The Amazon Swim

Martin arrives in Atalaya @ Atalaya, Peru

2007-01-28T15:00:00.000Z

A barrel-chested Martin Strel stepped off a 12 passenger jungle plane today amidst a throng of puzzled Peruvian faces. At 250 pounds he can be compared to a bear before hibernation. He will drop over 50 pounds in the coming months.

Atalaya is a jungle town. The only way to reach it is by boat or plane. Everything is alive with green as the jungle tries to retake the city. “I love the smell of the jungle,” a soaking wet Martin declared as he exited the plane with his new Peruvian guitar in his hand.

The true founder of Atalaya was Juan Santos Atahualpa. He was an Apu Inca who led 50,000 Ashaninkan Indians against the Spaniards in 1742. “There will be no slavery,” he declared, and they gave up their lives to ensure the future freedom of these same Incan descendants who gaze on Martin today. He is the first white man some of these warm people have ever seen and is twice as big as most of them.

THE DEADLY JUNGLE

Dancing with Ashaninkas @ Atalaya, Peru

2007-01-30T23:00:00.000Z

Martin was invited to attend a special ceremony among Ashaninkan chieftains. They have agreed to give him their blessing to swim through the Provincia of Ucayali.

The Countdown Begins @ Atalaya, Peru

2007-01-31T16:00:00.000Z

It was a nerve-racking day for the team as last minute details were finalized to prepare for tomorrow’s start. Martin, Borut, and Jamie hired a guide with the fastest boat available to take them on a scouting mission.

Martin is Swimming @ Rio Maranguara, Peru

2007-02-02T00:20:00.000Z

“The jungle is crying because you are leaving.” The words of one local summed up the mood in Atalaya as Martin prepared to begin his 70 day swim in a heavy downpour. Despite many whirlpools and floating debris, Martin muscled his way through 102 difficult km today.

Martin is Healthy @ Manchari, Peru

2007-02-03T00:28:00.000Z

Drs. Latifi, and Stanonik, directors of the Amazon Virtual Medical Team, announced today that Martin is doing great physiologically and is in good spirits after administering his twice daily physical examinations.

Fog, Debris, and Whirlpools @ Las Tres Grandes Islas de Iparia, Peru

2007-02-04T00:00:00.000Z

Erosion from high water has sliced huge chunks of land away from the bank. One small village lost four houses to the Amazon, and we’ve witnessed dozens of huge trees crashing into the water.

Support Boat Sends out SOS @ Rio Pachitea, Peru

2007-02-04T19:40:00.000Z

Martin and his band of adventurers have had a rough few days. The mighty Amazon has claimed both motors and wrecked the steering column on the large boat carrying the team.

Reunited @ Pucallpa, Peru

2007-02-06T03:40:00.000Z

Today was essentially lost as Martin was forced to wait for the rest of the team to be rescued and the boat repaired.

Hungry and Alone in the Jungle @ Nuevo Saposoa, Peru

2007-02-07T00:35:00.000Z

A robust and well rested Martin Strel awoke early to stroke his way out of the bustling city of Pucallpa and back into the outer fringes of civilization. Unfortunately, last second repairs on the support boat became an all day affair, and by noon Martin’s small escort boat had again lost radio contact.

Gringo Demons @ Santa Ana, Peru

2007-02-07T23:30:00.000Z

A single-minded Martin Strel swam 119 km today. The exhausted swimmer touched the shoreline at the small village of Santa Ana at dusk.

Soldiers on the Boat @ Inahuaya, Peru

2007-02-09T01:00:00.000Z

Martin is swimming through an area with a recent history of pirate activity and a reputation as a narco-trafficking hub

Master of the bush @ Grau, Peru

2007-02-09T22:10:00.000Z

What is Martin’s biggest fear? The Piranha? The Candiru? It is a snake, but not the Anaconda. The creature that Martin must be most cautious of is the Bushmaster snake.

Martin Swims with the Dolphins @ Saman, Peru

2007-02-10T23:00:00.000Z

Three pink dolphins accompanied Martin for the first 10 km this morning. Their vocalizations convinced us that at least one was considering him as a potential mate.

Brazilian Boat leaves Manaus to meet Martin @ Puerto Triunfo, Peru

2007-02-11T23:10:00.000Z

The expedition boat Cassiquiari and swimmer boat Amazon Swim 1 left Manaus late Sunday afternoon on their way to meet with Martin and the expedition team on February 23 in Tabatinga border.

Ultrasound shows Martin in good condition @ San Carlos, Peru

2007-02-12T22:30:00.000Z

Dr. de Leonni Stanonik performed a complete physical examination on Martin on February 12, 2007, as well as various clinical tests in the course of monitoring Martin’s physiological functions.

The Malaria Zone @ Requena, Peru

2007-02-14T00:30:00.000Z

Martin has reminded the team to take their Malaria pills regularly as we are now entering an area with more active carriers of the epidemic.

Martin’s Super Slim Swim Plan @ Rio Paraporoto, Peru

2007-02-14T23:00:00.000Z

For all of you who’d like to lose weight fast, we have the perfect club for you to join. All you have to do is swim the Amazon River.