Blog written by Shaya Oceane LAUGHLIN (17, Australia)

Amazon here we come!

Blisters from selection camp have just had the time to heal up and we are already on our way to the Amazon! Only 12 more classes to endure until my teachers are replaced by Mike Horn (woohoo!)

It seems like yesterday that we were all at selection camp having the time of our lives. I am so excited to see everyone again in 5 days to embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Being in Switzerland for 10 days has already taught me so much I can’t wait to see what the Amazon has in store for us!

Coming back home has been pretty hectic. One day it was so wild that the television channel had to come pick me up at school during my fifteen minute lunchbreak to get an interview! After starting at a new school my three weeks have been filled by catching up on work, spending time with my family, doing media interviews, preparing the project for the Amazon and keeping fit.

The day I received my plane ticket was the day I realized it was all really happening, before it seemed surreal, something a kid could only dream about. I feel bubbles of joy in my tummy each time I run through my head what is really happening to me.

It has been funny to see everyone’s reaction at school when I tell them why I’m away so much. First I have to explain why I was in Switzerland and why I’m going to the Amazon (often I also have to explain where the Amazon is). When they hear about the program everyone thinks it’s the most awesome thing they’ve heard about (and I agree!!)

I’m pretty sure there are no words to describe how thankful I am to have this opportunity to be part of this expedition!

Blog written by Lani VAN NIEKERK (18, South Africa)

Only six days left before I embark on the expedition of a lifetime. And the best part is, I get to do this with 9 other amazing Young Explorers and, of course, Mr Mike Horn himself! “Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them. So go out and start creating.” The Amazon Expedition members are going to do just that. We are going to explore, learn and act in these jam-packed three weeks! We are going to create awareness on the problems in the Amazon area, we can create solutions for them and make great memories!

When I got the email with our list of activities, I nearly jumped out of my skin! Seeing the pink Amazonian river dolphins, diving, trekking through the jungle, visiting hydroelectric dams and turtle rehabilitation centres, planting trees, handing out water filters to the local community – all of this sounds like a dream come true! (And it is!) And I cannot wait to put my feet onto that sailing vessel. I want to experience life in a confined space, feel the wind whipping through my hair as we sail toward another exciting destination!

Preparing for this trip has been quite nerve-wrecking (mostly on my mother’s part). After 4 vaccinations and an hour long explanation about every disease I could pick up, catch or die of, I could see my mom’s face growing anxious. My spirits, however, were soaring! That meant that I am one step closer to living the dream!
I have to add that this dream would not have been possible without the help of the invincible, legendary Mike Horn Team. These guys spend hours slaving away so that everyone is happy and everything runs smoothly. I am immeasurably grateful to all of you and I admire the way you are always ready to help! You are incredible! And a BIG thank you to all the sponsors for all our gear – your contributions are priceless.

Every moment of every day is devoted to either dreaming about all the adventures we will find ourselves in, or working on projects, emails, pamphlets and skype calls before I leave for Brazil! And when I’m not busy scanning the shops for South African delicacies (this might be to get into Mike, Moose and Gaynor’s “good books”) I am greeting old friends and eagerly telling them about my travels and involvement with the Young Explorers Program.

I am so happy that I took the plunge and gave up a year of University for this project. “Some opportunities only come once, seize them.” I can only say that it has been a million times worth the effort.

I have readied myself with cans of repellent for all the bugs, mosquitoes, anacondas, crocodiles and hairy spiders! Keeping up a good level of fitness, getting enough rest and eating well (and I can tell you, I REALLY ate after the Selection Camp! I scared myself with the amounts of food I practically inhaled!) will help me to make the most of this expedition!

Here’s to exploring a new continent, meeting up with friends, learning new things and acting to make a difference! Amazon, here I come!!!

Pangaea continues her route up the mighty Amazon at a steady 5 knots. in just a few more days Pangaea wil arrive in Manaus. The scenary has changed over the last years says skipper Mike Horn as there is more traffic, more people and less trees.

After 5 days of smooth sailing Mike, Tristan and Jacek sail Pangaea into the port of Santarem. Here they moor for one evening and after a good sleep they continue their voyage to Manaus.

We arrived at Santarem. Another 3 days sail to Manuas from here. As I sail up river I recognize some places and others not. There is more traffic, more people and less trees along the water highway.

Pangaea weaves her way up the Amazon River at a steady pace under the careful control of Mike and his crew. The river slowly narrows and Mike's excitement increases as he feels the jungle closing in around him.

Pangaea sails into the port of Macapa in the late hours of the 23rd of February. Mike Horn is happy to be back in the familiar territory of Macapa and to see that little has changed since he passed there last during the Latitude Zero Expedition (1999-2000)

After 13 years a lot has changed but it feel like I have returned back home to the Amazon.

Most southern point of Trinidad, 4 days to the mouth of the mighty Amazon.

Exciting times for Mike Horn as he will soon be sailing into the mouth of the Amazon River and stopping at the Brazilian city of Macapa, the capital of Amapá state.

This is familiar territory for Mike Horn. Mike passed through Macapa on two of his previous expeditions, the Amazon Expedition (1997-1998) and Latitude Zero (1999-2000)