The river - Dan Rodgerson

I thought I reached the end of the earth but I was wrong. Today we went for a ride/ journey up river to the fields and plantations where they grow rice, beans, bananas and this strange patato called ucca.

We went by canoe and saw about 10 other canoes heading to the fields as well. It was up river about 5 miles which took a few hours. Coming back took much shorter but we were loaded down with potato's and fire wood.

I am very intrigued by the Cayuga which is the hollowed out canoe. The take a huge piece of mahogany and whittle it down to make the boats. They are strong and heavy. Grandmothers going up river though rapids with babies, dogs and chickens.

We dropped three of the boys at the plantation and headed up stream to visit an indigenous village more remote and rustic than here

I am not feeling well. I have had sore glands for three days now, sneezing and runny nose. I hope it is nothing serious. A few people have asked about my health. About 50 mosquito bites, a spider bite and I break out into hives about once per day. The lack of food makes me a bit weak and I have been trying to keep up with their lifestyle. It is demanding. Nothing serious.
Going to crash early again and hopefully sleep off this crud.

Going to try and help with the culinary water project tomorrow. The government paid a contractor to provide a large water tower. The company did half the job and left town.


Dan Rodgerson projects

Dan Rodgerson Home page

Dan Rodgerson Resume

Daniel Rodgerson Wordpress

Myspace Link

The Clinic...

Trekking into the jungle is not as easy as it seems. It takes time and planning to get the passport, shots, and gear necessary. My brother, who is a physician, was kind enough to send some warm and fuzzy videos about malaria, botflys, yellow fever, etc. So, off I go to the clinic on Friday to become a pin cushion. Other threats are dengue fever, rabies, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and typhoid fever (not to mention the high probability/certainty of explosive diarrhea).

I get to the clinic and talk with the receptionist. “Did you bring your shot records?” I answer, “Uh, no, I don’t think I have any.” She gave a half-smile, “Well, looks like we will be sticking you a lot today.” As the list of shots began to pile up (three, four, five, six) her half-smile became a full smile. She seemed to enjoy the fact that I would be in pain, or maybe she had some commission on the number of shots she stuck in a day.

“Do you plan to be sexually active down there? Just remember that 10% of the prostitutes in Central America have aids.” She winked at me.

I thought of a dozen missionaries that I knew who brought back walking-talking souvenirs from their missions. Don’t get me wrong, for some it is a pretty good gig. It is a great way for a
mediocre guy to land an attractive wife. Maybe you need to teach her that shoes are required in Wal-Mart or not to do laundry by hand in the front yard; but these are small prices to pay. “You can get a girl out of Central America, but cannot get Central America out of a girl”

The area that I am going is accessed by two routes: no roads. The first option is a small one and a half hour flight on a shaky airplane. One blogger suggested to check the fuel gauge before leaving and to check the blood alcohol level of the pilot before boarding. Considering I need two zanax to fly, or two doubles with Captain Morgan, I will probably take option two: spend the night and day on the deck of a cargo ship for about 24 hours. That option would be nostalgic and memorable even if there was rain, storm, or high winds.

The main reason I went to this clinic was to get a shot for yellow fever. Apparently, the countries I am going to do not require that shot, and it would not be necessary. The suggestion to head to Salt Lake was from my physician. I guess that is what you get when you have someone who is part farmer, part vet, and part doctor give you advice. Before my appointment he was delivering a breached calf.

I have been waiting for my passport like a kid anticipating Christmas. I want to get out of town!




Dan Rodgerson Adrian Telegram Articles

Trip Advisor Profile

Dan Rodgerson Spiritual Quotes

365 Adventure profile

Dan Rodgerson Wordpress Blog

Home Brewtalk Dan Rodgerson

Rodgerson Resume