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Full Circle
Day 193: Pongo De Mainique, Urubamba River
In the Pongo de Manaique. The breathtaking beauty of cascading water on black granite.
Slept a blissfully peaceful (and rare) eight hours, having at last found a corner of the Pacific Rim free from cockerels, dogs, traffic, disco, karaoke, bicycle bells, babies and Chinese firecrackers. Only the deeply comforting rush of the Urubamba River accompanied my dreams. This morning, as I clean my teeth in it, I fall to wondering how much of what I spit out will find its way into the Atlantic.The weather has improved enough for us to have little excuse not to shoot the Pongo rapids as soon as camp is struck. Everyone seems remarkably calm at the prospect. Fraser sits decoratively on a rock reading Hello magazine. Barry has Nigel's short-wave radio clamped to his ear in a hopeless attempt to locate some commentary on the England v. Spain European Cup game.
Under grey, dirty skies the river looks dirty too, as our three canoes set out, watched on our way by a yellow headed vulture which has had an eye on us since breakfast. Everything has been extra carefully lashed down, including Basil, who can't swim, and Clem, who can barely move his back today.
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PALIN'S GUIDES
- Series: Full Circle
- Day: 193
- Country/sea: Peru
- Place: Urubamba River
- Book page no: 262
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