18 Fish in a BarrelThe Venezuelan sun rose lethargically after several false dawns had stirred the logging gang into life. Canteens of cold water doubled as refreshing face washes while Ramon tried to raise Augustine from his managerial slumber.
The men rallied around the camp as if it was business as usual - yet with the nervy air of caution they had learned in this vast isolating ecosystem. Snakes, spiders, mosquitoes and mantraps were just some of the occupational hazards that fuelled their neurosis. The men shaving cut their dirt-laden skin in their distraction while others prayed to their futile gods and Ramon spoke to his assistant with Augustine’s order to push on still ringing in his ears.
‘Well, we don’t have a choice anymore. Augustine didn’t find any evidence of hazards in thi
