“This will be our most difficult climb yet,” my trip leader stated during our lunch break, comforting the group. I looked up at the overcast sky of the Costa Rican rainforest, unsurprised. At that moment, the weather did not seem too different than the past days of our hike, so I was not fazed by the looming, acid-washed clouds. The sky always appeared on the verge of a storm in the rainforest. While contently munching on my sandwich, besides the possibly unpleasant upcoming hike, I was definitely not anticipating the challenge ahead of me.
Dark navy clouds swiftly rolled in as we were packing up our lunches. Still not too out-of-the-ordinary for the rainforest, I simply assumed a light storm was passing through, so I put on my beaten, ratty windbreaker. This specific rain jacket was a hand-me-down that should have never been passed on; it provided no protection from even a light misting. We were just commencing our steep ascent when the first signs of this downpour began.
Suddenly, I felt a rather large rumbling that seemed to come from the horizon. Juan Carlos, our courageous guide, said that there was nothing to worry about, so our group continued upward. Not thirty seconds later, heavy water-droplets started pouring down on our group. Thanks to my jacket, almost instantly I was drenched in rainwater from head to toe, sopping wet as I hiked up the steep mountain. This was when I saw the first flash.
If one had blinked, they would have missed it, but the bright, electrostatic bolt made its presence very clear to me. This was the first time on this trip that we had actually seen lightning; before that storm, there had just been very intense downpours. I started counting the seconds as they passed after each flash before every boom of thunder under my breath…one…two…three…CRASH!! The distance was rapidly shortening with each round, much to my worries. Subconsciously, my gait continued quickening until I was at the very front of my group with Juan Carlos. My good friend Claudia soon caught up to us, and we made small talk in an attempt to take our minds off the torrential rains, soaking wet clothes, steep up-hill climb, booming thunder, and crashing lightning.
I am not one to worry too much about my safety while hiking in the rainforest, but in that instant, many fears crossed my mind. My most obvious concern was getting struck by lightning… but if something horrible were to occur, how far was the closest hospital? It had to have been very, very far. How would we even be able to contact civilization? Surely even the best service providers do not extend to here. I tried my best to push these thoughts away, but it was difficult when the thunder shook the ground beneath my feet and I was constantly blinded by flashing lightning.
Never in my life had I hiked up such a steep mountain at such a quick pace. At that moment, I was sure that my fight-or-flight response had kicked in, and my adrenaline was pushing me up this hill at a great speed that definitely would have been unattainable had I not been fearing for my life. Sure enough, after a roughly three-mile upward climb, our small group made it to our resting place for the night. As I stripped off my dripping clothing, I had never been happier to put on a change of smelly but dry pajamas and enjoy drinking Costa Rican hot chocolate in fuzzy, warm socks.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “Fight-or-Flight: An Adrenaline Rush in the Jungle”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care!
Thanks for finally talking about >Family Travel Insurance <Loved it!
Family volunteering opportunities are a great way to give back with your teenager at your side.
May I simply say what a comfort to discover someone that actually knows what they’re discussing over the internet.
Wow, this list is amazing! I’ve always wanted to experience Mardi Gras beyond New Orleans. Thanks for sharing these incredible locations. Can’t wait to start planning my next adventure!
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome weblog!
excellent post, very informative. I’m wondering wwhy the other experts oof this secto do not notice this. You should proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ baee already!
Hello.This post was extremely remarkable, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
You completed several good points there. I did a search on the matter and found mainly folks will agree with your blog.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for
T Thomas Group offers bespoke travel planning.Luxury Travel Specialist that specializes in customized itineraries, luxury cruises, small group tours, solo travel and all aspects of LGBTQ+ travel. We ensure a seamless and luxurious travel experience, designed exclusively for you.
Thank you, I have just been searching for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what concerning the bottom line?
Are you certain in regards to the supply?
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
Very interesting subject, thanks for posting. blog
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
Great post and straight to the point.
Interesting post. I’m glad I came across this page. I’m going to bookmark it so I can read any future posts.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your website.
Hi! Im originally from Cambiaso and
I do mission trips to the village every year. I have read your article and I am so grateful for what you have done with my people. I would love to connect with you.
Wow, this article really resonated with me! Traveling in Europe with family can be such an incredible adventure, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar streets to finding activities that everyone enjoys, it’s a whirlwind of excitement and sometimes chaos. But hey, isn’t that what makes the best memories? Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips, they’re super helpful for planning our own European family escapade! ???
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people in this
particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Greetings! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give
you a shout out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!
Your writing has a way of making even the mundane sound interesting. Kudos!
They are very very similar to the key facet all of us keep hidden from the world, the part of us that dares to dream impossible issues, where all our hopes and fantasies are born.
This article is impressive for me as mine east coast of usa
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this
article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching
about this. I will send this article to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Absolutely love this list of Mardi Gras celebrations outside New Orleans! Each destination seems to offer its own unique blend of culture, music, and vibrant festivities. While I’m tempted to explore them all, I can’t help but dream of experiencing the colorful chaos of Mardi Gras in Goa, India. Exploring India’s rich cultural tapestry during this festive season would undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure. Thanks for inspiring wanderlust with these fantastic recommendations!
Thanks verfy interesting blog!
I was able to find good info from your blog posts.
“MyFamilyTravels provides a wonderful platform for families to share their travel experiences and glean inspiration for their own adventures. The diverse array of destinations and insightful tips make it a valuable resource for planning memorable trips. Kudos to the team for fostering a community that celebrates the joys of family travel!”
Your site is great and I plan on exploring it even more in the future. It is well written, comprehensive in it’s suggestions, It was a great article, thanks for sharing!
nice
There is certainly a lot to learn about this subject.
I really like all the points you made.
Nice Blog, Thanks for sharing this informative blog. We provide a Nepal Tour Package from Musafircab.
Yes. This is exactly what you should know to have a comfortable and cost-effective trip.
bookmarked!!, I love your site!