Well time to start the great Amazon adventure proper. Having packed everything from mosquito repellent cloths to soil cores we are ready to depart. Very mixed feelings leaving, the pain of familes left at home balanced against the excitement of an expedition and new collaboration started. Over the next few months I will introduce you to the science and scientists involved but tonight Luis and I just want to say a heartfelt fairwell to Racheal and Mia (Luis’s partner and daughter) and Ceri, Rhian and Mara ( my wonderful wife and daughters). Next stop Brazil!!