RULES OF THE WILD

RULES OF THE WILD It has been six months from the start of the Amazon 5000 Expedition and we can now put together some conclusions and "rules" to be adapted by ones who think on going locations through the heart of the Amazon - the RULES of the WILD!  We collected some Do's and Don'ts and how they played out in the crisis we experienced along the trail and of which, kept us during the past few weeks at the edge of our seats! BUT MAINLY THIS IS AN UPDATE OF MICKEY'S PROGRESS ALONG HIS AMAZON 5000 EXPEDITION TRAIL for all of you friends, family and fans who are asking:  WHERE IS MICKEY NOW?

RULE #1: Never stop an expedition for more than one night at the SAME location, while in the Amazon, always keep moving.    It is early November when Mickey Grosman and his Amazon 5000 team settle the expedition on the Amazon river bank in the desolate jungle town of Tabatinga Brazil. They are awaiting the next expedition team member; Joe Flowers from N. Carolina, to join them in 5 days. Mickey takes these days to let his team rest and recoup their energy from the tireless trek that started on the pacific shore of Ecuador, six months ago. It is during this rest period that Mickey finalizes logistics for the next leg of his journey meeting with the local indigenous in preparation for Leg 8 and where Mickey is identifying locations rich in wildlife for exploration.  Back at home we are nervous! The pre-expedition research we conducted in the year prior to the beginning of the expedition pointed out this location might be of the worst and the most dangerous one among all. Settled between a major river intersection shared by three countries; Peru Colombia and Brazil this area is well known for its high crime and is suggested to be a major artery for drug trafficking. We bite our nails waiting for the new expedition member to arrive from Miami to Tabatinga and for Mickey to leave this location immediately and continue the expedition. "Keep going Mickey" we whisper... "keep going man!" This "minor" delay proves to be very costly to the expedition and a catalyst for a turn of events in the coming days... RULE #2 Never get sick while crossing the Amazon!  As Joe Flowers landed on the short runway of Tabatinga he is greeted not by the scene he expected. Mickey it seems has just fallen ill, developing debilitating headaches and fever. Every muscle and joint ached with inexplicable pain and as the days went on, the team witnesses Mickey's health deteriorating as he was diagnosed with Dengue Fever. Little did the team know the relentless swarm of mosquitoes that annoyed them in the jungle brought with them a deadly disease. Mickey seeking medical care faints at the clinic door. He is admitted into a small make shift hospital and treated for this life threatening illness. Mickey's "recovery" delays the expedition even more. As weak as his body is, Mickey's strength of mind is still evident. Mickey is anxious to get back on his feet and continue the expedition, especially now that Joe has just arrived. RULE #3: DROP to your knees "hands up" when told so, especially while in the Amazon! (It will not hurt if you bury your face into the sand too...)   It has been over a week now that the expedition stays in one location while Mickey who is bedridden in a local motel room attempts to recover his illness, and the expedition is not moving forward --- that's not good (see Rule #1). Camping out on the River bank for so long his team captures the attention of the locals. The Amazon 5000 team is made out of all good people: Ecuadorians, Peruvians, and the main characters - "gringos" Americans. The locals are curious...not knowing why these foreigners settled down in their neighborhood. Rumors began to spread over this little town that sits on the main artery of the Amazon river and is infested with crime. That's not good and Mickey knows it, He must break camp and leave this town as quickly as possible. But he is far from standing strong on his feet and is still battling the Dengue disease. Regaining some strength after a week, Mickey returns to the expedition campground where his team finally breaks camp preparing to move forward. All geared and packed, ready to leave the town, they are suddenly swarmed by 20 armed police force. Yet again the Amazon 5000 Expedition team find themselves in a dangerous situation, looking down the barrels of the guns, this time of the Tabatinga's federal police unit. The police shout aggressively in Portuguese tongue with the only clear word understood by all being "drugs, drugs"... and order the team to the ground. All but Mickey submit to the police orders and drop down to their knees, hands-up... some bury their faces in the sand. Mickey remains standing with arms down and hands open in a neutral stance. Being a proud Special Forces veteran, where he looked so many times at death to its face and now proudly wearing the American flag on his expedition shirt, Mickey is ticked off, refuses to be humiliated or let anyone degrade his country, the U.S.A. Over the police loud yelling and aggressive body language he tries to communicate with them and tells them that he and his team are not there in Brazil for any wrong doing. None of the police members understands neither English, nor Spanish or want to hear him at all. Realizing he is the expedition leader they reach to Mickey quickly and handcuff him. They search through the belongings of every team member while those are watching mournfully, for their expedition survival gear; knives, machetes and also a bear mace canister (that serves them as a self defense tool) is being confiscated. Knowing they have done nothing wrong, the team is astonished when the police drag Mickey away to the local police station, leaving them leaderless and with no direction.  About an hour later, without Mickey present, the police return to camp, but this time they go on search to the surrounding neighborhood area. From someplace there, they now confiscate a single shot - hunting rifle commonly carries by locals in the region. And... they detain Mickey in the local jail with no communication to the outside world. Once again an obstacle stands in Mickey's way, threatening to put a stop to his journey of HOPE!  Will this break him?  Back at home, we are informed of the crisis by Joe Flowers. Communicating with different people throughout the week, the stories vary and local speculations from the street level make their way to us. The reason for the police raid on the Amazon 5000 campground and for Mickey's detention stays shrouded in darkness. No official explanation is provided and Mickey's health keeps him unable to defend himself. Everyday Joe visits Mickey, together with Coy Webb, a local young American missionary who lives in that town. Coy and his young wife Priscila, who have just met the expedition team a few days earlier takes the situation to heart and volunteer to help Mickey using their knowledge of the town.Together with Joe, Coy brings food to Mickey once a day to nourish his body and check on his treatment. It is clear to see over the next few days: Mickey's health is once again deteriorating, and this time very fast. He is coughing up blood and looks almost skeletal. The dengue fever knocks Mickey down once again.  The two young guys demand medical attention from the federal police. The police comply as even they can see Mickey is now facing a life or death situation. Within 24 hours Mickey's health is once again taking a very bad turn. Suffering from the more extreme level of Dengue Fever -- Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever a disease also known as "breakbone" fever Mickey is now being rushed to a military hospital where he is being treated with intravenous rehydration methods. He is bleeding internally throwing up constantly and suffering a pain as if his bones are broken. This disease can hit in 3-4 cycles, each phase hitting harder than the one before and Mickey is experiencing his second cycle already and is in desperate need of medical attention -- in risk of slipping into dengue shock syndrome where dangerously low blood pressure occurs. RULE #4: Know your country consulate office, emergency phone number in advance.   Joe Flowers has taken charge and communicates the situation at hand with the home team. Seeing Mickey's health decline brings the reality of how dire the situation is quickly becoming. With no explanation from the police, no communication with Mickey and Mickey looking very ill it was urgent to do something to get Mickey out of detention and provide him with proper medical care. Back home, the Amazon 5000 team attempts to reach out to the U.S. Consulate office in Manaus. After contacting the State Department, an initial connection is made with the U.S. Embassy in Brazillia, Brazil - 2000 miles away from Tabatinga. With a long holiday weekend in the States and a week-long holiday in Brazil, it takes several calls until the right contact is made and action is able to begin. Consulting with Dr. Kyle Ver-Steeg, back in Iowa, we are learning Mickey's health symptoms needed urgent attention from the onset and the situation is gloomy. The U.S. Consul in Brazil, after following local official procedures is able to make the first phone call to Mickey. He reports to us of his impression of Mickey's health and is aware of the need to provide Mickey with immediate care and full attention. A few days later, he is able to send a consular agent to visit Mickey. RULE #5: Make sure to choose your expedition team mates carefully and have a strong backbone buddies back you up at home.   Kyle Ver Steeg, who has just left the Amazon 5000 expedition two months ago is in constant communication with the home team. Experiencing the expedition with Mickey he knows Mickey is on a starvation diet as result of living off the land and taking into consideration his previous cancer battle, Kyle is horrified to hear of Mickey's condition. He is concerned for Mickey's life and prepares to take flight to Brazil and see to Mickey's medical attention himself. Kyle's able to expedite a Brazilian Visa but not being an official US representative, Kyle will not be allowed into the military hospital where Mickey is kept at in Tabatinga. Kyle is determined to help and bring Mickey home and even the Amazon 5000 home team is now concerned this disease may take Mickey's life. It is now our only hope to stop the expedition and bring him safely home. Joe Flowers is now working diligently and around the clock on the Tabatinga ground dealing with an international drama. He works tirelessly to network and speak with the locals in Brazil to get medical help and relief for Mickey. This is not what he has expected when he landed on the Amazon grounds. Instead of trekking the dense jungle of the Amazon, exploring its marvelous and wildlife and testing his survival limits, instead he is now battling a different kind of survival-ability. Involved in an International crisis, he dips his legs in waters he has never been before. But it is a health crisis and Joe is standing up for the task. Getting some strong encouragement from Kyle Ver Steeg back at home, Joe is keeping his head up and providing support for Mickey. Meanwhile, the Amazon 5000 Expedition support team with much dedication waits for Mickey by the river, guarding the gear and keeping their spirits high for Mickey's return. A very significant “Backbone” support and a “Life-Line” to Mickey’s family and to the Amazon 5000 team back home and abroad is ‘The Satellite Phone Store’ of Sarasota, Florida! Sponsoring Mickey and the expedition from the get go, providing a wide line of Satellite devices and a budget for Airtime usage this sponsorship proved to be Priceless!  The good people at the SPS of Sarasota are playing a big role in keeping the safety of the A5K expedition team, especially through crises and as this one unfolded! With Mickey unable to stand on his feet Joe Flowers is now in possession of all the electronics, and he is using them to its full potential. Without any other mean of communication at this isolated town Joe is reporting to us back home using the Satellite phone two to three times a day, keeping us informed of Mickey’s health and working with us on logistics to release Mickey and provide him with an immediate care and relief. Providing the Amazon 5000 expedition with state of the art equipment in communication devices we cannot thank enough the good people of Satellite Phone Store for their belief in Mickey and of his inspirational journey as well as their kind sponsorship and the behind the scenes support have they provided all along.   RULE #6: A 5000 mile expedition across continent, in a call to end Cancer and inspire those who are in the battle, CANNOT succeed without A WORLD WIDE SUPPORT.   It takes a lot of courage, good intentions and amounts of logistics and preparations for one to do suchan expedition as Mickey Grosman does! But it could not have taken place without the support of youall back at home and around the world! One cannot take such initiative and dare to go through such obstacles without having a strong backing of support you all provide. YOU are the backbone of his support, and Mickey is counting on you!

As of three weeks ago, with a Brazilian local judge allows for the Amazon 5000 expedition to continue all the way, Mickey was released from Jail, something we are most definitely thankful for during this time of Holidays. Though it was not an ideal situation, Mickey says it was an "out of this world" and unbelievable experience he would not take back and will share with us down the road.  While losing 40 pounds due to his health crisis, he gained a lot of support and compassion from the local people including the hospital staff, the jail guards and local villagers who are now following the Amazon 5000 Expedition virtually over our social network pages.    Two weeks ago Mickey has resumed the expedition, heading now along the Amazon river towards Manaus. He is not fully recovered yet and still suffers pain all over his body - a fact that slows him down and lower his physical energy.  There are still chances the Dengue Fever will hit him again in a third episode. We are worried about Mickey but he is determined as always to continue. Join us in encouraging his strength of will and endurance to go on! Thank you Mickey, you truly are making the Impossible, Possible!

A short blog from Mickey Grosman: A TALE OF AN AMAZON FRUIT

Yesterday we found a fruit tree in the jungle, fruit I have never seen before. The indigenous collected the fruit and explained me that the locals use it as sun block (sunscreen) 

My curiosity kicked in.  My supply of sun block cream made in America is getting low and finding a natural remedy to protect my skin appealed to me. Dr. Wayne, My cancer doctor is watching me all the time looking carefully at my pictures I post to make sure I follow his orders: Nose face and ears must be protected with sun block at ALL TIME. My Melanoma cancer cells, if still developing in my body are hungry for food. I must prevent it…

So I wanted to test this remedy. A month ago while still up the Curaray River I have used natural clay as sun blocker. You take what mother Earth gives you when you are away from the nearest CVS.   

Santa, a Peruvian guy who just joined my expedition team began preparing the mix. He squeezed the white juice first and then removed the white color gooey pulps out of it. Mixing it all well we have had now a nice white creamy paste. Santa smmired the paste carefully over my face, forehead and neck, in nice layers, perfect coding that suppose to provide me with protection from the sun.

Only 20 minutes to my facial treatment and I see all my Amazon 5000 indigenous team guys watching me and cracking up with huge laughter! What? What’s the story Delfin??? Delfin is my translator in situations where my Spanish is to no avail… No one, not Delfin can speak. They are holding their tummies so not to explode and laughing their lungs out. I look behind me. Is it something there that I don’t see that cause them to tear from laughter? No, they say and point their fingers at my face. I touch my face. Still feel creamy… remove my fingers and look at them. Oy Vey! IT’S ALL BLACK!

What? I must find a mirror and see what they see – but I quickly understand. They prank me…these busters! They knew this white fruit turn black in only 15 minutes. They are happy now big time like kids who prank their teacher. As for me….? this fruit, although a real sun block, actually stained the skin. My skin is now dyed black and will stay like that for at least two weeks. Luckily my beard is still reddish blond – my identity is saved!

And as for Delfin, Timothy, Santa, Nicky and the rest – revenge is coming your way guys… be aware!

On a small note…in only two days I am to meet Kyle Ver Steeg and Aaron Sheldrick who are flying from Minnesota and Iowa to the jungles of Peru only to join me aboard Amazon 5000 expedition. I am wondering….is this the man they are expecting to see?  

The next leg

Here are some pictures to put the next leg of the Amazon 5000 in perspective. The first is the spot where Mickey is being dropped off after the kidnapping ordeal. An outpost on the border of Ecuador and Peru called Conanaco (quite nice place).

And the next picture is a zoom out that shows the next section of the trek.

I think this pretty much says it all. If you want to follow along and see their progress - here is the link to the beacon tracker.

Kidnap and Escape

I have done my best to make this as accurate as possible - as I get more information I will make corrections. This is continued from Part I - The Kidnapping.

The expedition team had been captured Sunday afternoon leaving Sunday evening to be a real nail-biter for the folks back here in Orlando. Outside of a satellite phone call that Mickey placed to Noga over the protests of the kidnappers - there was no other correspondence from either the team or the kidnappers. What the kidnappers were learning was that kidnapping Mickey is like grabbing a tiger by the tail. Anyone who knows his also knows this. He continued filming while they told him not to, he used the satellite phone, and by Monday - he and the team had set up camp while the kidnappers kept a sage distance (of about 300 feet) from the encampment.

Members of the tribe that captured Mickey

Meanwhile - back in the US and Israel, plans for the rescue were underway. The coordination had led to a plan. The message sent using the Delorme Device was at this location

https://explore.delorme.com/textmessage/viewmsg?mo=e621e8b2311142e8ad9e90965e599e1b814320

Here is a map of the crew and kidnapper movements during this time.

Because of the road access, and the fact that we had a satellite signal, a team was able to get to the location and determine that Mickey and crew were in fact at the same location. Late Monday evening a car was sent from the oil company to the location. Two representatives spoke with the tribe holding Mickey, and while they were leaving they spoke in English (which the tribe does not understand) - to be at a set of coordinates on the road at 4 AM for extraction.

Mickey in Captivity

Mickey has this effect on me too.

This would lead Mickey to start planning a daring night escape. Instead of unpacking gear on Monday evening, the team kept everything in their packs. They planned to use hammocks to sleep (which is common). At 2:30 AM using night vision goggles and infrared night equipment that was packed for the expedition - Mickey and team left camp and slowly and quietly made their way to the location on the road. For those of you who might have had the experience of navigating through the jungle to find a spot on a road at night, while sneaking past guards and wearing a 50 pound pack - this is not an easy task.

Once at the car - the team was driven all the way to Rio Napo where they were greeted by representatives of the government, and others. We will have more stories and footage later - but for now the team is safe and is planning on being taken to Cononaco near the border with Peru to continue the expedition. And, while this gets them past the territory where they might be kidnapped by tribes in Ecuador - they will have an entirely new set of challenges facing them ahead.

Encounter and Kidnapping

Imagine the jungle, deep jungle - no sun overhead - trudging along. At night you hear sounds, animal sounds and what you think are human sounds. Each day you hear more of the sounds that you are sure are not animals - but humans. You know there are hostile tribes in the area you are traveling through - the most dangerous being the Tagaeri Tribe (more here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagaeri ). We have had encounters with them before and felt lucky to escape.

In this case - there were tribal indians stalking the expedition crew and around 12 PM on August 4 - they made their move. It was not the feared Tagaeri - but instead the a group Huaorani tribesmen and soldiers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huaorani . The presence of soldiers does not mean safety - in the jungle, the tribe and the military are pretty much the same people. It does mean well-armed, though. The expedition crew was quickly surrounded, searched, led to 2 waiting boats and taken to a "secure" location.

Mickey has been in these types of situations before. He quickly hid his beacon satellite tracker on his body, and got a message off to Noga - his wife. If the tribe took his other equipment, he could at least be tracked on beacon. Of course anyone who has ever relied on beacon knows that it has a mind of its own, and for 2 hours Noga watched an unmoving satellite tracking screen with no updates.

Here is the message:

"I have been captured few minutes ago by a military unit and by the Haurani tribal men on location deep in the jungle. They surrounded us with aimed guns and searched our gear and are taking me and my expedition team under guns to a secluded location! I need you to track me on Google map to the location I'm being taken to and follow me to assure my and my team safety"

Meanwhile back in the jungle, Mickey and crew were being guarded by about 15 armed men (it is kind of hard to count guards while they keep moving and have guns). Also when guarding a group it is a good idea to not have the group know exactly how many people are there and where they are. The group gave the team about 300 feet to set up camp. Mickey decided not to put up tents, to sleep in hammocks - and also keep all equipment packed up. Unfortunately, the team did not want to use the cameras (understandably) - but this did not stop Mickey who wanted to keep filming away (and he did).

A night in the jungle under guard can be scary, however back in the rest of the world - news of the kidnapping had gotten out and was on the news and quickly making its way through Facebook and the social media. Also with an Israeli-American involved - it had the potential of becoming an international incident. To make it even more suspenseful - we knew exactly where Mickey was (thanks to the beacon tracker). There would be no news until the next day, and you my friends get to hear about that tomorrow too.

Press Release: Augut 3, 2012

RESS RELEASE August 3, 2012 For Immediate Release   Contact:                         Rachel Perez                 407-756-3732                                     rperez@amazon5000.com

Cancer Warriors Honored in the  Mighty Amazon Jungle  On The Amazon 5000 Expedition Attention reporters: Mickey Grosman is available for interviews live from the jungle. High-resolution images from the expedition are also available.    ORLANDO, Florida- Amazon 5000,www.facebook.com/amazon5000, announced today a milestone was reached on the Amazon 5000 Expedition. Expedition leader, Mickey Grosman honored the lives of cancer warriors in a very special way in the midst of his 5000 mile journey.   While forging through the remote and perilous Sumaco Region in Ecuador-- Mickey climbed the ridges of the eastern andes, through dense primal jungle, fighting the dangerously high and chilling winds that threatened to force him down into the deep gorges of the mountainous range. In this land never crossed by anyone before, Mickey and his team brought the expedition to a stop to take a moment and remember the reason for this extreme voyage. Mickey read the names of loved ones lost, those in the journey and survivors that lined the pages of two handmade dedication scrolls.    Capturing the ceremony on film for The Impossible, Possible Journey documentary, Mickey shared inspirational words of encouragement to those currently fighting in the battle and about his personal experiences with cancer. This was a very emotional moment for Mickey Grosman. Diagnosed with Melanoma Cancer in 2010, he knows first hand what it's like to battle for your life. Mickey's message to all cancer patients: "Stay strong in your fight friends, Never Give Up. Together we can make the Impossible, Possible!" Mickey embodies his message as he forges on through extreme obstacles in his expedition. Crossing land that is considered "impassable", Mickey made it through brutal terrain to the location of the dedication ceremony. Sumaco Volcano in Ecuador  "The high elevation mountains have basically blocked us", wrote Mickey in a Satellite transmission. "The deep gorges surrounded us, rapid rivers beneath us, winds and downpours above us, and the life threatening situation has become obvious! All of us feel that this Cloud-forest jungle wants to kills us and keep us here. Everything is holding us back and trying to keep us from moving forward. I feel like this place wants to keep me here forever!" Here in the middle of the mystical cloud forest where Mickey has now opened a trail for future researchers to come and study the plants, Mickey marked the mighty trunk of the rain forest tree that is now a commemoration site for cancer warriors.   The Amazon 5000 Dedication scrolls were placed in time capsules to protect them over time, but hopefully not too much time.It is Mickey's vision to send a 2nd expedition to retrieve the dedication scrolls once a cure for cancer is discovered. Being that 70% of vegetation with anti-cancer properties are found in the rainforest, the cure may very well lie here in the unexplored jungles of the Amazon region where the dedication scrolls lie. "Opening a trail for research, it is my hope researchers will follow my footprint and a cure is found in this unexplored location" said Mickey.  Journalists and fans can track Mickey on The Impossible, Possible Journey by following us on facebook:http://www.facebook.com/Amazon5000. About Amazon 5000:  Amazon 5000- For the Cure was founded to inspire those who are battling cancer, promote awareness to the fight against cancer and to provide endorsement  to research foundations and local organizations supporting Cancer patients through their journey. For more information visit:www.amazon5000.com.  # # #

The Impossible, Possible Journey!

Press Release: July 27, 2012

PRESS RELEASE July 27, 2012 For Immediate Release   Contact:                         Rachel Perez                 407-756-3732                                     rperez@amazon5000.com

Discovering the Undiscovered, Mysterious and Rare  On The Amazon 5000 Expedition Attention reporters: Mickey Grosman is available for interviews live from the jungle. High-resolution images from the expedition are also available.    ORLANDO, Florida- Amazon 5000,www.facebook.com/amazon5000, announced today that 64- year-old cancer survivor and special forces veteran, Mickey Grosman, has discovered plant life in the Amazon 5000 Expedition not recognized by the indigineous of the area, possibly unidentifiable to anyone!  In the midst of Mickey's Amazon 5000 expedition, a 5,000 mile journey across the South American continent, Mickey and his team of (6) indigenous, crossed land never crossed by any before. Traveling hundreds of miles, Mickey reached the Sumaco region, in the mountain range of the Eastern Andes in Ecuador. It is here, where Mickey documented plant life that was foreign to even the natives of the area. Mushrooms that looked and smelled like fruit, trees with mysterious intricate designs in the trunks and rare giant worms were just a few bio species documented by Mickey.          Mickey is now traveling east into Yasuni Park in Ecuador, just beginning leg 6 of his 12 leg, year long adventure. He will now be entering the territory of the Tagaeri Tribe. One of the last known uncontacted indigenous tribes in the world.   A meeting with the Tagaeri's could turn fatal, this tribe is known for their weapon of choice, long spears, and to be one of the most violent tribes. Despite the danger, Mickey forges on in his mission to reignite the fight against cancer and inspire cancer patients. Even the ominous giant paw print found in their path will not deter Mickey!  Setting a personal example, Mickey wishes to encourage cancer patients. Mickey says "I want the cancer warriors to know I am dedicating this journey to them. Keep battling strong, fight hard and never ever give up!". Through state of the art technology sponsored by Satellite Phone Store and Delorme, Mickey is able to share updates, blogs and picture live from the jungle and communicate with his fans at home and the little warriors battling cancer at Florida Hospital (www.floridahospitalforchildren.com) and with the children at BASE Camp Children's Cancer Foundation(www.basecamp.org) . They are partner organizations with Amazon 5000-for the Cure (www.facebook.com/Amazon5000) and the Amazon 5000-Kids Adventure Club (www.facebook.com/groups/TrekkerInspector). Journalists and fans can track Mickey on The Impossible, Possible Journey by following us on facebook:http://www.facebook.com/Amazon5000. About Amazon 5000:  Amazon 5000- For the Cure was founded to inspire those who are battling cancer, promote awareness to the fight against cancer and to provide endorsement  to research foundations and local organizations supporting Cancer patients through their journey. For more information visit:www.amazon5000.com.  # # #

The Impossible, Possible Journey!