Posted on 07/23/2025 6:43:14 AM PDT by BenLurkin
Human remains found near an archaeological site in the Guatemalan jungle are thought to be those of a US birdwatcher who was reported missing almost two and a half years ago, local officials say.
A lilac shirt, sandals and shorts which match those worn by Raymond Vincent Ashcroft the day of his disappearance were found at the same location where the human bones were discovered, Carlos Soza of the attorney-general's office said.
Ashcroft, 66, was part of a birdwatching group visiting the ancient Maya city of Tikal...
...
Human bones and clothes matching those worn by Ashcroft were spotted in the jungle 14km from the archaeological site by residents of a nearby village, Mr Soza told a local radio station.
According to the official from the Guatemalan Attorney-General's Office for Crimes Against Foreign Tourists, the remains lay within dense vegetation and could only be reached on foot.
He added that a DNA test would determine if the remains were those of Ashcroft.
Tourists have gone missing before and since in the vast national park.
In 2022, a 53-year-old German man became separated from his group and died from heat stroke.
And in 2023, a French family was found dehydrated but safe after being lost for two days.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
Paging Dr. Brennan
Where I am at, everyone knows someone who has been killed by a Fer-de-Lance. It is called the “Barba Amarilla” and it sends more people to the grave, than what is reported.
The city of Tikal is quite large, even by modern standards. The Mayans took engineering seriously. The reason their pyramids are so high is because the jungle canopy is also very high, and they needed to see above it.
And to do this, they first built very thick slabs of concrete, made from hand ground limestone. Which is why some of the areas in the city are still flat and look like sports fields. They also built concrete lined artificial lakes, for a consistent water supply.
In total, it takes about 4 1/2 hours to take a walking tour to see the city. A hot, humid tour. Worth it, if you are healthy and fit. Best bet, fly from Guatemala City to the airport somewhat near Tikal, then back after your tour.
I told ya bird watching g was dangerous! Take,up skydiving instead, way less risky
I prefer polo.
No, it is about a 20 minute drive from downtown Bar Harbor.
This is the commercial lobster fisherman that sell to all the local restaurants in the area.
So, you are getting them fresh off the boat.
The place is kinda cool too. It is NOT FANCY.
Jeans and sweatshirt is typical attire.
Good to know, place looks great.
Beals is at the end of the road right next to the Coast Guard base. It is worth the drive IMHO.
So.......they're not ruling out the possibility they found someone else out there who was wearing a lilac shirt, sandals, and shorts?
#16 I can’t recall the name of the island though.
It is a deserted island. If you are among a group of 7 and one is named Hinckley, ask if he is a professor.
Look for a rich guy and his wife and a two sailors and a farm girl and a lady movie star. They have bad luck so best to take the next ferry...
Its not a Three Hour Tour.
Although, if one is named Mary Ann I am there.
https://downeastwindjammer.com/ferries/bar-harbor-schoodic-winter-harbor/
This is the trip/ferry I read about last time we were there.
This is a passenger ferry only. It departs at 9am & 11am. Takes 45 minutes to cross over.
Most people then explore the Winter Harbor area. Which is also part of the park. You can bring bikes for an additional $5. Have lunch then return.
It is not nearly as crowded as Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island.
$20 each way.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.