We are beginning to adjust to the rhythm of the rain forest. The day starts early, speeds along quickly, slows in the middle, and then picks up again towards sunset. This is both the activity level of the wildlife, and of us. We are realizing how incredible it is to be out early and late, and to relax in the middle of the day. We are beginning to get a feel for this magical place known as the Amazon.
After an early breakfast, we entered a private reserve, the Amazon Natural Park. Here, some massive trees in a primary forest are the gateway to another world, a series of bridges amongst the forest. These bridges allow us to be amongst the trees. We are no longer walking at their bases, we are transported into the mid-level and get an entirely different perspective on this forest. Flowers are eye level, birds are below us, and butterflies pass all around us. We then return to reality to the luxury of the Delfin II and the delicious food at lunchtime.
As the animals rest mid-day, so do we. We reemerge, ready to enjoy the late afternoon activity. Now, our skiffs take us into a different world, the blackwater stream. Mirror-like reflections give us a different view of the forest, but it is the wildlife we are after. Birds are everywhere, many feasting on the intense concentrations of fish. A sloth is seen “speeding” along a branch, chasing down an elusive meal of leaves. And monkeys. The real acrobats here, leaping and jumping from tree to tree, getting in some final fruit or insects before finding a place to sleep for the night.
As the sun sets, the sky turns pink and purple, and the activity of the day transforms into the noises and flutters of the night. With a nearly full moon, many night birds are calling and feeding on flying insects. A few bats emerge, just as we wind down our day. We return “home,” finishing our day with more local delights, both culinary and acoustic.
And dreams of doing it all over again tomorrow, and yet completely different!
