Today was one of those days that I dream of. Everything goes as planned, pieces fit together, wildlife is cooperative, and the weather was nearly perfect. The Amazon can be a tough place at times, with many complications. Today was incredibly pleasant, rewarding, relaxing, and thrilling.
Overcast skies started the day, keeping the temperatures nice and cool for our exploration of Atun Poza. We set off in the skiffs in a winding oxbow lake and the wildlife was enjoying the weather as well. Birds were everywhere, monkeys, sloths, and dolphins were active, and flowers lined our way. It was a morning that didn’t want to end, so luckily we had brought breakfast with us. We feasted in the skiffs while enjoying the birds flitting about and the butterflies passing by.
An early afternoon rain shower dropped the temperatures, and the skies cleared for our afternoon on the Pacaya River. Here we explored a vast flooded area filled with expansive mats of floating vegetation, including giant lily pads. We arrived at Yanayacu Lake under sunny, warm skies, the perfect condition for swimming. The pool was open, the dolphins were curious, and the beer was cold. What more could you ask for?
As the temperature began to drop, the wildlife again became active. Howler, monk saki, and squirrel monkeys were cooperative while more sloths were spotted. As we worked our way through a sea of water hyacinth flowers, the setting sun lit up the scattered trees. We arrived back at the Delfin II with a half-moon overhead, an orange glow in the west, and the Southern Cross perched just above our home sweet home for the week.
