Bel and Angela were eager to share some of the wonders of the surrounding area. We took two long hikes. The first cut across their mountain, part of the initial parcel they bought ten years ago. The forest is dense with healthy growth. There are some monumental rocks and caves on this walk. The second hike was up “the 35” their most recent acquisition. Here the growth is scrub and the ascent extremely steep. we climbed around 1000 feet in altitude to the meadows above. Then we meandered across to a river with waterfalls, took a swim, clambered through dense forest and tumbled exhausted downhill. Wow.
Serious Hiking
The regenerating rain forest was full of surprises like this nest of scalloped moss
The tree ferns, endangered in most of Brazil are surging back on their mountain
This enormous rock allows Angela to call to the workers below. We want the sauna cooked up when we get back from our walk.
This brilliant red moss is used to dye wool
In the distance you can see their corn patch.
Back into the forest, hard to tell who is holding who up....the rocks, or the trees
Trees and rocks, dramatic shapes
Pitucho decided to join us on this jaunt.
This cave was used by the men tending their cattle.
Angela, Bada and Blackie take a break
Poor Pitucho, no break for her, the cave is full of bats. They chased her and she chased them. Bel rescued her or she still might be doing her own circle dance.
What story does this tree have to tell.
Bada could be counted on to find the springs
At times the hillside is covered with these flowers.
One of the rejuvenating tree ferns
The red moss created mandalas on many of the trees
Wild begonias
This waterfall is the source of the farm’s drinking water
This old rock wall tells us that someone has been here before us.
Flying saucers.....no, some kind of fungi
Is this birds nest waiting for eggs or abandoned?
After a fabulous sauna and great night’s sleep we suit up to tackle this dense undergrowth, “the 35”. when they first acquire a parcel it is usually clipped grass, no other growth.
As we climbed we were treated to the occasional far view of the mountains
Red really stands out against the green
Up on top we find a long view of Parrot Mountain
....and meadows of wild flowers
What’s that shape
An old termite nest. The locals used abandoned nests as ovens
This patch of jungle sported these beautiful orchids
And falling water. Let’s take a dip
After a great lunch we resumed our explorations
Pinheiros do Parana, this tree is a very old species. It once blanketed the area, now it is considered endangered
This old mother tree covered the ground with her nuts
When they are roasted they are delicious, a taste and texture like chestnuts
Parrot Mountain
Yes, I really did make it up that radical climb
Can you see the waterfall in the distance. We are headed home, farewell
