After saying our goodbyes to our “ fellow adventurers ,” we headed on our way out of paradise . The road had dried out somewhat and was in a better state than before . We made good distance quickly . We stopped at a farm where locals guided us through the rain forest . We stopped at some waterfalls while hacking our way through the jungle with a machete . In the distance we heard the power of the mighty waterfalls known as “ Caño Canoas .” To reach it we had to travel through a small cave . To see this magical place as the water thunders down was an incredible moment . It was pure beauty- like something from a fairy tale .
Our local guides crossed the mighty current of Caño Canoas to span a rope to get us across . You really have to pay attention where you put your foot in order to avoid stepping into a submerged hole . We hiked up behind the biggest waterfall and made our way to the other side . Beholding it up close was a captivating experience .
I took one last look before heading back . The jungle soon reverted to its difficult terrain . We became stuck a few times , and lost time while waiting for a truck entrapped in the mud to be cleared . Later , the wickedly slick road caught up with me and with my bike . After the long journey , my brakes were not in the best shape anymore . Also , my chain was slipping off , and I had to stop several times to put tension back on . When I hit some slippery rocks , I ended up getting launched off of my motorbike . Now , I had fallen a few times before but this was a solid impact . Luckily , all of my ribs and other bones were still in place after the fall . Every motocross rider will eventually fall a couple of times , and that
is just part of it . If you don ’ t like the risk , don ’ t do it . Finally , I reached the place where we were setting up camp for our last night in the field .
The last day of our “ peaceful crusade ” went fairly easily . We cruised back along a different road past fields and rural schools . Occasionally we helped out the locals by giving them a ride or fixing some minor mechanical problems with their vehicles . When we at last returned to “ the bridge of civilization ,” I knew that this would be a journey that would go down in memory for me .
For me , the journey to Serranía de la Macarena felt like a sort of homecoming to a place that I had known before . Yet I know that for many Colombians , the place is more like a thorn in their “ Achilles heel .” A brutal conflict was fought here , and this paradise has been strangled by human hands . Mining corporations are searching for the riches under this beautiful jungle , threatening to destroy it forever . Hopefully , they will fail in their attempt . Instead , we can only pray that the people who are in charge of this region will continue to take good care of it . The Serranía de la Macarena is one of the most bio-diverse zones of Colombia , and its greenery forms an integral part of the “ lungs ” of our entire planet . In the future , I hope to be able to contribute somehow to preserving this unique place .
People asked me already many questions about this unique region , but some memories are best kept to oneself . In my memory this land will always be an oasis of reconciliation .
Colombia is my passion !