The start of our adventure!
On Saturday, we flew to Cuiabá. The next morning, our guide, Raul, picked us up. We then picked up the others in our group – a couple from London, and a single guy from Norwich.
The five of us turned it to be a compatible group – well traveled, everyone interested in each other’s adventures. Everyone was prompt when there was a time to meet, and had about the same level of interest in birds, animals, and jaguars. Three of us (including me) were photographers, and two just enjoyed watching the scene. We laughed a lot during our meals together. Sheila and I were glad we opted for a group tour, rather than a private one.
Raul told us that this year, the rainy season never came. It was dryer than usual, and forest fires were slowly approaching the Pantanal. We saw lots of evidence of this, and occasionally the air smelled of smoke. And it was very hot.
We drove 100 kilometers on an asphalt road, then on dusty dirt road to the northern Pantanal.
A few kilometers in, we stopped near a pond and got some “quality sightings” as Raul put it.
All along the road we crossed over (120) bridges, most without water under them. When there was a little water, the wildlife was abundant.
We stopped for lunch at South Pantanal Lodge, where we will spend a few days on our return trip.
After lunch, we drove another hour or so and reached a lodge where we took a break. They put out food and attracted plenty of birds and monkeys.
More driving, more stops for viewing birds.
Then, finally, Porto Jofre and SouthWild Pantanal Lodge. We got to our (blessedly air-conditioned) rooms and relaxed. Dinner at 7:00.
Raul warned us not to wander around too much after dark, since there were jaguars around. But, as someone in our group pointed out, with people sleeping in hammocks and cats wandering around, it didn’t seem too dangerous.
