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Just over a week after my ipod got snagged on the bus in El Salvador my wallett was now the victim in a similar situation. And stupid as I`ve grown over the last couple of months, I had my Visa - card and all my cash in it. And on top of it all, this particular bus-ride happened to be a transit route and therefore dropped me off in the middle of nowhere, still with miles to go to my destination, or any destination at all for that matter.
It is in situations like this I really appreciate the advantages of taking spanish courses 9 moths ago. Most people in Honduras, as pretty much every other country I`ve been to so far, are very nice and eager to help as long as they understand what is going on. So, I got a free ride to the neighbooring village of my intended destination, the village "Los Naranjos" and the D & D Brewery, which is well within walking distance of the brewery. Luckily, my lack of cash didn`t cause me that much trouble. The owners at the brewery were very friendly and helped me out with police-reports for my insurance, accomodation, food and acquiring cash.
On day one in this peacefull place I went out for some exploring with the new owner in the company car. The area is cramped with waterfalls, ruins, volcanoes and the beautiful, blue Lago Yojoa. We went up to a great viewpoint on one of the volcanoes, swimming in waterfalls and checking out one of the local coffee-plantations. Fun fact: Honduras is now the second biggest exporter of coffee on the american continent. Only trailin behind Colombia.
By my second day I had already planned with a local guide to hike up Honduras second larges point, the Santa Barbara Volcano, (only 10m shorter than the highest), and by far the least accesible. The trek up to about 2700meter above sea level is all covered in dense cloud forest. According to the guide there had only been 27 persons recorded on the top, ever. I teamed up with three Israelis, Nave, Dickie and Ya`ara, at the brewery and we set of early morning the next day.
The area is rich in animal life, and hosts about 400 different species of birds, including the incredible national bird of guatemala, the Quetzal. Although we didn`t spot any quetzales, we saw several exotic types of birds, a pretty big snake and the densest population of mosquitos I`ve ever seen. I am ussually not very bothered by bugs, but in the upper parts of the cloud-forest, the mosquitos made taking breaks nearly impossible. Which makes the 4-5 hour climb quite strenuous. Nontheless, we all made it to the top in good time and even got a good view of the lake through the clouds.
The way down, on the other hand, wasn`t as pleasant. The extremly steep descent combined with mud and bad knees on some of the participants do not add up to a quick walk down. We held a steady, but way to low, pace and as it always does in this part of the world, the rain started pounding down in the on us in the afternoon, long before we had any shelter. When we finally made it down to the village, our guide took us to his house and served locally brewed coffee and homemade donuts. I have to say, donuts and coffee rarely taste that good.
Another major attraction in the area is the acknowledged bird - expert, and cartoon - character Malcolm. A retired English hippie who has settled by the lake and takes the occasional tourist for a bird - watching tour. After meeting Malcom at the brewery it became pretty obvious to me that this could not be missed.
We were 6 people in the small, engine-less boat. Me, an English couple, Ya`ara, Malcom and our hired rower Rolando. I´ve never been much of a bird watcher, but I have to admit, this was pretty darned nice. The lake is home to a vast number of species, including toucans and parrots, and just rowing around on the peacefull lake in the morning sunlight listening to what is by far the strangest character I`ve met in a long time, Malcom, goes down in my book as a great experience.
Later the same day, we hitch-hiked over to what allegedly is the most impressive waterfall in the country of Honduras with the Israelis.
Although not a hotspot for backpackers yet, I`m 100% sure that "Los Naranjos" and the D & D brewery is only going to get more and more popular in the backpacker - scene. The scenery, the relaxed atmosphere and the extremly nice and helpfull staff make it a must if travelling in Honduras. In addtion to what is already mentioned here, we also experienced the crazyest lighting-storm I`ve seen since the amazon, tubing on the river and more of the delightful nature surrounding the lake.
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