August 15, 2022

Up early and on to our primary purpose of the trip…to photograph and enjoy the Cano Cristales… the Rainbow River. We take a small charter plane, followed by a long canoe type boat ride up the Guayabero River. This river is named after the Indigenous tribe that settled this area long BEFORE the arrival of the Spanish in 1525.

We stop halfway to our Lodge for a hot and humid hike straight uphill for for over an hour thru the jungle to arrive at the “mini-rainbow” river. A much smaller version of Cano Cristales, but breathtaking. The red, orange and yellow colors of a type of algae called Macarena clavigera…and it’s only grown here in this area of Colombia. The colors get brighter when the sun clears the clouds. The reflections in the crystal clear water amplify the colors. We took time to absorb the amazing beauty Mother Nature created and then enjoyed a swim to cool off before we started out trek down the mountain. Our plane had been late, so we had started later than normal, and it was getting dark. Our guide, JP suggested an “off the beaten trail” route straight down the mountain thru the jungle. What an experience. Can’t believe I survived it. There was no trail!!! I think we were attempting to follow a small run off creek. Most of the way, JP was literally helping me balance thru the rocks and water puddles drop offs to keep me from falling. We were pushing the leaves and vines away with our hands and arms to push thru the lush vegetation. Im not sure how Lezlie could keep up…carrying a heaven backpack (JP was carrying mine) but she pushed thru bravely. It got darker as we traveled down and finally I DID fall. Luckily, I fell into a soft pile of leaves and vines…only breaking one nail to the quick and landing on a small sharp rock hitting my left hip bone. I felt sure I wasn’t really hurt… but the problem was my head was below my feet and so I couldn’t maneuver to even sit up without the fear of falling further down the hill. Amazingly, JP and Lezlie were able to pull this “fat lady” up enough that I got my footing and climbed back on to the “trail”. What an experience! I guess 70 has finally hit!😜

After a couple of beers (Yelp, no wine available) at the park bar to recuperate… The boat took us on upriver to the La Manigua Lodge…..Our home for the next couple of days. Check it out online… very unique place built deep in the jungle.