Orangutans
Simanderal
Michael Hughes and Ger White
Tue 13 Sep 2011 12:23
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Having dropped anchor in Kumai yesterday, today we
went up a tributary of the river in a speedboat with driver and guide--and a 7
a.m. start!
Great trip up the rivers of this National
Park--the only way to access this part of the world--no roads--some short treks
through the rainforest to see the orangutans--mostly friendly, though one took a
swipe at our driver! Also monkeys of various types and some bird life.
Every second orangutan had a baby in tow--clinging on to her as she did tarzan
style swings through the forest--apparently the "babies" are still breast
feeding at five and leave the mother around eight--at which point she produces
another!
Around 3p.m. we realised the downside to
rainforest--it rained--torrential--so arrived back at the boat sodden but happy!
And with a lot to think about.
This was the first rain we've seen for 3 months!!
The boat needed it--all the salt washed off at last!
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