Day 241 And the pilgrimage resumes!!

My detention was the cause of the long delay of this post, so it wasn't my fault.  Well, in fact, it was my fault, but it was unintended.  I've had a time of it.  In summary, the few days it took to cross the famed Darien Gap were a small adventure compared to the 19 days I spent detained in the system.  I spent my time productively and wrote about it in detail.  Unfortunately for the reader, the resumption of my pilgrim life gives me only limited computer time, so the story will be in installments for a short time.  It's all written, I didn't think to bring along an executive assistant to do the word processing duties, so give me a few days.  All is well.  I'm happy.  Free with the stipulation that I remove myself from Panama by the end of the month.  I promise to have the full story uploaded before then.

Buen Camino!
(Kids, don't try this at home.)

Crossing the Darien Gap

(How not to do it)

Chapter 1: Approaching the Forboding Darien

Rumba en la Jungla

Down one river...

...and up another

Chapter 2: Crossing the Darien

Into the Colombian Darien

Out of the Panamanian Darien

Chapter 3: Would Someone Please Tell Me What's Going On?

Military Post 1 - Paya

Military Post 2 - Boca de Cupe

Military Post 3 - Meteti

Chapter 4: Hell's Beauty Salon
Lockup
Sweet Smell of Freedom

Safe and Sound

The Great Silence was not my intention.  The Darien Gap is a veritable Grand Central Station of international travelers.  I passed safely with no wild adventures in two days.

 

I was poorly advised by not only Colombian authorities but also by a missionary priest – all helped me find the land route to Panama.  No one told me that I’d be taken into custody by first the Panamanian military, then the Immigration Authority.  I’ve been detained since May 2^nd.  Lacking a phone or money for a calling card, I haven’t been able to contact anyone, much less update this blog.

 

I am well and should be liberated soon(ish) and on my way northward.  When possible, I’ll update the blog with the details of my “captivity” – much more adventurous than the jungles of the Darien.

 

 

SBU

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