Today we went on a jungle trek in Santa Fe. Everyone met at Super 99 at 7am. Then 13 of us piled into a van and the other 4 rode in a pickup truck. We drove for a total of about 1.5 hours. We had to ride through steep, windy roads to get through the mountains, which were a sight to behold. They were covered with grass and trees. We could see mountains far into the distance that were dark and shadowy and that touched the clouds. Finally we arrived at a restaurant. There, we met our guide, Edgar. We picked him up and drove just a little farther to the start of a small bridge. We gathered off of the road at the edge of a thick jungle. Edgar took out his machete and chopped the plants to form a path down to the river. We immediately discovered how slippery the rocks and mud were. We made our way into the water and started traversing against a small current.
Most of the time we were ankle-deep in water. Other times, however, it nearly came up to our waists. We had to proceed slowly so that we could find the right footholds. Sometimes we would slip and even fall into the water, but we quickly learned from our mistakes. Our hard work was worth it because twice we discovered a waterfall with a pool at the bottom that we could swim in. Again, the water felt pretty cold, but the experience was so amazing, we didn't care.
At times we would encounter challenging obstacles that Edgar had to guide us through. For example, after we were done swimming at the first waterfall, Edgar had to set up a rope along the rocky cliff beside the waterfall so that we could get up. We carefully edged along the side while holding on to the rope. Edgar was at the end of the rope to pull us to safety at the top of the waterfall. Finally we reached an enormous waterfall, and we had another opportunity to swim.
Then Edgar led us up a steep staircase that was hidden behind the trees. When we reached the top, we found ourselves at the base of a huge and steep hill without any trees. Edgar led us up the slope, which was very, very muddy. As we climbed, the mud slurped and splashed with every step. As we reached the top of the hill, we saw that there was another hill ahead of us. After a while, we finally reached the road, where we had a great view above the forest. We walked along the road back to the restaurant, where we changed into dry clothes had a meal of chicken, pantacones, and a salad.
Then we began the drive back home. On the way, we stopped at a bakery where we bought pan dulce (sweet bread), which was delicious. When the group arrived at Super 99, we broke off to return to our families, where we spent the rest of the day.
Our guide, Edgar, and Panamanian host brother Juliano helping Mary cross a waterfall while Jordyn gets ready for her turn.
The line of hikers: Mira, Zach, Steph, Paloma, and Mary
Jean looking at a tarantula pointed out by Edgar; Steph, Paloma, Mary, and Jordyn about to see it
Enjoying the waterfall and bathing pool: Steph, Natalia, Mel, Abbey, Zach, and Gerry
Juliano testing a rope set up by Edgar. Natalia and Paloma up next
Edgar helping Natalia across another waterfall
The final waterfall of the hike: Natalia, Mel, Steph, Abbey, Gerry, and Zach