Monkey spotting!
Trip Start
Feb 20, 2008
1
39
62
Trip End
Aug 20, 2008
Rurrenabaque,
Bolivia
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
We took a paddle around the lake and inadvertently did some birding, as we spotted exotic hoatzins, herons, small finch-like birds, kingfishers and many others.
After lunch, we bade goodbye to the Aussies and had a short siesta before heading out for a hike, just the 2 of us, with our EXCELLENT guide Senon. "Para buscar howler monkeys!" he had told us enthusiastically before we left.
So, with the intention of searching for howler monkeys, we went deep into the rainforest, leaving the established trails and literally fighting our way through vines, thorns, swarms of insects and rotting logs & leaves.
I don't know how Senon does it, but he does. He stops, listens intently, and then bursts through the undergrowth, beckoning for us to follow, and we do. We spotted 2 families of howlers, the largest species of monkey in this forest, and then we come across several capuccino monkeys, the littlest type. Senon's enthusiasm is infectious as I forget my fatigue, bug bites and fears. I was enthralled and felt really privileged to spot these rare creatures, especially as their habitats are increasingly threatened.
We headed back to camp and met the new group of tourists who arrived. After dinner, we retreated to our room and I had another fitful night as slumber eluded me. Again. I am really missing the comforts of California/Singapore....
