Day 157 - Arriving at Humaitá

(Ursula) I was just about to ask Heinz if we should bring back the little cat when I realized the boat was already moving upstream. He is a strong little tomcat. Looks like a lion baby, only a month old and still a little topsy.

After thinking more about Bolivia and Peru, we decided to continue the trip for now, just as planned. If it turns out that the Altiplano isn't safe for driving, we will use the local means of transportation to visit the area.

October 6th
(Ursula) The mosquitoes bothered us all night, and we woke up a bit late this morning, receiving news from the captain that we had arrived at our destination.

Yeee!

We thanked him for taking us along, handed him a tip, and said goodbye to all. A ferry transferred the campers to a landing spot which unfortunately wasn't that great because of a long, steep embankment (and it was slippery too).

But with the help of the crew and all of us pushing, we managed to make it to the top. Wow, what a feeling, looking down at the Rio Madeira and being on solid ground, able to drive on the road again.

We didn't stay in Humaitá for very long and headed toward Porto Velho on the 319. It was still a dirt road in good condition, and we passed the flooded areas.

As the sun set, it looked like the sky was on fire. We found a rest area on top of a small hill. Heinz and Peter grilled the last catfish. It was a big one that provided more food than the five of us could handle.

By 9 PM, it was pitch dark, and we listened to a loud jungle concert all around us. It was like a continuous howling, croaking, chirping, and whistling. Then the concert would abruptly stop as if someone had given a command. A few seconds later, the same spectacle started all over again. It was pretty mysterious.

Stats: Miles 39, Expenses $4Read more