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my fifth (and probable last) trip to the Amazon River,
Peru
Return to the Amazon
2008
Off once again with my friends, Heidi and Sharrie. They not only keep me young but warm my heart. A little deja vu, as we met on the Amazon River years ago and have traveled to Egypt, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia together.
Off to Morocco and Gabon next !
this trip I came home with NO botfly !!!
Storm brewing over the Amazon River
Home away from home, Explornapo
I guess because I'm a frequent visitor, I got the large, luxury suite !
dinner, Willy caught the piranha, I caught the solado
the "bar" at Explornapo - pisco sours
and beer !!
essential for relaxing
steam rising from the thatch after a downpour
boas keep homes and lodges free of pests
El Rio Amazonas
The Amazon River is the second longest river in the world (the Nile is the longest, though the debate continues) but it is certainly the largest river basin in the world. It was discovered by the Spanish explorer, Francisco Orellana in 1541.
From its inception in the Peruvian Andes it flows over 4,000 miles through northern South America. At some points it stretches six miles wide during the dry season and over 24 miles wide during the rainy season when the river rises 40 feet. Its estuary at Belem, Brazil is 200 to 300 miles wide.
My personal experience on the river... it is both beautiful and dangerous !
Amazonia
The vast rain forest is the world's greatest remaining natural resource. It covers 9 South American countries: Brazil, Columbia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia and the three Guyanas. It produces 20% of the world's oxygen. It consists of the canopy, the understory and the forest floor (where only 2% of the sunlight penetrates). Over 400" of rain falls per year.
stuck in the river grasses
illegal logs hidden in a stream
the yellow calm before a storm
making charcoal
weaver nests
increased logging
continued...
