The Amazon Jungle

So here are a series of pics from the Amazon basin.  One hour fliight from Quito to Coca.  Two hour boatride (60 k) up the Napo river.  20 minute hike into the jungle and then a twenty minute canoe trip (pic 1) to the Sani Lodge (pic 2).  Three days in the jungle - spectacular!! We had a amazing guide, Havier, who is a Quechua native.  He taught us about the ecology of the Amazon, identified 70 birds and introduced us to the shaman of his community.  Pic 3 are bats.  Pic 4 is a prehistoric bird called a Huitzin.  After a half hour walk further into the jungle-----Pic 5 is Cathy standing at the base of an ancient Seibo tree next to which a staircase has been placed (202 steps) leading to a platform that rises ABOVE the jungle canopy (think Bilbo Baggins in Mirkwood).  Dense forested jungle as far as the eyes can see (next wo pics).  Parrots, toucans, raptors, monkeys galore.   We were told the Amazon would be uncomfortable - hot, muggy and lots of bugs.  It is hotter,  mugger and there are more bugs in Evanston.  Remember, every fifth breath you take comes from the Amazon basin - 20% of earth's oxygen is produced here.  More to follow soon.

Heading to South America

 depending on web access, look for the long-awaited return of my travel blog......