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Exploring the Cloud Forest Realm<br />
of the Resplendent Quetzal-Serpent<br />
It has been five days since I last saw<br />
the sun in my quest to observe<br />
and photograph the resplendent<br />
quetzal. Now I really know why<br />
they call this cloud forest! I’m up<br />
near the ridge of the Sierra Yalihux in the<br />
mountains of Alta Verapaz at an elevation<br />
of 7,000 feet. A bank of clouds has settled<br />
around the mountaintop and doesn’t want<br />
to leave.<br />
Sitting by the open fire in the middle of our<br />
little hut this evening, I give thanks that I<br />
am in here, cozily writing, instead of outside<br />
in a dank tent. Our host, whose name is<br />
Rosendo Chun Pop, is a Kek’chi Indian.<br />
16 » revuemag.com<br />
text and photographs by Thor Janson<br />
Since he has no knowledge of Spanish<br />
and I have only the most rudimentary<br />
understanding of his Mayan dialect, our<br />
communication is limited to gestures and<br />
smiles. But, as we sit sipping sweet coffee,<br />
he seems happy to share his little cabin and<br />
warming fire with us and his smiles and<br />
twinkling eyes convey his friendliness better<br />
than words ever could.<br />
The temperature outside is probably around<br />
45° Fahrenheit, but the wet-cold of the<br />
clouds makes it feel like it is below freezing.<br />
I am here in the mountains of Verapaz with<br />
naturalist Verónica Chavajay, a 34-year-old<br />
Guatemalan native from Santa Clara La
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