Two plus hours of constant paddling and spray in the face got us almost half way to the bottom of the run. Damn, only half way? This was no hop skip jump rafting experience, we were exhausted and stoked to hear the news that we would take a short break and eat lunch. If rain had continued to fall, with more strength, it would have been sandwiches on the raft, no stops! When it rains in the lowlands of the Rio Pacuare, stopping is not an option, as the river can change drastically in a matter of moments from tranquilo to peligrosa. As fate would have it, the skies stayed relatively clear, a light mist sprinkled us in harmony with the river's white water spray, and we found a wide bank to ground the rafts. Those rafts made excellent buffet tables! The Exploradores crew prepared a fantastic makeshift lunch with vegetarian burritos/sandwiches and a mountain of fresh fruit. Costa Rica always delivered me a constant supply of scrumptious fruit on my adventure.




Along the banks of a calm part of river, the trees were full of exotic calls, and the sound of waterfalls from above was discernable. Indigenous peoples live along these banks in stacked foliage huts, dampness an eternal reality for their consciousness. Miguel discussed their lifestyle, his voice tinged with envy, how they live in a harmonious balance with their environment. Survival for them was predicated on fire, food, water, and shelter. While for those of us "lucky" enough to live in the first world survival is dictated by green bills and electronic records of their travels through inner space.




Passing through one of the fifteen or so named rapids sections of the river, this one dubbed 'Huacas', Miguel explained that this area was so sacred for some of the ancestors of this region that they buried their loved ones deep in the dark, rich banks. Huacas, translated roughly as graves, was a fun rapids followed by a few moments of silent meditation during a calm part when we had a chance to gaze up at the high emerald stalks that grew furiously to the edge of the river. Each sliding, gliding moment was taking us further into the heart of the jungle, not quite a Conrad version, because the beautiful bird songs and crystal aquamarine waters just weren't dark enough, but the kind of pulsation of life that can only exist in these special places.




Meaningful experiences - that's what I was creating on this awesome day when I was pitched into the furor of El Rio Pacuare. I nearly fell out, rubbed all the hair of my left shin, tweaked my back from rowing only on the left side of the raft the entire journey, and was tired and soaking wet. And yet, despite nagging physical soreness, I felt better than I had in a long time. I flash the peace sign, partly because it's the overall stance I take in the world, but also because I am relieved that I made it through the fresh cauldrons of the river. Each time I spend the time and effort to explore my world, check my limitations, challenge my physical and mental parameters -- I grow! Get out there and grow people! Even you Hochstoeger!

www.exploradoresoutdoors.com
www.adventuresunderthesun.com

ER Harris