2 Nov 2011 – The Day of The Dead – or should I say the week of the dead. Halloween is a real big thing in central America, at least here on the Rio Dulce, ours started by joining a “flotilla” of 3 other boats heading down the Rio Dulce toward the Caribbean to the far end of El Golfete. We rafted up Friday night behind a large island where the Rio Dulce became a river again after crossing El Golfete. We were with David’s Expectations, Les’ Wild Matilda, and Jim ad Laura’s boat which the name escapes me at the moment.
Shortly after we were all rafted up a young man arou d 6 and his sister soon to be 2 paddled up to our boat wanting to sell us some wood carvings. I wanted one of the little cayucos (canoes) so we purchased one for 20Q. He then asked if we had any cookies for his sister, we don't encourage begging from the children so I told him we would give him a package of cookies if they would let us take their picture. He agreed and the deal was struck. He open the cookies for his sister as they were paddling off.
Raft Up
Shortly after we were all rafted up a young man arou d 6 and his sister soon to be 2 paddled up to our boat wanting to sell us some wood carvings. I wanted one of the little cayucos (canoes) so we purchased one for 20Q. He then asked if we had any cookies for his sister, we don't encourage begging from the children so I told him we would give him a package of cookies if they would let us take their picture. He agreed and the deal was struck. He open the cookies for his sister as they were paddling off.
Cute Kids
He is 6 and his sister will be 2 Nov 29
Once the boats were secure with Wild Matilda as the anchor boat we got into our dinghies and went exploring down the Rio Dulce. We stopped at Agua Caliente (hot water) which had a small dock and restaurant on the river. For 15Q ($.87 USD) you got a little lantern and a “guided tour” back up the mountain to 2 caves the climb up to the caves killed my knee, but it was worth the pain. It has only been open for a few years and still in pretty good shape. Unlike the caves in the states, there are no laws protecting the formations inside, but most were still intact.
After the tour of the caves we walked down to the hot spring which was located in another cave, but emptied back into the river not far from the small dock, the water lived up to its name, it was HOT, almost too hot to enjoy. After a quick cervesa (beer) it was back into the dinghies and back to the boats and a quick swim before dinner. The dinner was a pitch in of spaghetti salad and garlic toast, visiting with each other and off to bed.
Suzie and Mia
Up early Saturday morning and off on another dinghy adventure down river. This time we went to a little spring feed tributary that feeds into the Rio Dulce at the end of which is located Ak Tenamit, the school tat benefited from the “Poker Run” that took place earlier in the month. We went all the way to the end of the creek and put our feet in the cool water rushing from spring forming the creek.
On the way back to the Rio Dulce we stopped at the dock for Ak Tenamit and toured the facility which was originally created by U.S. Aid. The facility was very nice containing a craft shop, restaurant, dormitories, education buildings, nature trails, computer center, and administrative building.
Family outting
On the way back to the Rio Dulce we stopped at the dock for Ak Tenamit and toured the facility which was originally created by U.S. Aid. The facility was very nice containing a craft shop, restaurant, dormitories, education buildings, nature trails, computer center, and administrative building.
Mia standing guard on the dinghy
Rose checking out the latest fashion jewelry
Back in the dinghies and off to the other side of the river and up another tributary flowing down from the mountains. We went about 3 or 4 miles up this one taking pictures of the rain forest and the birds flying around. Then back to the Rio Dulce and heading back to the boats still at anchor for lunch.
Father and son
Spring at the head of a creek
