CISK Journal 46 1 April 1973, Sunday. Randa Grande, Venezuela picnic grounds. All roads & canoes utilised. Long summer parking places seem much needed. Essentially no trails or entry from Maracaibo on foot forbidden (a F.A.C. guard always at El Limon entry). To Caracas 2 April 1973, Monday. Moved from Maracabo left Randa Grande about 10 a.m. for Caracas. Arrived about 2 p.m. Mardolfi back to office about 3:30. No further communications w/ Dr. Paul. / News slipping mainly about extensive fires at this season - conservationists deploring. There had been a 3-4 day fire on Monte Avila in late March; 19,000 man hours spent on it. Mardolfi much occupied in some conservation meeting; phoned T. Blohm; he said A. Paul was at ranch yesterday; thought to be 2 or so, 8 + 2 mules on that ranch now (H. de la Cruz). Caracas 3 April 1973. Tue. To E. Mardolfi's office. By 10 a.m. had not arrived. So went to La Salle foundation, in large good bldg. near N. end of Av. Maripera. They had a skim of topics, mics, & portfolios, but apparently no other information. But very hospitable groups. / Returned to Mardolfi's office. He had phoned Alfredo Paul & we could get flight to Noto de la Cruz tomorrow. Phoned De Frías & thanked him for some visit. Phoned El Pinzón-Tellano gone to Maracaibo. Prepared to leave. Caracas 4 April 1973, Wednesday. Mardolfi's driver failed to show up - so took taxi & arrived at Aero Club, La Carlota airport, ½ hr. late. Met Dr. Alfredo Paul, early 50's?, former civil engineer. Quiet & thorough in his ways. Nii's plane a turbo Baron, 2 engine, about 7 passengers; but only me 3. Automatic pilot + full dual instruments. Off at 0900. Usual smoky atmosphere. Up to about 8500 ft. & headed about 230° toward Noto. Ground below hilly, dry, with brush & trees in pockets hills. Bumped rather soon