Amazon Swim (Martin Strel)
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DURING FEB 1 - APR 08, 2007 MARTIN STREL SWAM 5,268 KMS (3274 MILES) OF THE AMAZON RIVER! HE DEDICATED THE SWIM TO THE PROTECTION OF THE RAINFOREST.
Thu, February 1 2007

Martin is Swimming

“The jungle is crying because you are leaving.” The words of one local summed up the mood in Atalaya as Martin prepared to begin his 70 day swim in a heavy downpour. Despite many whirlpools and floating debris, Martin muscled his way through 102 difficult km today.

While swimming near a sloppy bank shaded by huge Lupuna trees, Martin disturbed a six foot Lagarto Alligator which quickly broke its slumber and disappeared below the dark waters.

A stormy morning surrendered to a tranquil afternoon of light breezes and mysterious animal noises. The foothills of the Andes were shrouded in cotton balls as Borut, Jamie and I took turns paddling a small support boat with local guides Geraldo, Arturo, and Javier. A freshwater dolphin magically appeared at dusk to lead Martin downstream.

>>Matthew Mohlke