So we quickly discovered that Jack (German ex-pat of both Manaus Booking and Amazon Backpackers) is nothing but a greedy scheister. We did get to see a few things like a baby crocodile, a python and a sloth.
I had a service on the Amazon, so I took the opportunity to Skype my pops! We also saw where the Meeting of the Waters...Rio Negro (black) and Amazon (muddy brown) Rivers. It's hard to see here as it was overcast/raining.
We dined on a very complete buffet at one stop and then traveled on to see the giant water lilies that were few and far between because of the high water line during this rainy season.
Manaus-Iranduba Bridge.
Then we visited a local tribe (the name of which I do not recall).
We were treated to a traditional ceremony.
And some of the children were more interested in my technology than I was in the ceremony. I have the feeling that wasn't this child's first attempt at Angry Birds.
We then had the opportunity to swim with the pink dolphins (which because we were rushed we didn't really have time to do). Fortunately they had the Uruguay-England match playing.
We finally arrived to our destination Sitio do Instituto Aguia Branca. Aguia, the proprietor immediately apologized for not being prepared as Jack only called him at 9pm the night before to inform him he would be sending 22 of us tourists. We later discovered we were lucky to have our guide, Cobra who was only confirmed that morning and left us the next day.
The walk down to and tour of our cabin along with the amazing view we had. Despite the cockroach in my bed, this was by far the nicest of our accommodations so far.
Day two we headed out for a 3 hour jungle walk. Our guide, Cobra and his colleague brought machetes and took it upon themselves to blaze their own trail. We got to experience a natural malaria preventative, flammable sap, tiger balm, drink water from a tree, climb trees, swing on vines and use ants as a natural insect repellent. It was a wonderful experience and Cobra was very knowledgable and passionate about the environment!
Birds nests.
Spiky tree
Henry tree-climbing.
Matt tree climbing.
Tree sap used to make a torch.
Jim aka Tarzan.
Cool tree growths.
Water from a tree...
Fungus.
Vines choking trees.
Climbing trees w/makeshift apparatus.
Quote of the hike "that tree looks like camouflage clothing."
Poisonous frogs' nest.
Above ground roots.
Henry shifting weight in the boat by traveling on TOP of the boat to get to the back.
Aguia again apologized to us that afternoon after Jack promised 21 new guests but 34 arrived while only 7 left us. Needless to say, Aguia didn't have sufficient accommodations, so the make-shift beds were mattresses on the floor and patio of the main cabin and hammocks hanging OVER said mattresses. I hope these weren't the same people who paid for a private room/bath and a/c.
Dining hall & bar.
Night fishing. Certainly nothing to write home about.
Aguia Branca.
After we got wind of the Germans organize their early escape back to Manaus, the Croatians and Americans jumped at the chance of joining them to avoid the mayhem of mealtime with triple the capacity of the camp. Aguia worked his ass off and arranged 2 small aluminum boats to facilitate 15 of us getting back to town. It took 3 long hours including 2 re-fueling stops. Boy, I sure hope the crowd expecting to come back on game day made it in time!
But it was scenic!
Albeit cramped (that's Hodor the Croat next to Jim).
Thankfully we all had hats to waive to the other boat when we ran out of gas so they could double back for a refueling.
Refuel take 2.
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