April 1, 2025
RIO NEGRO, AMAZON RAINFOREST, BRAZIL
For four days and three nights we explored the various tributaries of the RIO NEGRO. Most were narrow passages like above where we rarely saw another boat. It was so peaceful. We did lots of excursions on the motorized skiff to get deeper into the Rainforest. At dark we would go out with the first mate and guide, who used a strong flashlight to spot eyeballs of critters. We saw baby owls, a snake, caimans ( their version of alligators), lots of noisy birds and bats.
We went on treks into the forest. We had to stay on small narrow paths, in single file and the second day we even had the owner of the property with us, to lead the way and use his machete to clear various obstacles or give us pathways thru water crossings. Learned that lily pads all start with white flower, then the flower traps a bee inside its petals overnight and the next day releases the bee after it has pollinated the flower and the flower has now turned pink.We were there at the start of the rainy season, you can see on the tree bark how much higher the waters are to get before the season is over.
We went to an indigenous tribes ceremonial house and got to meet the families. The babies were adorable! Made me instantly homesick for my great nephews and nieces! They performed for us some of their traditional songs and dances.
