Back on the road again 5th August
Today we travelled back along the Manu Road from Amazonia Lodge up to Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge. The day started well with Black-throated Antbird on the walk down to the river but we then encountered some problems on the river. Despite all the recent rain, the water level was still low enough for us to become stuck on the rapids as this time we travelled upstream against the flow. The crew jumped out and began manhandling the boat over the rocks as it was too shallow to use the motor. It soon became apparent that more muscle was required (and less weight in the boat itself!) so Alan bailed out and put his shoulder to the boat. Very slowly it began to inch forward and at last we were past the rapids and back into deeper water.
The drive back was again full of birds. A particular highlight was a pair of Black-and-chestnut Eagles which allowed prolonged if somewhat distant views as we ate our picnic lunch. A few of the other birds we saw included Peruvian Piedtail (a small hummer), Slaty Gnateater, Chestnut-breasted Wren, and a pair a pair of Crimson-crested Woodpeckers.
We arrived back at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge late afternoon, with just enough time to take a quick look at the trails and enjoy great views of Yungas Manakins displaying. This time we were treated to the best room in the house, the honeymoon chalet with a gorgeously comfortable four-poster bed. What luxury after the rock-hard tiny single beds we’d slept on the last few nights!