Canopy Walk

*Monday, February 7, 2011
This morning as we were leaving the ship at 7:30 AM for a tour, three girls were coming back on the ship after being out all night. They told us they had hired a taxi driver last night and said they wanted to go to Kakum Natl. Park but the driver took them to the beach. They said there was a beautiful hotel on the beach and the workers there served them lobster and gave them blankets to sleep on the beach. They were then awakened by the workers at 5:00 AM to catch a taxi back to the ship as they had tours to go on today. These kids have a lot of nerve and I’m sure last night was one they will never forget.

Today our tour took us to Kakum National Park where we went on a canopy walk above the trees of a rain forest. We first had to hike up a steep hill before coming to the rope and board walkways. We were about 40 meters in the air looking over the treetops and we swayed as we walked from tree to tree. This forest is home to over 400 species of butterflies and many birds and monkeys. I did see quite a few butterflies and a few birds but not any monkeys. I guess the monkeys go far into the forest during the day when people are around.

The drive to this park took about 2 1/2 hours and the sights along the road are really something to see. This is a very Christian country and they take the freedom of worship very seriously. Most shops along the road had some religious sign in front. I started writing them down and here is a list of some of them:
In His Grace, God Is Alive, My Lord is Able, Emmanuel Beauty Salon, Come to Jesus, King of Heaven, In God We Trust, Humble Work Furniture, No Bribe at Heaven, God of Mercy, Jesus my Redeemer, His Mercies Beauty Shop (this shop had wigs displayed), Divine Gold Store, Gods Time is Best, In His Time Store, The Lord’s Favour is Upon Me, His Mercies Beauty Shop, Gods Ways Gas Cookers, Goodness and Mercy Bakery, Mustard Seed Coop, Peace and Love Fashion Home, God Never Fails Chop Shop, His Grace Spare Parts Store, Gods Able Electronics, Good Will Drinking Spot, and Jesus is the Answer Beauty Shop. We heard about 65 to 70% of the people here are Christians. I saw lots of churches and chapels along the way including Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Assembly of God, Mormons, Pentacost, and Catholic.

Tomorrow we are off to visit a water village. Will report on that experience next.