In Manapiare our team was completed.

Alberto, from Manapiare, made a great river master, guiding us around all of the fallen logs, and often launching us over the mostly submerged logs when they were otherwise impassable. He also knows a lot about the native flora and fauna (including what was edible). He can be found by asking around the tiny town of Manapiare. Personal cultural values about hunting and collecting should be discussed prior to leaving.

Luis, from Puerto Ayacucho, was our guide and naturalist from the tour company in Puerto Ayacucho. We found out later that he had been tasked with the job of organizing the logistics on the spot with no advance preparation from company headquarters.

I was the photographer and note taker.

Marc "Marco" Hertel was the adventure coordinator for Blakexpeditions and the leader of this expedition.

Maria Willow was born and grew up in Venezuela, and having studied English in the US and French in Quebec, was a well qualified and fun translator. We met her by chance in Manapiare. She now lives with her husband in Connecticut where she runs her own business.