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The competition for sunlight in the rainforest is extreme. It is estimated only 2% of the forest's sunlight reaches the ground-floor. Contrary to expectations, away from river banks and swamps where dense undergrowth (jungle) is found, the forest floor is relatively clear of vegetation as little sunlight penetrates to ground level. This allows people to move about freely.
The canopy layer of growth, towering some 30 to 45 meters overhead, recieves over 90% of the forest's sunlight, mid-layers receiving the rest. It is more or less a continuous cover of foliage formed by adjacent treetops. Because there is so much growth at this level it is almost impossible to find a clearing in the forest, or a mirador (viewpoint) which allows one a sweeping view of the terrain one is hiking. On day eleven we came across an abondoned scientific camp where we spent the night. On a brief hike around the camp we stumbled upon a tree tower used by researchers to study the canopy level (it is estimated over 40% of all plant species reside here as well as 25% of all insect species). I expressed my interest to Silverio in climbing the tree to the canopy. He went up first, testing the strength of the ladder and the stability of the planks high overhead, then called me up. It was intimidating to climb up a wobbly rope ladder some 35 to 40 meters. Twice I had to wrap my arms through the ladder and talk myself through it, taking deep breaths. Knowing the rarity of finding a tower like this I pushed myself to the top and captured the photographs above and below, providing myself with a view and a memory of some of the terrain we were hiking and rafting.
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