The forests of Brazil differ from their cousins in North America and Europe in that they contain mostly broader leafed Deciduous varieties in great diversity rather than huge stands of Conifers. They come not only in great variety but in every size imaginable from 100 meter giants to tiny saplings. There is an eternal competition for light for as the larger trees stretch up and out their branches interlocking and forming a "canopy" layer of leaves and branches starting 30 or 40 meters high and continuing to the top of the trees sometimes in excess of 100 meters. The canopy often prevents sunlight from reaching the forest floor in any great strength limiting the growth of other species. In many places in the forest one may walk quite unhindered through a almost park like leaf stroon forests floor. Of course in other areas where the canopy is not so thick and enough light does penetrate there is a constant riot of new plant life again in an incredible variety. It is there that the visitor will need his machete to make his way through.
This
canopy layer is home to entire ecosystems containing thousands of species of insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals that are found no where else, and really if ever descend to the ground. I have read of different authors who say there are untold numbers of undiscovered species in the forest canopy, and because of the difficulties of studying this area, "we know more about the surface of the moon that the canopy of the Amazon Rainforest". Over the past few years I have had the opportunity to develop a certain amount of expertise in accessing the forest canopy, and look forward to using these skills to enjoy this breath taking environment more often in the future.
I took a look up, "Damn that is a long way up." I though to myself, but said nothing so the Brazilians with me would not know I was nervous. I had not really wished for an audience on my first real climb in the Amazon, but they had been so fascinated with either the idea of reaching into the canopy or what a fool I was, I was never sure which was the case, they had insisted on coming along into the forest. I had practiced back home in Canada on similar species with large branches but nothing like this.
The plan was very simple; after careful inspection through my binoculars for such things as health and therefore strength of branches, and hazards like wasp nests and ants, I would use my cross bow to fire a fishing arrow up over a likely branch with a length of fishing line attached.
When the arrow returned to the ground I could then use the fishing line to pull nylon parachute cord over the branch, which would then be used to pull the static climbing rope over the branch. Once the climbing rope was tied off back on the ground I would be able to climb the rope using standard mountaineering equipment and methods.
"Easy, ... no?"
Well perhaps not the first time!
I found this was
not at all like climbing a rock face. The tree being a living, fibrous, flexible material moved and shivered as I began to climb. It was a little unnerving being used to the solidity of a mountain side. The wind blew gently and the tree swayed a little making the sensation even more pronounced. After a short pause or two to conquered my true feelings about what I was attempting to do, and realizing I was being watched, I persevered. Up I went inching my way like the proverbial worm.
As I ascended, I noticed a
marked difference in the smell, and humidity. I had left behind the heavy damp smell of the forest floor and found the strong smell of flowers carried on a gentle breeze in a warmer and brighter area if the canopy.
Finally reaching the
top of the rope I tied myself off securely in the crotch of a branch and took a look around. The tops of the trees stretched out in all directions and seemed to flow and move like the waves of the ocean.
I could see in the distance
birds flocking around different trees, there was the buzz of insects, and somewhere a long way off I could hear the cry of the Howler Monkey.
Close by, plants grew on the branches of the trees in these high places, vines and leafy house plant looking bromeliads.
I have made many climbs since my first one of course, and have enjoyed every one. I am always reluctant to leave the canopy when the time comes, and it is my intention to spend a great deal more time there in the future. Our plans for the construction of photography blinds in high trees are in place and I look forward to many hours photographing and explorin
g this little known part of the forest.
Some very interesting people have inspired me in this endeavor, and I recommend you pick up a copy of Donald Perry's book, "Life Above the Jungle Floor" published by Simon and Schuster. Another great book is "The Enchanted Canopy" by Andrew Michael published by Macmillan. These guys are the real pros and pioneered this kind of arboreal study.
Oh....How do you get down?... Well you take a deep breath and run backwards as fast as you can down the tree!
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