Discover the Thrilling Tale of Bushmasters Machetes and Mosquitos: A Life and Death Journey for Gold in the Venezuelan Jungle

In the intriguing and treacherous depths of the Venezuelan jungle lies a story of adventure, danger, and the pursuit of gold. This tale revolves around the expeditions of brave bushmasters, armed with their trusty machetes, battling against swarms of mosquitos and nature's obstacles in the quest for riches. Join us on this captivating journey as we delve into the captivating legends of the Venezuelan jungle.

Chapter 1: The Allure of Gold

The mesmerizing glitter of gold has captivated humans for centuries, driving them to explore the farthest reaches of the globe in search of its elusive presence. Venezuela is no exception, with its dense rainforests harboring untold fortunes hidden among the foliage. But the journey towards striking gold is no simple affair; it demands bravery, skill, and unwavering determination.

Chapter 2: Bushmasters: The Masters of the Jungle

Meet the bushmasters, the fearless individuals who dare to venture into the heart of the Venezuelan jungle. Armed with their trusty machetes, these intrepid explorers cut their way through the impenetrable vegetation, constantly battling the unforgiving elements and dangerous wildlife. The machetes, their most vital tool in this perilous journey, become an extension of their arms as they hack through the dense undergrowth.

Bushmasters, Machetes, and Mosquitos – Life, Death, and Gold in the Venezuelan Jungle

by Thorkild Hvitved-Jacobsen (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13989 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	332 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Chapter 3: A Battle with Mosquitos

No journey through the Venezuelan jungle is complete without the constant onslaught of mosquitos. These blood-thirsty insects swarm relentlessly, clinging to exposed skin, and extracting their toll with every bite. The battle against mosquitos becomes an integral part of the bushmasters' daily lives, a constant struggle to maintain their sanity and health as they push forward.

Chapter 4: Life and Death in the Jungle

In the depths of the Venezuelan jungle, life teeters on a knife's edge. The bushmasters face numerous threats, from venomous snakes lurking in the undergrowth to unpredictable weather patterns that can unleash torrential downpours and flooding. Each step they take is a calculated risk, and every moment becomes a dance with life and death.

Chapter 5: The El Dorado Fantasy

The legend of El Dorado, the fabled city of gold, has enticed countless explorers over the centuries. In the Venezuelan jungle, this fantasy becomes even more tangible, with rumors of hidden gold mines waiting to be discovered. The bushmasters become modern-day adventurers, venturing into uncharted territories, chasing dreams of striking it rich.

Chapter 6: The Perils of Gold Mining

As the bushmasters navigate the treacherous jungle terrain, they eventually find their way to active gold mining sites. Here, they witness firsthand the dangers of this lucrative yet hazardous industry. From unstable tunnels and landslides to mercury poisoning and social conflicts, the pursuit of gold exacts a heavy toll on both nature and human lives.

Chapter 7: Thriving with the Indigenous Tribes

In their journey through the Venezuelan jungle, the bushmasters encounter indigenous tribes who have called this land their home for centuries. These tribes possess a profound knowledge of the jungle's secrets, utilizing traditional methods to survive and thrive. The bushmasters learn from their wisdom, forging connections that transcend language and cultural barriers.

The world of bushmasters, machetes, mosquitos, and gold in the Venezuelan jungle is one fraught with danger, excitement, and discovery. It is a realm where the pursuit of wealth competes with the preservation of nature and the harmonious existence of indigenous tribes. As we conclude this enthralling tale, we are left with a newfound appreciation for the resilience of those who dare to venture into the unknown, motivated by the allure of gold and a thirst for adventure.

Bushmasters, Machetes, and Mosquitos – Life, Death, and Gold in the Venezuelan Jungle

by Thorkild Hvitved-Jacobsen (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13989 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	332 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The southern Half of Venezuela is comparable in size to Austria, but is almost entirely covered by jungle – the northern reach of the Great Amazonas forest. Forestry experts estimate thee are 2,500 different species of trees alone! This meant that virtually the entire southern half of the country, covered with impenetrable jungle, is accessible only by helicopters and huge dugout canoes called Bongos. The US Geological Survey was invited in by the Venezuelan government – before Hugo Chavez came on the scene – to map this vast region. We also completed an informed mineral resources assessment that to no one’s real surprise showed that the Amazonas of Venezuela is richly endowed with gold, diamonds, iron, and bauxite. We were not really surprised at the gold endowment, however, because in 1906 the largest gold mine in the world was found in El Callao in central Bolivar State. It’s name? Lo Increible – the Incredible One. We also found a gargantuan structure in the southern cloud forest, mis-named “Cerro Impacto” that is over 10 km in diameter. It is a carbonatite, an ancient eruption of crustal carbon loaded with uranium, thorium – and Rare-Earth Elements.

The chance to explore this ancient jungle led the authors to move with their five children and live on its edge for three years. Jeff was the USGS Mission Chief – Jefe del Grupo Asesor. Death was always close while we were there – we knew too many people who died while we were there or shortly after we left. To assemble this book, Jeff reviewed old journal entries and noted that “I was almost killed again today” appears on average once every 7 – 9 days over that three-year span. These threats include the Anopheles mosquito (the malaria vector), followed closely by Shigella (from a cook’s dirty hands), machetes which cannot be kept in sheaths because of the high temperature and humidity, testosterone-poisoned-and-poorly-trained helicopter pilots, killer bees, incurable Chagas Disease, Army Ants, 4-meter crocodiles, four species of piranha, and finally… snakes. Yes, snakes are one of the smallest threats to your life in the jungle, notwithstanding frequent encounters with the deadly Cuaima Piña – the Bushmaster. But we would still return in a flash! One cannot walk 100 meters before seeing something new that is so enthralling that you must stop and stare – and try to photograph it in the dark, permanent twilight beneath a three-tier tree canopy. And the Venezuelan people! Despite the near-presence of death everywhere and all the time, they are the most vibrant, happy, and incredibly generous people on the planet. They are the ones who saved us.