A Time of Rivers

John Swanwick has travelled the world for over thirty years, observing and writing about his adventures. In 1994 he began to volunteer for Earthwatch projects, helping scientists working in the field on projects as diverse as assisting in conserving Leatherback Turtles in the US Virgin Islands and tracking Toque Macaque monkeys in Sri Lanka. In this book he explores Peru, taking a river journey on the Amazon from Iquitos to the Colombian border and travelling up the Tambopata River in the remote Madre de Dios area to work with scientists collecting data on the behaviour of Scarlet Macaws. Almost washed away in a prolonged storm, he describes how the project proves more exciting than any of the participants had anticipated. Through his experiences John reflects on the nature of rivers generally and their place in his own life. John lives in Leicestershire, England, with his wife Carys, who shares many of his journeys with him.