Madre de dios - Tambopata/Puerto Maldonado

There are not enough words or time to decribe how much fun we had in Madre de Dios. This area of rainforest is a natural reserve and situated in the amazon basin in Peru near Bolivia's jungle. There ara also not enough words or time to describe how much respect and love I have for Devin's Mom. She really looked within to rise up above many obstacles which most people back in America would never even think of overcoming.

Human comforts in terms of western lifestyle are farely non-existant in many parts of the Amazon. Flushing toilets, electricity, air-con, ect... you know the basics. Well I gave Keana the option of doing the tour with the fancy expensive resort, or taking a tour with an independent guide, and staying in jungle lodges- she bravely excepted the more challenging and economic option.

For the next four days we hiked through jungle, swated away at bugs not yet discovered, woke at dawn to see monkeys and macaws, took a hike through deep through the jungle to learn about medicinal plants, catching and releasing crocks under a full moon, bathing under a natural spring, and living in the most simple of huts.

The first few hours Keana had this look on her face like what the hell did i get myself into. As the day went on i noticed a change in her eyes; a new light that wasn't there before. I think she looked past all of the crazyness and let some of the beauty and magic set in. She went from a worried look and saying what do we have to do next, to peacefully staring off at the nature and happilly marching along. I think some of the Amazon rubbed off on her.

All said and done Lady Kee earned full ninja status and gained a new perspective of life and how other people live. Of course she already had my undying respect but now there is a new level and a bond based on experience and memories that any human would be lucky to experience. We love you and thankyou for being part of the jungle ninja squad, you are a beautiful person.