12th August
Two nights ago we had intruders in our camp! Our camp liaison officer Lt Col Hugo Connejo surprised the intruders by firing a pistol in the air and challenging them after which they dropped their loot and fled. Their loot consisted of toilet paper rolls - apparently a prized possession in this jungle where only leaves are available for this purpose!!

The teams that proceeded to Parabanocito and Amboro have been successful in their journey of discovery, and have come up with many encouraging results.

At Parabanocito, located 80 km south west of Santa Cruz, the team is surveying two fortresses that stood on the final eastern frontier of the Inca Empire. Despite the fact that these sites have been badly damaged by treasure hunters, the team was lucky enough to find many buildings not previously located. Amongst their findings were fascinating pieces of pottery and stone corn grinders. A site where tools were manufactured has also been found. This site is believed to be a pre-Inca site. Bruce Mann, the senior British archeologist speaking on the Parabanocito site said, “This is the most exciting site with great potential. We hope that the Bolivian government will now protect it.” William Castelon of the UNAR commented on it saying, “ I believe this is a most important site, more of a settlement than just a fortress. The inhabitants were socially and politically developed Inca’s who dominated and integrated local tribes into their culture.”

120 km east at the Amboro National Park, the team led by Major John Greenacre, Army Air Corps, discovered a 250m wall with monoliths along the length. The period to which this wall belongs is yet uncertain, although the cave nearby containing human bones is believed to be a 19th century site.

An Inca road, first encountered during Kota Mama II in 1999, has been traced and is being explored to determine if it leads to another ancient settlement.

British surveyors David Rogerson and Jerome Bradley have set out to mapping all the sites.

Conditions in the jungle are warm by day (24°C) and cold at night
(12°C). There have been high winds but no rain. While we are on the trail we are constantly concerned about our water supplies, as water is scarce around here. We have been attacked by a few mosquitoes, numerous ticks and tiny biting flies. Only one dangerous snake (much feared by the locals) has been seen which is called “fer de lance pit viper”. Wildlife in the area consist of coatis (very much like streamlined raccoons), peccary (wild pigs), jaguar, rabbit like viscacha , majestic condors and eagles that effortlessly circle the towering sandstone peaks that look down on the explorers’ camp, located in the Andean foothills.

Everyone takes turns cooking. The diet largely consists of Bolivian food including joints of dried salted beef, pasta and locally grown vegetables. The team brought dried egg from Britain, which is used to make delicious omelets and pancakes. The favorite drink is local tea “Mate de coca” which provides the energy needed for those clearing the dense vegetation from the ruins. “Sadly we are putting on weight” complains Fiona Leslie.

The Ambro and Parabanocito teams are getting ready to set out on their expeditions, which will begin tomorrow. We hope we will be blessed with much luck, good findings, and most of all good weather!