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South America's second largest lake, Titicaca, is one of the most prominent features of the Bolivian Peruvian Altiplano. It is the geographic feature with which most people are familiar. The Suches River comes into the North East End of Lake Titicaca from high in the Apolobomba Andes. The Rio Desaguadero drains out the other side, traveling south. Unable to reach the Pacific Ocean the Desaguadero dissipates into huge salt flats. Formerly home to Inca and pre-Inca peoples, these high dry lands are dotted with numerous ancient ruins. But now there are few people and even fewer roads in the region.
This new kinetic form of amphibious travel demands inventiveness: using the imagination to create a craft that will not only negotiate white-water but sail across lakes, salt flats, and deserts. The catamarans will be made up of two-man kayaks connected together. They will have sails and detachable wheels and harnesses that will allow the boats to be pulled by mules or kayakers. The boats will be self-contained, carrying all the camping gear and food necessary to survive on the high, cold Altiplano for several weeks.
There will be two four-man crafts. Arlene Burns, a renowned adventure traveler, will be the expedition leader. Expert windsurfer and inventor Nathan Salter will be her partner. The second team will consist of extreme kayaker Michael Powers. Archaeologist Johan Reinhard will be his partner. Bolivian renowned mountain climber Jose Camarlinghi will operate the third boat with kayak designer Tim Niemier.
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