a day on he river

early start today(7.00AM) speeding down the river negro to where it flows into the 'white river' semoilinas. At this stage the rivers form the amazon with the white water coming form the andes and the black water from equador. At this point the river is possible 4-5 miles wide. Pink and grey dolfins pop up and it is a spectacular sight to see the waters mix (called locally the meeting of the waters). Went on up the white river strewn with plants and treetrunks flooting down to reach lake januari. Magnificent lake with floating houses and restaurants dotted about, ponts with victoria regis water lilies, and saw my first tiny caymans. at some point took pictures of harpy eagles, huge with white heads, but gave up after a while because they are everywhere. Flora and fauna is mesmerising and this is all just outside the city of manaus. Booked onto boat today which will take me tomorrow night to Soa Gabriel da Cacheoira on a three day trip. This is basically a local tansport ship loaded with goods and people going non stop into the forest for 850km. On return (next friday) I plan to stop a few days in Barcelos before going back to Manaus. Unlikely to post any more info for a while but it will be an experience.