Life without running water

Half an hour before sunset today and I hadn't seen a stream since 10am. I sat down on my Macpac and contemplated sleep without washing, cooking or drinking. I had enough grease on my forehead to fry chips in and enough dirt down the back of my neck to grow sprouts. I was hungry and very thirsty - the prospect was grim.

The sky darkened and thunder announced the oncoming rain. I grinned as if 100% pure morale had been injected into my veins.

The flysheets was up in seconds and my cameras and food emptied out of their dry bags to make impromptu reservoirs. I haven't had to collect rainwater for ages, but I've practiced my routine and the rubber bags were soon overflowing like garden fountains. What a joy!

A good Question

The last few days have been no fun.

Imagine a place that has twisted gnarled roots, thick, razor wire-like thorns, and mud that sucks you down into it. Then imagine not having any idea when it will finish. In an hour? Four hours? Four days?

Low, tangled rainforest, no higher than 6 metres with ugly, black branches blocking my path. Every soggy step gave way and I sank up to my thighs in the swamp. Every branch I clung to was covered in either spines or ants.

I won’t lie – that last part - I hated it.

The best question I've had this week is from Paul in Miss Boddington's class. He asks: "Which animal are you most frightened of, and have you seen any of them?"

The natives here think I should be really frightened of the Jaguar. They always warn me to stay clear of the Jaguar, but I don't think the Jaguars will attack me as I crash through the jungle. I reckon they are more scared than I am. The animal I am more worried about is the 'pit viper' snake. They are the most deadly snakes in South America. If I see one I stop, go back and pick out a new route. I carry 48 hours of anti-venom incase I get bitten. Hopefully that is enough time to get to hospital. At the moment I see about three a week. The difficulty is that they are really well camouflaged and by the time I spot them they have pulled their heads back ready to strike out at me. I have to keep my eyes peeled.

Thanks for the questions. Keep them coming.