****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
My local (county) library system did not have the softback. I was a motivated buyer, being intrigued what such an adventure would entail.The inertia to conceive, plan then execute the walk was typical of two brash guys having a few beers, then actually following through on the idea. The author's personality was certainly an asset to soberly attempt the feat. The description of the strategy to walk around (too) much of the River, made me wonder if it was really a walk of the amazon. His description of the many challenges (sometimes seemingly humanly impossible) were vivid, both physically and mentally. His choice to NOT pack weapons was a wise choice, though at times probably seemed liked a foolish choice. The partner who started with Ed, decided his heart (or wisdom) was not into the goal. The many encounters with indigenous folks of the Amazon (not the online business), was entertaining as well revealing a characteristic security system for warding off outsiders. The worries of the Red Zone (Narco running infest), the disguise of governments permissive destruction of the Rain Forest was disheartening. The naive reader perhaps would gain an appreciation for the Machete as a necessary tool in the thick Rain Forest and a common staple called "Farine" that aided survival when little food was available. The author experience much depression and isolation being surrounded at times with people whose English was inadequate, and the author's inability to speak local languages. You also gained an appreciation of what is necessary to fund such an attempted feat, and why you can't plan for everything.Overall, you wonder how anyone could continue such an effort when faced with such threats, disappointments, and seemingly endlessly strings of little or no progress. A good insight to anyone who has ever contemplated an adventurous journey.
