After making camp deep in the Amazon jungle, we headed even farther up the Zábalo River to eat some lunch and split into groups who would either continue up the river to tray their hand at fishing or float down the river in the smaller, 2-3-person canoes. I chose the latter option, so Olivia and I gingerly sat ourselves down in a three-person canoe with our guide, Angel. We started the journey not quite knowing what to expect. For the first few minutes, we were unsure of how much moving around we could do in the boat without making it tip, but our guide turned out to be an expert canoer and never led us into danger.
Lounging in that canoe in complete silence, other than insect/bird noises coming from the jungle and the gentle ripple of the river running, was the most at peace I’ve ever felt with nature. We sat in the canoes for about two hours, and by the end I was wanting to continue on. This experience reminded me of the deep connection we as humans have with nature and how silence and appreciation can be the best form of connection.
By Christy Swartzendruber