LOCATION: Inkaterra Lodge
Barely raised a sweat - that's figuratively speaking. This was an easy day on the exertion scale but still sweating it up! You only have to stand to be in a puddle. Had a laugh at @Deb - her advice runs something like ... next time you think you want to holiday in the tropics, turn your air con on, grab a gin and tonic and watch yourself a documentary.
I'll say again - the humidity is intense - probably all the north Queenslanders are dealing with this every day.
The team here still talking about the rain from three weeks ago. It's intensity had them indoors for 4 days. @Gus said his staff cabana leaked so much, he was dryer standing outside in his weatherproof gear. On that one walk in gumboots two days ago - the mud was sticky and stinky and it is so fine - leaves a very powdery residue when dry.
I've retired my pink Adidas shoes and have resorted to LATAM gifted compression socks and my walking sandals backup. (Thanks @Helen , I only threw those in because you mentioned stuff didn't dry - they were a throwaway in case we ran out of socks!). Not aesthetically pleasing but certainly perfect for today's adventures. Can't see new sneakers in my crystal ball just yet but may have some luck with glue or masking tape.
The Adventure
Two excursions today. This first was a boat ride to ...... Pre-covid it was a working farm that had nine full time staff. It was an education centre where local slash and burn, subsistence farmers were taught how to grow commercial crops of fruit. The idea was to reduce the area of the jungle that was being cleared and to provide an alternate income source so the families could purchase the grain crops they needed to live. Students and volunteers would come to work in the centre and they ran an outreach programme to the local villages. Had some success but has not recovered since co-vid and now @Mr Ben is the only staff member. Runs now as a tourist stop for the 30+ lodges that operates in the region.
@Gus wandered us around the plantation and alternately used his machete or hunting knife to peel and share fruits that I have no idea of the name of - three stand out in my memory - the lemon (oh, that puckered you up!), the grapefruit (juicy and not tarty.. nice) and the hard shelled soft centred orange fruit (defs my fav, no idea its name but want to find out - who knows, it might be in the Inala Civic Centre fruit shop we vist to get our coffee at home. The fruit and veggie stalls there have so many products i don't recognise!)
The only downside of the morning getaway... I got my first mozzie bite. @Gus squashed one just above my eyebrow - blood and all i am cursing myself - have been so vigilant with the diet. But it does peel my skin so thought id try the 'citronella splash' the lodge provided. Going back to Bushman's!
Had a huge period of down time in the middle of the day. A bit of washing C and loads of lazing in the cabana. Seemed like the perfect recovery day after yesterday's adventures.
Second afternoon excursion was to another of the Intakerra Lodges. We were greeted at the head of the trail by the defeaning welcome of the howler monkeys. I thought it wascan audio recording it was so loud. The most close up action we have had with wildlife. Those monkeys were putting on a show but moved on for another canoe ride.
A gentle paddle around the Lagoon had us face to face with more monkeys, loads of turtles, a single caimen and the weird bird referred to as the missing link" or a "prehistoric" relic in the Amazon rainforest called the Hoatzin.
The day was "so easy" we enjoyed our first Happy Hour! Actually back in the lodge in time for the 5.30 to 7 pm two for one drinks. The drinks are pretty pricey here - a rum and coke for @Mac is 50 Sols (converts to AUD $20) and a soft drink, a bottle of water and a beer are all priced the same at 18 sols... so happy hour was a very welcome addition to the day. We were there at 5.28 - and @Deb had found the best spot - under a fan (when it turned on with the power) and we settled in for our final night hosted by the lodge. We did eat, drink and were very merry!
Want to comment on the care taken at the Lodge. It is presented so beautifully. Staff are pleasant and kind and happy in their interactions with guests. Seem to be everywhere alert, always greet you with bright breezy Hola amd a smile. There are Staff cleaning constantly. The outside of the Cabana is as lovingly and painstakingly .
PS Just before midnight, I thought @Mac's phone was going crazy with a flashing light that was illuminating the room. Turned out it was sheets of lightning blanketing the sky above the river. The humidity was intense and of course right on 12 the fan went off. Sat on the porch and watched it fly by - literally sweating up a body storm! Didn't produce any rain and about 2 am the humidity abated.
Can you believe this?
Here are some amazing facts about howler monkeys:
Unmatched Volume: Male howlers possess an enlarged hyoid bone in their throat that amplifies their calls, allowing them to communicate their location to other groups.
Built-in Safety Rope: Their tails are extremely strong, able to support their entire body weight, and often have a hairless, gripping pad on the end for extra security, notes this article from National Geographic.
"Fifth Hand" Tail: Their tails can be up to 5 times the length of their body.
Masters of Energy Conservation: Despite their massive sound, they are very sedentary. They spend about 80% of their day resting and can sleep up to 15 hours a day.
The Leaf-Eating Lifestyle: Unlike many other monkeys, they are specialized folivores (leaf-eaters), which requires less energy to find food.
Group Dynamics: They live in social groups of roughly 15 to 20 individuals, often led by an old male.
Distinguishing Features: Howlers have long hair and beards, with colors ranging from black to brown to reddish.
Survival Barometer
Steps 10 682
Weather yep, the same, hot and humid
Health - think the happy hour revitalised 🤣😂
"Uncle Michael did the mowing at your place Grandad, I can do it next time!"
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