The notes preceding this day are more of a collection of ideas and projects for the expedition than a day's journal - an attempt to gather thoughts. What is visible here is not a chronological relationship, but rather a series of lines of thought, which, once selected and collected, are summarized in the following day's journal.

Upon my return, I began making preparations for the expedition. As I had anticipated, our employer was highly satisfied with the discoveries we made, so money was no longer a concern. I started gathering the essential equipment needed for a two-week stay in the field. Fortunately, during our journey to the archaeological site, I had shared my observations about the flora and fauna with my companions, and this became the foundation of my small scheme. I decided to spread the story that I wanted to stay somewhere in the wilderness to take notes on plants and animals that had not been previously documented. I bought an encyclopedia, a telescope, insect traps, and so on. I also purchased a tent, camping gear, warm blankets, mosquito nets, and so on. I even bought a rifle-simple, lever-action. Something inside me told me I wouldn’t need it, but the shopkeeper, who had sold me all these items, expressed concern that I might be attacked by some wild animal or a poacher in the wilderness. To avoid raising his suspicions, I decided to buy it anyway. We’re leaving in three days, and I’ve already arranged for one of the porters to help me transport the supplies across the river. For the return trip, I think I’ll manage on my own.