One summer in Costa Rica, we hiked through the wilderness of a magnificent cloud forest, on the longest and most difficult trail. No fools, and without a guide, we thoroughly researched what we needed and were prepared for every possible scenario.

In protective clothing and hiking boots, we carried our necessities in our backpacks and our cameras in our hands. As the forest enveloped us, the marked path disappeared, leaving only a muddy trail around the roots of gigantic trees.

We passed hikers trekking from the opposite direction, wearing clothing that exposed their skin and only flip flops to traverse the slippery terrain. We smiled politely but snickered at their unpreparedness.

At the halfway mark, we stopped to rest and refuel. Rest we did...

Please subscribe to keep reading.