Floraaaaaaaaaaaaaa

and so we know that life has to do with circles and squares, hands and feet, black and white and above all respect and love for nature...and of course windsurfing.

Two extremes of the day from home

At sunset

Early morning at home

Last chance to see Maica

This is one of the most beautiful places near Santarem. For 30 years I have taken thousands of people to contemplate its beautiful fauna and flora. Each time I went there I got impressed with big flocks of Terns, Egrets, Herons, Macaws, Parrots, Parakeets, Black Skimmers, Black Bellied tree ducks, Brazilian ducks, Buff-necked Ibis, Lapwings; Manakins, Toucans, Flycatchers; Groups of Squirrel monkeys, Silvery Marmosets, Howler monkeys, Titi monkeys, Two toed sloths, Three-toed sloths; A resident lady spotted once 9 manatees; Pink Dolphins, Snakes. The list of fish that shelter, spawn and feed there is endless.

It is the Maica lake, the floodplain east of Santarem. Since this particular ecossystem is very limited (it represents of about 8% of the entire Amazon Basin) we should protect it. It is protection is vital not only for native species in the floodplain, but also to species that live on mainland Rainforest and many many migratory species.

This little river will soon be dredged and a new grain terminal and a port will  be built in the area, posting death where life is  abundant. It is a privilege to be alive and see it before it turns to hell, it is a shame to see all this and call back that money is over everything else, even above life.

Gionana playing with her cousin

When a Brazuca meets an Aussie, a N. American and a Brit

The friendliest man in Brazil. Gil immediately invited me into his home and life for the 3 days I was in Alter de Chao. Along with 2 other backpackers, Gil took us to some truly wonderful places. We chilled with local farmers, ate fantastic food and drank the evenings away. The impression I had before arriving in the Amazon was that one is unlikely to see many animals... not so with this jungleman. I came to here to learn about the rainforest and it´s future, and with Gil I got exactly that. Hugely knowledgable, about not only the wildlife but also about the enviromental impact of human activity in the region, clearly demonstrated by his history of activism. Gil is the man, the best guide I´ve had on my travels... but more importantly a huge amount of fun! Just don´t let him make you feel bad that you´re stopping him from windsurfing!

Ed

If you can play frisbee IN it then it is RAINFOREST.

Boat Trip - Belem Santarem and staying at Alter do chao

These are pictures taken by my friends Eduardo, Roberta and Antonio. It includes boat trip from Belem to Santarem and their time with me here at Alter do chao. I hope they can give an idea how enjoyable it was.

On the boat

On a hammock

boat from Belem to Santarem

The atmosphere on the boat from Belem

Boat from Belem to Santarem

Having funon the boat

Group picture at home at alter do chao

Sunset at alter do chao taken from home

Playing at home

On a tour to Floresta encantada

at home

at home at alter do chao

Merci!

A good Boa by Cindy Benner at Maica

Floodplain trip pix with french Ladies

Chilling out at Santarem

Pink dolphins

same caption as above

Natureza viva

Pauly

Sloths represent

Adelaine, Seagul, Paulinne, Maylis...

Snacks

On the boat

Lots of birds were observed plus porcupine, sloths(10), pink dolphins

Amazing time with such nice people.