We were surprised on the 6th day with the opportunity to kayak down the river back to Napo. The quietness of floating down the river, with only one other person in each kayak, allowed us to really take in the remoteness of the Amazon. Two of the kayak groups went down the wrong fork in the river and got lost, but in the end, we all ended up back at the lodge safe and sound!
We went piranha fishing twice, because our first time we only caught a catfish. On our 7th day, we went out on the water again and caught 29 fish. The wind in our hair and the cooler weather on the river was very refreshing and a great experience. The excitement from everyone on the boat brought everyone's spirits up after a long day and allowed us to form deeper connections with everyone else in our group.
On our last day, we were able to swim in the Amazon River. The water was refreshing and even more relaxing after spending the afternoon piranha fishing in the intense heat. Swimming was freeing, and allowed us, as Mr. Rossi said, to feel like children again. We all ended up running in the clay and splashing each other, allowing ourselves to forget the troubles of the outside world and focus on the moment at hand.
The 16 platforms of the canopy walkway allowed us to spread out and see the difference between life on the ground and life in the canopy. It was a very reflective experience, allowing us to look back on everything we had done so far and how much of an impact the Amazon had on all of us. We stopped at platform 6 to watch the sun go down and were able to feel the calmness and quietness of the environment around us. Even though it was raining, it allowed us to deepen our connection with nature and with each other.
kayaking
piranha fishing
swimming in the Amazon
walking on sunshine