03/06/08

This was a full day of travel from Cartegena in Columbia to Merida (near Columbia Venezuela border) via Caracus. A very long day and night to get to Merida.

04-05/06/08

Merida (Alt 1,640m)

Founded in 1558, Merida is mainly known for its 33 parks and many statues and is the capital of Merida State. From a tourists perspective, Merida is known for its adveture sports and buzz from the student population.

Here we went para-gliding (2,600m) which although not in the best of weather conditions was great.

We enjoyed watching the football (pub on 4th and 19th) with the locals and the night life was interesting and fun. Found a great heavy metal bar on 2nd and 24th too!

06/06/08

Barinas

An overnight stop in the jungle where we went white water rafting (only grade 2 & 3) which was relaxing.

07-08/06/08

Los Llanos

Here we had a great jungle experience with our local guide Allen.

From night hunting for snakes to catching Aligators (including a beautiful Orinoco), Turtles, Capybara, Giant Ant eater (at a distance it looked like Mr Snufalufagos)Piranhas, (i managed to catch five in a row - Mum, Dad, and three kids :) ). Oh i shouldn´t forget the 3.5m Anaconda. Although big, it had recently fed on possibly a Capybara (giant rat like animal) so was not agile in body but still very capable of inflicting a nasty bite. We also saw a lot of bird life too.

Two nights of sleeping in hammocks with bat buzzing overhead all night was an experience as well. Although i didn´t sleep much it was still great.

The most memorable part of the trip was watching how our guide and the boat crew could spot animals that even after pointing them out we could not see. When they did spot a turtle or a Aligator etc they would take off straight after it without hesitation. Very friendly but crazy blokes.

09-10/06/08

Puerto Colombo

Didn´t do much here other than a swim in the ocean. A nicish place that would probably be good on the weekends.

11-12/06/08 Caracas - The concrete jungle

While not the prettiest of places Caracas was still kind of interesting. Actually, i am talking rubbish as we went to the biggest shopping centre in South America (apparently) and window shopped and ate. Shopping is not cheap here! A few items that i bought in the UK were around 40% more here...crazy! I did find a shoe store named after that fine pal of mine Kurtis! Who would have thought...

13-15/06/08 Playa Colorada

A nice beachside spot where you can just relax or for the more adventure inclined go hiking, fishing or sea kayaking.I went sea kayaking which was dam fine and by the end of the day a good work out as well.

The biggest disappointment about this place and in fact most beaches in Venezuela is that the locals do not give a monkies regarding rubbish. They have no problems about leaving rubbish on the beach or the ocean. It was a real shame and i have to say a big turn off. They don't seem too bothered by it tho as it is mostly cleaned up by the next weekend when they will no doubt return and do the same again.

16/06/08

Caripe - The Oil Bird Caves

I can´t find my professional low down on this place but the cave are filled with oil birds that come out at night to feed using sonar clicks to navigate and hunt. While an interesting bird, the closest you are likely to get to them is the s*** that lands on you while you move through the caves.

I like caves though and found this place very interesting. We camped here as there is no accomodation so we were also the only ones going through the caves in the morning. Always a bonus i say!

Unfortunately the caves end one of our fellow travellors holidays. In the dark he unfortunately stepped of the path and although only falling about a metre he managed to break his leg and arm and badly dislocate the same arm to boot. Not nice to see and a great shame to see someone have there trip cut short!

17-18/06/08 Ranch San Andro

We just chilled out here (nice place) and with a mate went to the nearby town and hospital to help out with our friends evac back to Scotland.

19-20/06/08

Orinocco Delta

A vast labyrinth of waterways, the Orinocco delta is a must see. Although to the naked eye this place is not overflowing with wildlife, if you look hard enough you will be pleased to find more than perhaps you though you might see.

We were fortunate enough to see (at our lodge) a Puma, Maccaw (very friendly), Osolot (spelling??), Tarantulas, and a very quiet but friendly monkey. The Maccaw was a particular highlite as i love these birds!

Our time here was very relaxed and i enjoyed cruising the waterways.

21-25/06/08

Ciudad Bolivar - Our launch spot for Angel Falls

From Ciudad Bolivar we flew via light aircraft south for about an hour and fifteen minutes until we reached Canaima, the closest town if you like to Angel Falls. The falls take there name from Jimmy Angel, as US airman who first reported there existence in 1935. Two years later he returned and crash landed his plane on top of Angel falls (Auyan Tepuy) and trekked out.

Angel falls are the highest in the world with the longest single drop being over eight hundred metres. The dug out canoe powered by an outboard is your transport to Angel falls. It takes several hours to complete the 70km and is an experience in itself! It is great fun going up (and down) rapids in a boat like this. There was more than one or two soakings each way. The scenery is breath taking and you can easily go a little trigger happy with the camera.

I visited the falls twice - once with everyone on the day we arrived and again the following morning with a few other crazy lads for a sunrise session. It is about an easy hours walk to get to the view point or just over half an hour if you leg it (at 5:30am) in the morning.

Angel falls are amazing but the journey to and from is also something to look forward to and enjoy as much. Just remember to bring the mossie and sand fly spray and a body that can sleep in a hammock. Oh and your life jacket serves you much better if you use it as a cushion on the boat ride :)

Canaima itself is home to several spectacular waterfalls and a wonderful lagoon with beautiful beaches. Has to be seen to be believed!

27/06-01/07/08

Santa Elena - Our launch spot for our Chirikayen Trek

Ok i am running out of motivation for typing but this trek was easy but fun and again the scenery was great. We camped next to a waterfall which was our shower. Great sweat soaked fun with a Giant Anteater thrown in for a bonus. Ok, a little more detail...Some of us took an extra long trek back from the top of Chirikayen and as we came over a rise we were confronted with a Giant Anteater about 20m in front of us. He legged it after a few seconds of sniffing the air and we gave chase for another photo op but alas these fellas are crafty and quicker than you think. He made it to the woods (200m) before we could cover 100m.

The end of Venezuela.