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Category: Guatemala

  • Santiaguito – Fatbiking on an Active Volcano

    Santiaguito – Fatbiking on an Active Volcano

    [vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” full_height=”yes” parallax=”content-moving-fade” parallax_image=”16089″ css=”.vc_custom_1553369248218{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(255,255,255) !important;}”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Fatbiking on an Active Volcano” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50px|text_align:center|color:%23f9f9f9|line_height:80px” google_fonts=”font_family:Rock%20Salt%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”Volcán Santiaguito, Guatemala” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20px|text_align:center|color:%23f9f9f9|line_height:30px” google_fonts=”font_family:Permanent%20Marker%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1553369822112{margin-right: 25px !important;margin-left: 25px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1553047827277{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 4px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 4px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-top-color: #777777 !important;border-top-style: outset !important;border-bottom-color: #777777 !important;border-bottom-style: outset !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522863410691{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”smalltext”]Published: [date] by PICSPORADIC[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/12″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_col-xs-2 vc_hidden-xs”][vc_column_text el_class=”smalltext”]All of the photos on this page can be purchased for download or print ? Visit store[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1522975589935{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_facebook type=”button_count” css=”.vc_custom_1490816047681{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1522975656647{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_tweetmeme css=”.vc_custom_1553464894410{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″ css=”.vc_custom_1522975582023{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”smalltext”][views] [comments][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1553292169821{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-8 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ el_class=”darkc”][vc_column_text el_class=”light”]

    Baptism by Fire.

    Our attempt at fatbiking on the Santiaguito Volcano – one of Guatemala’s most active Volcanoes.

    Volcan Santiaguito was our first attempt in this expedition, and it would prove to be the most difficult. We had no beta on the route besides a few vague GPX waypoints. When asked, the rockclimbing club said the volcano hadn’t been attempted in the past two years due to extreme activity.

    To reach the volcanic terrain we would need to descend the landslide on the backside of Santa Maria. The entire mission would be an inverse hike – 1000m down then 1000m up – this was not going to be a straight forward volcano.  I thought to myself: “It’s only a thousand meters, how hard could it be?”

    VC-EP01-01-Approach-040

    The approach to the Santiguito Volcano was overgrown and had was no resupply for food or water. We would have to take with three days of supplies which meant traveling with bikes that weighed over 70lbs.

    Neither of us had any idea of what we were about to get into on this volcano and the only thing I think we really proved through it all was that we both were crazy to even think this mission up. Anyways… onward![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1553221444521{border-bottom-width: 40px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-4 vc_col-xs-12″ el_class=”darkc”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1522873952061{margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;border-top-width: 2px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 2px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;border-left-color: #606060 !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #606060 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #606060 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #606060 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-4 vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1522816214639{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522816887069{margin-top: 20px !important;padding-left: 7px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-9 vc_col-xs-9″][vc_custom_heading text=”Project Sponsors:” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:24px|text_align:right|color:%23dddddd” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1553033595077{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553390823048{margin-right: 10px !important;}”]

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    Brendan James

    Traveler and photographer, Brendan has cycled throughout Latin America currently lives in Guatemala. bio[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1553223064164{margin: 0px !important;padding: 0px !important;background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;border: 0px none !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-3 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-sm-offset-3 vc_col-xs-4″ css=”.vc_custom_1553224624246{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”16114″ img_size=”medium” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/bio” css=”.vc_custom_1553371262609{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-8″ css=”.vc_custom_1553224590170{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”light”]

    Elizabeth Sampey D.P.T

    Endurance athlete and former pro USA Cycling national champion. Visit website[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Recent Posts” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:20px|text_align:right|color:%23878787|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal” el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1522872760595{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-right: 20px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”][jig_vc][justified_image_grid preset=c3 row_height=100 title_field=title caption_opacity=1 caption_bg_color=109,76,52,0.8 caption_text_color=white caption_title_size=12px v_center_captions=yes specialfx=everything specialfx_type=desaturate orderby=menu_order max_rows=2 recent_posts=yes recents_description=date][/jig_vc][/vc_column][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1553040554697{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”16100″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1553369673701{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][jig_vc][justified_image_grid ids=16109,16099,16104 thumbs_spacing=10 row_height=375 height_deviation=100 orderby=menu_order max_rows=1 disable_cropping=no][/jig_vc][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ el_class=”lightc”][vc_column_text]

    Quezaltenango

    The Journey Begins

    Quezaltenango, or Xela is about 2 hours away from Panajachel by chickenbus. We packed up everything (checking twice) before heading out in the evening. We were staying at Hostel Nim Sut, our favorite, modestly priced hostel in Xela. For about $10 a night we got our own room, which didn’t matter because the place was completely empty. The owner complained about how “Americans don’t travel anymore.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″ el_class=”lightc”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553376476368{margin-right: 10px !important;}”]While we were going over the bikes in the courtyard an older Danish couple arrived and immediately began talking to us enthusiastically about the fatbikes. “Where do you take the bike?” the older gentleman asked. We told him we were going to Santiaguito. His face grew long.

    He said he had gone to the volcano the last time he was in Guatemala – some 10 years ago. “You will not succeed with the bicycles” he said, holding his hands out as if he had a handlebar. “There are many small trees, your bikes will not fit!” … Great, more encouraging news…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10″][vc_single_image image=”16168″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10″ el_class=”lightc”][jig_vc][justified_image_grid ids=16175,16119,16169,16176 row_height=300 height_deviation=100 orderby=menu_order max_rows=1][/jig_vc][vc_column_text]Quetzaltenango, or Xela is the second largest city in Guatemala. The city is home to several major universities and sports centers.  It’s metropolitan vibe is a interesting contrast to the native villages that surround the city.
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ el_class=”lightc”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553559394313{margin-right: 20px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    Packing for the Unknown

    Nothing about this is going to be easy…

    After packing and repacking throughout the morning we finally got on the road – following the cobblestone roads out of Xela changing to the dump-truck battered roads of the highway. We crossed the plains getting ever closer towards our goal: the flanks of Volcan Santa Maria.

    We had only been riding for an hour, and I was starting to get a nervous. Because my bike frame was so small I had to carry quite a bit of the weight on my back, and after only an hour of climbing it was starting to ache. This expedition was going to require a level of toughness and creativity that I hadn’t tapped into before.

    The road changed from pavement to cobblestones and finally to gravel. I was off my bike pushing as the pain in my back became unbearable. When the grade eased up I took off the backpack and put it lengthwise across my handlebars, balancing it between my arms as I rode. Ah, much better.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″ el_class=”lightc”][/vc_column][vc_column parallax=”content-moving” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10″][vc_single_image image=”16120″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1553378724974{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 40px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″ el_class=”lightc”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1553046251867{background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}”][vc_column_inner css=”.vc_custom_1553046080167{background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553378708464{margin-right: 10px !important;}”]

    Trash Everywhere.

    I rode along at a good clip and started to enjoy myself, looking around at the beautiful scenery and finally finding my rhythm. Hmm, Brendan must be pretty far ahead, I thought. Well, we’re turning off this road and he’s got the GPS, so he’ll know and wait for me at the turn. I pedaled harder. I passed a turnoff that looked like the one we had marked, but no sign of Brendan, so I kept going.

    I flew downhill and rounded a corner, and saw a sight that literally stopped me in my tracks. What lied before me was a HUGE dump. Miles and miles of trash staked in giant heaps. From my position up the hill I could see wild dogs picking around, people sifting through piles, and smoke rising from trash fires.

    Hesitantly, I continued forward and soon found myself riding right through the spectacle. People stopped their picking and stared at me like I was an alien. With my hot pink baggy bike shorts and my bike with huge tires fully loaded down with bags, I pretty much was.

    I rode slowly through a mile of burning trash on both sides of me, hoping the dogs would ignore me as I passed.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column parallax=”content-moving” parallax_image=”16095″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″ el_class=”lightc”][vc_empty_space height=”450px”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ el_class=”lightc”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553379679507{margin-top: 30px !important;}”]

    There are no words..

    I finally spotted Brendan in the dump. He had stopped to take photos up on the plateau and in my stupor I had ridden right past him. He assumed I had seen him and didn’t call out to me, and I had been cranking along fast enough that he hadn’t been able to catch me. I wanted to be angry, but it was an honest mistake on both our parts, and it wouldn’t have helped anyone.

    As I looked around at the remnants of people’s lives there in the dump, I realized: it all ends up here. When we buy things, we don’t often think of where they will end up when we break them or they are no longer useful to us.

    In the US, “we” have the money to send the trash away or cover it up so we don’t have to see it. In Guatemala where they don’t have the money to hide it, it is on display. It’s all the same. It still exists, and we are all guilty.

    saw a sight that literally stopped me in my tracks. What lied before me was a HUGE dump. Miles and miles of trash staked in giant heaps. From my position up the hill I could see wild dogs picking around, people sifting through piles, and smoke rising from trash fires.

    Hesitantly, I continued forward and soon found myself riding right through the spectacle. People stopped their picking and stared at me like I was an alien. With my hot pink baggy bike shorts and my bike with huge tires fully loaded down with bags, I pretty much was.

    I rode slowly through a mile of burning trash on both sides of me, hoping the dogs would ignore me as I passed.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”7/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″ el_class=”lightc”][vc_single_image image=”16177″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1553379392151{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180219-543-G85″][vc_single_image image=”16094″ img_size=”large” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180218-118-G85″ css=”.vc_custom_1553377812639{margin-bottom: 5px !important;}”][jig_vc][/jig_vc][/vc_column][vc_column parallax=”content-moving” parallax_image=”16179″ parallax_speed_bg=”1.2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10″][vc_empty_space height=”700px”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ el_class=”darkc”][vc_column_text]

    Contrasts.

    Back on the trail to the mirador, after leaving the valley of burning trash behind, we climbed through the most beautiful cloud forest I had ever seen. We were riding on a ribbon of tacky, loamy singletrack, its dark brown color a stark contrast to the brilliant green on either side.

    As darkness fell we donned our lights, and they sparkled off the dew collecting on the grasses and shrubs as we rode. In Guatemala’s dry season, where they can go for months without seeing rain, the dew serves to keep everything sustained until the rains come again.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”7/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″ el_class=”darkc”][vc_single_image image=”16172″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column parallax=”content-moving” parallax_image=”16181″ parallax_speed_bg=”1.2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_empty_space height=”500px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553391010533{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: rgba(2,2,2,0.44) !important;*background-color: rgb(2,2,2) !important;}”]Preparing the vegetarian staple of Protemás (dehydrated vegetable protein)
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10″ el_class=”darkc”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1553385933715{background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_column_inner offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553380574815{margin-right: 10px !important;}”]

    Mirador Volcano Santiaguito  el. 2600m

    We finally reached the mirador, and it was stunning. There was no moon – and the brilliant stars overhead matched the twinkling lights of the pueblos far below. In between was the Santiaguito massif. Smoke puffed silently from the volcano.

    Night birds began their cheerful chatter, and we watched fog swirl in and out between us and the volcano as we cooked dinner. The smell at the mirador was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. A faint tinge of sulfur mixed with the crispness of the night air and the fresh scent of juicy foliage swelling to accept the dew forming, drinking the sweet nectar of night.

    If I could bottle up the scent itself, even without the view, it would be priceless.

    – Liz Sampey

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column parallax=”content-moving” parallax_image=”16098″ parallax_speed_bg=”1.2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1553464114562{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}” el_class=”lightc”][vc_empty_space height=”500px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″ el_class=”darkc”][vc_text_separator title=”Gallery” title_align=”separator_align_left” el_class=”gallerytext” css=”.vc_custom_1553281638838{margin-right: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][jig_vc][justified_image_grid preset=c2 rml_id=410][/jig_vc][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553463674549{margin-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]

    View Full Gallery

    [/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”white” border_width=”2″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”7/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″ el_class=”darkc”][vc_column_text]Published: [date] by PICSPORADIC[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-1 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-6″ css=”.vc_custom_1553465236947{background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_facebook type=”button_count” css=”.vc_custom_1553465014118{margin-top: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-6″ css=”.vc_custom_1553465224606{background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_tweetmeme css=”.vc_custom_1553465162962{margin-top: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1553221985918{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1553221967837{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1553221951013{border-top-width: 2px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 2px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-left-style: none !important;border-right-style: none !important;border-top-style: none !important;border-bottom-style: none !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-offset-3 vc_col-xs-6″ css=”.vc_custom_1553126493581{padding-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”14941″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ css=”.vc_custom_1522898070361{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522897768129{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Like what you read?” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:24|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]The best way you can support the work I do is through purchasing photos and prints on this site.

    I love seeing my photos in print!

    All photos here are available in high resolution – they can be downloaded and printed at up to 48in on the longest side. Prices start at $2.99

    Check out the store for more: www.picsporadic.com/digital[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Volcanarchy – Gear

    Volcanarchy – Gear

    [vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” full_height=”yes” parallax=”content-moving-fade” parallax_image=”16139″ css=”.vc_custom_1553374350476{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: rgba(2,2,2,0.28) !important;*background-color: rgb(2,2,2) !important;}”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Gear List” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:80px|text_align:center|color:%23f9f9f9|line_height:80px” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_custom_heading text=”Volcanarchy: Fatbiking Guatemala’s Highest Volcanoes” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20px|text_align:center|color:%23f9f9f9|line_height:30px” google_fonts=”font_family:Permanent%20Marker%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1553373136835{margin-right: 25px !important;margin-left: 25px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1553047827277{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 4px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 4px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-top-color: #777777 !important;border-top-style: outset !important;border-bottom-color: #777777 !important;border-bottom-style: outset !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522863410691{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”smalltext”]Published: [date] by PICSPORADIC[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/12″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_col-xs-2 vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1522975589935{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_facebook type=”button_count” css=”.vc_custom_1490816047681{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1522975656647{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_googleplus annotation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1490816144508{margin-top: 2px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″ css=”.vc_custom_1522975582023{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”smalltext”][views] [comments][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1553478747378{margin-bottom: 40px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-8 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ el_class=”lightc”][vc_column_text el_class=”light”]

    Loaded.

    An odd list of gear for our bikepacking / hiking / fatbiking expedition

    For this trip we knew we would be taking fatbikes where they had never gone before – riding the ash-ridden slopes of  Guatemala’s highest volcanoes. Because this was not a traditional cycle touring trip we had to get creative on how to pack and move around our equipment depending on if we were riding or hiking the bikes.

    chickenbus

    We resolved to connect the dots on this trip using traditional transportation methods in Guatemala. Chicken buses or old souped-up american school buses would be used to get from one place to another. Crowded and with no maximum capacity – their stops were quick and we had to make sure they carefully handled the bikes (which they didn’t).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1553382572470{border-bottom-width: 40px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-4 vc_col-xs-12″ el_class=”lightc”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1553479775571{margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;border-top-width: 2px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 2px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;border-left-color: #8c8c8c !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #8c8c8c !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #8c8c8c !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #8c8c8c !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-4 vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1522816214639{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522816887069{margin-top: 20px !important;padding-left: 7px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-9 vc_col-xs-9″][vc_custom_heading text=”Project Sponsors:” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:24px|text_align:right” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1553382585049{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553382410993{margin-right: 10px !important;}”]

    Fatback Bikes
    Lauf Forks
    Gore Bike Wear
    Julbo USA
    Skratch Labs

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553479746375{margin-right: 10px !important;}”]

    See our full gear list here

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1553224016404{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-3 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-sm-offset-3 vc_col-xs-4″ css=”.vc_custom_1553224708098{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”16110″ img_size=”medium” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/bio” css=”.vc_custom_1553370780403{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-8″ css=”.vc_custom_1553224645516{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”light”]

    Brendan James

    Traveler and photographer, Brendan has cycled throughout Latin America currently lives in Guatemala. bio[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1553223064164{margin: 0px !important;padding: 0px !important;background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;border: 0px none !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-3 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-sm-offset-3 vc_col-xs-4″ css=”.vc_custom_1553224624246{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”16114″ img_size=”medium” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/bio” css=”.vc_custom_1553371262609{margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-8″ css=”.vc_custom_1553224590170{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”light”]

    Elizabeth Sampey D.P.T

    Endurance athlete and former pro USA Cycling national champion. Visit website[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Recent Posts” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:20px|text_align:right|color:%23878787|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal” el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1522872760595{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-right: 20px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”][jig_vc][justified_image_grid row_height=100 caption=fade caption_opacity=1 caption_bg_color=109,76,52,0.8 caption_text_color=white caption_title_size=12px v_center_captions=yes specialfx=everything specialfx_type=desaturate orderby=menu_order max_rows=2 recent_posts=yes recents_description=nicetime][/jig_vc][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”top” parallax=”content-moving-fade” parallax_image=”16144″ css=”.vc_custom_1553382079489{margin-top: 40px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-6 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-6 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-sm-offset-6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Equipment” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:45px|text_align:right|color:%23ffffff|line_height:45px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1553374380482{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553383010327{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: rgba(214,214,214,0.7) !important;*background-color: rgb(214,214,214) !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”]For this expedition we brought two Alaskan built Fatback Rhino Bikes with Lauf Carbonara Suspension forks and 4.5″ tires.

    The bikes were outfitted with custom made bikepacking equipment by Mayasak in Panajachel.

    For the extreme mountain conditions at 13,000ft we brought Gore Bike Wear outerwear and photochromatic Julbo eyeglasses.

    Nutritional and hydration support provided by SkratchLabs out of Colorado.

    Photography equipment including Panasonic Lumix Micro 4/3rds cameras.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” gap=”10″ css=”.vc_custom_1553117332472{margin-bottom: 50px !important;background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(255,255,255) !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_single_image image=”1468″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1476811859195{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_single_image image=”1470″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_single_image image=”1471″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1476811701258{border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_single_image image=”1472″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_single_image image=”1473″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” gap=”10″ content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1553374443720{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_column_text el_class=”smalltext”]

    Bikes:

    Fatback Rhino
    Lauf Carbonara
    SRAM XX1
    Kenda Juggernaut Tires
    Race Face Componentry[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][vc_column_text el_class=”smalltext”]

    Camping

    Primus Gravity II MF Stove
    GSI Cookware
    Big Agnus Jack Rabbit 2 Tent
    Marmot Sleeping Bags
    Thermarest Sleeping pad[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_column_text el_class=”smalltext”]

    Electronics:

    2x Panasonic G7 4k Camera2
    2x Gopro Hero3 Black Cameras
    Various Gopro Mounts
    Tripod, Monopod
    Garmin 310xt GPS[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][vc_column_text el_class=”smalltext”]

    Luggage:

    Deuter Guide Tour 35SL Backpack
    Arcteryx NoZone 35 Backpack
    Mayasak Frame Bags
    Mayasak Headset Bags
    Mayasak Seat bag[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text el_class=”smalltext”]

    Clothing:

    GORE Bike Wear
    Julbo Stunt Glasses
    Julbo Aero Photochrromatic Glasses
    Julbo TREK Photochromatic Glasses
    La Sportiva Down Jacket
    La Sportiva Boulder Approach Shoes[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces”][vc_column width=”5/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1553382643531{margin-top: 30px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_images_carousel images=”2389,2391,2399,2400,2394,2395,2396,2397″ img_size=”full” autoplay=”yes” hide_pagination_control=”yes” wrap=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1472499353201{background-color: rgba(35,35,35,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(35,35,35) !important;}”][vc_column][vc_separator][vc_custom_heading text=”Read on…” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:70px|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff|line_height:75px” google_fonts=”font_family:Pacifico%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Bikepacking in Totonicapán – a mini adventure

    Bikepacking in Totonicapán – a mini adventure

    [vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1522863082502{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: rgba(2,2,2,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(2,2,2) !important;}”][vc_column][rev_slider_vc alias=”totonicapan”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1490815124103{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 4px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 4px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-top-color: #777777 !important;border-top-style: outset !important;border-bottom-color: #777777 !important;border-bottom-style: outset !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522863410691{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”smalltext”]Published: [date] by PICSPORADIC [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/12″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_col-xs-2 vc_hidden-xs”][vc_column_text el_class=”smalltext”]All of the photos on this page can be purchased for download or print ? Visit store[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1522975589935{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_facebook type=”button_count” css=”.vc_custom_1490816047681{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1522975656647{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_googleplus annotation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1490816144508{margin-top: 2px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″ css=”.vc_custom_1522975582023{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”smalltext”][views]  [comments][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”bottom” css=”.vc_custom_1522815957968{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-7 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493253569498{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Totonicapán, Guatemala” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:30px” google_fonts=”font_family:Alfa%20Slab%20One%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_custom_heading text=”A visit to the communal forest of the 48 Cantones” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%23e8e8e8|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” el_class=”light” css=”.vc_custom_1553135583379{padding-top: 20px !important;}”]Keeping tradition with my recent weekend epics in and around Guatemala I made a second visit to an area few locals even know about: Totonicápan: a high mountain forest located at 3200m (11,000ft).

    The area is home to hundreds of springs that supply water to the communities below. Smartly, the 48 cantones (small towns) in the region have banded together to protect their water sources – the result is Parcialidad Vásquez, Totonicapán: the largest protected coniferous forest in all of Central America.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”15061″ img_size=”full” style=”vc_box_border” onclick=”link_image” css_animation=”top-to-bottom” css=”.vc_custom_1523506468766{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”light”]Guatemala has tropical climate with temperatures pretty much averages the same year round – the seasons, however vary drastically. For half the year (sept-april) the highlands receive no rain. During this time the deciduous trees drop their leaves, and the aquifers dry out By the time march rolls around the land is so dry that the earth is covered with a loose dust – more like fine powder.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”15098″ img_size=”large” style=”vc_box_border” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css_animation=”top-to-bottom” css=”.vc_custom_1523507945934{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/bigmtn-180218-011-g85/”][vc_custom_heading text=”Climate Crossroads” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%23e8e8e8|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text el_class=”light”]During the dry season nearly all of the water in Guatemala comes through cloud conductivity. Situated between two oceans – the 2000-4000m the highlands have steady air currents and cloud cover – water condenses in the forests and feeds large underground aquifers.

    In 2018 Guatemala is at crossroad of deforestation and desertification. Every year the forests are pushed back farther – fueled by steep population growth. The indigenous population (70+ % of the country) pushes deeper into the forests to clear land and establish homesteads. Environmental protection effort within the country is just beginning to gain steam in terms of establishing protected lands and national parks bu there is little enforcement to keep people from cutting trees in protected areas. -Which is why a community protected area like Parcilidad Vásquez can be so important.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”15071″ img_size=”full” style=”vc_box_border” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1523506645542{margin-top: 20px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/guatemala-aerial-180325-001-dji/”][/vc_column][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1522879880914{border-bottom-width: 40px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1522872929891{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-right: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;border-top-width: 2px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 2px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;border-left-color: #606060 !important;border-left-style: none !important;border-right-color: #606060 !important;border-right-style: none !important;border-top-color: #606060 !important;border-top-style: none !important;border-bottom-color: #606060 !important;border-bottom-style: none !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”5/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-8 vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-8″ css=”.vc_custom_1522960856869{margin-top: 5px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Brendan James” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%23c9c9c9|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]Adventure photographer, athlete and bike guide based in Antigua, Guatemala. Full bio[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-4 vc_col-xs-4″ css=”.vc_custom_1522873767410{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”4281″ img_size=”full” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/bio”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Thank you to:” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:18|text_align:center|color:%23dddddd|line_height:18px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1522818020611{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;}”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1522873952061{margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;border-top-width: 2px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 2px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;border-left-color: #606060 !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #606060 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #606060 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #606060 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-4 vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1522816214639{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”15108″ img_size=”full” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1523511651654{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;}” link=”http://www.ridebig.com”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522816887069{margin-top: 20px !important;padding-left: 7px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-9 vc_col-xs-9″][vc_custom_heading text=”Defiant Pack” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:18|text_align:left|color:%23c9c9c9|line_height:18px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]Custom Frame Bags, Bikepacking, Cargo, Ski Carry Made in Colorado.
    www.defiantpack.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Gallery” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:right|color:%23ffffff|line_height:40px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1522872747287{margin-top: 40px !important;margin-right: 20px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”][jig_vc][justified_image_grid row_height=150 height_deviation=100 caption=off margin=5px orderby=rand limit=30 max_rows=7 last_row=hide rml_id=176][/jig_vc][vc_column_text]View full gallery[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Recent Posts” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:20px|text_align:right|color:%23878787|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal” el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1522872760595{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-right: 20px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”][jig_vc][justified_image_grid row_height=100 caption=fade caption_opacity=1 caption_bg_color=109,76,52,0.8 caption_text_color=white caption_title_size=12px v_center_captions=yes specialfx=everything specialfx_type=desaturate orderby=menu_order max_rows=2 recent_posts=yes recents_description=nicetime][/jig_vc][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493229127906{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1522873382707{margin-top: 60px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”15046″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css_animation=”top-to-bottom” css=”.vc_custom_1523506066655{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180218-367-G85″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1523511200935{padding-left: 10px !important;}”]Sun strikes the mountains looking west towards Quetzaltenango and Volcán Santa Maria. | ?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1522809699289{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493409656577{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Back to Bike Bum” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:40px” google_fonts=”font_family:Alfa%20Slab%20One%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_custom_heading text=”Escape to the hills” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]I broke out of work early leaving Antigua around 4 pm. My first objective: Chimaltenangoabout 300m vertical above the town. By the time I reached the madness at the pan-american highway it was already starting to get dark. With the help of a few ayudantes I threw my bike up ontop of a chicken bus and sped off into the evening fog.

    I arrived at Los Encuentros a little after 9 in temperatures around freezing. I stocked up of food and beer and began the 20km ride up to cumbre Maria Tecún – lit by headlight.

    About halfway up the climb to 3200m a pickup truck came up behind me, matching my speed. It got annoying to the point that I stopped and asked them was going on. The truck pulled up along side me loaded with men. “where are you going” they asked me – I told them my plan was to bike through the night to Totonicápan. “this land is private” they told me “yes, but I am on a public road” I said a bit nervously.

    After a bit of back and forth the men in the truck sped off – on a road I knew had no exit. I headed my inner voice and pulled off into the woods on the nearest trail – extinguishing my light and taking a break for a piss. – Sure enough the pickup doubled back. Creeping slowly along the road. I ducked behind a boulder and waited for them to pass.  I resolved to continue with as little light as possible – advancing quickly to the trailhead.

     [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1522808875009{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″][vc_single_image image=”15053″ img_size=”large” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180219-257-G85″ css=”.vc_custom_1523508882001{padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1533617785273{padding-left: 10px !important;}”]Bikebum camp – at around 11,000ft we got frost at night| ? [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10″ css=”.vc_custom_1522808491038{background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”15052″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1523507997660{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180219-585-G85″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1533617868952{padding-left: 10px !important;}”]First rays of light filtering through the trees. Totonicapán, Guatemala (3300m) |? [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1522808573384{background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5″][vc_single_image image=”15100″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1523508833941{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180218-550-G85″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1533617915415{padding-left: 5px !important;}”]The trusty BMC Fourstroke – serving just as well for bikepacking as a race rig.
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1522808645778{background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″][vc_single_image image=”15103″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1523510313844{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180218-550-G85″][vc_column_text]Deeply worn herding paths in the alpine grass. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column parallax=”content-moving-fade” parallax_image=”15047″ parallax_speed_bg=”1.2″ css_animation=”fadeIn” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10″][vc_empty_space height=”450px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1533617979953{padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: rgba(2,2,2,0.44) !important;*background-color: rgb(2,2,2) !important;}”]Sunrise over Quiché with it’s many canyons and ridges holding the morning fog.  |? Purchase
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493316115647{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493409656577{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Slightly Paranoid” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]I reached the summit of Maria Tecún around midnight. After my encounter earlier that evening I scoured the forest and retreated far from the trail to pitch my tent.

    There are very few places in the Guatemalan highlands where you can wild camp. Campesios rise early and guardianes patrol enormous tracts of private land. That being said it hasn’t stopped me from trying to camp where I can. Camping in Guatemala has made me extremely paranoid about finding a hidden spot. About eight times out of ten I am awoken by someone, usually armed.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Sweet Reprive” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]I have never adapted well to the urban establishments in Latin America. Which is why a quiet night in the wilderness is like medication to me.  Towns in Guatemala grid themselves out with concrete towers in a patchwork with livestock and farmland. Latin American life is noisy – and life in Antigua more so with the churches in a constant competition to out firework each other. Each weekend – bombs and fireworks go well past midnight – and the first bombs of the day set off around 5am like the muslim adhan. Dogs and roosters fill in the spaces in-between.

    It’s really a shame because Guatemala has so many areas of natural beauty – and solice. But I have yet to find a way to live as a foreigner outside the urban center.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1522902699485{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″][vc_single_image image=”15099″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1523508953496{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180219-543-G85″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1522901809775{padding-left: 10px !important;}”]Preparing the bikes for the climb. |?
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1522874901132{margin-top: 40px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column parallax=”content-moving-fade” parallax_image=”15059″ parallax_speed_bg=”1.2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10″ css=”.vc_custom_1523509610776{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”500px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553135557102{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;background-color: rgba(2,2,2,0.44) !important;*background-color: rgb(2,2,2) !important;}” el_class=”light”]Enormous cypress trees stretch up in the forests of Totonicapán. ? Purchase
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493313751677{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”A network of Aqueducts” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]The communal forest of Totonicapán is dotted with countless springs and aqueducts. Each spring has the name of the municipality it feeds painted on it along with a color code – corresponding water pipe buried below. The area has an enormous trail system – which coincidentally is mostly ridable, even on the bikepacking setup.  Following the color blazed on the trees you can follow the waterlines below.

    That is not to say I didn’t get lost more than once  // cliffed out or stuck in a section with no way out but down. For happenstance I stumbled across an enormous cliff formation with views over the forest. I pulled off my bike cleats and scrambled to the top, only to find two Mayan men up at the top – barefoot as well. Holding a fire ceremony. One of them had to be 80 years old.

    We talked for a bit and I left them to their rituals, exploring around the far side of the cliff. Not that any rock climber would make it this far out into the forests of Totonicapán Guatemala, but if they did they would find incredible granite towers just waiting to be climbed.

     [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”7/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522902758411{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″][vc_single_image image=”15076″ img_size=”large” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180222-149-G85″ css=”.vc_custom_1523510131462{padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1533622419395{padding-left: 10px !important;}”]Scrambling to the top of one of the granite towers in the forest. | ?
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10″ css=”.vc_custom_1523510042849{background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}”][jig_vc][justified_image_grid thumbs_spacing=10 row_height=150 height_deviation=100 title_field=caption caption=off mobile_caption=off caption_opacity=1 caption_bg_color=rgba(0,0,0,0.0) caption_text_color=grey caption_align=center lightbox=attachment margin=3 limit=4 last_row=hide aspect_ratio=1:1 rml_id=178 rml_lightbox_groups=no][/jig_vc][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493323224936{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-bottom: 35px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1493314771844{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”15094″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1523511003692{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180220-010-G85″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1533618660095{padding-left: 10px !important;}”]Someimes lost isn’t so bad – stumbling across these enormous cliff formations – complete with Mayan prayer sites at the summits.  |?
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1522893193416{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1523508551453{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background: #f4f4f4 url(https://www.picsporadic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/guatemala-180407-202-g5-pano.jpg?id=15083) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”400px”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1523508498302{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″][vc_custom_heading text=”Quiché” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:40px” google_fonts=”font_family:Alfa%20Slab%20One%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_custom_heading text=”Hunting for singletrack in the home of the K’iche’ Maya” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]Down and down – I followed the logging trails until I hit pavement. I made it! It is always a relief to not have to hike out. I was back on my map – a road I had ridden many times before. I stopped at a tienda and loaded up on simple sugars before continuing onward to Santa Cruz del Quiché.

    Although I was feeling a bit exhausted – a faint track on satilite view enticed me to descend into a dry canyon. I came across a couple women at the bottom, whom I understandably startled as they were washing their cloths. After a breif hike-a-bike I stumbled upon a perfect singletrack trail winding along a cliff through the canyon.

     [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”15082″ img_size=”large” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180222-256-G85″][vc_column_text el_class=”white”]In the dry canyons of Quiché water is rare. One must descend hundreds of meters before you reach a small stream like this at the bottom.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493316115647{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522894091802{background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”15084″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1523508307103{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180222-608-G85″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493409656577{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”We made it” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]Part of what makes this area so special is the abundance of footpaths. Quiché and Totonicapán are home to countless small indigenous villages living much like they did 400 years ago – working the land, farming, logging and weaving. To approach this region is to arrive without a map. Looking across the deep canyons and vallies you can let your imagination wander with the countless opportunities for exploration – visible in the numerous trails and 4×4 roads that switchback the hillsides.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1522902797867{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553135453093{margin-top: 40px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;}”]I would go on to reunite that evening with my friends from Escarabajos Quiché – the local mountain bike club. I arrived in the rain to the the town were I once lived for two months – my frined Tony Tavico put me up in his father’s hotel for the night above the tire repair shop that he owns. Tomorrow I will drop the bikepacking bags and head to Lake Atitlán – a full 75km from here on a new route that they have been working on.

    The spirit of mountain biking lives on in Guatemala.

    -Brendan James[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493229127906{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1493409747415{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 35px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”15087″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1523508243807{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/Guatemala-171220-099-G85-HDR”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1533621999854{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”]Taking advantage of the rains – locals light fire to cornstalks clearing their fields in preparation for planting.  |? [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1533621336108{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1533621353297{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Route Map” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:left|color:%23eaeaea|line_height:40px” google_fonts=”font_family:Alfa%20Slab%20One%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1533621298230{padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1493266731151{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493409798261{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_text_separator title=”Gallery” title_align=”separator_align_left” el_class=”gallerytext” css=”.vc_custom_1493266781501{margin-right: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493266954426{padding-right: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1522896337874{margin-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]

    View Full Gallery

    [/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”white” border_width=”2″][jig_vc][justified_image_grid rml_id=176][/jig_vc][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1493268745972{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 4px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;border-top-color: #777777 !important;border-bottom-color: #777777 !important;}”][vc_column width=”3/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522868110217{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_column_text]Published: [date] by PICSPORADIC [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-6″ css=”.vc_custom_1522898035693{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_facebook type=”button_count” css=”.vc_custom_1490816047681{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”smalltext”][views]  [comments][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-6″ css=”.vc_custom_1522898046828{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_googleplus annotation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1490816144508{margin-top: 2px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1493266731151{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1553135500240{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1522897400184{border-top-width: 2px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 2px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;border-left-style: none !important;border-right-style: none !important;border-top-style: none !important;border-bottom-style: none !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-offset-3 vc_col-xs-6″ css=”.vc_custom_1553135480765{padding-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”14941″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ css=”.vc_custom_1522898070361{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522897768129{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Like what you read?” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:24|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]The best way you can support the work I do is through purchasing photos and prints on this site.

    I love seeing my photos in print!

    All photos here are available in high resolution – they can be downloaded and printed at up to 48in on the longest side. Prices start at $2.99

    Check out the store for more: www.picsporadic.com/digital[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Big Mountain MTB Tour – Guatemala

    Big Mountain MTB Tour – Guatemala

    [vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1522863082502{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: rgba(2,2,2,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(2,2,2) !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text][rev_slider_vc alias=”big-mountain-post” el_class=”topslider”][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1490815124103{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 4px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 4px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-top-color: #777777 !important;border-top-style: outset !important;border-bottom-color: #777777 !important;border-bottom-style: outset !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522863410691{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”smalltext”]Published: [date] by PICSPORADIC [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/12″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_col-xs-2 vc_hidden-xs”][vc_column_text el_class=”smalltext”]

    All of the photos on this page can be purchased for download or print ? Visit store

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1522975589935{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_facebook type=”button_count” css=”.vc_custom_1490816047681{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1522975656647{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_googleplus annotation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1490816144508{margin-top: 2px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″ css=”.vc_custom_1522975582023{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”smalltext”]

    [views]  [comments]

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”bottom” css=”.vc_custom_1522815957968{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-7 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493253569498{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”A visit to Guatemala” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:30px” google_fonts=”font_family:Alfa%20Slab%20One%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_custom_heading text=”Volcanoes, valleys, and Mayan culture with Big Mountain Bike Adventures” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%23e8e8e8|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text el_class=”light”]Back at it again! For this trip I had the opportunity to guide and photograph a new multi-day travel itinerary for Whistler based Big Mountain Bike Adventures. While juggling roles I got to snap some great pictures and introduce my favorite country to a group of pretty rad female riders. Vámonos.

    This 6-day mountain bike mega itinerary put together in conjunction with Old Town Outfitters connected the highlands in a grand traverse which included the 3,976m summit of Volcán de Acatenango – the forests of Tecpán and beautiful Lake Atitlán. Ambitious in scope, the trip was sure to impress – but where the ladies up for it?[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”The Land of Eternal Spring” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%23e8e8e8|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_single_image image=”13478″ img_size=”full” style=”vc_box_border” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1551668851668{margin-top: 20px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/guatemala-aerial-180325-001-dji/”][vc_column_text el_class=”light”]The climate in this part of Guatemala is characterized by cool, clear weather with temps from 4-25°C – perfect for biking. Flowers bloom year-round here and sunrise and sunset give predictable 12 hour days.

    Coming from the heart of the Canadian winter a trip to Antigua can be a refreshing change of climate – however, many of the riders had not been on the bike in months. No fear! We spent the first few days warming up and planned to maximize our downhills using creative shuttling enduro-style.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”13710″ img_size=”full” style=”vc_box_border” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1551668789837{margin-top: 20px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/guatemala-aerial-180325-001-dji/”][vc_custom_heading text=”A wealth of Trails to Explore” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%23e8e8e8|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text el_class=”light”]Antigua is situated in a valley of valleys with elevations ranging from 1,500-2,700m above sea level. Agriculturally rich, most crops here are planted and harvested by hand. It’s easy for the mountain biker’s mind to wander admiring the patchwork of fields that dot the landscape, most of which are interconnected by ancient footpaths and horse trails. Just point and go![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”14831″ img_size=”full” style=”vc_box_border” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1522888992020{margin-top: 20px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/guatemala-aerial-180325-001-dji/”][/vc_column][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1522879880914{border-bottom-width: 40px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1522872929891{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-right: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;border-top-width: 2px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 2px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;border-left-color: #606060 !important;border-left-style: none !important;border-right-color: #606060 !important;border-right-style: none !important;border-top-color: #606060 !important;border-top-style: none !important;border-bottom-color: #606060 !important;border-bottom-style: none !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”5/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-8 vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-8″ css=”.vc_custom_1522960856869{margin-top: 5px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Brendan James” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%23c9c9c9|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]Adventure photographer, athlete and bike guide based in Antigua, Guatemala. Full bio[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-4 vc_col-xs-4″ css=”.vc_custom_1522873767410{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”4281″ img_size=”full” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/bio”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Thank you to:” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:18|text_align:center|color:%23dddddd|line_height:18px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1522818020611{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;}”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1522873952061{margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;border-top-width: 2px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 2px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;border-left-color: #606060 !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #606060 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #606060 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #606060 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-4 vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1522816214639{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”14839″ img_size=”full” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1522898016497{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;}” link=”http://www.ridebig.com”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522816887069{margin-top: 20px !important;padding-left: 7px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-9 vc_col-xs-9″][vc_custom_heading text=”Big Mountain Bike Adventures” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:18|text_align:left|color:%23c9c9c9|line_height:18px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]The leader in guided mountain bike adventures to global destinations.  www.ridebig.com
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-4 vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1522816226310{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”14840″ img_size=”full” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1522897999669{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;}” link=”http://www.adventureguatemala.com”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522817639476{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 7px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-9 vc_col-md-8 vc_col-xs-9″][vc_custom_heading text=”Old Town Outfitters” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:18|text_align:left|color:%23c9c9c9|line_height:18px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]Pioneers of Guatemala’s finest mountain bike rides and backcountry tours. adventureguatemala.com
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Gallery” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:right|color:%23ffffff|line_height:40px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1522872747287{margin-top: 40px !important;margin-right: 20px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”][jig_vc][justified_image_grid row_height=150 height_deviation=100 caption=off margin=5px orderby=rand limit=30 max_rows=7 last_row=hide recent_posts=yes recents_filter_tax=collection recents_filter_term=big-mountain-2017 recents_post_type=sell_media_item][/jig_vc][vc_column_text]

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    [/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Recent Posts” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:20px|text_align:right|color:%23878787|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal” el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1522872760595{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-right: 20px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”][jig_vc][justified_image_grid row_height=100 caption=fade caption_opacity=1 caption_bg_color=109,76,52,0.8 caption_text_color=white caption_title_size=12px v_center_captions=yes specialfx=everything specialfx_type=desaturate orderby=menu_order max_rows=2 recent_posts=yes recents_description=nicetime][/jig_vc][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493229127906{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1522873382707{margin-top: 60px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”13552″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1522902125972{padding-left: 10px !important;}”]

    Crossing the legendary “puente del trunco”  – El Zur bike park. | ?

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493092617192{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column video_bg=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1551669363319{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12 vc_hidden-xs”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/EA7vWtwl2ak”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1521333375887{padding-left: 20px !important;}”]Shutting in the dusty jungle – El Zur Bike Park – Esquintla, Guatemala[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493310876032{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”5/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493313751677{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”El Zur” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:left|color:%23606060|line_height:30px” google_fonts=”font_family:Alfa%20Slab%20One%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_custom_heading text=”A Private Jungle Bike Park” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]Situated on the southern side of Volcán de Agua (3,760 m), El Zur has a unique micro-climate relying on the coastal rain and fog from the Pacific a mere 50km away. The area is a unique place to see old growth forest, enormous trees, and a variety of wildlife.

    Old Town Outfitters operates a 20km trail that snakes its way down the volcano crossing dry volcanic lava flows, switchbacking through steep ravines and floating through the forest.

    Our day began with an hour-long drive by car from Antigua followed by a white-knuckle shuttle ride up the volcano on 4×4 trails. At the top was an impressive clearing with views of the neighboring Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”7/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522889214749{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″][vc_single_image image=”13515″ img_size=”large” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180218-118-G85″ css=”.vc_custom_1522902674114{padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]

    The crew lined up and ready to go at the top of the first run.

    [/vc_column_text][jig_vc][/jig_vc][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522806992305{background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}”][jig_vc][justified_image_grid thumbs_spacing=10 row_height=200 height_deviation=100 title_field=caption caption=off mobile_caption=off caption_opacity=1 caption_bg_color=rgba(0,0,0,0.0) caption_text_color=grey caption_align=center lightbox=attachment margin=3px orderby=title_asc last_row=hide aspect_ratio=1/1 disable_cropping=no rml_id=174 rml_lightbox_groups=no rml_breadcrumb=no][/jig_vc][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1521471400649{padding-left: 20px !important;}”]Riding in El Zur is unlike any place in North America – with enormous trees vines and patches of wild bannana trees.
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493092617192{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column video_bg=”yes” video_bg_url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upNHngzJheI” video_bg_parallax=”content-moving” css=”.vc_custom_1553129757587{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12 vc_hidden-xs”][vc_empty_space height=”80vh”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1521335091532{padding-left: 20px !important;}”]Checking out the salsa band at Las Palmas[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1522809699289{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493409656577{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Antigua, Guatemala” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:40px” google_fonts=”font_family:Alfa%20Slab%20One%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_custom_heading text=”Guatemala’s Colonial past” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]The sights and sounds of Antigua bring you into another time. The city – a UNESCO world heritage site – is rich in Spanish colonial history and scattered with ruins, remnants of various natural disasters since its foundation in the 16th century. Everyday life here involves the bustle of street carts, mopeds, moto-taxis and campesinos carrying goods on their backs through town.

    Our first few days we explored the city and environs by bikes, connecting ancient footpaths and agricultural trails to vistas high above the town. It’s easy to get out around here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1522808875009{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″][vc_single_image image=”13640″ img_size=”large” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180219-257-G85″ css=”.vc_custom_1522901990004{padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553129796591{padding-left: 10px !important;}”]Lined up in front of the 17th century ruins of San Cristobal | ? [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10″ css=”.vc_custom_1522808491038{background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”13703″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1521770443493{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180219-585-G85″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1522901941829{padding-left: 10px !important;}”]

    Rider Candace Shadley on a dusty and dry trail shred in the hills above Antigua, Guatemala |?

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1522808573384{background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5″][vc_single_image image=”14782″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1522878606510{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180218-550-G85″][vc_column_text]

    Post-ride refreshment break on the side of the highway. 

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1522808645778{background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″][vc_single_image image=”13699″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1521770225534{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180219-543-G85″][vc_column_text]

    Kevin peak-a-boo.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493316115647{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493409656577{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”“This is not like the riding in Canada“” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]One thing was a consensus among the riders: this wasn’t like any of the riding up north. Dry sandy volcanic soil, loose corners, and a raw element that the groomed trails of Canada will never have! With our teeth cut on the local terrain it was time to make moves.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Bikinis and Down Jackets” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]On day three, we packed our belongings for the ascent of Volcán de Acatenango, leaving Antigua for 4 days of bike travel across the country. The logistics were a bit complicated: a third of our luggage would go up to high camp at 3,500m on the volcano, carried by a team of porters on their backs. Another third including the bikes would go up in two heavily loaded 4×4 trucks, while the last bit would go directly to our next destination in Tecpán.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1522902699485{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″][vc_single_image image=”13715″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180220-001-G85″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1522901809775{padding-left: 10px !important;}”]

    Preparing the bikes for the climb. |?
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493323224936{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-bottom: 35px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column parallax=”content-moving” parallax_image=”14904″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10″][vc_empty_space height=”500px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493323224936{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-bottom: 35px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1493314771844{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”13718″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1522878735490{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180220-010-G85″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1522901797231{padding-left: 10px !important;}”]

    The twin summits of Acatenango are a captivating site as seen from the Antigua valley. The volcano rises 2500 vertical meters like a wall. |?
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1522809113998{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1522809077799{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_custom_heading text=”Volcán Acatenango (3976m)” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:30px” google_fonts=”font_family:Alfa%20Slab%20One%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1522809278378{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Camping at the top of Guatemala” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%23e8e8e8|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1522817015447{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1522962436147{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”]One of the most active volcanoes in the world, Fuego erupts quite regularly – but not always. The last time I was up here at night was for Volcanarchy.  I remember staying up through the night trying to catch a photo with lava and the stars – I came back empty handed. On this trip with Big Mountain, the mood of the mountain was quite different – to the point where loud eruptions made it hard to sleep with smoke and lava and landslides crashing through the night. Camping next to this force of nature was truly a planetary experience.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Descent” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%23e8e8e8|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1522820834029{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text css_animation=”left-to-right” el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1522962589679{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”]We awoke before sunrise – a loud boom from Volcán de Fuego rousing us from our tents like groundhogs popping up our heads to get a peak at the action. Lava and catapulting rock set off landslides tumbling onto the ravines below. The porters got the fire lit in the dawn light as we prepared breakfast. Today would be the largest day of the trip, starting at our camp on the volcano and finishing in the forests of Tecpán about 70km away.

    We rolled out of camp and began the 2,000m descent. Traversing above the tree line before cutting down the ash-filled slopes of the volcano. Down and down – with views of the Volcán de Agua and the Antigua valley below. At this speed, the forest becomes a blur of changing micro-climates, transitioning from alpine pines to thick cloud forest, vines, tropical vegetation and eventually finishing in a plantation of peach trees and coffee.

    Grinning and still catching our breath we load up the shuttle for the next stage…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column parallax=”content-moving” parallax_image=”13783″ width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″ css=”.vc_custom_1522821043643{border-top-width: 10px !important;border-right-width: 10px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;border-left-width: 10px !important;background-image: url(https://www.picsporadic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/BIGMTN-180221-005-G85.jpg?id=13783) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1522828466715{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”]

    ? The power of Volcán de Fuego  |? Purchase
    [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”500px”][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522810073407{padding: 5px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][jig_vc][justified_image_grid thumbs_spacing=10 row_height=200 height_deviation=100 title_field=caption caption=off mobile_caption=off caption_opacity=1 caption_bg_color=rgba(0,0,0,0.0) caption_text_color=grey caption_align=center lightbox=attachment margin=3 last_row=hide aspect_ratio=1/1 rml_id=172 rml_lightbox_groups=no][/jig_vc][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522810119501{background-color: #141414 !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”13779″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1522799440314{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180220-339-G85″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1522901760541{padding-left: 10px !important;}”]Watching stars and trading stories around the campfire. It took 11 porters to carry our supplies to highcamp and many spent the night with us on the volcano. | ?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column parallax=”content-moving-fade” parallax_image=”14793″ parallax_speed_bg=”1.2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10″][vc_empty_space height=”440px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1522901697115{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: rgba(2,2,2,0.44) !important;*background-color: rgb(2,2,2) !important;}”]

    Milky Way over Volcán de Agua and the lights of Alotenango – 3am  |? Purchase
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493323224936{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-bottom: 35px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1493314771844{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”13846″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1522879023022{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180221-220-G85″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1522903684530{padding-left: 10px !important;}”]

    Wily Quino riding off in the morning from camp on Volcán Acatenango |?

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493316115647{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522821790120{background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”13918″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180221-839-G85″ css=”.vc_custom_1522903094574{padding: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1522903133503{padding-left: 10px !important;}”]

    Penny Cameron riding among the thistle. |?
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1493409675120{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″][vc_custom_heading text=”High Alpine Traverse” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]A few weeks prior I had been out scouting the route of the tour. Rural Guatemala is a spiderweb of footpaths, canyons and ravines. In effort to bypass the panamerican highway we followed an ancient footpath along a high alpine ridge. Unfortunately, the trail was overgrown and required a substantial hike-a-bike / bushwhack to make the connection.

    We returned with machetes to clear the trail: it took 5 men the better part of a day to clear back the dense forest. But the result was a trail few people knew about. I was eager not only to share this spot but also to ride it for the first time (truly ride it) by bike.

    The trail is an aesthetic line that connects two mountain with views in all directions from an alpine meadow. This is Adventure MTB at it’s finest.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]A few weeks prior I had been out scouting the route of the tour. Rural Guatemala is a spiderweb of footpaths, canyons and ravines. In effort to bypass the panamerican highway we followed an ancient footpath along a high alpine ridge. Unfortunately, the trail was overgrown and required a substantial hike-a-bike / bushwhack to make the connection.

    We returned with machetes to clear the trail: it took 5 men the better part of a day to clear back the dense forest. But the result was a trail few people knew about. I was eager not only to share this spot but also to ride it for the first time (truly ride it) by bike.

    The trail is an aesthetic line that connects two mountain with views in all directions from an alpine meadow. This is Adventure MTB at it’s finest.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10″ css=”.vc_custom_1522821719213{padding-right: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}”][jig_vc][justified_image_grid thumbs_spacing=10 row_height=150 height_deviation=200 title_field=caption caption=off mobile_caption=off caption_opacity=1 caption_bg_color=rgba(0,0,0,0.0) caption_text_color=grey caption_align=center lightbox=attachment margin=5 limit=4 last_row=hide rml_id=173 rml_lightbox_groups=no][/jig_vc][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1522874901132{margin-top: 40px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column parallax=”content-moving” parallax_image=”13959″ parallax_speed_bg=”1.2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10″][vc_empty_space height=”500px”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493313751677{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Kingdom of the Kaqchikel Maya” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]Located at 2,100m in a forested region above Lake Atitlán, Tecpán is home to Iximché, a former Mayan metropolis from the post-classic period (300AD). The kingdom was violently overthrown by the Spanish in the 1500s. Conquest proved difficult because of the city’s strategic location atop a cliff band in the center of a canyon.

    Later on, although briefly, the Spanish established their first capital in the region. It is also said that Guatemala gets its name from the Mexican Náhuatl translators the Spanish had with them, who interpreted the Maya K’iche’ word for “between the trees” as Quauhtemallan or “place of many trees”.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”7/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522902758411{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″][vc_single_image image=”13971″ img_size=”large” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180222-149-G85″ css=”.vc_custom_1522902767682{padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1522901649187{padding-left: 10px !important;}”]

    A Mayan priest performs a fire ceremony at Ixcimché | ?
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column parallax=”content-moving-fade” parallax_image=”14907″ parallax_speed_bg=”1.2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10″ css=”.vc_custom_1522897531758{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”500px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1522827256485{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: rgba(2,2,2,0.44) !important;*background-color: rgb(2,2,2) !important;}”]

    Local guide Alex explains the history of the ruins. ? Purchase
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1522893193416{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493409656577{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Lake Atitlán” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:40px” google_fonts=”font_family:Alfa%20Slab%20One%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_custom_heading text=”Finishing at a caldera in the sky” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]The greatest treat of this tour for me was being able to show the Big Mountain group one of my favorite places to ride in Guatemala: Lake Atitlán. The trails here are technical, rocky, and steep, with volcanic views that make it hard to keep your eyes on the handlebars!  This supervolcanic crater is steep in all directions with 1,000 to 2,000m downhills – I always find a new challenge when riding the raw trails here.

    We shuttled up to the town of San Andrés, home to pine forests and agricultural trails that sweep down through cornfields and onto tight streets. Children scream and wave as we roll through town. We break at a stunning lookout where paragliders launch into thermal drafts, taking off at 2,000m.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”14003″ img_size=”large” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180222-256-G85″][vc_column_text el_class=”white”]We finished our last ride on the legendary Santa Catarina trail: nearly 1,000m of rocky downhill that follows an aqueduct along a cliff above the lake. Technical riding that is demanding to the very end, finishing through the stepped streets of town.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1522826282733{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background: #f4f4f4 url(https://www.picsporadic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/BIGMTN-180222-645-G85.jpg?id=14092) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″][vc_empty_space height=”400px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493323224936{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-bottom: 35px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1493314771844{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”13977″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1522890500937{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180222-164-G85″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1522901621298{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”]First views of Lake Atitán. Rider Cathy Jewett descends dusty singletrack above San Andres This is mtbguatemala.  | ?
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493409190465{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-bottom: 35px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1493409688645{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”14058″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1521333601870{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180222-501-G85″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1522901607887{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”]

    Candace Shadley riding the Urban downhill in the tight streets of Santa Catarina Palopó |?
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493316115647{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522894091802{background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”14078″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1522891350388{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/BIGMTN-180222-608-G85″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493409656577{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”We made it” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Advent%20Pro%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]On the shore of the lake, the late-day sun glistens on the water. We are on the last part of the ride, following a path along the beach. Brightly colored stands and vendors line the sidewalks in Panajachel, their calls and whistles merge into a collage of sound as we ride by.

    One of the most enjoyable aspects of riding in Latin America is passing through markets like this. The stimulation and stolen glances of the people, the men playing cards, the children laughing as you roll past. “This place is incredible”, I hear someone mutter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1522902797867{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553129892494{margin-top: 40px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;}”]It’s another beautiful day in Guatemala and our 6-day ride has come to an end. Tomorrow, we’ll spend the day resting at Casa Del Mundo, a cliff-side hotel with nothing to do but watch the light change, fading through its spectrum at the end of the day.

    In a little while, our guests will go back to skiing in the northern hemisphere with nothing but memories and sun-tans to show for their time spent here in Guatemala. I can only hope that they come back some day and we can ride a little more. We have just scratched the surface of the riding here and there is still much more to discover.

    -Brendan James

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493229127906{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1493409747415{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 35px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”12572″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1522822392518{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}” link=”https://www.picsporadic.com/items/Guatemala-171220-099-G85-HDR”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1522903294711{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”]

    Sunsets here linger for hours at Lake Atitlán. At 2,000m the horizon glows long after the sun sinks past the volcanoes. |?

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1493266731151{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493409798261{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_text_separator title=”Gallery” title_align=”separator_align_left” el_class=”gallerytext” css=”.vc_custom_1493266781501{margin-right: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493266954426{padding-right: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][jig_vc][justified_image_grid row_height=230 height_deviation=100 mobile_row_height=120 caption=off mobile_caption=off orderby=rand max_rows=12 last_row=hide load_more=click initially_load=12 recent_posts=yes recents_filter_tax=collection recents_filter_term=big-mountain-2017 recents_post_type=sell_media_item][/jig_vc][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1522896337874{margin-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]

    View Full Gallery

    [/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”white” border_width=”2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1493268745972{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 4px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;border-top-color: #777777 !important;border-bottom-color: #777777 !important;}”][vc_column width=”3/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522868110217{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_column_text]Published: [date] by PICSPORADIC [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-6″ css=”.vc_custom_1522898035693{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_facebook type=”button_count” css=”.vc_custom_1490816047681{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-6″ css=”.vc_custom_1522898046828{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_googleplus annotation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1490816144508{margin-top: 2px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1493266731151{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522897446650{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;background-color: #efefef !important;}”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1522897400184{border-top-width: 2px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 2px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;border-left-style: none !important;border-right-style: none !important;border-top-style: none !important;border-bottom-style: none !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-offset-3 vc_col-xs-6″ css=”.vc_custom_1553129921397{padding-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”14941″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ css=”.vc_custom_1522898070361{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1522897768129{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Like what you read?” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:24|text_align:left|color:%233f3f3f|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]The best way you can support the work I do is through purchasing photos and prints on this site.

    I love seeing my photos in print!

    All photos here are available in high resolution – they can be downloaded and printed at up to 48in on the longest side. Prices start at $2.99

    Check out the store for more: www.picsporadic.com/digital[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Santa Cruz del Quiché

    Santa Cruz del Quiché

    [vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1490762202135{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: rgba(2,2,2,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(2,2,2) !important;}”][vc_column][rev_slider_vc alias=”santa-cruz-quiche” el_class=”topslider”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1490815124103{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 4px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 4px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-top-color: #777777 !important;border-top-style: outset !important;border-bottom-color: #777777 !important;border-bottom-style: outset !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-5″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815222765{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Published: [date] by PICSPORADIC [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_col-xs-2″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815241577{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_facebook type=”button_count” css=”.vc_custom_1490816047681{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-1″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815419789{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_googleplus annotation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1490816144508{margin-top: 2px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815164429{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text][comments][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”bottom” css=”.vc_custom_1493406324483{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-7 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1554179081076{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” el_class=”darkc”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]

    Santa Cruz Del Quiché

    A Modern Mayan City

    Originally founded in the fifteenth century as the K’iche’ capital of K’umarcaaj Santa Cruz del Quiché was one of the first major cities and department heads of Guatemala. The city lies in the southwestern Chuacús Mountains at an elevation of 6,631 feet (2,021m). The town also functions as a market center for the Indian villages in the vicinity.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4189″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” style=”vc_box_border” onclick=”link_image” css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1554179109744{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text]

    I was in Quiché for Día Internacional de los Trabajadores – Joining the Escarabajos Cycling club for an epic in the mountains above the city.  Luckily I didn’t spend all my time taking pictures of mountain biking as this small city has so much to offer!

    [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4196″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” style=”vc_box_border” onclick=”link_image” css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1554179122570{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1493316614176{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 60px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_custom_heading text=”Gallery” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:right|color:%23ffffff|line_height:40px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][jig_vc][justified_image_grid row_height=150 height_deviation=100 orderby=rand max_rows=7 last_row=hide rml_id=357][/jig_vc][vc_custom_heading text=”Recent Posts” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:20px|text_align:right|color:%23878787|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal” el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1493406765360{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-right: 30px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”chino”][jig_vc][justified_image_grid preset=c4 row_height=100 caption=fade caption_opacity=1 caption_bg_color=109,76,52,0.8 caption_text_color=white caption_title_size=12px v_center_captions=yes specialfx=everything specialfx_type=desaturate orderby=menu_order max_rows=2 recent_posts=yes recents_description=nicetime][/jig_vc][vc_custom_heading text=”Tags” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:20px|text_align:right|color:%23939393|line_height:20px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal” el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1493406979788{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-right: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text][tags][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493323224936{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-bottom: 35px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1493314771844{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”4210″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image” css=”.vc_custom_1494450749395{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1494450815273{padding-left: 20px !important;}”]6am – and the street market is already begining to take shape in Santa Cruz del Quiché Guatemala
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493092617192{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1493254182379{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_custom_heading text=”Video:” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:35|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1494452359209{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”][rev_slider_vc alias=”quiche-embed-video”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493092617192{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1493254182379{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1494437537370{padding-left: 20px !important;}”]Sights and sounds abound in the markets of Quiché – Watch Full Video on Youtube
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493229127906{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1493314217113{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”4202″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image” css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1554179261125{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1494450430914{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”]Main square and Catedral de la Santa Cruz del Quiché [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493316115647{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1554178866754{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}” el_class=”lightc”][vc_column_text]

    Aerial Photography

    Flying around the Quiché by drone it’s hard to get an idea of just how much is going on looking at my small cell phone screen for reference. When piloting you are hastily trying to find and frame shots within a limited time frame.  The real surprise is developing the images later- seeing the detail in the buildings and just how vibrant Guatemala is from the Air.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1554178882033{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″ el_class=”lightc”][vc_column_text]The city is a blend of 400+ year old buildings, ruins and modern shopping malls. The classic adobe roofing forms a patchwork with rusted tin panels as well as the brightly painted facades of the buildings

    For me it’s one thing to get to know an area by foot – but an aerial perspective reveals the density and inter-relationship of a place. Especially these dense cities of Latin America.

    -Brendan

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1493266731151{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493409798261{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_text_separator title=”Gallery” title_align=”separator_align_left” el_class=”gallerytext” css=”.vc_custom_1493266781501{margin-right: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493266954426{padding-right: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][jig_vc][justified_image_grid row_height=230 height_deviation=100 mobile_row_height=120 orderby=rand max_rows=12 last_row=hide load_more=scroll initially_load=12 rml_id=357][/jig_vc][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1493268745972{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 4px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;border-top-color: #777777 !important;border-bottom-color: #777777 !important;}”][vc_column width=”3/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-5″ css=”.vc_custom_1493274968916{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_column_text]Published: [date] by PICSPORADIC [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-4″ css=”.vc_custom_1493268989127{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_facebook type=”button_count” css=”.vc_custom_1490816047681{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1493269002096{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_googleplus annotation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1490816144508{margin-top: 2px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Volcán Atitlán Guatemala

    Volcán Atitlán Guatemala

    [vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1490762202135{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: rgba(2,2,2,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(2,2,2) !important;}”][vc_column][rev_slider_vc alias=”2015-03-15-volcan-atitlan” el_class=”topslider”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1490815124103{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 4px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 4px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-top-color: #777777 !important;border-top-style: outset !important;border-bottom-color: #777777 !important;border-bottom-style: outset !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-5″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815222765{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Published: [date] by PICSPORADIC [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_col-xs-2″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815241577{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_facebook type=”button_count” css=”.vc_custom_1490816047681{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-1″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815419789{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_googleplus annotation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1490816144508{margin-top: 2px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815164429{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text][comments][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”bottom” css=”.vc_custom_1493243985606{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-7 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493253569498{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Atitlán had always enticed me” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:40px” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text el_class=”white”]For over a year I had been living in Panajachel watching this Volcano. Atitlán’s “mood” had became a part of my daily life. The 11,598′ (3,535 m) behemoth was always there: in the mornings it hovered like an apparition, its face peaking above the humid haze over the waters of the lake. As the day progressed the air would clear and the Volcano would begin to attract lenticular clouds clinging to the summit. In the rainy season Atitlán became more secluded, hiding in clouds -you could weeks at a time without ever seeing it.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3825″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Volcán Atitlán is the largest of three volcanos that surround Lake Atitlán – hence the name.  Because if the volcano’s distance position behind neighboring Volcán Tolimán it gives the appearance that the two volcanoes are equal in height – their twin summits to the left joined in a geologic matrimony. The truth is that Volcán Atitlán is nearly 2000ft taller than its neighbor.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3826″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Volcán Atitlán, has an infamous reputation. The volcano is remote and seldom visited by foreign tourists. The approach to the base involves navigating a confusing web of finca roads and coffee paths. Because of the distance and the elevation involved and most people opt to hike the volcano in two days – camping at or near the summit to catch views early morning before the clouds move in.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1493248189013{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][gallery_lemongrid images=”3855,3853,3851,3848,3847,3846,3830,3829,3903″ cell_height=”40″ space=”5″ element_id=”1493256544392-9e0d23f6-6960″ template=”{“template“:“gallery_lemongrid.php“}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493092617192{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1493254182379{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][rev_slider_vc alias=”atitlan-embed-2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493092617192{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1493254182379{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1493247557084{padding-left: 20px !important;}”]The approach to Volcán Atitlán by motorcycle involved riding on volcanic slickrock.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1490866456532{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493257420806{padding-top: 40px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”white”]Because I had the motorcycle with me I decided to drive to the Volcáno – I packed up and headed out for a late start – reaching the opposite side of the lake at 4pm. I drove up as far as I could from San Lucas following a finca road which eventually turned to trail – which changed to a dried lava river. This was the lazy man’s approach – cutting out nearly 10km of walking however I was enthralled to ride the bike on some Lava Slickrock.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1493257360953{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-5″][vc_column_text el_class=”white”]I hid the bike off the trail and chained it to a tree. – any Mayan with means could cut it but I entrusted my fate to faith. I climbed the trail up through the coffee finca – following a loose Gpx track. I passed by several campisinos descending the volcano with loads of corn on their back – they all gave enormous smiles and holas as their bodies strained with load.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493229127906{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1493253661710{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”3833″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1493268035638{padding-left: 20px !important;}”]I camped around 11,000ft below the treeline. I hadn’t encountered anyone and I bedded down on the only flat place I could find – right in the trail. It was the dry season and I carried only a sleeping bag and pad – no tent. I eased in for a night’s sleep pushed away thoughts of insects crawling on my face and set my alarm for 4am the next day.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493252184816{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”5/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493253899593{padding-bottom: 40px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-4″][vc_single_image image=”3864″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”7/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493253914689{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1493253523263{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]In the morning I made the push and got my first view of the lake above treeline. The sun had not yet risen and I strained to reach the top of the summit cone before sunrise. Below was a view of all of Lake Atitlan – the other Volcanoes looked so small from up here! The dark evening colors faded slowly and the light began to shed across the vallies and ridges of the country in deep shadows.

    I was not alone – at the summit there was a boyscout troop with over 40 kids huddled in groups with stoves preparing breakfast and watching their country explode in vibrant color before them.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ gap=”20″ initial_loading_animation=”zoomIn” grid_id=”vc_gid:1551674284243-a58ffce8f94b4957a9398e1fa7499660-3″ include=”3900,3848″ css=”.vc_custom_1493268188811{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 20px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1493327656974{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]Volcán Atitlán is that it’s still semi-active. The last eruption was just over 100 years ago. At the summit there are numerous steam vents and the volcanic rocks are rather hot!

    The steam supports a variety of interesting fauna including bright red and green moss.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493327695613{margin-top: 35px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1493325697376{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”3865″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image” css=”.vc_custom_1493325716815{padding: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1493325826619{padding-left: 20px !important;}”]Positioned at the center of the Guatemalan volcanic chain, this 11,600ft volcano affords views of most the country’s twenty nine volcanic peaks from its summit.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493327470260{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-bottom: 35px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1493327491090{margin: 0px !important;border-width: 0px !important;padding: 5px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”3774″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1493267180356{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”]It is always inspiring to see Guatemalans out enjoying their country. A lot of the scouts didn’t have proper backpacks and used simple garbage bags to carry their gear.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”bottom” css=”.vc_custom_1493243985606{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-7 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493253679756{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”“Of all the volcanoes I have climbed in Guatemala Atitlán was the most impressive
    -and unfortunately the most trashed.“” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:23px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:40px” google_fonts=”font_family:Oleo%20Script%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text]The hiking trail stretches up Volcán Atitlán is a near vertical swath of logging and deforestation – with deep ruts from where large trees have been removed. In this beautiful forested country – the forest is becoming ever more rare – with the apatite for wood insatiable even in these “protected” zones. Whether it’s small machete cuts for household cooking, clear cutting for agriculture or harvesting large growth trees for more prosperous exotic sale, Guatemala is feeling the effects of deforestation hard.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3788″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Unfortunately with the exception of a few toursim-centric volcanos – areas like Aitlán are worth more for their natural resources than as natural protected areas. The coastal fogs that for generations have supported dense tropical forests on Volcán Atitlán are also ideal for the growing of Guatemala’s most expensive crop: Coffee.  Even “fair trade” coffee has a serious environmental impact in countries like Guatemala. Forests must be leveled and burned to make way for the acres of the golden crop.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3863″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]

    Areas like Volcán Atitlán are extremely rare – in a dry regions of Guatemala these enormous volcanoes host micro-climates that support tropical forest that pull moisture from the air and help promote rainfall.  I can only hope that the people of the country come to understand just how special and necessary it is to protect places like Volcán Atitlan or at least put in places sustainable practice before the future renders the land unusable.

    -Brendan[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1493248189013{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1493327470260{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-bottom: 35px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1493327491090{margin: 0px !important;border-width: 0px !important;padding: 5px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”4069″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1493327807274{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”]An enormous old growth tree reaching towards the canopy – a reminder of a forest’s past. Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1493266731151{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493265205601{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_text_separator title=”Gallery” title_align=”separator_align_left” el_class=”gallerytext” css=”.vc_custom_1493266781501{margin-right: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1493266954426{padding-right: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_column_text]

    [/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1493268745972{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 4px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;border-top-color: #777777 !important;border-bottom-color: #777777 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-5″ css=”.vc_custom_1551674333005{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_column_text]Published: [date] by PICSPORADIC [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-4″ css=”.vc_custom_1551674348097{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_facebook type=”button_count” css=”.vc_custom_1490816047681{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1493269002096{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_googleplus annotation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1490816144508{margin-top: 2px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Mayan Families – Campaign Video

    Mayan Families – Campaign Video

    [vc_row full_height=”yes” parallax=”content-moving-fade” parallax_image=”1893″ css=”.vc_custom_1554176546967{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”white”]

    Mayan Families Campaign Videos

    Fundraising Videos that Make a Difference

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1554177007244{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-7 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-8 vc_col-xs-7″ css=”.vc_custom_1554176564747{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_column_text]Original Recording Date: Jun-Nov 2015 | Published: [date] by PICSPORADIC [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1491498520872{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_facebook type=”button_count” css=”.vc_custom_1490816047681{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491499088384{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #070707 !important;}”][vc_tweetmeme share_via=”picsporadic” css=”.vc_custom_1554176367451{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491498891389{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_column_text][views] [comments][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1491453169446{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491452054357{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Mayan Families Campaign Video” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:45|text_align:left|line_height:45px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:800%20bold%20italic%3A800%3Aitalic” css=”.vc_custom_1554177615088{background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Lake Atitlán, Guatemala” font_container=”tag:h6|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491925322916{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]During my work with Mayan Families in Guatemala I produced and edited over a dozen campaign videos to generate support for programs in need.

    The videos were multi-purpose with the objective of educating, inspiring and thanking donors that had contributed. The videos feature custom animation and an upbeat feel to inspire people to get involved.

    The campaigns with Global Giving and Living on one enjoyed great success -many times exceeding their initial goal.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497604743{padding-top: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0GxgStEKxo” align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1491924881756{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491924917789{padding-left: 20px !important;}”]

    Mayan Families and Living On One Challenge YOU to Live Below the Line | MAYAN FAMILIES

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1491926237302{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491506309359{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”60px” css=”.vc_custom_1491506958401{background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmfIV8Srzr4″ align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1491923461465{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491506614471{border-right-width: 20px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-right-color: #020202 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Step Up for 200 Students in Guatemala Campaign” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:45|text_align:left|line_height:45px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:800%20bold%20italic%3A800%3Aitalic” css=”.vc_custom_1491923918920{background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”$10,000 Raised” font_container=”tag:h6|text_align:left|color:%23efbf21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1554176942840{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]Thank you video celebrating the successful campaign of nearly 100 donors to provide 200 students with a new pair of shoes.

    Without shoes, impoverished Guatemalan children cannot safely walk to school. This basic item can be a barrier for many children, limiting their access to various opportunities including education. Giving children shoes is a gift that physically allows them to access education and in turn the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491455030450{background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1491499229475{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-8 vc_col-xs-7″ css=”.vc_custom_1491499287287{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491923499399{padding-left: 20px !important;}”]

    GlobalGiving “Step Up for 200 Students in Guatemala” | MAYAN FAMILIES

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_col-xs-2 vc_hidden-xs” css=”.vc_custom_1491498980195{background-color: #020202 !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1491498520872{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491499088384{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #070707 !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491498891389{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1491453169446{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491452054357{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Live Below the Line Campaign” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:45|text_align:left|line_height:45px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:800%20bold%20italic%3A800%3Aitalic” css=”.vc_custom_1491923650070{background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”$40,000 Raised” font_container=”tag:h6|text_align:left|color:%23ffd400″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1554176963601{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]

    The Live Below the Line campaign challenges individuals across the world to eat and drink on $1.50 a day for 5 days. Participants use their experience to raise awareness of the lack of choice faced by 1.2 billion people who currently live below the extreme poverty line, and raise vital funds to combat it.

    This video follows Mayan Families staff member Juan Haro as shops for food at the local market in Panajachel. Most of the families the organization works with live on much less than $1.50 for all expenses, every single day.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491455030450{background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491506544437{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”60px” css=”.vc_custom_1491507020312{background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKC3VFBFtMM” align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1491923563809{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1491507392694{padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491923607265{padding-right: 20px !important;}”]

    Juan Haro Lives Below the Line for Mayan Families | MAYAN FAMILIES

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1491453169446{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491506990369{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”60px” css=”.vc_custom_1491506969168{background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xl8I7SN094″ align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1491924394153{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491507611432{border-right-width: 20px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-right-color: #020202 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Elderly Feeding Center Campaign” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:45|text_align:left|line_height:45px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:800%20bold%20italic%3A800%3Aitalic” css=”.vc_custom_1491924263414{background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”$25,100 Raised” font_container=”tag:h6|text_align:left|color:%23edcd00″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1554176981763{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]This video supported a Global Giving campaign that helped to save an elderly feeding / community center in San Jorge la Laguna, Gautemala. The video served to educate and inspire with an urgent message about the effects malnutrition in Guatemala.

    The Mayan Families Feeding center in San Jorge provides neglected elderly and abandoned children in critical need – populations most at risk for malnutrition – with a nutritious meal in a safe, nurturing environment every day. Without this center, 57 elderly and 15 kids in critical need will go hungry; the elderly’s health will continue to deteriorate and children’s growth will be stunted.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491455030450{background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1491507587633{padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491924435981{padding-left: 20px !important;}”]

    Save Our Center in San Jorge GlobalGiving Campaign | MAYAN FAMILIES

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1491508125495{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491508061250{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Equipment / Stats:” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:28|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:45px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:800%20bold%20italic%3A800%3Aitalic” css=”.vc_custom_1491507971538{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491507757643{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” el_class=”statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496630174{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-camera-retro” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071340395{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496800089{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491504285668{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    Lumix GH3
    Lumix GX-1
    GoPro Hero 3

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1491507772170{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_row_inner el_class=”statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496605156{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-hourglass-end” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071443368{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496588415{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491504245954{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    4 months

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1491507784752{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_row_inner el_class=”.statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496732570{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-film” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071593604{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496745011{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491504312398{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    24fps 1080p

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491507796987{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_row_inner el_class=”.statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497151866{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-television” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071506644{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497094230{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491496773614{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    Adobe Premiere
    After Effects

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491507809300{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_row_inner el_class=”.statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497142036{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-bag” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071697434{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497132723{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491504391122{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    Tascam Audio Recorder
    Sennheiser ew 100 ENG G3

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10″ css=”.vc_custom_1491508286235{margin-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”white” border_width=”3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1491497539050{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490984446472{background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-9 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490984498665{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_text_separator title=”Gallery” title_align=”separator_align_left” el_class=”gallerytext” css=”.vc_custom_1491462922884{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full” style=”vc_box_border” onclick=”link_image” css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1554176721082{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1490984435847{background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1490976323822{background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-5 vc_col-md-offset-4 vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_custom_heading text=”More Posts:” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:50px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:50px” google_fonts=”font_family:Pacifico%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Guatemala City

    [vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1491013486940{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_column][rev_slider_vc alias=”2017-04-07-guatcity”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1490815124103{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 4px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 4px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-top-color: #777777 !important;border-top-style: outset !important;border-bottom-color: #777777 !important;border-bottom-style: outset !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-5″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815222765{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Published: [date] by PICSPORADIC [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_col-xs-2″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815241577{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_facebook type=”button_count” css=”.vc_custom_1490816047681{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-1″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815419789{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_tweetmeme css=”.vc_custom_1554175557926{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815164429{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text][comments][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1491015401346{background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491015414899{padding-top: 40px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_text_separator title=”Gallery” title_align=”separator_align_left” align=”align_left” el_class=”gallerytext” css=”.vc_custom_1491015480972{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][jig_vc][justified_image_grid rml_id=445][/jig_vc][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1490994444279{background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”5/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10 vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490994608197{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Mayan Families – Education Series

    Mayan Families – Education Series

    [vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1491453169446{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491452054357{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Mayan Families Education Series” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:45|text_align:left|line_height:45px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:800%20bold%20italic%3A800%3Aitalic” css=”.vc_custom_1491500438306{background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Lake Atitlán, Guatemala”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491590073878{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]In conjunction with Mayan Familes I produced and edited a series of documentary shorts focusing on the education system in Guatemala.

    In rural Guatemala child labor is commonplace. Many children do not continue their studies after sixth grade – opting instead to work to support their families.  Young girls have it particularly hard with a high rate of pregnancy at a young age.  For parents in extreme poverty it is often difficult to justify sending their children to school.

    Mayan Families is a US based non-profit that operates schools around Lake Atitán, through their student sponsorship program nearly 3,000 students and their families have access to education.

    This 6 part series highlights problems facing the education system in Guatemala. The videos follow 3 students throughout their daily lives as they work to support their families while at the same time balancing their studies and aspirations.

    For the project  I interviewed over a dozen people: community leaders, students, teachers, parents, and Mayan Families staff gathering a wide range of perspectives for the story.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491455030450{background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497604743{padding-top: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRsQhxIfCoA” align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1491500995642{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491508483874{padding-left: 20px !important;}”]

    Why Sponsor? Learn More About Our Program | MAYAN FAMILIES

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1491506825040{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-7 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-8 vc_col-xs-7″ css=”.vc_custom_1491578177524{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_column_text]Original Recording Date: Jun-Nov 2015 | Published: [date] by PICSPORADIC [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1491498520872{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_facebook type=”button_count” css=”.vc_custom_1490816047681{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491499088384{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #070707 !important;}”][vc_googleplus annotation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1490816144508{margin-top: 2px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491498891389{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_column_text][comments][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1491578286109{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491506309359{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”60px” css=”.vc_custom_1491506958401{background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIUGJcibjlE” align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1491501865749{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491506614471{border-right-width: 20px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-right-color: #020202 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Josephina’s Story” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:45|text_align:left|line_height:45px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:800%20bold%20italic%3A800%3Aitalic” css=”.vc_custom_1491501813177{background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Tierra Linda”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1622256758786{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]15 year old Josefina Ben Xajú has 10 siblings. She wakes up each day before dawn  working in the fields with her family who grow onions, string beans and herbs. She must balance her family responsibilities and her studies by working in the fields before and after school.

    Her older sisters had children early and Josephina sees the effect it had on changing their lives. She wants to go into business.

    Josefina’s parents want her to live a life outside of farming- however they must manage the expenses of the family all the while cultivating a harvest which is continuously under threat and undervalued.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491455030450{background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1491499229475{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-8 vc_col-xs-7″ css=”.vc_custom_1491499287287{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491503161112{padding-left: 20px !important;}”]

    Why Sponsor? Josefina’s Story | MAYAN FAMILIES

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_col-xs-2 vc_hidden-xs” css=”.vc_custom_1491498980195{background-color: #020202 !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1491498520872{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491499088384{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #070707 !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491498891389{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1491453169446{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491452054357{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Christina’s Story” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:45|text_align:left|line_height:45px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:800%20bold%20italic%3A800%3Aitalic” css=”.vc_custom_1491504566794{background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Lake Atitlán, Guatemala”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1622256800796{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]Christina is 15 years old – her widowed mother left for the nearby city of Quetzaltenango to work leaving her to care for her 8 year old sister. Christina shops and prepares food for her sister each day before heading to school.

    Christina wants to go to university and continue studying music however her mother insists that she begin working full time so they can pay the loan on their house.

    Sadly, Christina’s story is a common one in Guatemala where oftentimes older girls must take care of and raise their younger siblings.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491455030450{background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491506544437{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”60px” css=”.vc_custom_1491507020312{background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yh-lU8E0fk&t=7s” align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1491504483993{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1491507392694{padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491507325484{padding-right: 20px !important;}”]

    Why Sponsor? Cristina’s Story | MAYAN FAMILIES

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1491453169446{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491506990369{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”60px” css=”.vc_custom_1491506969168{background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhOIhzus4RI&t” align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1491505388521{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491507611432{border-right-width: 20px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-right-color: #020202 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Andrés’ Story” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:45|text_align:left|line_height:45px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:800%20bold%20italic%3A800%3Aitalic” css=”.vc_custom_1491505522422{background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Tierra Linda”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1622256812594{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]16 Year old Andrés lives in Tierra Linda above Lake Atitán. Each day he walks to school down a steep hiking trail. Although the family barely has electricity in their home Andres is studying computer Science and hopes to become a teacher.

    In this episode we talk with Isabel, a mother that explains how difficult it can be to provide for her family through farming. Isabel expresses the temptation many families have to send their boys to work to provide for the family  and how she had to fight to keep her children in School.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491455030450{background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1491507587633{padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491505560718{padding-left: 20px !important;}”]

    Why Sponsor? Andrés’ Story | MAYAN FAMILIES

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1491508125495{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491455146581{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text][css_animation][/css_animation][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491508061250{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Equipment / Stats:” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:28|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:45px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:800%20bold%20italic%3A800%3Aitalic” css=”.vc_custom_1491507971538{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491507757643{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” el_class=”statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496630174{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-camera-retro” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071340395{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496800089{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491504285668{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    Lumix GH3
    Lumix GX-1
    GoPro Hero 3

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1491507772170{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_row_inner el_class=”statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496605156{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-hourglass-end” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071443368{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496588415{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491504245954{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    4 months

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1491507784752{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_row_inner el_class=”.statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496732570{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-film” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071593604{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496745011{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491504312398{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    24fps 1080p

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491507796987{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_row_inner el_class=”.statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497151866{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-television” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071506644{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497094230{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491496773614{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    Adobe Premiere
    After Effects

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491507809300{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_row_inner el_class=”.statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497142036{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-bag” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071697434{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497132723{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491504391122{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    Tascam Audio Recorder
    Sennheiser ew 100 ENG G3

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10″ css=”.vc_custom_1491508286235{margin-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”white” border_width=”3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1491497539050{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490984446472{background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-9 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490984498665{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_text_separator title=”Gallery” title_align=”separator_align_left” el_class=”gallerytext” css=”.vc_custom_1491462922884{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full” style=”vc_box_border” onclick=”link_image” css_animation=”top-to-bottom” css=”.vc_custom_1490985665557{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1490984435847{background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1490976323822{background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-5 vc_col-md-offset-4 vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_custom_heading text=”More Posts:” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:50px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:50px” google_fonts=”font_family:Pacifico%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • MTB Guatemala – La Infinita Tzanjuyub VIDEO

    [vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1491453169446{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491452054357{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6″][vc_custom_heading text=”MTB Guatemala – La Infinita Tzanjuyub” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:45|text_align:left|line_height:45px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:800%20bold%20italic%3A800%3Aitalic” css=”.vc_custom_1491457974673{background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Lake Atitlán, Guatemala”][vc_column_text css_animation=”left-to-right” css=”.vc_custom_1491458190943{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]This weekend I got to join my favorite crew: the Papa Bikers to explore a new route by mountain bike near Lake Atitlán. We dropped 7,000ft from near 11,000ft later conquering a climb dubbed “la Infinita” ( ∞ ). The enormous landscape of Guatemala leaves so much room for exploration!

    After nearly a year away from the lake
    coming back here feels like I have returned to a second home.

    The long days , endless climbing  and  enormous terrain bring new vistas that make everything worthwhile

    The Papa bikers have embraced the spirit of adventure with each ride pushing themselves further becoming more acquainted with the country they call home.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491455030450{background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497604743{padding-top: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhAdEnbA7Nc” align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1491458335048{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1491497555624{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491455146581{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][css_animation][/css_animation][/vc_column][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1491497358459{background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_custom_heading text=”Equipment / Stats:” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:28|text_align:left|line_height:45px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:800%20bold%20italic%3A800%3Aitalic” css=”.vc_custom_1491454120123{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491454828904{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” el_class=”statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496630174{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-camera-retro” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071340395{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496800089{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491496664198{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    Lumix G85
    GoPro Hero 4
    LG G4

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1491454494981{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_row_inner el_class=”statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496605156{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-hourglass-end” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071443368{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496588415{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491496680331{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    48 hrs

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496922669{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_row_inner el_class=”.statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496732570{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-film” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071593604{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496745011{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491496757385{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    24p 4k

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491499407635{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_row_inner el_class=”.statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497151866{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-television” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071506644{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497094230{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491496773614{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    Adobe Premiere
    After Effects

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491499390975{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_row_inner el_class=”.statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497142036{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-bag” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071697434{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497132723{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491496813686{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    DJI Mavic Pro
    Sony ECM-CS3 mic

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1491499229475{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-8 vc_col-xs-7″ css=”.vc_custom_1491499287287{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_column_text]Original Recording Date: April 2, 2017 | Published: [date] by PICSPORADIC [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_col-xs-2 vc_hidden-xs” css=”.vc_custom_1491498980195{background-color: #020202 !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1491498520872{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_facebook type=”button_count” css=”.vc_custom_1490816047681{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491499088384{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #070707 !important;}”][vc_googleplus annotation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1490816144508{margin-top: 2px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491498891389{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_column_text][comments][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1491497539050{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490984446472{background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-9 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490984498665{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_text_separator title=”Gallery” title_align=”separator_align_left” el_class=”gallerytext” css=”.vc_custom_1491462922884{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text css_animation=”bottom-to-top”]

    [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3457″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_border” onclick=”link_image” css_animation=”top-to-bottom” css=”.vc_custom_1491511743553{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1490984435847{background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1490976323822{background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-5 vc_col-md-offset-4 vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_custom_heading text=”More Posts:” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:50px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:50px” google_fonts=”font_family:Pacifico%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • ACG Guatemala

    ACG Guatemala

    [vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1490762202135{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: rgba(2,2,2,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(2,2,2) !important;}”][vc_column][rev_slider_vc alias=”2017-03-26-acg-guatemala” el_class=”topslider”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1490815124103{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 4px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 4px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-top-color: #777777 !important;border-top-style: outset !important;border-bottom-color: #777777 !important;border-bottom-style: outset !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-5″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815222765{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Published: [date] by PICSPORADIC [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_col-xs-2″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815241577{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_facebook type=”button_count” css=”.vc_custom_1490816047681{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-1″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815419789{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_googleplus annotation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1490816144508{margin-top: 2px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815164429{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text][comments][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1491070565822{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-7 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490976563188{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=” MTB Guatemala” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:40px” el_class=”white”][vc_separator][vc_column_text css_animation=”right-to-left” el_class=”white”]

    On sunday, on my first week back in Guatemala I got to attend the Asociacion De Ciclomontañismo De Guatemala 3a fecha de Downhill race in Guatemala City. I have never had a chance to capture photos of these awesome events as a spectator. I’m usually too busy participating!

    The mountain bike culture is so strong in Guatemala and the downhill riders here are crazy. #bigair

    This was also the first test of the my new camera (Lumix G85) in action mode.

    #mountainbike #downhillmtb #Guatemala #mtbguatemala

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1490983256218{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 75px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-xs-12″][gallery_lemongrid images=”3415,3414,3413,3412,3411,3410,3409,3407″ cell_height=”120″ space=”10″ element_id=”1490972861996-b2bb4038-9c3111″ template=”{“template“:“gallery_lemongrid.php“}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1490983411057{background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490984446472{background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-9 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490984498665{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_text_separator title=”Gallery” title_align=”separator_align_left” el_class=”gallerytext” css=”.vc_custom_1491071547178{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text css_animation=”bottom-to-top” css=”.vc_custom_1491069612119{background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;}”]

    [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full” style=”vc_box_border” onclick=”link_image” css_animation=”top-to-bottom” css=”.vc_custom_1490985665557{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1490984435847{background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1490976323822{background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-4 vc_col-md-offset-4 vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_custom_heading text=”More Posts:” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:50px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:50px” google_fonts=”font_family:Pacifico%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • San Antonio Palopó Photography

    San Antonio Palopó Photography

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     Perched on the edge of Lake Atitlán is a town without time.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1600189691846{margin-bottom: 40px !important;border-top-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 4px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 4px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-top-color: #777777 !important;border-top-style: outset !important;border-bottom-color: #777777 !important;border-bottom-style: outset !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-5″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815222765{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Published: [date] by PICSPORADIC [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_col-xs-2″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815241577{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_facebook type=”button_count” css=”.vc_custom_1490816047681{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-1″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815419789{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_googleplus annotation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1490816144508{margin-top: 2px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490815164429{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text][comments][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1471112180184{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1471102245268{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6″][vc_custom_heading text=”San Antonio Palopó” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]At the end of the precarious one-lane paved road from Panajachel is the small town of San Antonio Palopo. Isolated in geography and tradition, its largely indigenous population work the land and in the waters of Lake Atitlán.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”534″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1471112296943{background-image: url(https://www.picsporadic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/WEB-MF_20150603-68-Pano-Edit-1920px.jpg?id=534) !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1471112171383{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1471102245268{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6″][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]The first time I saw San Antonio I was awestruck. The town is a contiguous structure of concrete block and wire – simple homesteads and livestock- intertwined by tight alleyways and rusty tin roofs climbing the mountainside above the lake. The locals carry provisions on their heads up steep steps to cliff dwellings which seamlessly integrate with terraced fields of onions, the local crop.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]The first time I saw San Antonio I was awestruck. The town is a contiguous structure of concrete block and wire – simple homesteads and livestock- intertwined by tight alleyways and rusty tin roofs climbing the mountainside above the lake. The locals carry provisions on their heads up steep steps to cliff dwellings which seamlessly integrate with terraced fields of onions, the local crop.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”537″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”middle”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_custom_heading text=”An incredible contrast of beauty and poverty” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left”][vc_masonry_media_grid initial_loading_animation=”fadeIn” grid_id=”vc_gid:1600189617063-f18e5360-c7e8-9″ include=”549,550,553,558,551,552,554,555,556″][/vc_column][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1471102215732{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]Through my work with Mayan Families my understanding of San Antonio changed greatly. It wasn’t until I got up close with the people there that I realized just how marginalized the population had become. During hurricane sandy in 2012 the town lost its only school in a landslide – since then there has been no aid on the behalf of the government to rebuild the school.  The school was necessary for many reasons. The people of San Antonio speak Kaqchikel  and without lessons in the spanish language an entire generation is growing up without the tools to communicate and work outside of their community.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” full_height=”yes” columns_placement=”top” content_placement=”middle” parallax=”content-moving-fade” css=”.vc_custom_1471111970854{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-image: url(https://www.picsporadic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/WEB-MF_20150603-111-Edit-2-1920px.jpg?id=535) !important;}”][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1471111960594{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1471109682318{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” el_class=”white”]

    Rooted in tradition – Farmers work the steep hillsides above Lake Atitlán.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1471101793626{margin-bottom: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;padding-bottom: 1px !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ el_class=”carousel”][vc_gallery interval=”5″ images=”543,542,541,540,539,537″ img_size=”large” css=”.vc_custom_1471102304798{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1600189320689{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” full_height=”yes” columns_placement=”top” content_placement=”middle” parallax=”content-moving-fade” css=”.vc_custom_1471112351986{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-image: url(https://www.picsporadic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/WEB-MF_20150603-124-1920px.jpg?id=536) !important;}”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Cebolla” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:60|text_align:left|color:%23262626|line_height:60px” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text css_animation=”left-to-right”]

    Acres of onions

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1600188005328{padding: 20px !important;background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.69) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text el_class=”white”]Everyone San Antonio grows up working the fields. The terraced plots of land stretch upwards from the town joined together by irrigation ditches and small plastic pipe; the lifeline of water in this dry region of Guatemala. The main crop of the town is cebolla or onions.

    The onions are sold clean which involves a tremendous amount of work and water. Most children begin work when they can walk, and can be seen working alongside the elders in the fields. There is very little work in San Antonio, everyone grows onions. It’s their only crop.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1471112367200{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1471112438384{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″ el_class=”Houses on top of houses on the steep hillside.”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” el_class=”white”]

    Many of the Mayan farmers are suffering from the low prices they receive for their crops.  Once a month the large trucks come to town to pick up the harvest.  The farmers heave their heavy sacks of produce on their heads walk the steep paths down from the fields to market. At the truck there is an on-site bidding war and once the truck is full the driver leaves. The cheap produce bound for the capital of Guatemala city and eventually the United States of America.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1471100271512{background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”5/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”545″ img_size=”1000×600″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”7/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1471109118408{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_custom_heading text=”Gregorio” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:40px|text_align:left|line_height:50px” el_class=”white”][vc_column_text el_class=”white”]I met Gregorio on my photo hunt mountains above the town. His plot sits at a cliff overlooking all of San Antonio and as I set up my tripod he came up to me. Gregorio seventy years old and walks up to the terraces each day where he grows onions and a bit of Marijuana. He spoke just enough Spanish to tell me a bit of history about the lake, his family and the town where he has been living his entire life.

    Two months ago his eldest left for the United States, crossing the border illegally in a dangerous 40 day journey. His son now lives in new York where he works in a kitchen. He will most likely never return to his beautiful homeland in Guatemala. The old man and I sat for about an hour, both of us chatting in our broken spanish and taking in the amazing view of Lake Atitlán.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” full_height=”yes” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” video_bg=”yes” video_bg_url=”” video_bg_parallax=”content-moving-fade” el_class=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9j-tJYaL8Q&” css=”.vc_custom_1471112535685{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-image: url(https://www.picsporadic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/WEB-MF_20150603-37-1920px.jpg?id=541) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column width=”7/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-5 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css_animation=”left-to-right” el_class=”white”]

    The construction continues perpetually. Each man working tirelessly to weave his piece of the giant puzzle of San Antonio with cement and block.
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1471111960594{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1471109682318{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” el_class=”white”]

    Houses on top of houses on the steep hillside.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1471100200450{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1471109180919{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1471112654710{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1471109199864{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1471112631503{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1471109714550{margin-right: 3px !important;margin-left: 3px !important;}”][gallery_lemongrid images=”571,570,558,556″ cell_height=”120″ space=”6″ class=”margin-bottom: 0px; padding: 0px ;” element_id=”fishing” template=”{“template“:“gallery_lemongrid.php“}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][jig_vc][/jig_vc][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • MTB Guatemala

    MTB Guatemala

    [vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” full_height=”yes” parallax=”content-moving-fade” parallax_image=”257″ css=”.vc_custom_1472066921710{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading source=”post_title” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:70px|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff|line_height:75px” google_fonts=”font_family:Permanent%20Marker%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text css_animation=”appear” el_class=”white”]

    A season with Guatemala’s Rowdiest Mountain Bike Club: The Papa Bikers

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1472067534200{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #7ea8bf !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1471533657597{padding-right: 20px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”MTB Guatemala” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:40px|text_align:left|line_height:40px”][vc_column_text css_animation=”left-to-right” el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1472067320538{padding: 20px !important;background-color: #2d2d2d !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”]Guatemala is is pitted with deep canyons, enormous, volcanic terrain, a reckless happy-go-lucky chicken bus culture and for the crazy ‘chapins’ the sport of mountain biking is the perfect fit. Bicyclists fill the streets of the small agricultural pueblos as the preferred mode of transportation and towns hold yearly festivas for cyclists with live bands and TV broadcasting where all ages compete.

    Mountain Bike races are run on unofficial single track through coffee fincas and Mayan footpaths. One of the country’s most famous races’ El Reto De Quetzal runs over 3 days connecting Antigua, Panajachel and Xela. Bikers test their balance and grit on steep hiking trails cut into the steep cliffs of Lake Atitlan, and the enormous 10,000ft climb from Santa Cruz La Laguna over Alaska to Quetzaltenango.

    This past year I have been privileged to join the amazing cycling culture that has welcomed me as a permanent guest and know me as gringo! Participating in mountain bike races and travecias have brought me all over the country where I can gain a unique perspective on the remote Mayan villages forests and farms that make up this incredible country. Guatemala is mountain bike heaven!

    Source: www.atitlanphoto.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″][awesome_gallery id=”1543″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” parallax=”content-moving-fade” css=”.vc_custom_1472067699482{background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;}”][vc_column][vc_images_carousel images=”516,515,513,514,517″ img_size=”full” autoplay=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • MAYAN FAMILIES Rotary Trade School

    MAYAN FAMILIES Rotary Trade School

    [vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1491453169446{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491452054357{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Mayan Families Rotary Trade School” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:45|text_align:left|line_height:45px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:800%20bold%20italic%3A800%3Aitalic” css=”.vc_custom_1491515622665{background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.01) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Lake Atitlán, Guatemala”][vc_column_text css_animation=”left-to-right” css=”.vc_custom_1491516361790{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]This video was produced for Mayan Families and Rotary International who invested in a flagship project to introduce trade schools to the lake Atitlan Region. The three schools: Carpentry, Computers and sewing provide a bridge between primary education and real world work for motivated students.

    For this project I interviewed three students and teachers combining their first hand experience with English narration. All animation was done custom for the project.  I also followed the Upper Arlington Rotary Club of Ohio on their annual visit gathering additional footage of the crew in action.

    This video was presented by the Upper Arlington Rotary Club at the Rotary International Convention demonstrating the initiative’s progress and garnering additional funds to ensure the project could continue.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491455030450{background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497604743{padding-top: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMmk7O1WsOU” align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1491515443890{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1491497555624{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491455146581{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][css_animation][/css_animation][/vc_column][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1491497358459{background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_custom_heading text=”Equipment / Stats:” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:28|text_align:left|line_height:45px” google_fonts=”font_family:Exo%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:800%20bold%20italic%3A800%3Aitalic” css=”.vc_custom_1491454120123{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491454828904{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” el_class=”statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496630174{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-camera-retro” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071340395{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496800089{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491516254917{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    Lumix GH3
    GoPro Hero 3

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1491454494981{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_row_inner el_class=”statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496605156{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-hourglass-end” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071443368{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496588415{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491516265579{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    3 weeks

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496922669{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_row_inner el_class=”.statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496732570{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-film” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071593604{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491496745011{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491516289883{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    1080p Web Deliverable

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491499407635{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_row_inner el_class=”.statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497151866{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-television” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071506644{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497094230{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491496773614{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    Adobe Premiere
    After Effects

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491499390975{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_row_inner el_class=”.statspanel”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497142036{margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-bag” color=”black” css_animation=”appear” css=”.vc_custom_1472071697434{margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1491497132723{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-11″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491516386585{margin-left: 20px !important;}”]

    Boom Mic
    Tascam Audio Recorder

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1491499229475{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-8 vc_col-xs-7″ css=”.vc_custom_1491499287287{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_column_text]Original Recording Date: April 2, 2017 | Published: [date] by PICSPORADIC [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_col-xs-2 vc_hidden-xs” css=”.vc_custom_1491498980195{background-color: #020202 !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-3″ css=”.vc_custom_1491498520872{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_facebook type=”button_count” css=”.vc_custom_1490816047681{margin-top: 4px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-xs-2″ css=”.vc_custom_1491499088384{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #070707 !important;}”][vc_googleplus annotation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1490816144508{margin-top: 2px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1491498891389{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 4px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #020202 !important;}”][vc_column_text][comments][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1491497539050{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490984446472{background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-9 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490984498665{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #232323 !important;}”][vc_text_separator title=”Gallery” title_align=”separator_align_left” el_class=”gallerytext” css=”.vc_custom_1491462922884{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text css_animation=”bottom-to-top”][/vc_column_text][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full” style=”vc_box_border” onclick=”link_image” css_animation=”top-to-bottom” css=”.vc_custom_1490985665557{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1490984435847{background-color: #232323 !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1490976323822{background-color: #383838 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-5 vc_col-md-offset-4 vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_custom_heading text=”More Posts:” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:50px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:50px” google_fonts=”font_family:Pacifico%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row]