Our stay at Rafiki Lodge has been very enjoyable.

Our first activity was completing a nature hike with Lautjie. After a hearty breakfast of pancakes, the we loaded up into a truck and drove up into the hills to the trailhead. The entrance to the trail has been carefully camouflaged in order to hide it from individuals who may have intentions other then enjoying undisturbed nature. It was extremely hot and humid during our walk but we saw some very interesting wildlife. The most visually striking creature was a poison arrow frog. The indigenous people used to capture these frogs and then torture them because they release a neurotoxin when distressed. Arrowheads would then be dipped into this poisonous fluid and then used for hunting. They have a black and fluorescent green color scheme which is very visually distinctive.

However the most interesting creature encountered was the leaf-cutter ant. They get their name from the fact that they cut leaves and then take the pieces back to their colonies. One of the very cool things about them is that there are many specialized ants all contributing different abilities. There are trail-clearing ants which patrol up and down the trail they have cut, eliminating obstacles and watching for predators. These guys are big. Then you have the smaller guys that actually do the cutting and carrying of the leaf fragments. There is even a very small ant that rides on top of the leaf fragments to watch for flies.

Rafting was also very enjoyable. It was pretty mellow overall and I think I spent more time out of the boat then in it.

Last night was spent on Playa Las Lajas, where we found a gem of a hotel right on the beach. Sadly, the bar and restaurant are closed on Mondays but we had a wonderful meal at a restaurant run by some very nice German folks. They had just opened and I was the first to order a cocktail called the "Russian Quaalude". Dinner was a very well prepared chorizo. The Germans really know how to cook up some sausage.

Tomorrow is going to be a big day as we get our trucks inspected and attempt to brave the Panama City traffic.