Each member of the team on the Bolivia expedition had a well-defined role, from the cook/quartermaster (Ramiro Badessich) to the engineer/mechanic (Joaquin Arocena). I ultimately found my role (beyond the writer), thanks to this super-handy device from Brunton. I was the electrician. Using this remarkable solar panel, wires, and battery pack, I could create energy from the tropical sun. We used that energy to power everything from our camera batteries, to the satellite telephone that would call in the airplane to pick us up.

The Solaris 26 solar panel, coupled with the Solo 15 charge pack, performed flawlessly; they collectively became our electronic lifeline to reach the outside world, and charge the gear we needed to make a story possible. Half of the pictures in this story and the magazine story, would not have happened, minus Brunton technology. Hence, whenever I travel to any spot without established power, I will always carry this system with me.