Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
where we are camping tonight. I told him to get stuck into the food
and drinks, and down potassium and magnesium tablets, get a good
night's sleep and decide whether he's staying with the expedition or
returning to Panama in the canoe. I was a hard case with Juan but felt
justified. This journey needs no embellishment for drama's sake—it's
dramatic enough. And, besides, I haven't sacrificed everything I have
and forgone seeing my kids for ages just to give up in the Darién sector.
sePtember 25
The Darién Gap comprises thick tropical jungle and rainforest. There
are few defined tracks, so we're carrying machetes to hack pathways
through the undergrowth. There are tall hills and deep ravines. Every
plant and tree seems to have needles and spikes—inbuilt protection
mechanisms in this unforgiving place. It's a natural instinct to reach
out and grasp a branch or vine when you lose your footing, and doing
so has left my hands puffed and infected after being punctured by
spikes. Even the grass in the Darién has razor-sharp edges! It's very
eve
n the
tree
s hav
e we
apon
s.
