Mud
stuck fast for four and a half hours
The idea was to visit a small village 350 kilometers east of Villavicencio. Three quarters of the road is reasonably good...some asphalt, some gravel. It's the last quarter that is amazingly horrific as roads go. A couple of years ago I rode on the Trans African Highway in western Kenya and described the experience as absolutely indescribable. The road to El Viento redefines indescribable. The trip was supposed to take 14 hours. It took 30. Thankfully our friend Mauricio brought along his friend David, a veterinarian who works with cattle in eastern Colombia. Between David and Mauricio and another fellow named Don Alejandro who happened along on his motor cycle, we were going again after only four and a half hours of being stuck in the mud. (Bruce and I did a few things to help, too.) We all displayed an amazingly good humor about the whole thing...even when night fell and mosquitos began hunting for human flesh.
Success!
We accomplished our mission in El Viento on Tuesday and had to repeat the trip to get back to Villavicencio on Wednesday. I'll fill you in on what we actually did in El Viento on Friday. We thank God for our safekeeping. Here are a couple of clips to give you an idea of what travel in the hinterlands of Colombia is like:
Thanks to all who have sent us words of encouragement! It means a lot!
From Villavicencio- Buenas Noches
Steve
September 17th, 2009 - 08:10
I am totally amazed by the conditions of the muddy roads, we take it for granted that our roads will be paved and passable. Thanks for the video clips.
September 17th, 2009 - 08:29
You know that feeling when you’re up real high & afraid you could fall – - well that’s how I felt the whole time I was watching these 2 videos!! God Speed Stevo … :) Lee
September 17th, 2009 - 09:15
God bless you through whatever comes! We’re following all your posts and keeping you both, and the CMaD work, in our prayers.
September 17th, 2009 - 16:52
Thanks for the updates, Dad! Jack says, “Please fix the bad, muddy road with water, too. Try to get the cracks out. We miss you, Bapa.”
September 18th, 2009 - 11:27
Not much differerent than what Bruce is used to in Vermont during mud season is it?
We’ll keep praying for your journey and the work being done.
September 19th, 2009 - 22:59
You two are awesome! I’m especially enjoying your slight sarcasm, Steve. Thanks for letting us be a part of this adventure!
September 21st, 2009 - 20:55
Thanks for sharing your adventures. Some of the clips brought tears to my eyes. Had a chance to pet any Llamas for us yet?
September 26th, 2009 - 10:27
Brothers: Your amazing travels and the wonderful projects that CMADA is helping to provide are inspiriational. This should be an award winning video on public telvision. You are in many thoughts and prayers – God bless you !
Cec