Monday, May 17, 2010 Decision time
We each looked at the weather independently and discussed the situation over breakfast. Everyone came to the same conclusion. Even if we could get to Iguacu Falls through the bad weather, it wouldn’t be any fun visiting them in the rain which would continue all day. So, two planes would return to Brasilia and I would remain for one extra day, then head south. Several hours later we waved as they took off.
As I had enjoyed the canoe trip the previous day, I asked to borrow a kayak and head upstream. No problem and off I went. With the overcast clouds and late start, the river was pretty quiet; but I finally came across a Jaburu Stork. I parked upstream and hoped he would take flight. Several minutes later I was rewarded with his huge wingspan, see picture.
Continuing upstream I saw all the normal birds and sounds that we were used to. I stopped at several river banks from time to time then continued again against the current. Finally I decided that I’d come far enough and decided to settle lying down in the kayak and drift downstream listening and watching. Just as I was comfortable, two Toucans flew over with their huge orange beaks gleaming. What a sight. Continuing around several bends in the river an Amazon Kingfisher landed on a small branch with a fish flopping about in its mouth at the same time two Hyacinth Macaws flew over. As I floated downstream I watched two herons. One would try to get close to the other and as soon as it did, the first would fly downriver a bit. This continued for quite a while; I don't know if it is courting, heron-style. Wow, what an enjoyable morning.
Upon returning, I checked the weather again. It looks like it is moving through. Don’t know if I’ll depart early morning or afternoon, will keep checking.
There was no afternoon outing today because the next group arrived very late and a worker cut off the tip of his finger and Lucas had to fly him to a local hospital. I did a local walk and enjoyed the peaceful lakeside.
I thought the weather was improving, but upon Lucas’ return, he said that the local forecast for tomorrow is deteriorating. We’ll have to see which is correct. No worries, Wednesday looks very good, so I’ll get out eventually.
We each looked at the weather independently and discussed the situation over breakfast. Everyone came to the same conclusion. Even if we could get to Iguacu Falls through the bad weather, it wouldn’t be any fun visiting them in the rain which would continue all day. So, two planes would return to Brasilia and I would remain for one extra day, then head south. Several hours later we waved as they took off.
As I had enjoyed the canoe trip the previous day, I asked to borrow a kayak and head upstream. No problem and off I went. With the overcast clouds and late start, the river was pretty quiet; but I finally came across a Jaburu Stork. I parked upstream and hoped he would take flight. Several minutes later I was rewarded with his huge wingspan, see picture.
Continuing upstream I saw all the normal birds and sounds that we were used to. I stopped at several river banks from time to time then continued again against the current. Finally I decided that I’d come far enough and decided to settle lying down in the kayak and drift downstream listening and watching. Just as I was comfortable, two Toucans flew over with their huge orange beaks gleaming. What a sight. Continuing around several bends in the river an Amazon Kingfisher landed on a small branch with a fish flopping about in its mouth at the same time two Hyacinth Macaws flew over. As I floated downstream I watched two herons. One would try to get close to the other and as soon as it did, the first would fly downriver a bit. This continued for quite a while; I don't know if it is courting, heron-style. Wow, what an enjoyable morning.
Upon returning, I checked the weather again. It looks like it is moving through. Don’t know if I’ll depart early morning or afternoon, will keep checking.
There was no afternoon outing today because the next group arrived very late and a worker cut off the tip of his finger and Lucas had to fly him to a local hospital. I did a local walk and enjoyed the peaceful lakeside.
I thought the weather was improving, but upon Lucas’ return, he said that the local forecast for tomorrow is deteriorating. We’ll have to see which is correct. No worries, Wednesday looks very good, so I’ll get out eventually.
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