With the half decent map I finally found, I can study the countryside placenames on my little breaks... What a world tour I'm having: I've passed through Florida several times, Los Angeles a couple of times, Pensylvania (sic), San Francisco, San Antonio and Las Vegas... plunged into Depresión and out again, then further afield into Siberia, Armenia and Palestina. Maps are fun when they're accurate.
Unfortunately, the Colombian maps I've seen so far are only for the principle routes between the big cities. I've yet to find something for the upcoming Darién region that stands between Medellin and Panama. This will likely be the most difficult part of the whole pilgrimage, and I'm looking forward to it. FARC activity seems to be at bay at the moment and the real dangers that exist are the wild animals, particularly the alligators that I dread, and getting twisted around in the thick jungle. Controlable risks.
I've seen many snakes on my descending walk northward, but though as long as my leg, only as thick as my thumb... nothing to fear. I've also seen many scorpions holding their little claws up as I walk by and scurrying sideways along the logs and ground vegetation, but I've asked often and always been told the same - they're harmless. The ugly armor-headed vultures are the only creatures that have pestered me, but I'm just being prejudicial because of their red-headed cousins who plagued me so in the Atacama Desert.
Even with the Darién still a wild card, I can reasonably forecast my arrival in Mexico City as in the first week in August - 68% confidence between July 29th and August 3rd; 98% confidence between July 25th and August 14th. I can't estimate the total distance until I'm through the Darién, but I'm more that two-thirds of the way along. Hard to believe I've come so far. The heat of the Colombian lowlands is offset by the beauty of the enormous flowering trees and the scents and sounds of the thickening rainforest. What's not to love?
Unfortunately, the Colombian maps I've seen so far are only for the principle routes between the big cities. I've yet to find something for the upcoming Darién region that stands between Medellin and Panama. This will likely be the most difficult part of the whole pilgrimage, and I'm looking forward to it. FARC activity seems to be at bay at the moment and the real dangers that exist are the wild animals, particularly the alligators that I dread, and getting twisted around in the thick jungle. Controlable risks.
I've seen many snakes on my descending walk northward, but though as long as my leg, only as thick as my thumb... nothing to fear. I've also seen many scorpions holding their little claws up as I walk by and scurrying sideways along the logs and ground vegetation, but I've asked often and always been told the same - they're harmless. The ugly armor-headed vultures are the only creatures that have pestered me, but I'm just being prejudicial because of their red-headed cousins who plagued me so in the Atacama Desert.
Even with the Darién still a wild card, I can reasonably forecast my arrival in Mexico City as in the first week in August - 68% confidence between July 29th and August 3rd; 98% confidence between July 25th and August 14th. I can't estimate the total distance until I'm through the Darién, but I'm more that two-thirds of the way along. Hard to believe I've come so far. The heat of the Colombian lowlands is offset by the beauty of the enormous flowering trees and the scents and sounds of the thickening rainforest. What's not to love?
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3 comments:
68% and 98% confidence....
I'm going w the 98% confidence. Cannot believewhat you have done so far and the encounters you have had. Your relationship w nature and her little darlings is much better than mine, for sure. Such a symbolic leader, out there in the world for all of us.
"Don't follow leaders, watch your parking meters...."
Yes indeed a fine walk, among others you have done.
Be confident in yourself Sheila. Don't compare yourself to others, however accomplished. That's competitive and not helpful to you.
John
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