A hike in the jungle

A day or so ago, Jen, Patt, Raleigh and I went to Parque Metropolitano Naturales in Panama City.  It is a large natural preserve somewhat in the middle of the metro area - the only rain forest within a city limits in all of Central and South America.  The park has been here since the canal construction days to preserve a water runoff area for the locks on the canal.  

We went on one of the shorter less challenging hikes in the park, see below, and though we heard lots of birds and saw a few flying, heard others things, saw a couple of neque (pronounced neck-kay - little rat/pig like animals).  Did not see monkeys and probably just missed seeing the sloths that are there.

Raleigh started out like we were in the company of a real hiker.  We were optimistic.

Our optimism was short lived.  Jen was busy eating famous words of the last hike she was on with Raleigh of which his hiking abilities had attained mythical proportions - now certified as mythical.

The poor boys' legs completely turned to liquid.  Reminded me of Randolph Childress after a hard foul back in the day — he may be lucky to ever regain use of his limbs again.

Note how helpful he is to the person carrying him.  I mean he was like a Rhesus Monkey, clingy, hanging on, climbing all over you, just amazing his strength. Notice Patt's wet shirt - it was hot and humid!

Jen, bless her heart, did get Raleigh to walk down the steps when we got to steps and slippery places. It had just rained (this IS Panama).  As you can see, Raleigh is enthusiastic about it.  Jen is very patient.  Raleigh is very fortunate.

After we got out of the jungle we saw jungle creatures, "leaf cutter ants".  There was an entire caravan of them carrying their harvest of cut leaves from field to store house.  (we found neither).  It was fun to watch.  And watch we did.  I even tried to photograph said jungle wildlife— albeit from the security of a sidewalk and a freshly mown lawn.

Close examination reveals two ants, top and bottom of the frame, each carrying a cut leaf.

We will try again.  

I like to hike with my grandchildren, we like to carry them too.