The port to cross the Amazon river.
My travel companions: a good group of young outdoorsy and well-travelled Americans (from the Semester on the Sea program), an Australian and an Italian:
Meeting of waters of the black Rio Negro (originating in Colombia and Venezuela) and the muddy Rio Solimoes (originating in the Andes). The rivers don't mix for many kilometers downstream of their meeting point due to the different density of each.
Looking across the Solimoes to a peninsula, on the other side of which is the Negro, just as wide.
Arriving in Careiros port on the south bank.
Along a narrow river, bordered by farmsteads, and with floating houses tied to the banks (as the waters rise 12 metres from the low point in the dry season, the houses are tied progressively higher up).
Locals on motorised canoes- ranging in size from a bath-tub to a 20-seater.
Our lodge on the water, with a dormitory under a mango tree, at the top of the hill.
Jumping in the water after lunch. Piranhas apparently have enough to eat and don't go for you (unless you're bleeding).
Afternoon boat trip to see birdlife, river dolphins and the forest.
Jacana.
Mahogany.
Telegraph tree.
Hawk.
Catching piranha.
Sunset.
The guide explaining to us about the ecology and body parts of the caiman alligator. This one was two years old.
