Anaconda!

Great excitement after lunch. The lodge employees had spotted a young anaconda near the lodge and hoiked it up into the corridor. Those who hadn't dispersed to their cabins rushed to gawp and take photos. I didn't have time to get my camera, so this is a cheat - an American guest was kind enough to take a shot of me gingerly touching the tail, and to send it to me later.

The poor anaconda was desperate to get away, but wasn't allowed to do so till everyone had photographed it to their heart's content. Then it plopped thankfully down into the swamp between the stilts and slithered off into the undergrowth.

Another fascinating day walking through the rain forest with our Ecuadorian and indigenous guides, who pointed out and explained all the intricacies of the flora and fauna. What a wonderful place to be.

www.sachalodge.com - the map location is not exact, wasn't sure which was down the Rio Napo!