We arrive at the Pantanal to find we will be unable to drive to our lodge as the entire area has been hit by devestating floods ... the worst they've EVER had! 

We board the truck supplied by our lodge, that has had it's tray converted to open air seats.  

We drive 10 minutes down the flooded roads, spotting an armadillo on the way and sadly seeing a dead cow lying on the road.  One of the 1000 plus that died when the waters roise quicker then expected.

From there we take a boat the remainder of the way.

The lodge is great! Very rustic and on the river.  Im not sure how it looks in the dry season but everything was under water so fortunately the lodges and walkways were raises on stilts.

That afternoon we headed straight out for the activities.  Half the group went pirhana fishing, and my half went out on canoes.

There were 2 in each canoe and they were extremely unstable!

I shared with the tour leader and we ended up going in the water twice!  

After getting bitten by ants the first time when trying to use a submerged tree to assist me to get back in the canoe, I was more careful the second time which was fortunate as spotted a scorpion on the fence post I was hoping to put my hand on to get a boost in!

We didn't see any other wildlife on this trip except birds, including a black duck which is apparently quite rare.

The next day we had our turn at pirhana fishing. This was done using raw meat for bait, and using bamboo fishing rods.  Unfortunately we didn't do as well as the previous group, whose catches of pirhana and catfish, we ate for dinner the evening before.

I also realised that the water we fell into would have had caiman / crocodiles and pirhanas in it as well - yikes!

We were told apparently it is fine though, as pirhanas aren't like we see in the movies and eat well here so don't just come and attack you!  They are supposed to be 'bottom feeders', (not bum attackers but) feeding off the floor of the water ways.

That afternoon we went for a boat ride and spotted Tucans, Herons, Falcons and other birds ... One again no other animals!

We went for a swim in the river and once again managed not to be eaten by caiman or pirhanas.

That afternoon I headed off to get some sunset photos ... On my way I tried to spot wildlife and finally did!

The first caiman / crocodile I spotted I nearly walked into!  I was 2 meters away from it before I even saw it!  It just had it's head out of the water facing me but was camouflaged because of the dusk.

Instead of running I took photos and then followed it to get more after it slipped into the water.  It was only just over 1.5 meters long but still think it could have taken a sizable chunk out of me if it wanted!

Im not sure if this is fact, but I decided they were more scared of me and would not attack me so went searching for more!

I managed to spot another couple, but the photos are not so good as it was too dark :-(

I also spotted a giant guinea pig!  Well at least that is what it looked like but not sure what they are called?

The sunset was spectacular and managed to get some great photos.

We had an evening boat ride and enjoyed seeing the amazing stars, but once again saw no wild life when led by the guides!

Next morning was our last day so went for a morning walk and saw more giant guinea pigs and a deer.

We then had one more go at fishing and managed to catch a catfish - yay!

So left the Pantanal very happy, (also with many bites and bruises and a swollen maybe broken toe!), but wishing we could have spent more time there :-)

We headed for Corumba which is still in Brazil but near the border to Bolivia.

We met a few Brazillian locals from Minas Gerais and who were there with their company BASF.

Had a few drinks with them but unfortunately no stories to tell and nothing to edit  :-(

Next morning we headed for the border and said goodbye to Brazil ... I miss you already!!!