Rain came during the night washing away our earlier enthusiasm and much of the campsite. Christi and I are awake by 6 am and only Ricardo remains unfazed by the conditions and still exhibits undiluted happiness. We struggle into our waterproof clothing and brave the inclement weather. First up is crossing the Tek River. It’s easy to wade across in Teva’s, my boots strapped to my daypack. Not … [Read more...]
The Lost World, Roraima trek, Day 146
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Thankfully the day dawns bright and clear and Roraima reappears out of the gloom in all its majestic glory. This little victory is enough to change the mood of the camp and Christi and I set off on our summit attempt. It’s only 3 km from our base camp to our euphemistically entitled hotel for the night, but most of the hike is vertical: base camp is at 1870m, the hotel Indio at 2700m. It takes … [Read more...]
Roraima trek, Venezuela, Day 147
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Sleeping on rock is no more comfortable than the dirt of the last few nights. Christi and I have had no opportunity to wash our bodies, which are now rife with sweat, dirt, sun block, and Deet. And no organic matter including human waste can be left on Roraima, hence one has to evacuate into a bag, which is then carried down the mountain again - by someone other than me, thank god! Perhaps for … [Read more...]
Roraima escarpment, Venezuela, Day 148
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Before our brief visit to the Lost World comes to an end and the long slog back to civilization begins, Christi and I make an early morning visit to a few of the more interesting formations on the summit of Roraima, including the colored Jacuzzi pools (the pigment is derived from decaying plants) and the Car for great views of the escarpment. At least the views are great until cloud, mist, and … [Read more...]
Gran Sabana, Venezuela, Day 149
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The Gran Sabana, part of Canaima National Park, includes some of the most unusual landscapes in the world, with rivers, waterfalls and gorges, deep and vast valleys, impenetrable jungles and savannahs that host large numbers and varieties of plant species, a diverse fauna and, of course, the tepuis. And it these features that Christi and I have marveled at over the last week or so. Today is … [Read more...]
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