saltwatersteve.com/travel

Today we traveled south from Manaus to the lodge from which we will explore the jungle. First we were taken by car to the dock where we took a boat across the rivers and got to see the “meeting of the waters” where the Rio Negro meets the Rio Salimöes. The waters are different temperatures and colors - the brown Rio Salimöes is colder than the black Rio Negro (hence the name). It looks like a big Black & Tan turned sideways.

After crossing the rivers we got in a VW bus (they still make them here in Brazil) and were driven down the highway. An enormous cicada-sized, fuzzy, black and orange bee flew in the window and we had to trap it under a towel to get it out again. Welcome to the Jungle.

After the van ride we took a ride in a boat between the trees (literally in the water) to get to the jungle lodge, located at the coordinates mapped below. First was lunch - fish and vegetables - then we went Piranha fishing (using chicken as bait) but didn’t catch anything. To fish for Piranha, you take the tip of the stick and swish it around in the top few inches of water as noisily as you can to attract the Piranha, then you let your bait sink and hope for a nibble. Our guide, Ceciliano, caught one orange-bellied Piranha, but none of the guests caught anything.

Next was our Caiman expedition. A Caiman is a member of the Alligator/Crocodile family but is much smaller than those. Here is how our expedition went: Ceciliano took off his shirt and shined his flashlight on the shore as another guide drove the boat. When Ceciliano would see orange eye reflections, he would motion to the driver to steer the boat into shore. Then he would lay on his stomach on the bow of the boat and at the right time, snatch a Caiman out of the water. It was something to see. First we caught a 4 month old one, then a quite larger 1 year old. We got to hold them. They were relatively calm once you get them around the neck. I had to take off my shirt for my picture - just for effect. Also, Ceciliano showed us how you can hypnotize the Caimans (similar to lizards) by laying them on their backs and rubbing their bellies.

Sleeping in the Jungle fully clothed in Permethrin-soaked long pants, shirt, and socks (for mosquito protection) was quite hot!