Day 5 – The Hike

We got to sleep in a bit as we weren’t picked up for the hike until a little after 8.  We piled into the guide agency’s buses and headed to the trailhead.  It’s just a little ways past the turn off for Armenia Bonito and past a few miles and through one pineapple field.  Since Beth and I had been on the hike previously and had heard most of the guide’s insights we hung back at the end of the line with Mike.  It was nice to get to talk to him more about his ministry here in La Ceiba as well as the path he took to get here.  I think discussions like that really open Beth and I’s hearts to the idea of working in the mission field.  It’s definitely something that we’ve been praying a lot about.  I guess we’ll see what God has in store for us.

One of the fun parts of the hike is getting the chance to eat things that you might not have ever eaten or see things you might have otherwise never seen.  For example, there are the ants there that, when squished, smell exactly like a mint leaf.  They are one of Beth’s favorite parts.  Also, the tradition of eating some termites continues.  This time Mackensie, Crystal, Phil, Melissa, Jon, Emma, Miguel and Greg got in on the action.  Although it may sound weird, they taste just like carrots.

At the top of the hike we end at the base of a ~90ft waterfall.  Although it was a little too dangerous to head all the way up to the main pool, the lower pools provided more than enough fun as most of us took turns swimming up to a smaller fall that came over a smooth rock and attempting to lean into the water as it came down.  This was no small feat and it often took the help of a few of us in order to get people into place.  I don’t have any pictures of this but maybe I can update with some later if I get a copy of Mikala’s pictures. For now I’ll give you a picture of a leaf frog we found along the trail and Beth wanted a picture with.

After the hike we headed back into town.  Again, we have to take the main road that runs into La Ceiba.  Sadly today there was a pretty bad accident, with an Audi SUV which, as far as we could tell had taken out the majority of a guardrail on a bridge as well as a motorcycle and bike.  According to those around, there were 3 deaths and we actually arrived as they were bagging up the last body.  It is very tragic, but also very understandable if you were able to see the traffic on this road.  It is a two lane road with a small shoulder.  The shoulder is usually made up of bikes and pedestrians, with motorcycles swerving between here and the centerline to pass cars.  The cars will often go 3-4 wide to pass other cars.  It is mayhem.  I was asking John about driving it and he said that it takes “a mixture of defensive and offensive driving.”  I would completely agree, but would also add nerves of steel to continue at 40mph as cars cut you off, assuming they will avoid you.

We had one last dinner and devotional at the Clow’s and said goodbye to everyone but the Pettengills.  It’s always sad to have to leave as you are finally getting used to just being hot and a little wet.  I guess it’s back to the desert for all of us.  Please pray that our flights tomorrow go smoothly.  If so, we should be back in Tucson by around 10am on Sunday.  I’ll try my best to update if there are any changes in the flight schedule.

Thank you all for all your prayers over this past week.  I know that it is because of you that we were all able to work so hard and have such a great time serving the Lord here in La Ceiba.  Here’s looking forward to next year’s trip!