Is Woody Seaworthy

Woody is still out there, off his motorcycle and on the waves, hopefully not seasick. Although having just watched some of his action videos, shot dangerously from a moving motorcycle ala the Latvian Gypsy, I can’t imagine anyone could be any sicker than me --- 90 degree, hair pin corners, the steady grrrr of the KTM engine putt-putting along at maybe 8 or 10 km, with an occasional drop into the crotch or off the wrist when a corner is miscalculated or a loud bus is barreling down the center line…nothing safer or more steady than that.

I'm not sure when, but he is getting close to being off the shore of the Darien Gap, which is what we have all been the most afraid of during this trip. There are no roads so it is not passable, but our understanding is that is controlled by rebels only and is incredibly dangerous and violent.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=9.5112,-78.6176&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=9.519158,-78.617477&spn=0.165912,0.273972&z=12&iwloc=A

Wikipedia's quick summary of the political challenges:

"The Darién Gap is subject to the presence and activities of three Colombian rebel groups. These include the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC), a right-wing paramilitary group formerly headed by Carlos Castaño; and both left-wing National Liberation Army (ELN) and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). All three groups have committed human rights violations. The U.S. State Department reported that combined, the ELN and FARC have been responsible for 51 kidnappings and ten murders of U.S. citizens. Kidnappings are common for political and financial gain."

Lots of prayers, please.

-- luludilly