PARROT CLAY LICKS

Parrot Clay Lick :

We were up at 0530 and got ready for a 0630 canoe ride to the Parrot Clay Licks. The clay licks are places where parrots and other birds come to feed on the mineral laden soil. The parrots and others need these minerals to clean the toxins they ingest. Most of the Amazon soil is heavy in aluminum and iron. While visiting a couple of Clay Lick locations we also sighted some Squirrel Monkeys. 

Back on the boat for breakfast and prepare for our next outing. Here we took the canoes to a landing and followed a concrete path to a hide near a mineral spring. It was a good little wait for two Scarlet Macaws coming in for a drink. 

On our return we stopped in a clearing and got to try Lemon Ants, yes they taste like lemons. Our Adventure Guide Juan and Tiffany dressed in traditional clothing and greeted us with our own toucan bills. 

Back at the landing there was a blow gun demonstration before we boarded the canoes to return to the boat. 

After a quick little clean up we had some lunch and a little down time. We also started packing as we will be traveling to Quito tomorrow afternoon. 

This afternoon we boarded the canoes and made our way to the shore where we boarded busses which took us to Limoncocha (lemon lake). 

On the lake we boarded canoes and navigated the shoreline enjoying some great birding. We saw several egrets, heron, Stinky Turkeys, Snail Kite, and many more. In the distant tree tops we did observe some monkeys. As the sun set we started to look for Black Caiman. We did find one big guy but it was too dark for me to take any photos. 

Arriving back at the dock well after sunset we again boarded busses to take us near to the Anakonda. 

Back on board we had our farewell dinner. A local musician came onboard and played several instruments. I was glad he offered a CD. Interestingly, he had made his own instruments. 

Dinner started with a crab roll and the main course were prawns the size of lobster. 

I can not say enough about the quality of the experience on the Anakonda. From deck hand to the house keepers, to the kitchen crew and servers, the canoe drivers, the Captain and the Owner, a heart felt well done for sharing this wonderful ship with us. 

I did not forget the onboard Naturalists, Rene, Robbie, and Alex. These gentlemen shared their world in a most professional manner. The depth of their knowledge and method of presentation was above excellent. They were the cherry on top of the wonderful experience. 

A return to this area just to sail on the Anakonda could be well worth the trip.