeking a genuine sense of archaeological adventure, the Mayan sites of Belize are unparalleled. But not all ruins are created equal. My wife, Linda, and our friends, Eamon and Athena, and I dedicated our third day in Belize to exploring two very different ancient cities. This post details the second stop of that day: the ancient and mysterious Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins . Setting the Scene: Our Second Stop on Day Three After a busy morning at the majestic Xunantunich, we drove the short distance to Cahal Pech, Belize’s oldest known Mayan settlement . The adventure for the four of us—Linda, Eamon, Athena, and myself—began at the entrance, where we purchased our tickets and went through the museum together. This site, however, did not have any official tour guides available like Xunantunich, so we were left to explore the grounds on our own. Once we entered the ruin grounds, we naturally split up to follo...

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 th...

 Belize’s Subterranean Secrets: An Unforgettable Cave Tubing Adventure Our trip to Belize was full of surprises, but none quite as exhilarating and unique as our cave tubing adventure. This incredible journey took us deep into the heart of the earth, floating through a mysterious underworld that has been carved out by water over thousands of years. The adventure began with a ride on a jungle bus to the Caves Branch River. From the very beginning, the experience was a blend of awesome and a little bit freaky. Floating in water so dark that you couldn't see the bottom was a bit unnerving, but thankfully, we were equipped with life vests. The sense of adventure quickly took over, and once we were settled in, it was a lot of fun. There weren't any crazy rapids or dangerous sections; it was a peaceful, steady float through a truly spectacular setting. Our hotel was also the tour group that gave us the tour, so we didn't have to worry about driving. Instead, we were picked up in ...