Nocturnal creatures were still active in their shenanigans as the rest of the world slept on. We peeled ourselves out of bed at 3:30am to meet Jair in Refugio Lodge’s common area. Slipping into our gum boots at the front entrance, too tired to check for nested critters, we ventured into the dark with flashlights in hand.
Each of the three Rainforest Expedition lodges has a view tower canopy. The one at Refugio has a steep winding staircase that reaches 32m into the sky and the tiny platform sits just above the rainforest, the perfect spot to catch the sunrise.
Because Kees is the best person I know for breaking the ice with strangers, our relationship with Jair grew quickly and we were already cracking jokes. When we’d met Jair in the morning he was taken aback, “Oh wow! Very nice socks.” The first joke was on me, with my pink fuzzy socks and I quickly became famous in the rainforest.
Being the only three people trudging in the rainforest so early, we couldn’t resist turning off our flashlights and embracing the full darkness. The overhead foliage was so dense that even the stars and moon didn’t shine through, leaving us in an are-my-eyes-open-or-closed kind of darkness. It was about a 30 minute walk before we reached the creaking, wet canopy tower. We climbed the wooden steps, holding the wet metal railing and sat for 30+ minutes on the platform above the treetops.
The small surface area we were sitting on seemed barely sturdy enough to support the three of us. I was slightly wary when Jair said the limit was 7 people. As we waited, bundled up at the top of the rickety platform in our muddy boots, both Kees and Jair set up their cameras, ready to capture the first glimpse of the sun’s arrival. I really appreciated Jair’s shared enthusiasm.
Despite having worked for years in the rainforest, he still acted as if it was going to be the first time he ever set eyes on the sun. His passion and knowledge of the area was what made him such a memorable guide.
As the sun crept up, changing the sky from black to red to blue, the sounds of excited night crawlers transformed into spooky ghost-like roars of howler monkeys in the distance to pretty birds chirping their morning songs.
I felt we really lucked out when we decided to head back to the lodge and felt the canopy tower rocking and swaying. Other tourists had just arrived and wanted to see the view.
After grabbing a quick breakfast when we got back, Jair told us to go take a little rest before our next activity started in just under two hours.
I didn’t want to believe him when he told us our itinerary at dinner the night before. I didn’t want to believe him even more at 6 o’clock in the morning. This is how the day would play out.
3:30 – Wake up 4:00 – 20 mins walk to and up canopy for sunrise 6:30 – Breakfast 9:00 – 3 hour venture into the jungle to clay lick 13:00 – Lunch 15:30 – Cross river in canoe to do farm walk 7:00 – Dinner 8:00 – Caiman search by boat 9:00 – Return and SLEEP as soon as possible!
It quickly dawned on me that we had signed up for jungle bootcamp.
Savannah
While we were up there on the canopy tower at 4 o’clock in the morning, Kees Book created his first time lapse video. Please watch it here and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.
Categories: Savannah Grace
Looked like a busy holiday, more to come?
Yes, absolutely!!! I’m writing about 2,000 words/day, just trying to get up to date with this trip. Hoping to get back to writing Book 3 by Oct. 1st.
This looks amazing! Your video of the sunrise is breathtaking. The colors change so subtly and yet so drastically. Can’t wait to go someday!
http://www.junglesonthemoon.com/
Thank you so much!!! I’m really happy you enjoyed it, thanks for the comment and encouragement. Have you seen the full jungle video? I bet you’ll love it. Both of my jungle experiences in South America (Peru + Suriname) were unforgettable. You will love it. I hope you subscribed to our channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvhY9jakGIA
Sounds like the kind of day I’ve had in Australia but different. Super fun and cool with lots of learning and excitement! Boot camp yeah!!
Looks like an amazing experience! We have found that usually the best experiences come at some sort of price like waking up super early, making yourself stay awake when all you want to do is sleep, or even actual boot camp-we both served in the military. Just started reading through your blog & thoroughly enjoying it. Safe travels!
Angela @ http:\\www.dangtravelers.com
Hi Angela! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Yes, I completely agree with you. Oddly enough, you have to leave your comfort zone in order to get the most out of life. My brother was a US Marine and served three tours in Iraq. The stories he tells from bootcamp make me realize I would never make it! Respect. I hope you get a chance to read my travel memoirs “Sihpromatum”. Keep in touch 🙂