On a mission, as usual, to uncover all things history as I read about Richard Halliburton and his epic swim across the Panama Canal. I became even more curious about his life and what had inspired his journey. Swimming in the Panama Canal is not for the faint of heart! The waters are cayman and crocodile-infested, and on the shore of Panama, you may come face to face with an elusive jaguar, and not the trendy sports car type of jaguar! These factors alone might be enough of a deterrent for the ordinary adrenaline junky!
Richard was a self-proclaimed romantic and travel enthusiast, and with the list of highly zealous accolades, we can add thrill-seeking! Richard climbed the Matterhorn, one of Europe’s highest summits! Was captured at Devils Island, a penal colony in the Salvation Islands of French Guiana! Became friends with the French foreign legion! Explored the peak of a great Pyramid at night! He rode an elephant through the Alps! Richard also swam the Nile, the Panama Canal, The Canal of Venice, and the reflection pool of the Taj Mahal. And I would be lying if I said this was the inclusive list for his life, but these are merely the highlights.
Richard was on the cover of Vanity Fair, an author, was educated at Princeton, came from a wealthy family but prided himself on his ability to be resourceful! Richard was regarded by some as a poor writer, and by others, he was worshiped for his ability through which his pen illustrated life. Ultimately, Richard succumbed to life on the edge of adventure when his ship, crew, pets, and himself disappeared without a trace. Many wondered if he cheated death, but one will never honestly know. The best clue and evidence he left for each of us is to experience life’s adventures.
As each of us draws love and light into our worlds, I often wonder how many of us moved through inspiration and motivation and sometimes even love to begin our journey of discovery. As always, there is so much more to every story! Find it! Be sure to stop by and share with me what you discover! #HistoryMysteries
Forest of Words 