By BSES Dot

This morning, having decided to make our new camp the permanent base camp as the location is so lovely, a group of us went back to collect the rest of the kit from Base Camp 1 while the rest of the fire went fishing with John and Pedro. We drifted down river peacefully in anticipation of the tough long paddle back with heavily laden canoes. Once back at camp the fire was split into two again and whilst half set up the HF radio which enables us to contact the base boats on the expedition, the other set about improving the camp site. With Pedro, our fantastic jungle guide’s help, they made our boat area a proper harbour, and cut a path from there to the camp site, even lining it with a vine handrail.

We had a siesta after lunch and then a creative afternoon with some people trying their hand at wood carving and the rest of the group making furniture for around camp. Pedro got much enjoyment out of being much better than all of us at everything!

We had a great dinner of veg pasta, and the girls made a proper sauce to go with it which improved the ration packs no end. As a last day treat they also made a chocolate dessert. There was lots of chat before bed, I think everyone’s finally adjusted to living with the hardships of the jungle, and now we’ve made the camp so nice it’s a shame we’re going back to the boat tomorrow. Still, it will be good to share our stories and get started on the science research.