Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Maripare and Garineta

For a town built around a bend in the river, Kaikara's location is unmatched.It was like an inn at a bend in the road, or rather at a crossroads, destined to prosper even though it was four hundred kilometers from the delta of the Orinoco. Kecara is near the confluence of the Apure River and the Orinoco River, and the upper reaches of the Apure River benefited from the thriving trade between Colombia and Venezuela. Simon.The Bolivar departed at one o'clock in the afternoon, passed through the Guqiviro River, the Manapire River and Taluma Island, and arrived at Kekara at nearly nine o'clock in the evening.Passengers began to disembark.

Needless to say, those who remained on board were bound for San Fernando or Nutrias up the Apure River. A group of three geographers, Sergeant Martial, Jean.De.Kellmer was among the passengers who disembarked.The next morning, Simon.The Bolivar was about to leave Kecara and go up the Apure River to the foot of the Andes in Colombia. Miguel recounted to two colleagues the later conversation the teenager had with the Governor.Now Felipe and Varinas also know that Jean is looking for his father, and that he is currently under the guardianship of an old soldier who claims to be his uncle. It has been fourteen years since Colonel Kellmer left France for Venezuela.As for why the Colonel abandoned his country and what he did in a distant land, that can only be answered in the future.In any case, according to a letter he sent to a friend, also written long after his arrival in Venezuela, it is certain that the Colonel was in San Fernando de Atababo in April 1879, although at that time The current governor of Khaola here is not aware of his whereabouts.

let.De.Kellmer embarked on this difficult journey just to find his father.A boy who is only sixteen years old has set such a goal for himself, how can a warm-hearted person not be moved by it.Miguel, Felipe, and Varinas agreed to try their best to help Jean collect information about Colonel Kellmer. Can Miguel and the others talk about Martial who has a bad temper?Would the sergeant allow them to engage further with Jean?The veteran's suspicion is really puzzling, can they dispel his doubts?Can they persuade the old man to stop looking at people with such fierce eyes that scare people away?It's not going to be easy, but it's not impossible, especially if they're going to San Fernando in the same boat.

The resident population of Kaikara is about 500. In addition, there are many passers-by, most of whom are running business in the upper reaches of the Orinoco River.Three Venezuelans and two French nationals stayed in one of the town's one or two hotels, essentially shacks, during their stay. The next day, August 16th, Martial and Jean walked around the town of Kaikara, looking for boats while walking. Kekara is indeed a fresh and bright town, it is in the embrace of low hills on the edge of the Palima Highlands.Opposite, on the left bank of the Orinoco, is the village of Cabruta, at the mouth of the Aprito.In front of the town was a small island, overgrown with lush woods like those common on the Orinoco, with a tiny port surrounded by black granite rocks lined in the middle of the river.There are a total of 150 huts in the town, of course it can be said that most of the houses are built of stones, the roofs are paved with palm leaves, and some have tile roofs. The red tiles are particularly eye-catching among the green trees.There is a 50-meter-high hill in the town, on top of which is a monastery built by former missionaries. It has been abandoned since the Miranda [Note] expedition and the War of Independence. Later, barbaric acts of cannibalism were staged here The notoriety of the ancient Caribs was not created out of thin air.

【Note】Francisco.De.Miranda (1750 | 1816), a Venezuelan general who participated in the French Revolution and led the first Venezuelan independence movement.After being defeated by the Spanish colonists, he died in prison.Translator's note The ancient Indian customs and traditions are still preserved in Kekara, and even those ceremonies that mix Christianity and various weird religions, such as vigils, which are vigils for the dead, Xia Fangrong participated in.There are a large number of participants, drinking coffee, smoking tobacco leaves, and pouring soju around the body of the dead husband or child. The wife or mother of the deceased dances the first dance to announce the beginning of the dance.The whole scene was more like a ball than a funeral.

The middle reaches of the Orinoco River refer to the section from Kaicara to San Fernando, which is about 800 kilometers long. Renting a boat is not only for letting.De.The overarching issues that Kellmer and Martial had to address were also the concerns of Miguel, Felipe and Varinas.What is needed now is to find a safe and cheap means of transportation as soon as possible. It would be easier, Miguel thought, if Sergeant Martial agreed to charter a boat with them.It doesn't matter if there are three or five people, the boat can fit them all.The number of crew members does not change with the number of passengers.

However, it is not easy to find crew members, especially experienced crew members this time.In the rainy season, boats usually have to travel against the wind and against the current.During the voyage, there will be a lot of rapids and some river sections blocked by rocks or sand. At this time, you can only go ashore and move the boat away, which often takes a long time.The Orinoco, though only a river, is as capricious as the sea, and to oppose it is risky and costly. The crew usually have to find among the residents along the river. For many indigenous people along the coast, this is their only occupation, and they are indeed highly skilled and daring in driving a boat.Among them, the most famous are the Baniwa people who migrated in the three river basins of Guaviare, Orinoco and Atababu. After transporting people or goods upstream, they immediately returned to Kaicara and waited for new arrivals. passengers and goods.

Can the crew be completely trusted?Certainly not, so it is safer to rent only one boat and a crew.Miguel's thinking is not unreasonable. He is very interested in the young Jean, and for Jean, he will benefit greatly from having Miguel, Felipe and Varinas as traveling companions. Miguel felt that his idea was good, and planned to test the tone of Sergeant Martial. He walked to the small port of Kaikara and saw Martial and Jean asking people about chartering a boat, so he went straight forward go. The old soldier frowned, showing an indifferent expression to the visitor. Sir Sergeant, Miguel said in perfect French, it is an honor to ride with you in Simon.Bolivar

And went ashore at the same time as you last night.Martial replied that he had put his feet together and his body was straight, like a soldier standing with a gun. Miguel tried to read the other person's words in a good-hearted way, and went on to say: My two colleagues and I overheard a conversation in Las Bonitas about your nephew. Sergeant Martial's mouth twitched, which interrupted Miguel: What?a conversation? is let.De.Kellmer's conversation with the Governor, from which we learned that you will disembark at Kekara I guess we don't need to ask anyone's permission to do this, do we?said the old man in a haughty tone.

Of course not, Miguel said, he has decided that no matter how bad the other party's reaction to his proposal is, he will not care about it. When we know the purpose of your visit one!Martial grumbled through his teeth. He wanted to count how many questions the other party had asked, but he ignored the kindness of the person. We also know why your nephew is looking for his father, Colonel Kelmer. two!Marshall said again. We also heard that you want to go all the way up the Orinoco to San Fernando. three!Martial is still just counting. My colleague and I are also going to San Fernando, so I’m here to ask for your opinion, whether we can take the same boat from here to San Fernando, wouldn’t it be more suitable, more convenient and safer

Nothing could have been more reasonable than Miguel's proposal.I could see no reason against it, but their travel would certainly be much more comfortable and convenient if only a boat large enough for five could be found. It stands to reason that Martial has no reason to object to this proposal, but he didn't even ask his nephew, and said in the blunt tone of a person who has already made up his mind: "It's a great honor, sir. ,My pleasure!It is possible to say that your suggestion is more convenient for us, but it is not necessary to say that it is more suitable!Not for us at least! What is wrong with it?asked Miguel, surprised that the other party had commented on his proposal in such a way. It doesn't fit because it doesn't fit us!Marshall said. You may have a reason to answer that, Sergeant, Miguel said, but my intention is that we can help each other, so your answer is too hurtful I am sorry yes sorry Mr Marshall said it is now clearly his fault but I have to reject your suggestion There are ways of refusing, but from your answer, I did not appreciate the usual politeness of the French Ai!I said, Sir, Martial is getting a little out of control, it's not a matter of politeness and impoliteness. You made us a suggestion and I couldn't accept it for some reason, and I rejected you without much thought. there's nothing to talk about, you don't have to say any more Miguel also put on a cold and arrogant look at this time, and Martial, who was already impatient, couldn't control himself anymore, and at this moment let.De.Kellmer interjected: Sir, please forgive my uncle, he never meant to hurt you. Your suggestion fully reflects your kindness to us. At other times, we would be more than happy to accept it. It is also a great convenience for us. But this time, The two of us want to act alone so that we can control the boat of the two of us at will, because the situation collected on the way may prompt us to change the route, and it is also possible to stop for a few days in small towns along the way. In general, we want to have the most limited freedom of movement Very well, Mr. Kellmer, Miguel said, we never want to hinder you, although what your uncle said just now was a little bit unkind An old soldier's answer, sir!cried Martial. Let it be!Anyway, if me and my friends can be of any help to you guys on your trip I thank you on behalf of my uncle and myself, sir, replied the boy, and please be assured that we will not hesitate to ask you for help in times of need. Did you hear that, Mr. Sergeant?Miguel said in a half-joking, half-serious tone. I hear you, Mr. Geographer!Martial's tone was still so blunt, Miguel had voluntarily given in, but he was still unwilling to let go of his guard.To tell the truth, Mr. Miguel is really a rare good man. He wants to let.De.Kellmer stretched out his hand, and the boy held it tightly, seeing his curmudgeon uncle's eyes blazing, and a lot of complaints bursting out of his mouth. When only the nephew and uncle were left, Martial said: You saw how I dealt with this guy! You are being rough with him and that is not right. wrong? certainly. Well, I agree to take a boat with the three people from Bolivar City! You should refuse, but be polite, uncle! You don't have to be polite to people who don't know what you're interested in Mr. Miguel is definitely not this kind of person. He is very helpful and his suggestion is very reasonable. It would be great if it can be realized. Even if you don’t accept it, you should say a few words of gratitude. They probably have some acquaintances in San Fernando. Maybe he and his friends can help us find your colonel, my father So I'm wrong? yes uncle. You are right? yes uncle. Thank you, nephew! The small boats that sailed the middle reaches of the Orinoco were hewn directly from the trunk of a tree, the most common being the khakikamo tree.The larger ones are assembled with wooden boards, with curved sides, a front cut into a bow, and an arched canopy in the middle.These boats were made strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of hauling in the shallows, or the shock of handling overland where rapids made it impossible to pass. A mast is erected in the middle of the ship, and there are one stay and two side stays on both sides, and a square white sail is raised, which can be used when the wind blows from directly behind or from the side.What looks like a scull is the ship's rudder, steered by the captain. The front of the ship is open from the bow to the mast seat, without any cover, and it is the place where the crew work during the day and rest at night.There are generally ten Indians in a boat, one of whom is the boss of the boat. The back of the ship, from the mast to the front of the rudder, is the deck room, which is covered with palm leaves and supported by bamboo poles on both sides. Under the canopy is the cabin, which has bunks that are actually mats on hay, some cooking utensils and tableware, and a cooking stove. On board, the source of food is hunting and fishing.The length of the ship is about eleven or twelve meters, and the length of the cabin is five or six meters. Therefore, the cabin can be divided into several small rooms with mats. The boat on the Orinoco has a name, the Falca.When the wind was down, they sailed slowly, because the current was strong and there were many islands in the river.When there is no wind, the boat sails to the center of the river with a pole, or pulls it along the river bank with a rope. The poles used on boats serve multiple purposes, both palangca, the forked pole, and galapato, the hooked bamboo stick, the former used by the crew at the front of the boat, and the latter wielded by the captain at the rudder of. The fiber rope is called Espia, a kind of soft rope, twisted with the fiber of the palm tree called Qiqiji, which is about a hundred feet long and extremely elastic. Because of its lightness and softness, it can float on the water surface. Take one end to the shore, tie it to a tree trunk or tree stump, and then the boatmen pull the rope towards the direction of the boat, and the boat gradually moves forward. Such was the case with Falca, the main tool of the middle reaches of the Orinoco.When using fiber rope, you also need a small canoe, which is called Guli Yale in Indian. Passengers who want to rent a boat should negotiate with the owner of the boat. The cost of chartering a boat does not depend on the distance of transportation, but on the length of the lease. The rent is calculated according to the number of days, and there is no other calculation method.Delays in sailing on the Orinoco are common, such as flooding, high winds, rapids, or having to carry the boat due to a sudden blockage in a certain section of the river, etc.A journey that could have been completed in three weeks might take six weeks because of a sudden change in weather conditions.So none of the boat owners was willing to fix a date before sending passengers from Kekara to the mouth of Meta Estuary or San Fernando.The Baniwa Indians have two boats for charter to travelers, and the above should be taken into account in dealing with them. Miguel found a good sailor very smoothly. This is an Indian named Martus. He is in his forties, strong in body and intelligent in mind. His nine crew members are also strong in body and skilled in technology. The Indians are familiar with the use of poles, cables and canoes.The price they want is naturally not low, but compared with solving such important issues as the source of Guaviare, Orinoco, and Atabab, who cares about the price of renting a boat! It can be said that let.De.The boat chartered by Sergeant Kelmer and Sergeant Marshall was also good. The crew was also nine Baniwa Indians. The boss of the boat was a half-Indian, half-Spanish mixed-race man who held an official technical certificate.His name was Valdez, and he had been to the upper reaches of San Fernando further south, and he was happy to accompany travelers if they needed to go.But that was for the future, and it would depend on how much news about Colonel Kellmer could be gathered in San Fernando. The names of the two Falcas are very distinctive. The one Miguel, Felipe and Varinas took was called Maripare, which was named after an island on the Orinoco River.The one that Martial and gave way to was called Garineta, after the name of another island.Both boats are white above the waterline, while the hulls are black. Needless to say, the two boats will go hand in hand, and neither will deliberately leave the other.The Orinoco is not a Mississippi, and the Falca is not a steamboat, which does not compete for speed records.Besides, when sailing on the Orinoco River, you must beware of Indian attacks on the coastal grasslands. If there are more people, it can act as a deterrent. If Maripare and Garineta hadn't bought some items, they could set off that evening.Sailing to San Fernando takes several weeks, during which time the necessary items can be bought from the merchants in Kecara.When you arrive in San Fernando, you can purchase the things you need for the return trip locally.Merchants have everything you need, such as canned food, clothes, ammunition, fishing tackle, hunting supplies, etc., as long as you pay with pesos, the deal is easy. The prey on both sides of the Orinoco River is abundant, and the fish in the water is rich. Naturally, tourists will not miss such a good opportunity.Miguel is an excellent hunter, and Martial's carbine is also superb.Even the lightweight rifle in his hand comes in handy from time to time.But you can't just eat fish and meat all day long. You should also bring some tea, sugar, dried meat, canned vegetables, tapioca flour (to replace corn flour or wheat flour), small barrels of tafia and shochu.There is no need to bring fuel. The forests on both sides of the river are so lush that it is easy to find wood.Wool blankets, which are needed to keep out the cold, or more precisely, to keep out the moisture, are also widely available in Venezuela, and can be bought in any town. However, it took several days to get these items.But there was no need to regret the delay, as the weather was very bad for two consecutive days.Kekara was hit by a violent wind, which the Indians called chubasco.The wind howled from the southwest, bringing downpours of rain that swelled the Orinoco. Martial and Jean had already experienced the difficulty of navigating the Orinoco in advance.Once the water rises or the wind blows, Falka will not be able to continue sailing. It will be submerged and overturned by the wind.At that time, they can only return to Kaicara, and the losses may be quite heavy. Regarding the unexpected deterioration of the weather, Miguel, Felipe and Varinas accepted it with a calm attitude of resignation.They are not in a hurry, and it doesn't matter if the trip is delayed by a few weeks.Martial's attitude was quite different, he was fuming, muttering, cursing floods and winds in all the dirty words in French and Spanish, and Jean had to try to comfort him. Courage is not enough, my dear Martial, let me say over and over again, patience is also needed, because what we have to do requires patience Patience I'll have, Jean, but the damned Orinoco, why is it so unfriendly the first time it comes up? Think about it, uncle!Wouldn't it be better for us if it behaved better later?Maybe then we'll have to go all the way to the source Yes, maybe, Martial murmured, who knows what awaits us! By the 20th, Tyubasco had weakened significantly, and the wind had turned to the north.If it can be stabilized, it is beneficial to the navigation of the ship.At the same time, the water level is also lowered, returning to its previous state.Martus and Valdes said the ship could set sail the next morning. It was sunny and sunny when we set off.Around ten o'clock, the townspeople gathered on the shore.Each boat has a Venezuelan flag waving on its mast.Miguel, Felipe and Varinas stood on the bow of the Maripare boat, greeting the local residents who cheered them. Miguel turned to Garineta and called: Good luck, Mr. Sergeant!His tone was full of joy. Bon voyage, sir, replied the veteran, for if you go well Then everyone will be fine, Miguel said, because we are acting together! The poles touched the river bank, the sails were hoisted to the top, and amidst the cheers, the two boats came to the center of the river with a breeze.