Hands-On Explorer Trip Blog - National Geographic Kids

Read about National Geographic Kids' 2008 Hands-On Explorer Challenge expedition team's amazing 12-day trip to Australia. Learn how you can enter the 2009 Hands-On Explorer Challenge!

Results tagged “Oxbow Lake”

Tuesday, June 30, 2009
chughes2

Grace K Lands in the Mud

"Whoa!!!" I yelled when I lost traction in my wet, rubber boots. Splat!!! I was lying, facedown, in Amazonian mud. I can laugh now, but I sure wasn't laughing then. It was 8 a.m. We had just started our journey to spot giant river otters at Oxbow Lake.

I pulled myself upright. I was covered from head to toe in brown, sloppy mud. This was not the look I was going for. I was OK, but I couldn't say the same for my new camera. It was practically encased in the dirt. Perfect...

Thank goodness for Luis, our jungle guide. He took my equipment, wrapped it in a towel and put it in his backpack. We continued on our hike to the lake. Once on the boat, Luis wiped most of the grime off of my camera.

"You were lucky, Grace! The lens cap stayed on. Also, the body of the camera seems OK." The zoom control was a different story. It was a mess. I sat there looking at my suddenly-not-so-brand-new-looking Nikon camera. I was filthy and worried. I put the camera away. It began to rain--and we didn't see any giant river otters.
 
Thursday, June 4, 2009
chughes2

Lijah Goes Piranha Fishing

Our trip was spectacular--the nature and ancient ruins were beyond belief! 

Our trek through the great rain forest at the end of the expedition started to the pitter-patter of rain and the many mysterious sounds of the forest. It had been raining for quite a while, which was not a bad thing. The rain makes everything so soothing, cleaner, and fresher!

We dirtied our boots hiking to the Oxbow Lake while hunting with our cameras for the giant river otter. To our dismay we did not see this rare creature. However, birds, fish, and mysterious bubbles floating to the surface from deep within the water set the perfect mood for our exploration. 

We pulled our boat close along the Oxbow's banks. What made me jump was when, to my surprise, our tour guide pulled out fishing poles--made of simple sticks--and said, "Piranha fishing!"

 

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