I have now arrived at the mouth of the giant Rio Xingu, one of the longest tributaries that runs into the Rio Amazonas. It’s also controversial because of the Belo Monte dam project that is currently under construction further up the river. It’s going to create a huge supply of hydroelectricity for Brazil but it will … Read more »
Snakes and ladders was a board game I loved playing when I was a kid, but I never dreamed I would one day be playing it for real in the Amazon rainforest in South America. Well, at times that’s what it feels like – I make good progress in the direction I want to go, … Read more »
I’m trying my best to minimise the risks to myself and my guide. I’m making decisions every day to calculate the best route, at the same time considering the risks and escape options should anything go wrong. But a times, we just have to rely on good luck or God! to make any progress. My … Read more »
“You’ll have to wait until July”, my guide shouted, “because the waters will be gone and we can traverse the land better” I thought of possible options, including returning to the UK to work 7 days a week to replenish money for 3 months, skipping this section of the trek and continuing from Porta de … Read more »
It’s the height of rainy season here and by the time you read this we will have started the long crossing to Porto De Moz, via Melgaco. I have had to change the route several times due to seasonal flooding. It’s not going to be easy – what with the spring tides, peak rainy season … Read more »
Header photo: Lorimar & daughter: Piria Para Brazil I still find it very difficult to sit down and write, having spent all of my working life on my feet and never worked in an office environment. I constantly feel the urge to get out and about and do something physically constructive, even if it’s … Read more »
Apologies for the lack of blog posts. I still have no satellite communications and I only occasionally get access to wi-fi when I arrive in towns or cities. Even when I do have access, most of the time it’s so slow I can’t even upload a photo. I can tweet from the Delorme Inreach from … Read more »
The early morning mist was rising from the river, I could hear the faint chatter of the dock workers and church bells in the distance, while the dawn chorus of a multitude of birds and insects floated in from the far side of the river. As myself, Jose (my guide) and his young wife … Read more »
The small fishing community of Pesqueiro basically kind-napped me from the little hotel and insisted I stayed with them for free. What amazing and generous people. They were also having their annual festival at the weekend, and asked me to stay. I was planning to walk again, but how could I possibly turn down their offer? … Read more »
The tide was coming in rapidly. We were a about a kilometre off shore, up to our necks, crossing an estuary. My feet were sinking into the sandbed beneath me with every step, and I felt that if I stopped walking I would sink for sure. I could also see what looked like clear blue … Read more »
