Sunday 17 - Day 24

We were all up at 5 on Sunday, looking forward, but also a little apprehensive about our day ahead. Rucksacks were the heaviest they have been all trip as we had to carry the tents and all the food for 4 days in the jungle.

The centre's chicken bus dropped us off and we started walking at about 8.30. It was already blazing hot and the first hour of the trek was in the open as we followed an old logging trail. It was hard going and the sweat literally pored off us. The mozzies weren't too much of a problem at this stage, but the sand-flies were.

We followed the sometimes muddy trail until finally we turned into the trees and blessed shade. After about 20 mins we came to a creek. This needed wading and we had to use our poles to support us in the slippery rocked water. It was quite cool, however, and gave us much needed respite from the heat of the sun.

We reached the other side and continued on for a little longer before stopping for 11'ses. Anna, from the centre, had picked us some mangos. These were the most beautiful of fruits that many of us had ever tasted. They were absolutely fantastic!

We moved on through the trees. This was real jungle, though the trail was well trodden. There was little wildlife as most of it comes out at night, but Mitch, our guide, found a snake and moved it to one side.

We walked through some fantastic limestone caverns, stopping in one of them for lunch. Some were so dark that you couldn't see the way out the other side, but again, Mitch guided our every step. Mitch is brilliant: a wonderfully gentle and warm Rasta who knows the trails so well.

The afternoon session was not so long and we reached our campsite under another deep overhanging limestone outcrop. The site bordered a fairly fast flowing creek and this provided welcome fresh(ish) water for refilling bottles, cooking and washing, but also for just soaking in. We were all beginning to smell (worse than usual) so many of us simply got in with our clothes on and tried to wash away the sweat and grime. I can't say it really helped, but it felt good.

The staff cooked stew followed by walmed pineapple with sugar. Not a bad effort for a trio so out of practice!

Retired early as another early start the following day.

We have placed some photos on a seperate entry. These cover several days in the jungle, but we shall try to add some others, plus another video. Images are taking a long time to upload and we have a busy day tomorrow.