Parque Tayrona

¡WOW! This National Park which sits on the northern coast of Colombia has some of the most spectacular views I've ever seen in my life (not counting Beauties). I became a major ROCK fan and I'm not talking about the music.




We shared a taxi with this Argentine couple and took a one hour drive to the main entrance. The first thing security did was run a major backpack search. We only brought our daypacks which were totally stuffed because of the massive hammocks inside. After a casual barf-bag session, they found no drugs (not that I was trying to smuggle any in) and we were ready to go. They say Security is just looking to bust people to make cash moneys in a BIG way. Chi-Ching! Crooked Cops. Guaranteed if we were dreadlock rastas, they would have done a more thourough search.



Let the journey begin. We hiked for an hour before reaching the first campsite of Arrecifes. I was pretty much facing down the whole way and not just to work on my neck tan but to dodge the perfect blend of mule, donkey, and horse terd that seemed to be all over the trail. It didn't smell too great either.


The view was refreshing with the ocean in sight and it was nice to be off the trail for a bit before making our next move. I kept looking back to take in the amazing scenery. It reminded me of an episode of LOST looking at jungle mountains and wild rocks surrounding the beach. Btw, Muzz doesn't watch LOST but he pictures 'The Others' to be scary people with red-glowing eyes. We walked along the beach and sea edge for another 25 minutes to reach the lagoon area called La Piscina where a reef in front of the coast forms a natural swimming pool.

Arrecifes


walking the trail...


looking back


arriving at La Piscina


We had about 20 more minutes to go before reaching our final destination, El Cabo. Not the 'zippy zippy' version but I'll try to think of another chant later. I couldn't be more thrilled as my shoulders were killing me and I started to think, 'how did I ever hike that Inca trail?' As we continued up the trail we walked through some jungle areas and we climbed our way around some rocks. When we arrived at camp, we were welcomed by a sea of tents.








We rented out space for our hammocks and we set up right next to the restaurant. My hammock was hung right at the edge which apparently means it's an open invitation for anyone to walk by and take a seat. I caught about 4 different random people sitting on my hammock which I was to sleep in for two nights.

Those are my shoes and she is a stranger. It's all love though.


All that hiking drained a lot of energy out of us so we needed to refuel with a classic meal.
We heard food was expensive so we packed the essentials in our backpacks. Tuna, bread, guava marmalade, and water.



TAYRONAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!



One morning we chillaxed at La Playa Nudista. We didn't join the nude party but there were some nice participants but some inconsiderate ones as well. The beach patrol officers seemed to be working hard that morning when all they would do was make conversation with the topless chicas. Guilt.



My Havaianas flip flops. I lost my original flip flops so I had to pick these badboys up in the Galapagos. Whenever we stay at a hostel, about 75%-80% of the flip flops being worn are Havaianas...all types, all colors.


We headed back to camp where two Colombian dudes challenged us to a game of 2 on 2 American Football right on the beach. One of the dudes dragged his heel against the sand to mark the 2 end zones that were literally about 7 yards apart. And the best part was that we actually would snap the ball on each down. Here's a summary of each and every play that both teams ran: After the center snaps the ball to the quarterback, he goes for a BOMB. Good game.



Casual fútbol at the campsite. They play sudden death here so you pretty much have no idea if a game is getting close to being finish as you wait your turn for the next game. Teams of five sit on the bench (palm tree) to watch as they wait. We sat on the bench to watch as well hoping that no one got injured and that we'd have to sub in. That would've been an embarassing sight to witness. These guys were ballers, especially the dudes with the Brazillian shorts.



"Rocky Rocky Cabo. Rocky Rocky Cabo" - there's the chant.








I told you I was a fan of rocks.


The professional:



The rookie:


It was tough to leave this H.O.E. status, and it was tiring just thinking about the hike that was ahead of us. We put on our shoes because we knew how rough the trail would be. Along the way we had to stop for some fresh juice to power up.



As we stopped for a popsicle break, we saw this kid using this machete to slice up some coconut.


As we were walking along Arrecifes beach, we played a game of Man vs. Nature. Nature decided that she would send strong waves through the sand forming a mini sand canyon with water about calf high that blocked our path. We were lazy to deal with taking off our shoes and socks and dealing with wet feet so we had other plans. Using branches and coconut shells that we searched for along the beach, we attempted to build a bridge over the water.
Watch and learn: Man 1, Nature 0.


And with that...we were out of there in no time ready to return to another city on the coast.
CARTAGENA, where you at???