Walking through the streets of Manaus at night. You can see the human impact of this big city in the middle of the jungle. We produce so much waste.

This is were we are anchored in Manaus, Tomorrow afternoon the Young Explorers will board Pangaea to spend 3 weeks with me in the Amazon Jungle. I hope they are ready. I certainly am!

Blog written by Shruthi VIJAYAKUMAR (20, New Zealand)

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement. I just haven’t been able to stop smiling, as day after day passes and the expedition draws closer and closer.

I began my 5th Semester of University this week, feeling a little silly. You know why? I’ve been wearing my semi-new hiking boots to class, in the middle of our summer. Yeap- I’ve been getting a little sweaty in them, a couple of comments about my ‘interesting’ fashion sense, but a week of trudging round in them has hopefully worn them in and removed blister potential!

The week’s been a little crazy…I’ve begun studying ahead for tests, getting ahead on content and meeting my lecturers and tutors to get extensions on assignments. In between all the school work, I took a trip to the travel doctors. Anyone who knows me is probably aware that I am not at all a fan of needles, so 4 injections, all straight into the left arm was a little worrying! Fortunately they all went well and I had a most pleasant surprise to learn that my travel doctor has actually led several expeditions himself to the Amazon. He has even explored the region with Kiwi Legend, Sir Peter Blake and hearing his stories just mounted my excitement to greater heights!

I also managed to buy myself a sweet new Canon camera. It’s been great learning how to use the functions. I am still yet to discover what half the buttons do and most of the letters mean, but I’m just waiting to start exploring the wild and get snapping away.

I cannot think of anyone in the world (except for maybe the locals) that knows the Amazon region as well as Mike Horn does. The fact that we’ll begin our journey with him in just a few days is such an honour and blessing. Thank you to the team for all your effort, hard work and this incredible opportunity!

D day is getting closer!! Tomorrow the Young Explorers meet me in Manaus and the Amazon Expedition will begin. I cannot wait!!!

Blog written by Bobby COLEMAN (14, USA)

I'm so excited as I look forward to the adventure of my lifetime! The time since Switzerland has been a blur, trying to get stuff done on many fronts in between school requirements.

We're all trying to get the message out about Mike Horn and the global environmental issues. I've been to 6 events since returning from Switzerland; in each case I found chances to talk about Mike Horn & his amazing Pangaea expeditions. First, I was invited for four days to be the "Honorary Chair" of a film festival (the Beloit International Film Festival) as soon as I got back from Switzerland. They flew me to Chicago, and I had a chance to talk to many film makers from all over the world as well as attendees. As Honorary Chair, I was invited to speak a lot. I spoke to a bunch of classes at the Beloit High School, and encouraged all of them to look up Mike Horn and to get active in the big environmental issues. I talked to at least 1000 people, and probably 80 people individually about Mike Horn. After that, there were five "pre-Oscar" events, with a lot of opportunity to meet and talk to film people. I've been able to raise money for our Amazon project, and to spread the word wherever I can. I've attached a pic of me from those events.

Meanwhile, we've been trying to help finalize the project we're going to be doing in the Amazon. I've set up some Skype meetings — it's been a challenge with people all over the world in different time zones! The main thing we're trying to figure out is how to communicate (with possibly illiterate people who speak a different language and may not have knowledge of bacteria) in simple pictures and words the vital need for clean water to fight diseases, and how to set up and use the filters that were kindly donated by Katadyn! But that's pretty hard to do… any ideas?

Oh! I'm so excited… I got a GoPro camera — that's the kind that mounts on your body. I want to wear it as I trek, so people can get a POV of what it's like to do an Amazon expedition! You can even jump in the water and dive down 200 feet (or get heavily rained on) and it just keeps working! I've attached the first pic I took trying to figure out how it works! Since then I've run around taking POV videos of everything in my life.

I'm busy learning about the Amazon and getting more excited with each passing hour! I'm busy packing too, and yesterday we were able to spring our package of supplies loose from Customs in Kentucky, so it's supposed to arrive today. I can't believe this is really happening! THANK YOU MIKE HORN AND THE PANGAEA TEAM!!!!!

NEVER NEVER NEVER GIVE UP! – Winston Churchill

Look deep into nature, then you will understand everything better. – Albert Einstein

The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness. – John Muir

Nothing really moves fast in Brazil – even more so in the Amazon. Sometimes you feel like climbing up a wall. That's why we love Brazil!!

After only 6 days of sailing, Pangaea arrives in Manaus! "We hugged the side of the river in the past few days", says Mike, "and we battled against the strong countercurrent, but at the same time we made excellent progress. It's super interesting to return to the Amazon after serveral years. In some places I do not recognise the river. So many changes and so many more people! I'm very much lookiing forward to the Young Explorers joining me in Manaus in a few days time. There are so many environemental and communty projects that can be done here!"

The view from Pangaea's pilot house. We had to stay very close to shore to be able to sail upstream using the counter current.

Just 70 nautical miles to go until Pangaea sails into the port of Manaus. Mike and hs crew have had an enjoyable trip and are now looking forward to meeting the next group of Young Explorers in three days time.

Just sailing past Parintins, 1000 km from the mouth of the Amazon.