Cartagena
From Cartagena, we had to start thinking of crossing the Darién Gap. The Darién
Gap is a break in the Pan American Highway between Colombia and Panama. The
area consisted of a dense jungle that stretched roughly 100 kilometres without any
roads or facilities and was considered home to the lawless, anti-government
guerrillas and drug-smuggling cartels. The gap made overland travel across Central
America pretty much impossible, and the only way around was by sea or air.
We pondered which route to take: whether to try and get a ride on a yacht or fly to
Panama. Nearly all travellers arranged a lift with a yacht or flew from Cartagena.
So, I took to the streets searching for a vessel heading to Panama. Unfortunately, I
found none leaving within the next day or two. Instead, I wandered the streets of
the old city and ate snacks from street traders.
The day was another stinking hot one, and I could barely wait until sunset, which
brought some relief from the relentless heat. Unable to find a yacht, I considered it
best to cycle as far as possible and then check the available options. Unfortunately,
if Ernest had any ideas, he never shared them, mentioned the problem, or had any
suggestions. But then he seldom did.