Quietly, peacefully, and slowly we explored Supay Caño this morning. The peacefulness was accentuated by the fog that hung over the river. We have had nearly every type of weather this week—clear blue skies, hot humid days, cool cloudy days, rain, and now fog. It has been fun to see the many moods of the Amazon.
Bird calls seemed to carry further this morning and the haunting whistles of the cinereous tinamous echoed loudly around us even though they were not to be seen. We had great sightings of other birds including the bluish-fronted jacamar, black-tailed trogon and the Amazonian umbrellabird.
By breakfast time the fog had cleared and was replaced by brilliant blue skies. But breakfast was not in our usual location. Today the galley had prepared breakfast to go. Our naturalists, bartender, and skiff drivers turned into charming waiters complete with white gloves to serve us breakfast in our floating restaurant. We enjoyed the best scenery anyone could have for breakfast while enjoying our delicious meal in the floating “jungle café.”
Just before lunch we had perhaps the best-attended presentation of the trip—the pisco sour making class. Several of us tried our hand at making the typical Peruvian drink. After all, learning by doing is the best way to remember something! And we have had plenty of time to enjoy this flavor this week too.
A final treat today was to see the giant Amazon water lilies. They had blooms of white or pink and were at least five feet across. Some say they are sturdy enough to hold a small child. We had no volunteers to try this out, but Linda demonstrated that they were strong enough to hold a giraffe (a stuffed animal version).
This visit to the Amazon has been what we expected and so much more. We expected lush green forests, amazing diversity, fascinating wildlife, and a beautiful ship. What we did not expect were the lovely visits with people in their communities and the abundance of small communities that are a part of this place, too. It will be odd to be back to someplace with roads and cars instead of rivers and dugout canoes. Happily we will have many photos and memories of this other world to share with others and remind us of this adventure.
