Pristine beaches, misty rainforests and remote Mayan ruins: 45 years ago Central America was an adventure waiting to happen.
In October, 1976, I tracked down a few maps, packed up an old three-speed bicycle and flew to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. My plan was to ride south towards Panama and see what developed. I had a grand total of $850 cash and no return ticket.
And what a ride! I cycled 1500 kms to Roatan over rough terrain, hitch-hiked to Panama along the fabled Ruta Panamericana and crewed my way back to Key West on a 50’ yacht. I explored pre-Colombian temples, pirate fortresses and old colonial cities. Camped out in rainforests and on undiscovered beaches. Met colorful characters and lovely young women. Smoked legendary weed. And I kept a daily journal.
The first entry into the journal was 12 October, 1976 outside of Spartanburg, South Carolina. But the story starts earlier, in 1972, when I was a 20-year-old long-haired dope-smoking proto-geographer hitch-hiking around America. Click Here to start the adventure.
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Phil nice work and wow what a trip! Can’t wait to get a final hard copy to add to my collection of travel books.
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Thanks Gino. Still working on formats and more anecdotes. Phil
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