Our Adventure in the Jungle

On Wednesday, August 10 we packed our overnight bags for a trip into Guyana’s interior (aka “the bush” or the rain forest which covers more than 80% of this South American country’s land mass). It was two spectacular days with three other missionary couples – Ed and Linda Sappington (St. George, UT), Gary and Christie Ricks (Santa Barbara, CA) and Lynn and Sharon Angus (Vernal, UT). We went on nature hikes, swam in black water, ate and relaxed at Arrow Point, a rustic resort located 17-miles off the Demerara River, up the tributary known as Kamuni Creek on the Arawak Amerindian reservation at Santa Mission. The boat ride to the resort was reminiscent of Disneyland’s “Jungle Cruise” and hiking through the rain forest reminded us of the beauty of the Sacred Grove.

The young Amerindian staff catered exclusively to our needs since the 8 of us were the only guests with the whole resort to ourselves. We had delicious Guyanese meals and even an Amerindian traditional bonfire with dinner by torch light on the beach of the river. After dinner we went on a hike by moonlight. The hike is aptly named, 'Creatures of the Night'. On the three different hikes our guides took us on we saw many fascinating plants and animals. We especially loved the brilliant blue butterflies.We enjoyed kayaking down a spectacular smooth-as-glass black water stream and a 3-mile hike through the jungle to a 17-year-old plane crash site. On the way back, Sister Sappington almost stepped on a Labaria . . . one of the most poisonous snakes in the world. Luckily our guide warned her in a steady, but warning voice, to take one big step backwards because the Labaria strikes quickly and can be deadly.

It was so peaceful there. The only noises came from the beautiful exotic birds. The forest which was all around us was thick with every kind of foliage imaginable. The peace we felt there was like when we go the cabin – no worries – just peace.
We went swimming in the black water river after a long hike. It is amazing how black it is. Hands under the water look gold and feet look red. The black water is caused by the many leaves that fall into the water.

On our way back down the river toward home our guide had us stop at his Amerindian village. We watched an Amerindian lady as she prepared a plant to make straw for weaving baskets. This is made from a wild growing cane that resembles bamboo. She boils the plant and then lays it out in the sun to dry. It looked and felt like raffia. We also watched the mother of our guide weave a basket. We were happy we could purchase colorful baskets made by the women of this village. We all had a great time and will have fond memories of our visit to the jungle of Guyana.