The canoe floated into the river, and then we reached a point where we could go no further. We were told this was as far as we could go by canoe. We had to get out and hike the rest of the way. I was not prepared for a hike over river rocks and cascading water in the rainforest in Panama. What was I thinking? I was, however, smart enough to wear hiking sandals, so the water was not that much of a problem. It was the slippery, uneven rock bed, the rope-climbing, and the one wrong move that would send me into the river, caught in its rapid flow. Never mind, I already felt unsteady on solid ground. I’m 69 years old and having issues with balance. This was a test of my courage.
I was under the care of a very kind and helpful Embera tour guide who gave me a heavy stick to help me balance and took my other hand to help me along the way. We were on our way to a beautiful waterfall deep in the forest.
We finally reached the waterfall, my legs still shaking. I sat on a large rock, determined not to move. I looked up from the ground, took in the beauty, breathed the fresh forest air, and felt the warm sun on my skin. My Embera guide was all kindness and smiles, and I felt deep appreciation for his presence. A moment of connection. The scene felt like a movie.
And now I had to hike back!
GrowingOlderHopeWiser 
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