Xmas and Los Llanos

Unfortunately to keep on schedule and get to where we need to go we had to drive all day Xmas Eve and Xmas Day. The drives did not get in the way of everyone having a great time, after all its Xmas time. To get through the day we did a lot drinking, singing, laughing, trivia a bit of sleeping (mainly by me) and yep more (bad) singing. Oh!!! what fun!!!. With Gemma and Kat going in there own direction for Xmas they left behind a few little gifts for the boys. Dave and Glenn have you finished your huge jar of ketchup yet? (What a nice baby!!)

Phew!! we finally make it to the ranch in time for a Xmas dinner, gift swapping and dancing. Let the party begin!!

Day 1
With a slow awakening with the rise of sun it was time to head out and look for anacondas. I wish I had some exciting story about how we walked for hours through mud and water. Instead its a short story and a short walk. Approx 200m from the ranch was a low river perfect for anacondas. As we all watch as the guide walk around the river with a large stick and poking it into the ground, we all were wondering if this was really going to work. Well less then 10 minutes later wallah!! an anaconda was found. This anaconda was approx 3 meters long. Yay! I got to see a anaconda in the wild. Pretty cool huh!!!

After our quick find of the anaconda it was back to the ranch for lunch and short relax before making our way to the flowing rivers of the llanos for an afternoon boat ride and sunset. Its back to the ranch for a Boxing Day dinner of roast pig (OK not for me). This pig has been cooking all afternoon and from what I have been told was the best roast pork of the century.

Day 2
Today we are taking a drive around the Llanos lets see what we animals we can spot. After driving for 20 minutes on some tough road we spotted a family of Capybara. We stop the truck for a closer look. Who would have thought that the largest rodent in the world would be that interesting and in the right light cute? (OK maybe not). Back on the truck as we continue to view the beautiful landscapes and plains full of magnificent birds. Before we head back to the ranch for a spot of lunch we need to catch some dinner, yep! its time for Piranha fishing. Dad you will be proud of me I caught 4 fish. OK so it was not the most thanks to Tim catching 5 but hey I think 4 is a good number. eh!! Maybe I am a natural. I guess you can see for yourself. Back to the ranch for lunch and a relaxing afternoon in the hammocks. Behind the scenes the kitchen is cleaning and cooking up the fish for dinner.

After dinner we surprised "Farmer Dave" with a pinata for his birthday. Pinata nickname "Mini Farmer Dave", so I think you can guess what the shape of the pinata was. What a great way to spend our last night on the ranch. PARTY!!

Day 3
Time to make tracks and make our way across Venezula to our next destination. Due to the great weather and the road conditions were were able to open the roof seats again. Lucky for us as we spotted our first Giant Anteater. Yippie!!!!

We continue to make our way to Merida.

Angel Falls, Canaima & Ciudad Bolivar

Today we have a relaxing day as we make our way to the airport to get a small plane to Ciudad Bolivar. Finally they get organised and we get in our plane. After a 2 hour flight with spectacular views we land and transfer to the posada. Time to change into my swimmers a have a dip in the pool before the sun goes down.

A free day to check out the town of Ciudad Bolivar, unfortunately it was a Sunday and not much happening around town. We went to check out the river only to find that it smelt funny, thought best to move on (away from the waters front). Lets see what the markets had to offer umm.... not much open, not much to offer. Its nearly Xmas and gee I have nothing for anyone. Opps!!! Its hot and the city does not have much open so back to the posada for a swim and get ready to fly to Canaima and Angel Falls for a 3 day 2 night mini tour.

Day 1
Breakfast at the posada and transfer to the airport to take flight to Canaima. In just 1 hour we arrive to Canaima National Park. In no time we are off and starting our boat trip in a motorised dugout canoe to the Angel Falls. We are taken along the Carrao and the Churun river. On the way we get to know Pozo de Felicidad (or Well of happiness), Isla Orquidea (or Orchid island), Canon del Diablo (or canon of the Devil) and Wey Tepui. The boat ride back was a blast. We started our running through several sets of rapids at high speed, sending spray back into the boat and splashing all of us. This was far from a dry ride I knew I should have packed another set of dry clothes. We get closer to the impressive Angel Falls its steep walls tower over the river. Finally we arrive at where we will have dinner and overnight in hammocks.

Day 2
After breakfast we hike for about 45 minutes through tropical rain forest until we get to the lookout point. It is located directly opposite of Angel Falls, which we admire in its full height. With its almost 1.000 meters, it is the highest waterfall in the world. Its waters form a natural pool at its base which makes it an ideal place to have a swim (Another cold/refreshing swim). We walked back to the camp where lunch is already awaiting us. We take a look for the last time of the Angel Falls. Then we return by boat the same way as we came, through the beautiful savanna landscapes. We get to Canaima around 5pm, make our way back to the posada, where we have dinner and sleep for the night.

Day 3
We will have breakfast and after it, we will go to the Salto Sapo (waterfall), which are something special within this seven different waterfalls in the area. A path takes you behind the waterfall. We will also have a short walk through specific paths that allow to explore the surroundings. Afterwards, we will return through the lagoon to the Canaima Village and then its time to collect our bags as it time to catch our flight back to Ciudad Bolivar.


We venture back to Ciudad Bolivar in the hope to meet up with the others that have been on the 6 day trek. Now I am sure they have some stories to share.
Not long now and it will be Xmas.

Chirikayen Trekking (3 Days/2 Nights)

We are on the truck heading for Santa Elena on the way we made a few stops, the Equator and the Venezuelan border were the highlights. Once we made it through the boarder we arrived at our posada in Santa Elena where we booked and made arrangements for our trekking adventures. This is where the group split for the first time, some of us like me went with the easy trek 3 days 1650m high. Others looked for a bigger adventure and went on the 6 day trek, (I know I made the right choice). Tonight we pack (light) and put our large backpacks back on the truck.

Day 1
So today is day 1 of our trekking adventure up to Chirikayen. We go about 90 minutes by 4 wheel drive from Santa Elena to the typical Indian village of Chirikayen. We have a basic lunch and from here we start our 2 and a half hour hike to the foot of the Chirikayen mountain. “Chirika” means in the Pemon's language "small parrot" and “yen” means "place". Our overnight stay is in tents near a small river and waterfall. Seemed like such a good idea well that was until it started to rain.
Day 2
After breakfast we start our trek, it took 45 minutes to reach the mountain and nearly two hours to hike to the top at 1650m. A quick stop for lunch, then a walk cross part of the mountain which took another 30 minutes. All this for a unforgettable view! The next hour was spent exploring the top of Chirikayen and discovering unique plants and taking pictures. Unfortunately due to the weather we are unable to camp at the top of the mountain. We now have to venture back the way we came (who would have thought going down would be harder then going up). We make it back to the campsite for a quick swim in the river (OMG it was sooooooo cold! - I mean refreshing). Time for dinner and sleep.

______________________

Day 3
Time to pack up campsite and make our way back to the village. "Farmer Dave" wanted to see if he could carry the guides pack (he did for a good 500 meters). Dave was on a mission and was looking to walk back in 2 hours (my idea was to try and keep up). We made it back in 2hours and 5 minutes and that we due to me I just could not keep up with Dave's pace (Dave was on a mission - cold Coca Cola was waiting). We rested and waited for a 4 wheel drive to come and pick us up to take us into town.
Tonight we rest before we make our way to the airport to catch a small flight to Ciudad Bolivar for our Angel Falls extravaganza.

Pink Dolphins (Yep! PINK)

With a day of free time in Manaus what's a girl to do.

Well today a group of us ventured off to see some pink dolphins. As we leave Manaus in the distance it took an 1 1/2 hour boat ride to where the dolphins swim.

When we arrived there were no dolphins around, well that was until Dave advised us that he new how to call them. With everyone rolling there eyes and wondering how Dave was going to work his magic. Dave was standing at the edge of the pontoon tapping his foot against the water - advising us that this is how they do it at Sea World. Ha Ha Ha by everyone, seconds later a pink dolphin stuck the tip of its nose out of the water right where Dave was standing. From this point forward Dave is to be known as the "Dolphin Whisper".

Dave's job is now done and kindly hands it over to the guide to show us more (thanks Dave). We all pile into the water unsure as to what to expect. These dolphins let of an extreme warmth, very strong and have sharp teeth.

We venture out further into the water away from the pontoon, the dolphins become very playful Dave experienced a few close encounters. Dave got your breath back after a tail in the chest, and are you still feeling violated after one of the dolphins was sniffing up the leg of your trousers.

Well our time at the dolphins felt short lived and it was time to move on, next stop a local village and waterfall along with a fantastic buffet lunch. Swimming with the dolphins really works up and appetite.

After our feast for Kings it was time to head back to Manaus before the rain came across. Unfortunately we did not beat the rain and had to sit it out half way between Manaus and no-where. 20 maybe 30 minutes later we started to head back with caution, what was a 1 1/2 there turned into 2 1/2 hours back.

We finally got back at 6pm and could not wait to get into some dry clothes and share the story of what we did with others that decided not to join us. Such a great day and comes recommended by all.

Tomorrow morning its back on the truck for a few days before arriving at Santa Elena.

Awesome Adventure #3 - South America - Part 5

Wow!!!! the time has come I am now in my final last leg of my Dragoman tour.
Manaus to Caracas.

Venezuela here I come.

Amazon Jungle - Day 3

Day 3
Yawn!!! 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 & 10 - 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 & 10 Phew!!! I have all fingers and all toes. I live to tell the tale of sleeping in the Amazon Jungle.

Well no times a wasting time to pack up and make our way back to the lodge. But guess what.... instead of a 3 hour walk there is a short cut back to the lodge which only takes half the time. Argh!! there is always a short cut. Excellent, made it back to the lodge just in time for breakfast.

Not much time left at the lodge so a group of us decided to get a canoe and look around. Easier said than done, lets just say there was strong current, 6 people all paddling in a different direction, makes it very difficult to get to where you a going. Finally we got some help and got to where we wanted to go and met up with the 2 person canoe. We grounded the boat and everyone (except myself and Kat) went exploring in the mangroves. After sitting and waiting for everyone to come back. We decided to leave the large canoe and take (borrow) the small canoe and go back to the lodge. Ummmm..... Do you think they will miss us. I hope there is enough room in the other canoe for everyone else. :) hee hee

Everyone slowly returned from our canoe adventure some not so happy. eek!!! We all do our final pack of our bags have lunch and start loading back into the motor boats to start our journey back to Manaus.

Next stop Manaus.

Amazon Jungle - Sleep Over

Day 2
An early rise with the sun and good breakfast to get the morning going. We are all excited about our next jungle experience including a visit to a local village/family.

The hike this morning took us through a some awesome areas of the jungle. Saw a number of spiders, that I did not really want to see and learnt about poisons vegetable/plant. Don't worry once your get rid of all the juices or something like that its fine to eat (ummmm..... next!).

We arrived at the local village and what do we find but the locals pealing the dangerous vegetable ready to cook and sell. Pealing these vegetables looks easier that it really is.

Here is a photo of me in action.
(Mum this does not change anything when I get home)

Time to stop playing and let the people in the village get back to work. With another 1 1/2 walk back to the lodge it was time re-think my reasons for not carrying any water on this hike (bad idea), but hey I live to tell the story...

After lunch its time to get ready.... ready to spend the night in the jungle. The hike to the selected camping area will take approximately 3 hours. Sun goes down at 5.30/6pm so we leave at approx 2.30/3pm.

Its the Amazon Jungle right! so why don't I not remember this before starting a hike in shorts, I can only hope that the spikes coming out of trees and along the ground don't attack me. As we were all on a mission to get to camp before dark there was not much of animal spotting going on. We continued to walk there were many obstacles, like walking over a skinny log to cross a river (Sorry!!! nobody fell in), all this before reaching a waterfall. Good news! this waterfall is at the base of our campsite. Camp is now only 5 minutes away. Excellent we made it.

With only moments before the sun goes down its time to set up my hammock (I hope my knots hold). While dinner is cooking why not stroll around the jungle in the dark. Yep!!! Time for a night safari walk. With nothing but the moon and a few head lamps lighting up the path it was important we all keep together, now was not the time to get lost. More spiders spotted but sorry not Jaguars :(

Now that we have worked up an appetite its time for dinner rice, eggs, chicken with tomato and onion. OK so we did not hunt down our food, if we did OMG I think we would all be going hungry, well I know I would. Lets chow down this dinner ummmmm so where are the plates and forks, NOPE sorry there are none, you guessed it, time to eat with our hands. Yes very interesting and very messy, loved every bit of it.

After a big dinner it was time to go to bed as it was and would be a early wake up with the sun. A quick check of the hammock to make sure there was no little animals crawling around. Phew!!! nothing in mine.

Sweet Dreams!!!!

Amazon Jungle - Day 1

Day 1
Before we enter the Amazon Jungle we had a few stops that needed to be made. First we found ourselves at the fish markets. Interesting to see the different types of fish. I can honesty say some of these fish were as large and people (Right Kat!!)

We moved through the markets to the docks to get aboard a local boat the to get a close up of the "Meeting of the Waters". What is the Meeting of the Waters you ask?

The "Meeting of the Waters" on the Amazon River occurs when the "white" Solimoes River meets the "black" Rio Negro.

The rivers are two different colors -- the "white" water rivers, which are really muddy and look much like cocoa, the "black" water rivers, which are filled with tannin and are clear like coffee. At any point where two of these rivers join, their density is so different that they will not mix for several miles. No where is this natural event more dramatic than near Manaus, where the Solimoes and the Rio Negro merge. The Amazon River is formed at the point these two rivers join together.

On our way back to the docks we stopped by some locals on a canoe that had a baby caiman and a anaconda. I was glad they had a strong hold. So now its back to the bus for a 2 1/2 hour drive to make our way to small motor boats, which will be our final form of transport before arriving at the Amazon Jungle Lodge.

As we made our way to the jungle lodge we had plenty of time on the boat to keep our eye out for some of the wildlife the amazon is going to send out way. Unfortunately nothing was spotted - but don't worry there is still time.

Can you believe this was all before lunch. After a spot of lunch we were ready to take on the jungle. First things first lets take it back to how the natives did it and remove the use of a motor now travel by boat/canoe OK so we only paddled for 10 minutes. Time to get off the boat and hike our way through the jungle to a little waterfall, for a spot of swimming. This swimming was shorted lived as we had to hike back before the sun went down.

Time for dinner and candles out for bed a big day is planned for Day 2.

Row, Row, Row your BOAT????

With arrival into Porto Velho we had the afternoon to get organised for our 4 days exploring the waterways of Rio Maderia. Time to pack light and get a number of snacks and instant noodles (Yum!!! Yum!!!).

We all boarded the ship/boat/ferry and claimed our hammock (umm.... I guess personal space is not an option). After a number of delays with rain storms and people being removed from the boat (I can only guess trying to get ride up the river for free) we were on our way.

So 4 days exploring this huge river that links Manaus with Porto Velho. We are on board one of the riverboats that plys the Amazon rivers, all these boats are due to the Trans Amazon Highway being impassable for much of the year, the rivers are the only practical means of transportation. The boat stopped at numerous small riverside towns to stock up and allow for passengers to get on and off. Halfway during our journey along the river we also need to get off but this is only to change boats. This was an experiance within itself. When advised to jump a railing to another boat and catch everyones luggage, opt to nominate someone else. As it turns out, I jumpped on to the wrong boat, this boat started to pull away from the boat we were on OMG!!!. Lucky I hard someone else from the trip and we managed to get off the wrong boat and make our way to the new boat, a little worried at first but could see that we just need to wait until this boat docked. Finally docked and off the wrong boat. Onto the new boat and Dam!! all the good hammock spots are now taken. The next 2 nights will be interesteing sleeping near the stairs, toilets and eating area (top spot hey!!!).

So living alongside the locals, eating local food and living a local lifestyle has proven to be and ummm.... an experiance. Something I recommend all to do, well at least once. I have a number stories (just cant post them all) and I guess that is what this experience is all about and what makes it so memorable.

Phew!!! after a number of card games, drinking, eating (only rice and pasta) we arrive to the ports in Manaus. We walk from the port to the hotel. Now first thing is first, time to have a shower and put on something clean(er).

We now have the rest of the day and night in Manaus before we need to head again next stop the Amazon Jungle. Guess its time to pack (again!!).