To cross the frequent torrents
there were only narrow, trembling bridges formed of tree-trunks, or the
aerial _taravitas_. These consisted of stout ropes made by twisting
several thongs of well-greased hides. The ropes were tied to trees on the
two banks of the ravine, while from them was suspended a cradle or hammock
of capacity for two persons, which was drawn backward and forward by long
lines. Horses and mules were similarly drawn across, suspended by long
girths around their bodies.
Where the streams were fordable the current was usually so strong that the
infantry had to pass two by two with their arms thrown round each other's
shoulders. To lose their footing was to lose their lives. Bolivar
frequently passed these torrents back and forward on horseback, carrying
the sick and weakly, or the women who accompanied the expedition.
In the lower levels the climate was moist and warm, only a little firewood
being needed for their nightly bivouacs. But as they ascended they reached
localities where an ice-cold wind blew through the stoutest clothing,
while immense heaps of rocks and hills of snow bounded the view on every
side and clouds veiled the depths of the abysses.
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