Archive for March, 2009
South America without a clue – Part 14
Episode 14
12th June 1986
There’s nothing like a great nights sleep after solid physical activity, namely hiking up hill all day. Despite that jaguar that turned out to be a chicken scratching around my tent, I had a great night’s sleep. Poking my head out of the cocoon that is my tent I see misty sunlight lighting up the canopy far above. I smile, its not raining.
South America without a clue – Part 13
Episode 13
11th June 1986
After passing a solid bridge over a challenging set of rapids I look up and it’s not pretty. The trail rises alarmingly and I can’t see the end. Roland aptly names this section the Thermometer. “If you make this bit, you will complete the trek”, says Roland. It is overcast and fine, the humidity thick as pea soup.
Getting in close
When trekking through stunning country, it’s easy to get caught up with grandeur of it all and forget about the smaller things in life. By occasionally stopping, taking a good look and blocking out all that great scenery for a moment, another, just as compelling world comes into focus.It’s a world of small plants, flowers, insects, fungi and myriad’s of other fascinating things that are easily missed by photographers fixated on scenery. To really capture the essence of a place I feel you need both big and small and the way to do that is to get close up.
South America without a clue – Part 12
Episode 12
11th June 1986
There’s a loud knock on the door. A sleepy glimpse at my watch indicates 4.30am. The hotel staff kept to their promise, although I’m sort of wishing they had forgotten. We quickly pack and set out on foot into the predawn darkness to a nearby bridge where we are to meet the bus to San Gerardo.
Standing around in anticipation, the humid air and the dank odour of tropical vegetation brings back memories of holidaying in Vanuatu, seven years ago. A plump middle aged lady arrives and engages Roland in rapid fire conversation in Spanish. I have no hope even remotely understanding more than the odd word.
Red Sky Ride – so far
The 2009 Red Sky Ride is on the road. For daily updates go to www.redskyride.com.au. Here is some of the hundreds of photos we have taken so far. Three days down, five to go.
