What a great adventure! I hope they suceed, but I am beginning to worry about the time since they lost so much a week or so ago. These reed boats begin to soak water the second you put them in the water. At first it's good because it actually acts as ballast and balances these boats better. But in a short time it simply makes these boats more sluggish and they start to draft deeper and deeper and the reeds begin to deteriorate. These boat builders from Huatahata are the best in the world, and this particular type of reed performs better than any in the world for this application. But every day they are on the water now will see a deterioration in the boat. Best of luck and safe travels!

Replied via PM ----danescombe 13/8/07