One Man's Quest

I wrote several weeks ago about Martin Strel, the man who has swam just about every major river in the world. He is now attempting the Amazon. He started out three weeks ago in Atalaya Peru and today entered Brazil in the city of Tabatinga, some 2200 km (1375 miles) into his 5430 km (3400 miles) trek.





Because of severe 2nd degree burns caused by exposure to the sun, he has had to start wearing a pillowcase as a mask to protect his face and neck. He was using sunblock but it was getting into his eyes and causing him discomfort.



He is averaging over 85 km (53 miles) per day. I can't begin imagine that. A couple of laps around the pool and I'm exhausted.



The entire trip will take 70 days to complete. He will enter Columbia today for a short distance and then reenter Brazil. He hopes to finish at the mouth of the Amazon in Belém Brazil on April 11th.



You can follow the action live at

http://www.amazonswim.com



And you can find out more about Martin Strel at his website

http://www.martinstrel.com/main.php?L=2