The Great River Amazon Raft Race 2010

The faint of heart need not apply!!!

The faint of heart need not apply

Since 1999 the Amazon Rafting Club, based in Iquitos, Peru has invited rafters, canoeists, rowers, paddlers and adventurers from all over the world to compete in The Great River Amazon Raft Race. The 2010 race is hoping to attract more teams than ever before and you are invited. Although it is tough, lots of rafters have completed the course; even some older people. In 2006 the “Over the hill Gang” finished the race and their average age was 68. In 2007 David Petroski, the Captain of the Canada One team, celebrated his 7lst birthday on the second day of the race.

Safety boats will be watching over you so if your tired, sick, or just plain fed up, you will be whisked off your raft and into the support boat before you could say Sarah Palin.

The 3 day race will start in the town of Nauta on Friday, 24th September 2010, and finish at the Fishing club in the City of Iquitos on Sunday, 26th September 2010 mid to late afternoon. Each 4 person crew will paddle a raft they built themselves the day before the race (23rd September). Each raft will be constructed of lightweight balsa wood logs which will be provided. Then the teams will raft down the mighty Amazon River for 112 miles. The winning crews will show excellence in raft construction, teamwork, stamina and knowledge of currents and rivers.

Map of the route of the Great River Amazon Raft Race 2010

The History of The Great River Amazon Raft Race

In June 1998 Mike Collis moved to Iquitos from Birmingham, England, for what he thought would be a quiet life. In 1999 Mike was asked by the Director of Tourism in Iquitos if he had any ideas to promote tourism in the Amazon region. Mike told him that for more than 25 years he had organized raft races in England.

The first Amazon Raft Race took place on the 29th July 1999, on the Nanay River. Forty three crews competed in the 12 mile, one day race from Santa Clara to Bella Vista Nanay. The winning team completed the course in just over 2 hours and 30 minutes. The second race, one year later, was on the same course with over 60 teams from 14 different countries competing. In 2003 the course was extended to 26 miles over 2 days, from the village of Nina Rumi to Bella Vista Nanay. The winning team completed the course in 4 hours and 20 minutes.

This race format continued into 2004 and 2005 when it was decided to go for the “Big One” in 2006. This race, the first over such a distance, attracted rafters from 11 countries. The fastest foreign team led by Dale Baskin represented the South American Explorers Club in Quito, Ecuador. The 2007 Great River Amazon Raft Race attracted rafters from Australia, USA, England, Scotland, Peru, Canada, Switzerland, New Zealand, Holland, Germany, and Mexico. The fastest foreign team represented the False Creek Canoe Club from Vancouver, Canada.

The 2008 Great River Amazon Raft Race was the first to be won by a foreign crew. David Kelly and his illustrious “Easy Living” team completed the course in a record time of only 12 hours and 19 minutes. Things went back to normal in 2009 when the first 7 places were occupied by local teams but Easy Living’s record still stands.

Constructing the balsa rafts before the Great River Amazon Raft Race

One of the rafts at the Great River Amazon Raft Race

A raft crew at the Great River Amazon Raft Race

The finish line of the Great River Amazon Raft Race

Happy rafters with a well constructed raft, in the shade

The mass start from the Isla de Pesacores in the Great River Amazon Raft Race

Race Information 2010

Itinerary/Arrival And Departure Info

All foreign teams must be in Iquitos by Tuesday 21st September for the “Rafters Get Together” and reception at the Amazon Café in the Iron House on the Plaza de Armas at 8:00p.m.

Thursday 23rd September

7:30 a.m. All teams leave by bus for the 2 hour drive to Nauta where there will be a civic reception at 11.00 a.m. in the Plaza de Armas.
12:00 noon . Lunch (provided)

1:30 p.m. All competitors cross the river by boat to Isla de Pescadores (Fisherman’s Island)
2:00 p.m Each team constructs their own raft with local help if required.
6:00p.m. Dinner for competitors (provided)
7:00 p.m Fiesta with music and dancing on the beach.
Sleep overnight on the beach in tents provided by the Nauta City Council.

Friday 24th September

7:00 a.m. Breakfast (provided)
8:30 a.m. Mass start from the beach to the isolated village of Porvenir a distance of 36 miles (average time 6.00 hours).
6:00 p.m. Dinner (provided).
All participants sleep in tents. (provided).

Saturday 25th September

6:30 a.m. Breakfast (provided)
Mass start at 7:30 a.m. .
This 2nd leg is to the town of Tamshiyacu, a distance of 41 miles ( average time of 6.30 hours).
6:00 p.m. Dinner (provided).
8:00 p.m. Grand Fiesta .
All participants will sleep in the school on mattresses (provided).

Sunday 26th September

6:30 a.m. Breakfast (provided).
Mass start at 7:30 a.m.
This final leg is from Tamshiyacu to the Fishing Club at Bella Vista Nanay, just outside the City of Iquitos, at a distance of 41 miles (average time 5.30 hours).

Party and Prize ceremony will follow the finish at the Fishing Club.

8:30 p.m. Rafters Party at the Amazon Café .

Rules

1. Each team must consist of 4 persons.
2. Substitution is allowed, but with a time penalty of 2 hours per substitution.
3. Rafts will be constructed by each team* with a minimum of 8 balsawood logs no less than 5 meters in length.
4. Only the first and last meter of the logs can be carved into points.
5. Only paddles (no double bladed paddles); no oars, no motors, no sails, no towing. (Paddles will be provided but professional paddles can be used).
6. Life jackets MUST be worn at all times while on the water.
7. Teams must not interfere or impede the progress of other teams.
8. No alcohol or drugs allowed on board rafts.
9. Each team will be allocated a raft number which must be displayed on the raft at all times.
10. The Judges’ decision will be final.

*Foreign teams will be allowed local help if necessary*

Items needed on Raft

Ponchos
Long pants*
Flashlight
Sun screen
Foam rubber for seats
Broad brimmed hat*
Long-sleeved shirt(s)*
Gloves, gardening or similar
First aid kit
Insect repellant
Machete
Snacks/small food items

The above items can be purchased in Iquitos. Items marked with an * can be rented in Iquitos. Lifejackets are provided but you can use your own.

Team Sponsorship

We encourage foreign teams to find sponsors and raise money for a good cause of their own choice.
In 2009 the Belgium One team raised over 5000 euros to help sick children here in Iquitos.

Inscription/Entry Fee for Foreign Teams

The Entry Fee is $400US per team of 4.

Included is ; transport by bus to Nauta, 8 balsawood logs and other construction materials, lifejackets, paddles , treated drinking water and all meals

Additional Information

Articles about this event can be found by logging onto; www.google.com and searching for Amazon Raft Race.
If you are in Facebook please join Amazon Rafting Club.

The Amazon Rafting Club

The Amazon Rafting Club was informally formed after the 2006 Great River Amazon Raft Race. Membership Fee = *FREE*
President 2009 – 2010 is Linda Flynn who was the Captain of the fastest foreign team in 2009.
Membership Qualifications – Open to anyone who competes in “The Great River Amazon Raft Race.”

Club Benefits – Certificate of Membership; Bragging rights to being one of the elite few who have competed in this unique race.

President 2009-2010

Gringa Linda Flynn, three time competitor in the Great River Amazon Raft Race, is the president of the Amazon Rafting Club

Past Presidents
2006-2007 Dale Baskin USA
2007-2008 Robyn Tkatch Canada
2008-2009 David Kelly

Amazon Raft Race 2010 Blog
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CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES 1st September 2010

Contact Club President Linda Flynn on ;
linda_flynn2003@yahoo.com

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A guest post by Barry Brett

One of a series of short humorous stories of life in Iquitos.

Each article is a portrayal of actual events, written from the perspective of a Californian living in the Jungle City of Iquitos, Peru.

Adrenaline Rafting

The Great Amazon Raft Race 2009                                                                                     Barry Brett

On the River Amazon, headed for Porvenier

I’ve often wondered what kind of person would set about navigating the River Amazon on a raft. There was that nut back in the fifties who crossed the Atlantic on a raft. Then there was “Ben Hur” on that raft with the Roman Consul, “Row-well and Live”. But the Amazon? All those crazy piranhas swimming about. Aren’t rafts held together with rope or something? Gnaw-gnaw! My good friend Mick had invited me to join the “Great Amazon Raft Race.” It was his creation. Now I know why they call him “Mad Mick!” Having organized raft races in England many years ago he promotes the annual “Great Amazon Raft Race” here in Iquitos, Peru. This year fifteen foreign teams would be competing with twenty-four Peruvian Teams.

City of Nauta. Early afternoon. “It’s time to leave Barry. We’re going-out to watch them construct their rafts.” “But I’ve been bitten by something, my head aches.” “It’s swelling-up”. “Don’t worry Barry it’s just an “Angochupo”. “It’s going to get worse before it gets better” “She’s laid her eggs under your scalp. After a few days the worms hatch-out and leave!” “But I need to rest” “Barry, we have to go over to the Island to watch the teams construct their rafts now.” “We need to determine the odds!” “The odds!” “What is this place?” “A betting parlor, a floating Casino on the Amazon?” “Miguel’s holding the pot Barry, do you want in?”

As I watched the teams constructing their rafts I wondered what qualifications are required to man them. Do they have to pass a test in a swimming pool or a bathtub? Would they need a “Rafting License”, or a “Diploma and Smog Certificate” from the Admiralty? Could contestants cheat? What about gigantic paddles and hollow logs! Could they lash-out at each other with horsewhips whilst shredding their opponent’s logs with revolving can-openers? Or maybe there just aren’t any rules at all!

Carrying one of eight logs to construct the raft

But what’s that? Coils of metal wire, a Black and Decker Chainsaw! Hammer and nails made in China! I thought contestants were supposed to construct their rafts using only local materials. Neanderthals used a stone on a stick. Maybe Neanderthals had primitive brains but at least they were smart enough not to race rafts on the Amazon.

Tools of modern man, axe man

Tools of modern man, saw

Life jackets were to be worn at all times and no alcohol or drugs were permitted “on the rafts.” Teams were allowed to hire local labor to aid in the construction of their rafts. A minimum of eight logs were required, but according to Mick, any configuration was permitted. The most common combination (commanding the best odds) was four logs in front linked to four behind. Linkage was everything. Some teams employed large screws, others used overlapping timbers bound together with metal wire. Three cross-beams were bound with rope to the main logs and plastic chairs with foam seating were common. Teams had numbers (for easy betting), and names. This would be “Gringa Linda’s” third Great Amazon Raft Race. Her team called themselves “Vamos Ya” (Let’s Go right Now). The favorites (5 to 1), were “Los Invensibles de Padre Cocha”. An all Peruvian team, they had won several races before. There were teams named “Coca Loco”, “Amazon Quest”, “Los Titanes”, “Los Increibles” (the Incredibles), “Amazonia” and “Las 4 Virgenes de Ivalu” (Four Virgins of Ivalu). Are there some left? In the Jungle!! As a non-swimmer my favorite was “Don’t Drown!” There were all-male teams, all female teams and mixed teams. Some team members volunteered to join only days before the start. Drinking a few beers in a London Pub, Tim overheard three crewmen crying in their beer. They were one member short. “Count me in!” he exclaimed. After a few more beers they carried him to the plane!

Wedging the joints together to form a raft of eight logs, four logs wide.

City of Nauta on the Amazon, eight in the morning. “Barry, there’s going to be a short delay.” “The Chief Harbor Master wants to start the race!” “He wants the glamour!” “But he’s drunk” “Wasn’t he at that fiesta dancing with a hooker?” “Can he shoot straight?” “Does he have any ammo?” “Can I trade my lifejacket for a bullet proof vest?”

City of Nauta on the Amazon eight thirty in the morning. “It’s number 18 at the gate, and they’re off. 23’s in the lead and it’s “Vamos Ya” followed by “Coca Loco” and “Timbercreek.” As they round the turn it’s the “Four Virgins” followed by “Amazonia”. The “Amazonians” are standing up! Californian surfers no doubt. “Hang Ten Guys, Surfs-Up.” Oh gosh, are they flashing it? Coming into the final stretch it’s “Coca Loco” followed by “Vamos Ya” and “Kindred Spirits,” and now it’s “The Titans” and the “Four Virgins” followed closely by the “Four Flashers”. The “Four Flashers” are gaining. The “Flashers” are Down! Now they’re up – way-way up!!! Neck and neck! They’re coming “up from behind“, now they’re “up on the inside!” As they approach the finish line it’s the “Two Virgins” followed by the “Four Flashers” and “Vamos Ya” (Let’s go Right Now!).

The beachhead at the Pueblo of Nueva Esperanza

The beachhead at the Pueblo of Nueva Esperanza, end of day two. At the top of the muddy hill a welcoming band playing Amazonian Drums greeted the arriving rafters. First one in, number 33 “Keepin’ off Rio.” Losing my foothold, trying to get closer to Mick and the VIPs, I slipped and rolled down the embankment into the mud-bath below. “No I didn’t, you sick SOB.” “It’s mud!” What’s that, a Mud Freak?” – “I’m a VIP.” African Cheiftains smother their bodies with mud – If it’s good enough for them.” “Anyway it’s got medicinal properties.” As I peered through the mud I could see “Los Increibles”, “Gringa Linda with Vamos Ya” and “Lobo Marino de Nanay”. Rafters arriving in high spirits, spent the night dancing in the small discotheque and sleeping in the encampment above the cliffs.

Day Three. The Race to Tamshiyacu. This would be the longest and most difficult stretch. Rafters could be seen desperately searching for the current. Without the current they would suffer unbearable pain and exhaustion with the sun beating down on them. From the VIP boat we could see rafters, adrenalin pumping through their veins, as they tried to maintain speed. “Los Invensibles” were in the lead for the second day in a row, but who was that flying the Jolly Roger? “Piratas del Amazonas’ (Pirates of the Amazon). On an adrenaline rush, the rafts-men paddled at lightning speed as the “Coca Leaf Tea” and “Bark Nectar” kicked-in!

We reached the junction in the river. Rafts were to proceed through the short-cut. No-one told them. Mick and other VIPs left the boat to establish a traffic control spot further along the beachhead. “We’ve got a red flag Barry, someone’s in trouble.” We have to leave now.” “No time to pick-up Mick.” “But they are without water in all this heat,” I exclaimed. “We’ve got to leave now” Ed screamed, as the Captain started the engine. But where were the Peruvian Coast Guard? They were to patrol the river to aid distressed rafts. Lunch break. They had left for the day! Doubling-back some twenty minutes, a raft could be seen bobbing up and down while the rafts-men tried desperately to outmaneuver the strong current and bring-it alongside. The crew were exhausted. Suffering from dehydration, finally they realized they needed a tow.

“We’ve got another red flag” someone shouted, as the VIPs raced up-deck for a photo-shoot. “Everyone’s rushing to the same side” Ed shouted, as the vessel lurched. “ She’s going to capsize.” “Capsize!” “But I’m a VIP” “I can’t swim“. “At least I’d have a chance on a raft. Logs float.” “Put your life-jacket on Barry” “The boat’s caught in a strong current” My mind raced-back to that day-trip at Niagara Falls. “Good bye life jacket, I need a barrel!” “But where were the rafts?” “Oh they’re way behind us now.” So that’s it. The race was fixed all along! The “VIP Boat’s in the lead now.” “We’re going to Win!”

Later that evening, in a Tamshiyacu bar, one of the female team members shared her diary with me. Desperately trying to take their minds off the pain and exhaustion they sang and paddled to “Christmas Carols“ and “Queen’s” “Bohemian Rhapsody.” A song about a poor boy about to die. “I’m just a poor boy, nobody loves me.” “Too late, my time has come.” “Sometimes I wish I’d never been born at all!” What about, “We are the Champions!” “No Time for Losers”. There were other notations. The desperate need to propel the raft with long deep strokes, and the struggle to maintain speed in the wake of passing vessels. The routine of constantly changing sides to relieve the pressure on one arm. Bathroom breaks that involved standing or squatting at the rear of the raft. There were unforgettable moments such as when a young boy rolled a water-melon down the embankment to help quench their thirst. The kids sitting on a riverside bank shouting down to them “They make motors now!” “Then there was the realization that for them, it had nothing to do with coming in first, or even last, but everything to do with not being towed! Towing was the ultimate humiliation.

Day Four. The last lap was grueling. Facing a fierce current along the Nanay River, rafts inched along toward the finish line. Crewmen who failed to paddle in unison found their raft going backwards as the current dragged them back toward the Amazon. “Didn’t someone say The Current is Your Friend?” “With friends like that?” As the local saying goes, “The Amazon has the River but the Nanay has the Current.” Three crew fainted and others found themselves towed-in. Is that the “Pirates of the Amazon” being towed? Ran-out of Coca Leaves and Bark Nectar? Good thing they don’t have to “walk the plank“! Rafting Teams were totally exhausted as they crossed the finish line. Team members posing for photo-shoots collapsed on their decks or suffered humiliation as they fell from their rafts into the water, only to be dragged onshore by young boys. The revenge of the Incas I thought as Los Invencibles de Padre Cocha, the “Peruvian Victors,” crossed the finish line.

At least I now know what kind of person races a raft on the Amazon looking for the ultimate “Adrenalin Rush.” The same kind of person who climbs Mount Everest, Explores Antarctica or walks on the Surface of the Moon (or lives in the Rainforest!). A Crazy Human!

Adrenaline Rafting, The Great Amazon Raft Race 2009

Barry Brett                                                                                         Copyright  October 2009

Barry Brett has spent three of the past five years here in Iquitos, Peru. Growing-up in England, he emigrated to the U.S. as a young man and has lived almost forty years in Huntington Beach, California.

If you enjoy Barry’s style of writing, follow these links to his other articles;

Welcome To Iquitos

Iquitos Water Carnival

Beauty In Death, The Passing Of A Baby Girl

Jungle Walk

A Rose Is But A Rose

Pampachica, The Watering Hole

Celebrating the Rebellion Against the Crown

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The Great River Amazon Raft Race Blog, 2009

The Great River Amazon Raft Race has been held in Iquitos Peru since 1999. At first it was just a one day affair attracting local people. In 2006 the race was extended to cover 180 kilometers or 112 miles of the mighty River Amazon over three days making it the longest raft race in the world.

Each team of four must construct their own raft out of balsawood logs and other materials (which are provided) and then paddle the raft for three days through the magnificent rainforest to the finish line in Iquitos.

The Great River Amazon Raft Race 2008 race attracted 46 crews from 18 different countries including the famous Sisterhood and Brotherhood teams from London, England. Most of the teams were sponsored and raised money for their favorite charities.

The big surprise of the 2008 Great River Amazon Raft Race was that a Peruvian team did not cross the finish line first. Dave Kelly, West Hansen, Carter Johnson, and Mike Scales of team “Easy Living” from the USA completed the course in a record 12 hours and 19 minutes, followed closely by the reigning champions “Los Increibles de Padre Cocha”.

Another exciting part of the 2008 race was when Dave Petroski’s “Canada One” team was swept into some fallen trees by the strong current, wrecking the raft and spilling the crew into the water. They were rescued by Dawn on the Amazon’s safety boat.

The next Great River Amazon Raft Race Race will be in September 2009 with raft construction on Thursday September 24th and the race will take place over the next 3 days finishing in Iquitos on Sunday, September 27th.  At present over 20 international teams have expressed an interest to compete in this race which will be even bigger and better than ever.

It is advisable for all teams to be in Iquitos by Tuesday September 22nd for the Raft Race Reception in the Amazon Café.

Mark these dates on your calendar;

• September 22, orientation, reception, party.

• September 23, support boat leaves for Nauta.

• September 24, raft construction.

• September 25, race begins.

• September 26, 2nd day of race.

• September 27 race ends in Iquitos, award ceremony, party.

Join us for a great Amazon adventure

For more information please click this link to the Iquitos Times.

For those participants or spectators who would appreciate more comfort and better food during the race, I will have space available on my Dawn on the Amazon riverboats on a first come first serve basis. To ensure the best experience for all, Dawn III will be limited to 10 guests. Dawn I will be limited to 6 guests. To put those limits in perspective, Dawn III’s legal capacity is 24, sleeps 12 comfortably, and Dawn I’s legal capacity is 14, sleeps 8 comfortably, so there will be plenty of room to be comfortable on both boats.

For information about the Dawn on the Amazon riverboats prices, schedule and benefits to spectators of the Great River Amazon Raft Race, click this special cruises link, one day is free.

To see more great photos from the Dawn on the Amazon photo gallery of The Great Amazon River Raft Race click the link.

If you would like to leave a comment, if you have a question, or if you have already competed in a previous Great River Amazon Raft Race, please share your thoughts with us by clicking on the comment link below. We want to hear from you.

The Great River Amazon Raft Race Blog, 2009

Mike Collis and Bill Grimes

Other articles of interest about the Great River Amazon Raft Race

The Great River Amazon Raft Race Blog, 2008, with 380 comments

Iquitos Peru and the Great River Amazon Raft Race

The Great River Amazon Raft Race and Easy Living,  by John Fenner

Behind the Scenes of the Great River Amazon Raft Race 2008

The Great River Amazon Raft Race, Iquitos Peru

The Great River Amazon Raft Race, 2005

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Water level is up for the Great River Amazon Raft Race 2008

The black line represents the water level for 2008. The black line measures the water level to Oct 3rd. From Sept 8th to Sept 24th the water level between Nauta and Iquitos rose nearly 3 meters.

The red line represents the record low.

The green line represents the record high.

The yellow line represents the average.

The blue line represents 2007.

Water level is up for the Great River Amazon Raft Race 2008

Bill Grimes, Dawn on the Amazon

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An Irreverent Account From Behind the Scenes of the Great River Amazon Raft Race

Mike Collis and I meet twice a day, 6 days a week, except when I am traveling. We nearly always discuss and plan our pet projects, The Great River Amazon Raft Race, The Amazon Golf Course, how we can best promote our favorite city, Iquitos Peru, while we enjoy our lives. Oh my gosh, the ideas we have kicked around. This article is a series of short sketches, some humorous, some sad, some stupid, National Inquirer style reporting with gossip, and rumor mixed with daydreams and mistakes. If you are not interested in one paragraph, skip to the next, it will be a completely different subject.

Kate Middleton

We made a mistake not publicizing Prince William’s girlfriend Kate Middleton joining the Sisterhood for their rafting the Amazon charity promotion. We were sworn to secrecy, told if the press got wind of Kate coming it would ruin her chances. Kate missed the boat anyway because the Royal council considered the Great River Amazon Raft Race too dangerous. We could have gotten great press coverage announcing Ms. Middleton would participate.

The Dog Paddlers started the third day of the raft race as Canadian royalty wearing tiaras.

The Great River Amazon Raft Race Blog

The Great River Amazon Raft Race Blog had 7,489 page views, 5,985 unique page views, with an average time on the page of 4 minutes, 52 seconds and 365 comments.

Easy Living

Congratulations to David Kelly, West Hansen, Carter Johnson, and Mike Scales, of Team Easy Living Paddle Club for smashing the record time while winning the Great River Amazon Raft Race 2008.  These guys are serious athletes.  They believed they could win, they planned to win, they came to win, and they won.

Easy Living did not just show up in Iquitos blindfolded, with one arm tied behind their backs. Before leaving the States they built a half size scale model of their unique raft design. They arrived in Iquitos a few days early, hired a speed boat to Nauta, and marked out the route with their GPS unit so they always knew where they were in relationship to the end of each days finish line.

They are proven long distance endurance paddlers, competing  in the 340 mile Missouri River Race from Kansas City to St. Louis. David Kelly held the single person canoe world record in the Yukon River Race over 300 miles, paddling straight through for 36 hours.

I exclaimed loud and often that no international team, even olympic trained athletes,  would ever beat the Padre Cocha cousins. I stand corrected. I told David that I expected their record time to stand for years. He replied, “Wait till next year.” I could be wrong again.

The mystery of the missing balsa logs

We solved one mystery. We could not understand how we could have been 160 balsa logs short on the beach at Nauta. The logs were counted several times in Iquitos and there were extra logs. The person hired to truck the logs to Nauta bid to get the job. He had two trucks. All the logs would not fit in his two trucks, so he delivered the logs he could carry, got paid, and did not tell anyone that he left a pile of logs back in Iquitos.

Spreading Melvin’s ashes on the Amazon River

Mike had a good friend from his home town in England that visited in Iquitos three times. Melvin Lawrance loved Iquitos. He invested in the Amazon Golf Club, helped disadvantaged children, and was a good man. Just before he died he asked to to be cremated and have his ashes spread over the Amazon River during the Great River Amazon Raft Race. A mutual friend, Dennis Chiles brought Melvin’s ashes from England and they now enrich the magnificent Amazon River, after a quiet ceremony on board the support boat during the race.

It would have made a better story if one of them had drowned

A raft was swept under a fallen tree. All four rafters were desperately clinging on to the branches of the tree for dear life when my crew from Dawn on the Amazon rescued them. Later a reporter was overheard to say, it would have been a better story if one of them had drowned.

The Arco Iris Chicas, from the Netherlands, raised $5,000 from sponsors to donate to Arco Iris, the Iquitos Orphanage. They hope to enter 5 teams next year.

One of the best parts of the Great River Amazon Raft Race is meeting so many interesting adventurous people. One of the worst part of the race is not getting to know them well enough before it is over. I was really looking forward to getting to know Alan La Rue better, from Expat Peru in Lima. We shook hands and said hi, and smiled a few times but that was about all we had time for. Alan, know I am thinking about you. You to Robbie…Anita, Stevie, David, and all the rest.

Did you know Stevie Tate-Bauer starred as Galadriel, in the musical version of The Lord of the Rings?

Robbie Dowling, the Dub in the Tub, donated $4,000 to help one desperately sick jungle girl, and is raising more funds now. Marc Plumet is administering the funds, and helping take care of the girl.

Sisterhood shocks Iquitos skinny dipping

The Sisterhood shocked Iquitos skinny dipping in the pool at the El Dorado Plaza.

Congratulations to La Noche, by far the fastest womens team, and to Chaos, Arco Iris, Red Healers and the Sisterhood for setting a good example for the women of this patriarchal society.

Pamela spoils the party

Pamela, from the Yellow Rose of Texas, called the police to spoil the post raft race party at the Amazon Cafe on Sept 21st. It can now be revealed that the YRT serves beer all night in the back room in spite of the midnight curfew on Sunday night beer sales in Iquitos. How do they do that right under the nose of the police without getting busted. Hummmm…they do that every night. Hum?

The Ottawa Police team are big strong men. They told me participating in the raft race was the hardest three days of all of their lives.

Other teams were overheard grumbling that it was harder than they expected. Huh? Harder than “The Faint of Heart Need Not Apply”?

The beer and water in the support boat was air temperature. I was told the beer tasted like piss. I am surprised we did not sell more of our cold beer?

We were tied up at Tamshiyacu late afternoon on the second day of the race when one of the excursion boats from JungleX came past slow with a boat load of friendly people. We waved and talked back and forth as they took photos of Dawn on the Amazon III. They joked they were out of beer. I held up a bottle of beer and invited them to come aboard. After much discussion and possibly a near mutiny the excursion boat pulled along side and we had the pleasure of meeting a couple of dozen nice folks sharing cold beer in the tropical heat of the Amazon River and rainforest. It was a pleasant and unusual experience.

It is easy to host the Great River Amazon Raft Race

It is easy to put this race on, no problems, no troubles. This is eeeaaassssyy.

Mike is hoping a giant centipede comes into Mad Mick’s Trading Post looking for 40 pairs of gardening gloves, 40 pairs of extra boots, 20 hammocks, and 10 machetes. That is alright, maybe he will sell them someday. Maybe next year at the race.

Marmelita has 53 commemorative raft race T-shirts left unsold. That is alright, maybe she will sell them someday. Maybe next year at the race.

I want to thank John Fenner, Ann Murrell, and Steve Patarozzi for helping buy the fuel for Dawn on the Amazon III and the two support boats. Thanks to Steve and Heidie, Cammy, Jeanie, and the rest of the Portland bunch that stayed at our Jungle Cabin after the race. Thanks to Rudy and Jeremy for being good guys.

Mike and I are retiring from the Great River Amazon Raft Race. We are able to retire because we are leaving the race in the capable hands of Carsten Korch, the editor of Living in Peru, the best man to elevate the race to the next level. Mike will help as a consultant. I will blog about the great raft race, but the only way Dawn on the Amazon Tours and Cruises will participate is if a group charters my boats.

Wave goodbye Mike

I am switching over to work on three new pet projects. You can find out about my new projects here on the Captain’s Blog in the near future. Thanks for reading this far. I hope you will check back with me from time to time.

An Irreverent Account From Behind the Scenes of the Great River Amazon Raft Race

Bill Grimes, Dawn on the Amazon

Articles about the Great River Amazon Raft Race

The Great River Amazon Raft Race and Easy Living

Iquitos Peru and the Great River Amazon Raft Race

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