28 January 2009

Dolega 12 km Historic Walk


Map for the walk from Dolega to La Esperanza
Receiving an invitation in my email about a 12 km (7.5 mi) walk beginning in Dolega I decided to read on. It was part of events taking place celebrating the 160th. Anniversary of the Chiriqui Province. Being an avid outdoors person who enjoys a good work-out and knowing it would be supporting a worthy cause I decided to go on the walk with seven other expats from Boquete.
















“El Comite del Aniversario 160 de Chiriqui” organized the event “Rescue the Trails of Our Ancestors” by recreating the walking path of ancestors through the fields of Dolega and Gualaca
as well as strengthening the bonds of friendship and sharing on this day a familiar co-existence.

A friend Remi Bodet and I arrived at 7:15 a group had already started gathering by Dolega Park and upon our arrival with much enthusiasm we were greeted by some of the organizers. By 7:45, our trek began with eighty-nine more walkers lining up behind a fire truck with blinking lights to lead us on.



























The sun was out providing a beautiful morning and a perfect day for a 7.2-mile hike. Our hike past some beautiful landscapes the roads were clay colored soil and the back roads a bit rocky nevertheless we all continued on our trek. From Dolega Park, we walked to Dos Rios, Cochea, Los Cerillos, and El Higo to LaEsperanza we were then transported by bus our destination being Los Canjilones. Los Canjilones is a beautiful place with large rocks surrounding the water hole and with a natural rock water canal flowing into the water hole. Its waters were clear one could see the sandy bottom and small fish swimming along, the setting was just so perfectly organic.

The committee fed us lunch the menu consisting of "Mono" (Rice & Beans, fried plantain, and meat or chicken rapped in a "Bijao" Leaf for $2.00 a delicious feast served with refreshments. After meeting wonderful people, walking, and going for a swim it certainly turned out to be a most grateful rewarding day.
















We walked a historic route linking three districts Dolega, David, Gualaca in the Province of Chiriquí. The organization El Comite del Aniversario 160 de Chiriquí headed by Lic Maxi Barria did a great job organizing the itinerary and throughout the entire walk kept all of us motivated. Some were pointing out the different names of trees, among other important sites. The committee mentioned they are hoping to have more events such as this one in the near future especially since the turnout was so great.

While living in Chicago I became and still am a member of The Edgewater Historical Society and Museum a successful non-profit community organization with a dedicated board membership. I served on the board for two years and found it to be an enjoyable learning experience, which will stay with me forever. Taking part in this walk on Sunday made me reflect that it takes great dedication, good leadership, and a group of volunteers to make any event successful. It was a day of discovering, exploring, and learning.




1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the report! I haven't still seen a "mono." LOL! Well, I am talking about the one wrapped in bibajo leaves hahaha :)