Sometimes life has a funny way of making decisions for us.
When I was meant to be heading off to my next Workaway, Marylin had organised a four-day expedition into a remote part of the Paraguay–Bolivia border to hike Cerro Cabrera. Around 15 people from the Chaco and Asunción were going, including Kim, another Workawayer here.
I wasn’t invited simply because everyone expected me to have already left.
At the time, I thought I was missing out on a great adventure. As it turned out… perhaps I wasn’t!
The expedition quickly became a nightmare. The group became lost in temperatures of around 45°C and, at one point, were without water for about seven hours. Some had taken less than a litre despite being given clear instructions.
There were strict rules for these expeditions. If the group hadn’t reached a certain point by 2pm, they were to turn around. Continuing meant they risked not making it back before dark.
Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. They did summit, but was it worth it.
They continued, took wrong turns and ended up hiking in darkness. Marilyn eventually found them around 10 hours later, with seven of those hours without water. Some were unable to walk, many were crying, and everyone was exhausted, dehydrated and mentally pushed to their limits.
They were incredibly lucky.
One of the guides who had made the decision to continue had even encouraged his wife to join, and she became extremely unwell too.
The rules have now changed. Everyone must carry five litres of water.
Marilyn, who is the only person granted permission by the Paraguayan Government to take organised tours into this area, has said she may never do another expedition. Too many things can go wrong in such a remote and unforgiving place.
And suddenly, my not going doesn’t feel quite so disappointing.
Sometimes we spend our time wondering why plans haven’t worked out, without realising that perhaps there is a reason we haven’t yet been shown.
I thought I was missing an adventure.
Instead, perhaps life was quietly saying, “Not this one, Charlie.”
And for once, I think I’ll listen.
Sometimes the adventures we don’t go on are the ones we are most grateful for.