Having set the alarm for 6am and hoping it would go off, but waking at 5.58am, anyway. Yes, it did go off. Our backpacks had been packed last night, with a change of clothes, towels, insect repellent, water, and cameras.
As Jen mentioned in yesterday’s writing, we are going to be driven today, to a remote location. After a quick breakfast, our transport arrived on time at 7am, and drove five of us 60k’s north, towards the southern part of the Pantanal. The place, Boca da Onca, a ranch and tourist operation carved out of virgin forest.
The Tour.
Eleven of those on the tour, were Brazilian. The only other, a young Englishman, Ross, distinctive by his London mid winter tan, who is on a two week whistle stop tour of Brasil, and in the weekend, heading to Rio for the Carnival. How exciting!!
Our tour guide, was mono lingual, so we had to rely on one of the locals who spoke a little English, to give us some clue to what was being described, throughout the next 3 hours.
Our guide and the route, depicted.
The tour was a three hour wander through tracks carved out of the bush, linking up with many water holes and parts of the river accessible for swimming. Jen was more adventurous, by swimming in several. One was enough for me. Freezing on entry but very refreshing. Rain had been forecast, so though it didn’t arrive in any volume, till later in the day, the cloud cover and overhanging bush, provided shade.
A Balsa tree. Strictly protected now.
A friendly visitor.
Cooling off.
Minerals in the water have built up over time creating a micro ecosystem.
The source of palm oil?
880 weary steps to climb back out of the valley.
We were very disappointed not to see much wildlife during the walk. A few bird but too distant to observe, some fish in pools and a solitary monkey that quickly departed on our intrusion.
When back at the base, there was much more bird activity, attracted by food provided.
A Red Legged Seriema.
A raucous creature!
Bridget, we need your expertise to name some of these birds photographed..:)
A wonderful lunch was presented on return, then back to the van for a freezing drive back to Bonito, and the hotel.
Mini crises.
Last night Jen locked our passports in the safe provided, then could not remember the code she had used! Fortunately the hotel staff, after trying many many keys, and looking concerned, finally found one that opened it again. Whew!!
Perusing the town
In the evening we wandered around the town. It’s a balmy night and while there are countless very attractive looking restaurants and diners, we settled for a BIG bowl of gelato each. Not able to face a full meal after being so well fed during the day. Bonito is beautifully presented with a big variety of smart shops. The town square sporting a fish theme fountain. Families are wandering around enjoying the atmosphere.
So, thank you Patrick, in Brasilia, for your recommendation, to visit Bonito..:)
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Not familiar with the birds this time. They look interesting, perhaps Google will help out this time
Yes Bridget, we are just being lazy! Perhaps we’ll buy a book when we get home..:)
Dennis