We have been exploring and kayaking rivers in Venezuela for nearly 2 months now and have found lots of great runs.  It is a relatively unpaddled country so much of the kayaking is unknown and very exciting.  We were really pleased to hear that whilst on our trip we could carry out some scientific research at the same time. 
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At any river that we look at or paddle, we have been collecting diatom samples.  These are then sent to a diatom research program at the University of Colorado to be analysed. 
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The data collection has added an extra element to the expedition and the simplicity of taking samples has not interfered with our main aim.  When we are back we will be advertising this website as a great way to include a slightly different aspect to an expediton. 

We have writtern a little bit more about our diatom work on our website.