TERROR IN THE AMAZON!

“URGENT! WE WERE ATTACKED BY PIRATES ARMED WITH HIGH-CALIBER WEAPONRY!”

We found the above posting in our facebook message box. It came from the Amazon 5000 expedition support team members in Brazil.

Back in Orlando at the Amazon 5000 command center we tensed reading the message. We know that the expedition body has been split into two teams with Mickey inland seeking medical care to his illness while the other team is on a makeshift balsa raft floating on the mighty Amazon River - a No-man land. They are on their way to a dedicated checkpoint that Mickey has assigned for them all to meet later on.

“THE ASSAULT WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE AMAZON RIVER as we crossed to a small jungle village location" they wrote. "We were afraid for our lives as they have threatened us seriously. The pirates had us drowning in the river. They beat our heads up with the butts of their powerful automatic sub-machine guns and threw us all into the river.  They then searched all our backpacks for “DRUGS".  After 20 minutes of torture and threats when they didn't find any drugs they left us all together in the middle of the AMAZON RIVER. They stole most of our expedition gear and the money we carried. It took us great EFFORTS IN ORDER TO reach the village.  We are nervous and terrified following this terror event ...”

The team continued to say:

“We were threatened! We were not injured but tortured. These were dramatic moments we can hardly erase from our minds”.

While none of the Amazon 5000 team members has been physically injured they have had yet another emotional trauma experiencing yet another TERROR ON THE AMAZON, while on locations the expedition crosses along their cancer awareness journey.

Back at home in Florida, we are in direct contact with the expedition team whom are keeping a low profile in a small village while recuperating from their trauma. Meanwhile Mickey is seriously ill and must be treated by professional medical care so to regain his strength in order to be able to continue to lead the last 1000 miles of the expedition.

Again, The Amazon 5000 expedition is stationary in one location – and that is NOT GOOD. The Brazilian people along the region of the Amazon are neurotic with an easy finger on the gun trigger. It is a POLICE STATE Region where every citizen is an informer for the benefit of cash or other goods. AND THEY ARE HATEFUL TO FOREIGNERS – Especially to GRINGOS!

                                      

Since crossing into Brazil the Amazon 5000 team has experienced raid after raid by the Military Federal Police forces. With each community they pass by along the river someone is reporting our team to the police and yet another armed unit appears from nowhere with automatic machine guns pointed at the Amazon 5000 team members’ heads and seeking for drugs and drugs and drugs. This is madness!

Armed pirates roaming free along the Amazon River on one hand, Armed Federal Military Police on the other, and hostile local Brazilian indigenous communities in the middle… And the unarmed Amazon 5000 team is now in a constant danger and at a constant big risk to their life: Not by the Elements! Not by Nature! Nor the Wildlife! ONLY by Mankind!!!

The AMAZON 5000 expedition, to remind you all, is all about SURVIVAL of the ELEMENTS through rugged terrain, harsh climate and pristine wilderness, all are part of the marvels of the Mighty AMAZON we all grew to love so much in the past 8 months and 4000 miles throughout the virtual window MICKEY GROSMAN has provided us with in a constant LIVE electronic communication.   

But MANKIND proved to be the most dangerous element among all and the biggest obstacle Mickey and his crew are to overcome!

                                                   

                 

We must end here with our big concern to Mickey’s health and to the safety of his team, as without him able to stand back on his feet and lead his expedition safely, the remaining 1000 miles of the Amazon 5000 expedition is in jeopardy.

Mickey himself has now come to big concerns for the nearest future of the expedition. His concerns are mainly with the safety of his people – the Amazon 5000 support team - and the fact he is still going through the turmoil of his illness, a fact that prevents him from being fully focused and alert as needed in such a hostile environment. 

He weighs various options to complete the last 1000 miles of this inspirational journey in a way that will assure no one’s life is at stake and no one will be harmed by mankind. 

While he has confidence in their ability to survive the elements along their 5000 miles path it is now obvious mankind is the biggest threat of all!

*** We wish to shed a strong spotlight here on Mickey’s loyal and courageous crew that despite all the TERROR IN THE AMAZON they are standing firm behind him. These are some of their words:

“Hoy somos mas fuertes que nunca! Y continuaremos inteligentemente por las vias que sean necesarias....”

Translation – “Today we are stronger than ever! And we will continue along the tracks intelligently necessary…”

“Nosotros estamos firmes para apoyar a Mickey! Incluso hemos arriengado nuestras vidas…”

Translation – “We are firm to support Mickey! Even if we risk our lives …”

“que hoy somos mas uertes que nunca… NI UN PASO ATRAS!”

 Translation -“we are today stronger than ever ... Not one step back!”

“Ya estamos mejor y el equipo aqui esta muy solido!”

Translation – “We're better and the team here is very solid!”

The latest quote we received from the Amazon 5000 team:

We regret the difficult situation Mickey is at. I particularly have been with him in recent months "in the deep jungle of the Amazon" And I saw his courage and determination in favor of his cause, fighting cancer. I've seen Mickey a great person and great human being with a strong and explosive character and he is for me like a father with the learning to be a living on ... Never forgets his strength in the most difficult time!

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?  

Press Release: August 19, 2012

PRESS RELEASE August 19, 2012

For Immediate Release   Contact:                         Rachel Perez                 407-756-3732                                     rperez@amazon5000.com

Mickey's Fans Get Down And Dirty  In The Fight Against Cancer

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 Orlando Cancer Activist, Mickey Grosman will have his footsteps mirrored back at home by his fans. Amazon 5000 fans are standing united to promote awareness and spend a day in Mickey's shoes at the American Mud Race (http://www.americanmudrace.com), Saturday, August 25th. Mickey has trekked over 1,000 miles already in his campaign for cancer awareness. He has had numerous close encounters and life-risking moments but still, him and his team of (6) indigenous forge on. Beginning on the shores of Pedernales, Ecuador they have crossed the country by foot, over the brutal Andes and through the dense Amazon Jungle.  Despite his dramatic kidnapping last week by the Huaruani tribe, he has continued his journey and is now traveling in Peru. Mickey exemplifies his personal motto: Never EVER Give Up! In support to Mickey and his mission to reignite the fight against cancer a group of fans will represent the Amazon 5000 Team on the American Mud Race's muddy and extreme, 3.4 mile course. Just as Mickey has already, and will continue to, face many obstacles on his 5,000 mile journey, fans will encounter over 18 obstacles on race day.     "Mickey is in the mud and dirt all day out on the Amazon 5000 Expedition. He is going to the extreme for an extreme cause. I feel honored to mirror his footsteps back at home and make a statement to our local community to DO Something in the fight against cancer." Stated fan Katrina Putnam. "I am inspired by Mickey and his passion for the cause and I look forward to being part of his incredible movement!" Out of the thousands of racers participating in the American Mud Race the Amazon 5000 Team will identify themselves with bright green Amazon 5000 Bandanna's. On a mission to promote awareness for the cause, fans will make their presence visible on race day and make Mickey's voice heard in Central Florida.  Journalists and fans can track Mickey on The Impossible, Possible Journey by following us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Amazon5000. For more information please contact rperez@amazon5000.com.

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.  Visit our BLOG to read personal expedition blogs from Mickey and get updates. # # #

The Impossible, Possible Journey!

What the River Takes From One, It Gives to Another: The Dugout Canoe Story

 

We are stuck at the Ecuador Peru border. The soldier in charge of the check point is trying to contact by two ways radio with his supervisors in Iquitos Peru, hundreds of miles away. To my request he is seeking instructions in order to allow Amazon 5000 expedition to cross the border in ordinary way. It has been already 3 days since we arrived this point, still no answer...the radio only goes one way… No one in Iquitos pick up the other side radio. It seems as if my original plan of cutting on foot through the deep dense jungle would have worked better, rather wasting time with the incapacity of the confused Peruvians guards who apparently never had a western dude crossing that point of land. But as I’ve quickly learned, the jungle ground around here is flooded to neck height and surrounded by thousands of acres of nasty swamps…I still feel the pain my expedition support team and I have encountered just in the past month of crossing through the Yasuni jungle’s swamps north of here, and where I’ve tasted the bitterness these swamps provide. If I could just avoid that “pleasure” I will cross the border’s checkpoint along the River, at the confluence point of the Cononaco and the Curary rivers. These two rivers originates from the source of the Amazon; the ridges of the Eastern Andes, and down the orient, and makes one wider and winding river that heads South-East to meet with the mighty Amazon river.

Stopping first at the Ecuadorian checkpoint I experience no problem exiting Ecuador. I have an official letter provided to me by the Government of Ecuador that calls for anyone who read it to provide me and my Amazon 5000 expedition team with all the help and support we need. After all we received a tremendous support to the Amazon 5000 cause and for going such a grueling expedition, by the Ecuadorian people all along the way since 3 months ago when I began my expedition at the shores of the Pacific ocean in Pedernales. You should understand; where I am right now it is not a traditional “tourists” checkpoint. No tourists ever come here! Therefore there is not exactly a Passports check in or out station and all other procedure known to the west. Only one small soldiers unit posted here, and they did not even understand what exactly to do when I stood there, asking them to stamp my passport! I wanted to assure my exit from Ecuador will be done properly and documented in my passport. The officer in charge – David, agrees to sign his name and post a date on my passport page. That’s the only way they can document my exit he said. One kilometer downs the river and East, and we are now in Peru’s checkpoint.

So here I am, awaiting the Peruvians to approve my expedition passing through their checkpoint. Presenting the Peruvians with the Ecuadorians official letter and briefing them about the Amazon 5000 expedition the soldier in charge is trying every four hours to communicate with Peru’s inland. These unsuccessful attempts look to the observer like if the “Tam-Tam” drams system works very slowly here in the jungle. Not only has that no one picked up the radio on the other side, but in my case also the thunders and lightning storms that are so common to this region disturbs the radio communication transmission. I must adapt to the slow pace things are being handle here, I know. So I accepted the advice from my lovely wife – “be patient” she text messaged me to my Satellite phone, from as far as Orlando Florida, where she and the Amazon 5000 home base team monitoring my progress very careful… from their comfortable couches. “Time is the best commodities you have, so relax there, on the river’s “playa” until things will get clear…” she said.

I take her advice and am here for 3 days already, waiting… but it’s not me to just simply sit still… having thorns pokes my rear constantly I must keep busy. I also become worry watching my Ecuadorian indigenous support team as boredom threaten to control their strong being. The adrenaline this expedition provides is dying with each day the expedition is on halt. Such can cause motivation to drop and the united body of the team fall apart. I decided there is a lot to do in preparation for the moment a clear sign will be given to me. I realized a trek on foot through the jungle like we did before will not work here, at least not for quite a while. I must move down the river waterway and over the swamps area. Balsa makeshift raft will do it!

I asked two of the Peruvian soldiers with whom I’ve made friendship to join me and my team while we seek for balsa trees deep in the thick jungle. For the whole day we trekked the forest but couldn’t find such trees. Empty handed we returned to the border checkpoint. While we discussed other means for waterway transportation one of the soldiers mentioned that one hour away southeast along the Curarai River he observed a dugout canoe that has been drifted a while ago from the upper river and is stuck at the muddy river bank since then. The two soldiers volunteered to show us the exact location of the canoe while did not see any wrong doing in letting us entering deep into the Peruvian territory. But how could we go down the river, a one hour distance? 

Not expecting any military combat happening at their border, the border patrol unit does not have even one canoe for transportation… They are stranded in the jungle as much as we are! So how can I reach the abandoned canoe? the canoe the River stole from one and sent over to us…? It is the best survival tool sent my way. It will allow me to resume moving and to get out of this trap. I can’t miss this opportunity. However, I still don’t know the condition of the dugout canoe and hope it will float!  My head is spinning seeking a solution...here it is, an immediate order to my men to pump air in three of my rubber commando boats and hit the Dugout canoe rescue combat operation!  

And like Francisco de Orellana the Spanish conquistadors who has been stranded in this region in the year 1541 during the legendary El-Dorado voyage, I became Pizarro – his colonel - who sent Orellana down the river to seek for food… I now sent my people; Delfin Gualinga and three others to seek for ….a canoe.

It has been seven hours now and Delfin and his small canoe’s rescue team is not back yet. The Canoe should be located only one hour down the river….and there is no sight of Delfin….for a second I remembered how Francisco de Orellana went down the river at the same region and could not return up river after he found a food source. Will the same happen here? Will Delfin be unable to paddle the rubber boats or dugout canoe if found up the river? Will the incredible Seven Amazonian Indians team and one Ameri-sraeli colonel are doomed to split as happened 500 years ago?

17:00 – It is sundown time. In a short hour a thick darkness will cover the canopies and the jungle nocturnal life will resumed.  Delfin and his team of three finally shows up from around the river curb, all covered with mud and exhausted….  There is a canoe! he reports to me. But it is all cracked and needs a major repair. It took them hours to dig the canoe out of the mud and tow it upstream. They left it at a nearby sand bar. Tomorrow I will go there to assess the canoe’s damages and see if I can use it to continue the Amazon 5000 jungle expedition.