Aidan Gaughran lives right here in Montezuma County, but for five years he worked in Panama. First, he was in the Peace Corps, then he returned to manage an eco-lodge.

As a PCV, Aidan worked in the community environmental conservation sector on the Azuero Penisula and helped bring sustainable cook stoves to his community. He also helped develop a fruit orchard.

While his moment of awe stemmed from a recreational outing, he told me that similar events have unfolded closer to where he worked, near Las Minas, and during work projects.

Yes, we have rattlesnakes and wildfire in Colorado. But I think Panama has us beat in terms of ways to get hurt and die when out in remote areas - scores of venomous snakes, scorpions, spiders. The combination of heavy rains and varied terrain can sure be treacherous. Indeed, another Peace Corps volunteer from Colorado was found dead in a creek, during Aidan’s time there. They think he slipped and hit his head while trying to cross. Community members have died from snake bites.

Aidan’s juxtaposition of time - the slow, deliberate progress of the vine snake, the rising water, and finally their urgent move to get out of harm’s way - makes this segment particularly fascinating.

AweNice welcomes interviewees. If you have a moment you experienced while working outside and would like to share it, contact us here.

Our music is by my friend, Forrest Van Tuyl, who knows a bit about wonders at work.

Keep your eyes, ears, and mind open. Until next time.