It is difficult to have a fit idea of how much water there is all across the Amazon Basin. However we all know there is a lot! This is the high water season and a large part of the forest is flooded and it will continue to be for months to come. This is the right season to explore the region because all the rivers and creeks are overflowing. There are waters rich in sediment and they are pale brown, there are also waters rich in tanning acids therefore they are dark almost black!  

 

Surrounded by life-giving water there is an amazing amount of organisms. Plants are everywhere, from small grasses and water lettuces to the extraordinary tall trees and a diversity of palms. It is here where the great diversity of animal life exists at all. Some animals and birds dwell on the shore and the low-growing vegetation, others on the canopy.

 

Today we had a variety of activities. In the early morning we boarded the skiffs and explored Cedro Caño. It was a nice cool morning with colorful clouds reflected on the river at sunrise. As we explored the flooded forest on the skiffs we had sightings of monkeys and birds everywhere. We also met the local fishermen coming back home in their little canoes with the catch of the day.    

 

Later on, back on board, we had a great presentation given by our local naturalist guides. They showed us many Amazon food plants and explained to us the economic and nutritious value of the fruits locally produced and their lifetime relationships. This was a very enjoyable show because we had the opportunity to taste fruits and nuts that happen to be staple food for all of the local Amazon people.   

 

In the afternoon we boarded the skiffs again and we headed to Belluda Caño. This is a wildlife rich place. Close to the river we spotted macaws, monkeys, and reptiles such as iguanas, and a caiman lizard. We returned to the Delfin II in the darkness of the night because part of our plan included nocturnal exploration of the forest in search of bats and nocturnal birds.

 

It was an amazing day full of activities and discoveries in heart of the Amazon!