Heavy floods cause that the Rio is now over forty meters wide, and there is no chance to stop and rest. The beaches in fact are covered and only the the forest border the river. On the other hand navigate it is truly a sight: its blackish waters makes it a real mirror and, according to Alessio, seems literally to fly between the sky above them and its perfect reflection on the water.
The boat they are using is still proceeding and they are at about 280 km from the Tepui. But the the river bed begins to be lower and often the hull rubs. So very soon they will move on the six lances they towed to continue and reach the closest point to the attack of the climb where to camp and meet the porters and guides. The fortune is accompanying them, in fact, thanks to a heavy rainstorm, temperatures are slightly lower than usual, and this prevents the attack of insects. The only problem at the moment is to compact the 140 kilos of common material and all the personal one to transfer them first on motor launches and then take them up the mountain. Once started the climb, if they will get the chance, they will try to reach a cave reported to the halfway point. Otherwise will proceed to the top. The Guy Collet cave remains one of the objectives. But other than that another important goal is the search for new entrances, although without the support of an helicopter, yhey will perform it moving blindly. We do not doubt that they will succeed to reach all their goals.
The group is well mixed and, listening to phone call from Intermatica satellite of last night, they have enough fun, especially in the linguistic babel of this expedition. Only 9 cavers, but speaking 4 different languages (Italian, Portuguese, English and French). Fortunately we are used to these situations! Here in Italy we are awaiting the next communications. Do the same continuing to stay tuned! Thanks to all our sponsors for the help.