January 17th- The Varzea

17/01/08

Today we had our first “jungle” adventure. We hiked in the Varzea or flooded forest. This is a seasonally flooded forest, and since we are in the wet season, the ground is soft and sponge-like, there are tree roots protruding from everywhere so you really have to be careful where you walk so you don’t fall, especially since when you trip you usually want to grab for something to steady yourself, right? Wrong! Especially if you happen to be close to the Fire Ant Tree! Also, the mosquitoes are terrible. There is no way to keep from getting bitten, and they swarm whenever you stop walking to take a picture, which is why although the humidity is high (96%?) and the air temperature is warm, we are all covered head to toe in gear and DEET!