11 August
Parintins


Our arrival on the Amazon was marked by a harp recital by Marigold Verity-Dick, who sat on the upper deck of the support vessel 'Azevedo' draped in a mosquito net. She was accompanied on guitar by Lt. Marcelo Mendes of the Brazilian Marines. They received a resounding applause for a splendid performance under such adverse conditions.

Dentist Graham Catchpole removed his 1000th tooth of the expedition, whilst at the confluence of the two rivers. He states that it was the first time he had worked on a patient who had a mosquito buzzing around the inside of his mouth. Talk about challenging working conditions!! The expedition's doctors are also hard at work at most of our night stops. A wildlife study group headed by Caroline Ralph of Bristol has had fantastic sightings of birds in the lagoons along the river.

KM3 is speeding across the river, pulled along by the strong currents of the Amazon. At one time she was moving at 15km per hour. The boat is a colourful sight with flags of different nations fluttering in the wind. We attract large crowds whenever we moor at a village or town.

We have now reached the port of Parintins and have 1235 km to go to reach the Atlantic at Belém.