Diary - July 31, 1997 This was my most challenging day so far. We were going about 20 kilometers by boat from Eirunepe, then 20 more kilometers by foot to a new tributary of the Amazonas river system that Heiko wanted to try. This new tributary was deep in the wild Indian territory and required us crossing some very rough terrain. We started out with Heiko, Paola, me and four porters, one of which was an Indian huntsman who knew the area well and was familiar with the native tribes. Heiko set a quick pace which left me and the porters quite a bit behind. After about 8 kilometers, we reached a small farm, the last such area before getting into the deep jungle. The farm was set next to a beautiful stretch of canopy under which a small stream of black water ran. Heiko had been there long enough to fish the stream for one hour before the porters and I made it there. Heiko and I discussed the fact that I was having trouble keeping up with the quick pace and also that the porters were having trouble keeping up carrying my things (like the generator). After a short conference, we decided that I would stay at the farm for a day or so and that Heiko would pick me up on his way back. I was just not in any shape to hike 20 kilometers at the pace Heiko set. He was expecting to make the full 20 kilometers in just over a day. This would also give me a chance to try to work out the problems with the equipment that has not allowed me to send any photographs of my last three days' adventures. Heiko explained to the farm's family who I was and why I was there, and they agreed to take care of me. I fully expect to use their son to help me explore the area tomorrow. This is a beautiful place - a little piece of paradise. The stream is fast running but has a place that is deep enough to sit in with logs for chairs so you can sit in water as deeply as you want. I have decided to dub this place "John's Jacuzzi" and Heiko told me he would put it on his map of the trip. The water is cool and feels wonderful after my long hike. Tomorrow I will snorkle in "John's Jacuzzi" and check out the fish types, of which there are many. I will get lots of photographs and work on my equipment. Hopefully I will also be ready for a fast 8 kilometer hike over rough ground back to Eirunepe on Saturday. We are going to another collecting place then to hunt for the "mystery fish", the purpose of this entire trip. == John ==