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The wilder part of our adventure started today. Our day packs laden with all our belongings needed for the next 2 days - including 3 litres of water each, so it got pretty heavy. Setting off in oxbow longboats we headed upriver stopping briefly at a local village, then on to some caves. Wind cave was perhaps my favourite with meandering twists and turns and beautiful rock formations. Clearwater cave was reached via 200 steps, but was well worth the climb. As the name would suggest a clear river ran through it, and continued for at least 170km - they haven't explored beyond that point yet. Legend has it that if you bathe in the water it makes you younger- needless to say all the girls in our group rushed to splash some on their faces. Surprise surprise Jon decided to splash some down the front of his pants! After lunch by the river of curry and rice, we continued upriver to the start of our hike. At one point the river was too shallow, so we had to jump out of the Boat and push it through the rapid flowing water. At times I'm not sure if I was pushing the boat or just hanging on to stay upright. Changing out of wet shoes into hiking boots we donned our packs and set off along the 8.8km hike along the Headhunter Trail to Camp 5. Through the hot humid primary rainforest we crossed 2 suspended bridges and finally made it into camp about 3.5 hours later. Our first thought was to grab our swimmers and go straight into the river for a well earned swim - it was freezing, but I was so hot and sweaty I persevered and managed to get in - Heaven!!! We set up our sleep areas, all 8 of our group were in hut/room 2, this consisted of 2 raised platforms each with 4 thin matresses (a bit like you get on a sun lounger). We went mad and paid out for the added luxury of a double mosquito net. It was actually quite cosy in there once we got set up with our sleepsheet inside. The biggest problem you have is that everything you take out of your bag gets damp straightaway and nothing ever gets dry. After an early dinner of curry and rice we all went to bed around 8.30 - I used my eyemask and ear plugs from the plane and slept pretty well. I only woke up once and took out an earplug to be amazed at the thunderous sound of the rain pouring down on the corrugated roof - that and the snoring of the guys in our group!
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Mum & Dad Hi Jonathan & Suzanna Just to wish you both a Merry Xmas, enjoy the rest of your trip and keep us up-to-date with your journey. We will be thinking of you whilst eating our turkey.