Across The “Nombre de Dios” Mountains In Honduras
(photos: Guillermo Anderson)

I recently took part in one of the most interesting expeditions I have made in Honduras. Being a Board Member of the Pico Bonito National Park Foundation I took the opportunity to walk through the reserve on a recognizance expedition. The Foundation aims to preserve this area which encompasses one of our countries most important natural treasures. The expedition was made up mostly by technicians and a group from the ECOLOGIC foundation which is implementing a series of conservation programs in Central America.

The expedition aimed to cross from south to north the “Nombre de Dios Mountain Range”, beginning in the Department (province) Of Yoro, across the mountain range to the Department of Atlantida, in the north coast of Honduras close to La Ceiba. It was a 2 day and a half walk in which the last 4 or 5 kilometers I did on horseback due to a bad knee.
We started with a visit to what is called The “Dry Forest” in the southern side side of Yoro, a forest with a very particular flora. Many of the plants are endemic (only found here). This is the habitat of the Emerald Hummingbird, unique to Honduras.
It is because of its lack of protection that a road is waiting to be paved in this part of the country. The World Bank agreed to lend the funds once the Hummingbirds environment was protected.
So far our governments haven’t complied, however there is now a growing interest to protect its habitat.
The Emerald Hummingbird survives mainly from a small red flower that grows from very fine cacti.
Campesinos in the area call this delicate plant “Pie de Niño” or child’s foot. The cacti disappear once these forests are used for feeding cattle, making it the
biggest threat for the bird’s survival.
We were also told that it is here that the very rare combination of orchids living in cacti occurs. Unfortunately I don’t have photographs of a beautiful cluster of orchids that we saw flowering amidst a cacti.

The Sad Yellow Tree
According to the Biologist that kindly showed us around, the yellow tree seen in this photograph grows for about twenty years at the end of which it flowers and then dies. I thought of it as very moving and even worthy of a song.

Preparing To Leave
The expedition consisted of 10 of us. We used horses to carry most of the gear. Some of the members alternated between walking and horseback. Here we are preparing to leave.

Going Uphill Through Second Generation Pine
The beginning of the expedition involved walking uphill through roads that were originally made by loggers who cut the entire first generation of these pine trees without any control whatsoever. The forest that you see in the photograph is second generation. The way it has grown back naturally gives us hope for they are now protected.

Last Rays Of The Sun
We walk up hill until the end of the day. I’ve had very few physical challenges like hiking up these mountains. At the end of this test, however, I’m rewarded by the most beautiful and peaceful view. The landscape in the picture shows the last rays of light and the last hills in which we see agricultural activity. Sadly the night falls right before we must enter enter the density of the tropical forest.

With “Ocote” Torches Through The Dark Rainforest
One of our Guides brought a few branches of “Ocote” selected pine branches with a large amount of combustible resin which is used in the countryside as torches. This was one of the hardest parts of the trip. Descending a mountain through the tropical forest and at night is a critical combination and a challenge to safety. Finally after a few hours of mud, low visibility and anxiety, we arrived to our first camp, a small hut beside the thatched roof of a family that inhabits these mountains. I must say I didn’t expect the low temperature we experienced at night. Usually one does not associate freezing with tropical forests. Despite being prepared for what I thought could be a cold night, I wasn’t able to sleep in my hammock due to the low temperature.

The Lush of Honduran Rainforests
We walk through many unforgettable trails and landscapes. Being that this was a technical expedition there isn’t the time I need for contemplating the beauty of it all.

Water, Water
We cross innumerable brooks and small waterfalls before we arrive to where The Cangrejal River begins. City dwellers have a hard time making the connection Between the water they use everyday and the preservation of the “sponges” that our rainforests are.



View to Precede a Spectacular Waterfall
As we come to these rocks the sound of water announces an amazing waterfall and the most difficult part of our journey.

What Very Few Eyes Have Seen
We descend through a series of very difficult and slippery paths to the bottom of what is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen. This spectacle is so hidden amidst these forests that one is also sure that very few eyes have seen it.
On the top right side of the photo I placed a small arrow which points at one of the members of the expedition for you to see the size of the fall. I must say this was the highlight of the trip for me. It was spiritually moving to be before this waterfall.

Last Day, Walking Downriver (The Infinite Hues of Green)
I find myself very limited in describing the trip with a few words and pictures. I have done my best. I’m considering doing this walk again with the hope of doing a whole entry to this journal on the lives of the people who live in these forests. I wish I could share more closely my impressions of the jungle, the smell of the vegetation the sound of water. Not being able to sleep because of trying to concentrate in the different tonalities of the insects and birds that sing at night. The size of the leaves. The infinite hues of green, the colors of the birds and finally, to feel the privilege and the spirituality of being in one of the last natural treasures left in the planet, more convinced than ever of the importance to conserve it.
-Guillermo Anderson

Thanks:
Fundación Parque Nacional Pico Bonito
All Photos: Guillermo Anderson
For More Information Regarding Visiting or Helping
The Pico Bonito Natl. Park Foundation
Write to: Fundacion Pico Bonito E-mail : fupnapib@laceiba.com