After a false start (the plane couldn’t land on the first attempt to set down at Iquitos because of heavy rainfall) we finally arrived at our Amazon ship just after dark, instead of noon. A very welcome dinner was waiting for us and we soon set sail…not a normal thing to do at night. There are too many hazards floating in the water that could cause problems and vision, of course, is not the best at night. But, the Captain said that we needed to make up our lost time…so off we went.
On the boat with us was the naturalist who helped identify the native wildlife, our guide for the week, others who wore multiple hats of cooks, cleaners, musicians, etc. There were cabins enough for about 22 people and a “taxi” boat that could take us to shore for “discoveries”.
We awoke much too early the next morning with the many different sounds of boat traffic on the river. There were putt putts of small boats leaving early for produce delivery to the markets, others heading off to work, and still more looking for the best fishing area to catch enough to eat and sell for the day.
Later on, the children took to the water to arrive at their appropriate schools for the day.
Almost the first thing that we noticed was all the “stuff” in the water. It wasn’t human trash/rubbish but native materials torn from the banks by the power of the water. There were trees, branches, large blocks of grass, reeds, etc.
Because of the erosion, the water had almost a milk chocolate color which was very noticeable when a tributary/creek/smaller stream met the Amazon. What was eroded from one place was usually deposited downstream.
Excursions were plentiful. One early morning we took off through the reeds (an area that was filling back in because of the deposits) in our smaller motor boat. We were going to see the gigantic water lily pads …about 3 to 4 feet across (up to 7 feet) …and sturdy enough to hold a three year old child. Their blooms were equally large and all were quite impressive. An added delight were all the birds enjoying the area as well.
Another day we went up one of the tributaries for a “fishing excursion”. We were given a pole, some line and a hook, and some bloody red meat. Soon the group was pulling in saucer sized piranhas and other fish. Our guide asked if any one wanted to go swimming with these fish. He tried to convince us that they wouldn’t bother us as long as we weren’t bleeding, but there were no takers!!! Later we ate our catch. The piranhas were very tasty, but boney.
One afternoon we stopped at a small village and walked to a round thatched building. A native shaman was there to explain some of his native medicines and religious practices. I had him treat a mosquito bite and hoped it would heal before it became infected. It was much better the next day..
More about the Amazon and Peru on www.redlodgehams.com
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