This morning we disembarked Delfin II and headed to terra firma for a walk to a suspension bridge where we hoped to experience the forest from canopy level. This area is known locally, and we were met by some local people who direct us to the small lake behind their living quarters where we will climbed aboard homemade catamarans for a short trip across the lake to the trailhead that would lead us to the suspension bridge. Our plans however, were interrupted by a couple of pygmy marmosets that were scampering around the branches of some tress close to the shoreline. Pygmy marmosets are the smallest monkey in the world and because of that are quite difficult to find in the wild. Their constant movement reminded us more of squirrels than of monkeys, but we all got good views and our day was off to a wonderful start.
The trip to the bridge is in itself worth the walk as we learned about the various types of vegetation from our local guides. We learned what tree to remove sap from if we want to get rid of parasites; which vines make the best rope for securing a thatch roof on a home; and how to construct a blow gun if we find ourselves in need of a hunting implement. We were enchanted by the stories our guide told us of growing up in a small village in the forest. We reach the suspension bridge and the moment of truth. The bridge seems to have a rhythm all its own as each person steps onto the walkway high above the forest floor. Although we were surrounded by a net to ensure our safety, it was still a little unnerving not having the steady feel of Mother Earth beneath our feet. It did not take long however, and we were negotiating each segment of the bridge with more and more confidence.
Finally it was time to return to our ship and partake in a traditional meal of fish wrapped in leaves from the forest and cooked to perfection. Afterwards, as some choose to take a well-deserved siesta, some of us tried our luck at photographing the plentiful but very fast pink river dolphins swimming around our boat.
Soon it was time to take to the water once again, some of us in kayaks, and some with our naturalists for an exploration of Caño Nauta or Nauta Creek. Our afternoon was filled with spider monkeys, sloths, and a host of incredible bird life, truly one of the highlights of the trip. However, today is not over, for today is Christmas Eve. The cooks prepared a traditional turkey dinner Peruvian style with all of the fixings. The kitchen staff has outdone themselves once again, and all of our guests leave the dinning hall with full bellies and even fuller sprits. But there was one last activity discussed that we had yet to accomplish this day, a night walk through the forest to experience the Amazon in the evening when it takes on a totally different atmosphere. Years from now, when we talk about how different holidays have been spent, trekking through the Amazon during the night of Christmas Eve will most likely top everyone’s lists.
