The Lessons Life Teaches, A Collection of Short Stories.

The Jungle

In 1980, I worked as a geologist and evaluated 30-plus mineral properties for three months in Thailand. Most of the properties were established mines. Some were just undeveloped prospects out in the jungle. For these we usually had a local guide, provided by the owner, so we could find the property they wanted us to see and hopefully develop for them.

One of these "hot" prospects that I was sent to evaluate was far from any town. We drove down a two-track dirt road in the jungle for quite a while. Then, at the direction of the local guide, we stopped, and he said we walk from here. Through the translator and local company geologist, Mr. Prapat, whom I worked closely with, I asked our guide how far to the property. I can't recall exactly what he said but it was doable – probably an hour. We then walked quite a long time, way over the stated time, though a mountainous jungle to get to the property. Then my fellow geologist said confidentially to me "I think our guide is lost." I asked my associate to ask him "How much further to the property?" The guide said that it was not much further. So, we continued until we stopped again to rest. That is when he admitted that he was lost. What a horrible feeling. We backtracked in the direction we thought we had come for what seemed like a long time. Then we came upon a dirt two-track road. I was extremely relieved that we had found our road and the land cruiser would not be far away. I made this comment to my geologist friend. Then came the stoic comment that I have retained and used for 40 years. He said "Mr. Dan, There are many roads in the jungle." This comment is as true as it gets. Especially in the jungle of life. Obviously, we eventually found the vehicle and returned to our hotel. I never attempted to see the property again. But Prapat's quote - I have reflected on and used on many different occasions in my life. Not every road will get you to where you want to go. You must find the right road.