Sunday 2nd November, on board the Airaha 2.
After a night at anchor, the Airaha 2 resumed its course towards Wanoma. To avoid getting stuck on a sandbank, Jean-Pierre and Bernard, our two hydrologists, look for the deepest waters with the help of a depth finder.
Bernard and Jean-Pierre guiding the Airaha 2- Copyright : S. Quérouil / IRD
The dhow, a smaller vessel, can navigate at sea without worrying about getting stuck. Leaving the same morning, it reached the Airaha 2 opposite the village of Wanoma around noon. After transferring the passengers from ground camp that were on board the Airaha 2 to the dhow, the latter slowly resumed its course in Arguni bay. This part of the trip needed a depth finder to guide the dhow as well. Progress is very slow. Borja and Christophe, insatiable ornithologists, make the most of this time by starting their observations.
Borja and Christophe at work – Copyright : S. Quérouil / IRD
Since we arrived in Urisa late afternoon, it has not been possible to reach the spot chosen to establish base camp. Rapids drag the dhow towards the shore. We must turn round and head back to the village. We organise ourselves for the night. Part of the team sleeps in the village and the other part on the dhow.
(translated by Lara Denis, L2 SVC–Life & Earth Sciences–UM2, France)