26 July
San Carlos

KM3 being repaired by Maximo catari

We sailed from Porto Velho at 10.00 am today. The weather was fine and calm. KM3 is looking good, and the only sign of its river mishap is a slightly twisted stern of the central hull. The local navy, and military commanders, along with numerous well-wishers and supporters gathered to see us off.

Our stay at Porto Velho was made enjoyable by the ever-helpful, and friendly Brazilians. We also received much assistance from the military police and navy. Whilst here Col. Mike Bowles, British Defence Attaché and Capt Steve Timms RN, Naval Attaché, from the British Embassy in Brasilia visited us.

Money problems

Withdrawing money from the banks has been the only problem we have encountered in Western Brazil so far. It is extremely difficult to cash travellers cheques here and virtually impossible to draw money using debit and credit cards. We have even had trouble exchanging US dollars for Rials. Travellers beware!

New team members

We have additions to our team. Anthropologists Prof Euripedes da Cunha Dias and Marcia Leila de Castro Pereira have joined us on our support boat, the 'Capitan Azevedo'. We also have a representative of the Presbiterana Church of Manaus Geraldo Reinaldo de Lima, and Nitto Correa Cavaihero of 'Youth with a Mission', who are guiding us on our medical aid programme.

Sailing on the river

As we sailed along the River Madiera we passed Indian villages along the jungle-covered banks. The river is now almost a kilometre wide. A group of dolphins kept us company, swimming playfully alongside the KM3. We have only seen grey dolphins so far but there are apparently pink ones as well, although we are yet to spot them.

Docking for the night

We reached San Carlos, a riverside town with a population of 4000 at 4.45 pm. We have made it across 80 km, through lovely weather with a dolphin escort. Our medical team has already got down to work and are treating a local who has been bitten by a poisonous snake.

The day ended with a harp recital by Marigold Verity-Dick, which we enjoyed while sitting out in the cool Brazilian evening.