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Venezuela 2002 - Interlude: Culture and Civilisation

With the hard work behind us, we drove from Peraitepui to San Francisco de Yuruani, and then on to Santa Elena de Uarien, on the border with Brazil. To celebrate our return to civilisation, we went to a restaurant over the border for an excellent meal.

Back into Brazil, this time by road. An introduction to Kachasa. High class service in the ultimate meat-lover's restaurant.

Full of food and some fine cocktails, we re-crossed the border just before it closed for the night and carried on carousing in a pool hall in Santa Elena.

A perfect end to six days hard hiking. Night-life in Santa Elena de Uarien. Cueing up for a big break.

The following day was long and full of action. We set out in the morning to fly across the Gran Sabana to Kavak in small planes. Take-off was delayed, of course, but by then we had adjusted to Venezuelan time schedules.

Our transport to Kavak. The first Cessna loaded and ready to go. At least the co-pilot seems happy.

The flight was bumpy, but the views over jungle and mountains were magnificent. Kavak was a charming village beside a dramatic canyon. We set out to swim up the canyon in bright sunshine, but with rain threatening.

Another tepui, known cheerily as 'The Coffin'. Kavak. Setting out for a swim up Kavak Gorge.

We swam up the gorge to the waterfall at its head, where we discovered that canyoning in the rain was almost too exciting. New waterfalls appeared all around us as we left in rather a hurry.

The waterfall at the head of Kavak Gorge. Hurrying out of Kavak Gorge in a sudden rainstorm. That waterfall wasn't there when we went in!

After a late lunch we packed the whole party into one 4x4 for an hour's drive to the missionary settlement at Kamarata.

Travelling from Kavak to Kamarata in a crowded 4x4. The first class seats at the front were a little rocky.

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