>From yesterday's Skeptic News
Ric,
I have been to Bolivia a number of time and actually seen these reed boats.
When they are not in use, they are pulled up onto the shore to dry out in
the sun. I was told otherwise, they become waterlogged and sink if left in
the water too long. I sure hope this man has checked out that possibility.
I suppose he could be planning o stop at islands along the way to "dry out
his boat" whenever possible. If not, then I hope he has someone following
along behind him to haul him out of the water when it starts slowly sinking!
The boats are very colorful and there is a tiny "museum" on an island (Isle
of the Sun) with a few maps, etc. that supports this theory that the ocean
could be crossed in this manner. And I did ask about the waterlogging
problem and received blank or hostile stares for my effort. The people of
this region are unbelievably poor and have very primitive lifestyles even by
the regional standards.
On the up side, the boats are very pretty. Sometimes a llama is decorated
for his ride across the Lake in the boat. It makes an interesting sight.
The Lake is frigid year around and I was not a good enough sport to ride in
the reed boats. My sons did, however, I personally suited them out with
life preservers, etc. BTW, these reeds grow on the shores of the Lake so I
assume it would have to be constructed at that sight as that is where the
reeds are and the people who have maintained this craft through the years.
I wonder how he plans to get it to the ocean as Bolivia is landlocked and
has not sea coast.
Amelia
http://infobeat.com/stories/cgi/story.cgi?id=2563947541-b10
Full Story.url
