When my brother Ian and I got our first fly rods as young teenagers, I don't think either of us could have ever imagined the places it would eventually take us. After a decade of exploring the trout streams in Utah, we travelled as far as Alaska to experience the power of a big fish. Our passion for fly fishing began to coincide with skiing and snowboarding and we found ourselves trying find new places where we could mix the two. In the summer of 2013 Ian came up with the idea to ski in the Andes mountains of Bolivia, and fly fish the headwaters of the worlds largest river, the Amazon. At first I thought he was crazy, but the more we looked into it I was quickly convinced. Soon enough the plan came to life, and we were on a small bush plane headed deep into the Jungle. The trip evolved into something much more then just a fly fishing and ski trip. We learned so much about local people and places they lived. Being the first time traveling outside of the country for me, it was an eye opening adventure to say the least. All that is left are the memories created and the videos and photos to remind us. I am more fired up to go travel to far off places, not only to go ride or fish, but to see the way people live outside of our little box called home.
Watch the full version of "What Kind of Meat" here. You can also follow the Provo Bros on Neil's or Ian's Instagram, their Facebook page, or Neil's site.
Neil also sent us a note breaking down their Goal Zero setup:
Goal Zero played a huge role in the making of "What kind of Meat?". Pretty much every video clip and photo taken was powered by solar energy. We knew there would be no place to charge a camera battery in the jungle, so the lightweight portable solar panels and power packs were essential. We used the Nomad 13 and Nomad 20 panel's paired with a Sherpa 50 Power Pack. Even in the thick jungle canopy, there was still plenty of light to keep a full charge. A very minimal kit, but everything we needed to power SLR cameras, GoPro's, iPhones, ipods, and a Light-A-Life lantern to light up the camp's at night. One of the most useful products we found out there, especially for the local people who live in the jungle far from civilization, was the Torch Flashlight. With modern technology slowly making its way into the jungles, it is nice for these folks to not have to worry about flashlight battery's dying out, and the torch is the perfect solution. With a small solar panel, built-in USB cable, and hand crank, you pretty much always can have light. Those dudes were amazed! At the end of the long days on the water, it is nice to be able to play some music and enjoy the fire. The Rockout speakers blast tunes with great sound, and the battery lasts for days. Its amazing how comfortably you can live with a bit of light and music, even in a place as wild as the amazon jungles!