Sat Camp in the Yachana Reserve

Sat camp was a great trip. We collected all our gear together with granola, snacks, baked potatoes, and a ready-made evening meal. I set out with some trepidation but made it OK!

We set up the hammocks and then went for a dip in the waterfall pool; covered ourselves with clay (to wash ourselves in the cool water). We then had supper. Andy ate his almost as soon as we arrived.

I attempted to light a fire but it went out. Andy showed me how to make a real fire. We had a hot drink then went on a stream walk. We started upstream. We saw a cane toad. What beautiful amphibians! The vegetation prevented too much progress so we went downstream. It was so good just to be out there. We found a frog which had a yellow back with yellow and chicken-flesh colored legs. On the way back we found a Gladiator Frog (Hypsiboas Boans) – beautiful.

After a few stories I was off to bed. The hammock was great; I only woke twice and didn’t have to get up for a pee which was just as well because of the rain!

After the granola breakfast, we went mist netting. One Great-billed Hermit (Phaethornis malaris), two juvenile Blue Manakins (Chiroxiphia caudate) - which were hell to get out of the net(!), a Sooty Antbird (Myrmeciza fortis), and one Rufous-breasted Hermit (Glaucis hirsutus). At about 11:00am we packed up camp and started back. We saw two Black-mantled Tamarins (Saguinus nigricollis) on the way back. I slipped at the start and Andy caustically said, “Good start, Giles!”

I dropped my bathing trunks and my tarpaulin. Everyone helped the geriatric cripple when things got a little dicey. It was a great trip and my back seems to be holding up. BUT I didn’t carry any firewood! Thanks to all concerned.

Giles Knowles, GVI Amazon volunteer, October - December 2009

Sat Camp in the Yachana Reserve