To Base Camp
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Flight from Ciudad Bolivar to Cainama, canoe to Base Camp
The following morning we went to the airport and divided into 3 groups for the hour and a quarter hour flight to Canaima in the Canaima National Park. The little Cessna planes were six seater including the pilot, we got in with Connie and Fred, a local and our pilot. The advantage of the Cessna is everyone has a window seat. Flying at a maximum of six thousand, five hundred feet for the one hundred and nineteen miles we had wonderful views of our first tepuys, some of the many waterfalls, rivers and the dense rain forest as we approached Canaima.
Beds had a stiff coffee for breakfast, we repacked (yet again), minibus the short distance across the road and off we went. Connie held Beds
Beds enjoyed the views and was excited as the pilot when we overtook one of the other groups.
 
 After a bit of wing walking and testing out the "hot seat" we were ready to explore.    Leona and the hat may end up with their own blog as it
suffered for it's art. Time for a bit of "Retail
Therapy" at the airport where the rum was 180 Bolivars to the 35 we paid
in the Guiria. A little local
chap.
   Pat "testing" the merchandise and Connie getting her bearings.
   Just a
short walk from the airport to the waters edge. The sign,
the group and Fred as Backstop Sweeper of the
Gang.
Canaima
sits on one side of Canaima Lagoon which is fed by four spectacular waterfalls
on the Rio Carrao. After landing, we walked a short way and were then
transported by canoe to Camp Bernal (www.bernaltours.com) on Isla
Anatoliy which is situated in the lagoon between two of the
waterfalls. Native people here are the Pemon and guides must be native. We
met our river guide Danielle at the camp. Danielle spoke English like a first
language – it turns out all of the guides here must speak English, we spoke to a
few who were from British Guiana. Tomas Bernal who founded the business was
originally from Peru.
  Loading onto our canoe, the colour of the water, our first look at
waterfalls with Tepuy in the
background
   Danielle pointing, we were to learn the fall names
later
   First look at base camp, hammocks and dining area. Baggage
in rooms (we shared with Connie and Fred) then welcome drink and
gifts.
   Welcome drink was quite tart but very refreshing, coffee
and biscuit with local fish pate. Gifts of bracelets and
necklaces. Our hostess and her
children.
ALL IN ALL AN INCREDIBLE VIEWS ON THE FLIGHT,
ARRIVING IN THIS FRIENDLY AND WELCOMING
CAMP.
TRULY SPECTACULAR AREA OF WATERFALLS, FELT VERY SAFE
HERE
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