Three Rivers of the Amazon - Paperback

by Tim Biggs (Author)

In 2004, Tim Biggs became the first person to kayak the three main tributaries of the Amazon River. Join him in his amazing quest, beginning on the Urubamba River (1981), continuing on the Apurimac River (1985), and concluding 23 years later (2004) on the Maranon River. A cast of diverse, heroic, and eccentric characters ensures that the action on the riverbanks matches the action-packed thrills and spills on the river. This promises an unforgettable read. During these adventures, Tim somehow manages to fall off a cliff, is shot at, eats 'delicacies' that'll make anyone's stomach turn, becomes the enemy of man's best friend, and survives the Incas' revenge! And that is only life on the shore! Then there are the rivers, each with its distinct qualities and traits. The Urubamba is fierce, unpredictable and yet stunningly beautiful, sporting both the ruins of Machu Picchu and the treacherous Torontei Gorge. Secondly, there's the Apurimac, walled in and inhospitable, where infighting among members threatens to sink the highly-charged, adrenaline-filled expedition. To add to the tension, politics rears its ugly head... The final river in this trilogy is the Maranon. Tim is now in his fifties and leads the expedition. Will he be able to keep up with the young, hotshot swashbucklers who make up the team? This true-life story is told with absolute honesty, and exposes all aspects of river life on the remote rivers of South America (and a few other places). Journal sketches and illustrations by Tim add authenticity to this wonderful, positive tale. However, as Tim explores the rivers and wonders of the world, he is brave enough to face and admit to the shortcomings in his own life. This results in the exploration of another river - one that ultimately changes the course of Tim's own life.

Author Biography

Born in 1953, Tim grew up in the Ixopo district of KwaZulu-Natal. He is a qualified geologist and practiced in engineering geology before he turned to farming and growing a successful timber business. These days, he is back in the geological field and can be found on site anywhere between Cape Town and Malawi. He has taken part in numerous international kayaking expeditions and has represented S.A. in long-distance canoeing; he has also claimed victories in the Duzi Canoe Marathon. Tim has three sons (Sam, Ben and Jonathan) and a daughter, Keetah. Besides being involved in the hospitality business, he is also an artist and motivational speaker, and loves addressing schools, churches and corporate groups. Tim works and lives in Cape Town with his wife, Margie, where he spends some of his free time kayaking on the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. This is Tim's first book.