Survivor- Rainforest Style

There’s nothing like being seen at your worst with a group of business compadres to cement friendships. I’m not referring to a display of unbecoming behavior. I’m talking about being physically challenged to the point where you look like you’ve been used up, run over and then drowned. An unforgettable experience that I eagerly signed up for and would do so again in a heartbeat.

The most amazing day of my trip to Panama began early in the morning with a hike into the Rainforest. I was spellbound by the vivid lessons on parasites, pathogens, the life cycle, fungigation, competition and principles that are clearly applied to business and life. Prolific author, Michael Pink, shared awesome revelations that he continues to see and write about. (Click Here for a free copy of The Rainforest Strategy.) You'll be hearing more about this as I have affiliated with the Rainforest Business Institute as a success coach.

Being a Floridian, I was acclimated to the heat and humidity but still drank several bottles of water during the excursion. We’d been advised to wear clothes that dry quickly and I had erroneously assumed that was because of expected rain. I was soaked long before the downpour. All the same, it was an exhilarating adventure.

Next, we piled into a van to venture to another rainforest in the country’s interior (Panama is about the size of S. Carolina but is only 115 miles across at its widest point.) We were met by a small group of indigenous Embera Indians and slid down the bank clambered into their dugout canoes for a trip up the Chagres river.

We hiked along a creek bed, sometimes needing to be in the creek itself, because the rainforest itself is literally an impenetrable barrier right down to the rivers and creeks. You’d have to have a machete to venture even 3 feet into the bush and that is prohibited since the Rainforests are now protected in Panama.I didn’t see much more than my feet and the river rocks during that hike since it took all of my concentration to stay ON my feet. It was slippery and uneven all the way back to a beautiful cold pool with a waterfall. I didn’t have to think twice about jumping right in. We all acted like a bunch of children in that beautiful spot. Talk about the break that refreshes!As we headed back, the rains began. Sheets of rain. I’m talking a torrential downpour that lasted for hours. I found out why they’d recommended a hat as we made our way along in the boat. I used my cap to keep the water out of my eyes so I could see the sharp lightning popping in the sky. The Indian guides seemed unconcerned and I determined that since I’d lived through many similar events on the Econfina Creek at home (in an aluminum canoe at that) that I’d be fine.

Next installment is lunch at the Embera village…

P.S. I'm staying close to home for the 4th as my quota for adventure has been met this week. Have a great weekend!