Boats

Boats

During my time in Amazonas I have ridden in a variety of boats, as the rivers are still the principal highways, and in this land of jungle and rivers, they probably always will.

I have crossed lakes in small canoes (sank in one once upon a time), rode up back rivers in a small twenty foot by eight foot boat to visit communities so deep in the interior they had never experienced electricity without the assistance of a gas generator.

My first river trip was in a large two story river boat, an eighteen hour voyage where I saw the meeting of the waters, my first pink dolphin and where I slept in a hammock (rede in Portuguese) for the first time.

I went by small boat and then canoe to visit the flooded jungle and see the giant water lilies known as Victoria Redes, as well as troops of monkeys running through the tree tops, accompanied by the squawking of colorful parrots, parrakeet's and toucans.

Life on the rivers of the Amazon appears easy and laid back, but the truth of the matter is that for those who live on the banks life is usually a seasonal challenge, harvesting enough during the dry season, and staying above the water during the floods.

A visit to Amazonas is incomplete without a trip on the water.

One of the greatest spectacles in Manaus is on the feast of Saints Peter and Paul. As patron of all who travel the water, Saint Peter is loved and honored. On his feast day boats of all sizes form a procession and travel the six or seven miles that make up all of Manaus' waterfront. Priests aboard a large boat lead the procession offering prayers and singing hymns. What appears to be hundreds of boats follow. (Always good to keep a sharp lookout and make sure no drunk captain is getting too close)

I have been a participant in the procession twice and both were exciting experiences.

If you get to the land of rivers and streams make the time to get out and explore and feel them.

More in the next edition.