After 3,274 miles (5,269 kilometers) and 66 days on the river, fighting nature and solitude, Strel finally arrived in Belem, Brazil, where the Amazon meets the Atlantic.
When he touched land, he was 26 pounds lighter and smiling with relief.
He had become the first person to swim the Amazon.
He had also achieved his other goal.
He had built cross-cultural friendships and helped the world think about this environmentally important region.