This morning, for a change of pace, we went “out” for breakfast to the Jungle Café. Out for breakfast had a literal meaning today. Outside on the water we dined with the two skiffs tied together on the Zapote River…we found the perfect table for 18! Our naturalists-turned-waiters donned their white gloves and served us a lovely breakfast of fruit, local juices, coffee or tea, small sandwiches and pastries. We can all truly say that we have never done anything like that before!
After a post-breakfast skiff ride and exploration, we stopped at the village of Urarinas. This village of less than 100 people seemed very focused on fishing (not unlike some of the men in our group). On the banks of the village there were men in larger dugouts buying and packing fish that the villagers had caught. The fish was being packed in ice for the trip down river to Iquitos. After admiring and buying some of the crafts that the local women had laid out for us, we strolled into the town. This town was very different than Amazonas earlier in the week. Here we could see the high water marks on the houses. In another two months the water will top the banks and flood the village. No worries, they are prepared. Their houses are built on stilts and everyone will do all their traveling by boat. For us, having no solid ground to walk on for several months of the year seems very strange. Here in the flood forest it is just a way of life.
This afternoon we reached our furthest western destination of the trip, the Pacaya River, one of the namesakes of the reserve. Here our goal was a visit to Yanayacu Lake. We had a lovely long skiff ride, further into the reserve than we have yet been. Along the way we made a stop to see a turtle program at one of the ranger stations, and further along, our first red howler monkeys. We also had a chance to visit with some local fishermen who were storing their catch of catfish in a floating net pen. They would eventually take this pen and float downstream for three days to bring their fish to Iquitos to sell.
When we reached the lake we swam and laughed and floated (with the help of colorful “noodles”) and toasted to the beautiful evening. The water was easily as warm as the air, and pink dolphins swam in the vicinity. How could it get any better than this? We soon had to leave the lake, but enjoyed the beautiful sunset and grand scenery as we glided down the peaceful Pacaya River toward the Delfin II.
