Hiking for Diamonds

So you must all think that Brazil is just about the beach, palm trees, and great rainforests, but it turns out that there is much more once you go inland!

We headed inland from Salvador in the state of Bahia to one of their national parks called "Chapada Diamantina", which is equivalent to their Yellowstone national park. Evidently this place is renowned throughout Brazil as one of the most beautiful places in the country.

We arrived in Lencois (pronounced LEN-SOYS, and it means "sheets" in Portuguese) excited to hike, explore nature, and be a little more active than we have been (aka serious beach bums!).  The area became famous in the late 1800's when they discovered diamonds (yes, a certain someone here was stoked!). We arrived to a cute town full of tourist agencies and posadas.  Fortunately we quickly met some other backpackers who had some great recommendations for local hikes and other things to do.  We spent a few days walking along the limestone rocks on the riverbeds, all while exploring natural waterslides, beautiful natural pools, and many many waterfalls.

Evidently, the town had been experiencing a serious draught, but luckily enough for them we brought the rain!  And lucky for us, it general only poured at night :)  We met some locals who recently opened a wine and cheese shop *yes, please*  and after three bottles in 24 hours we have finally given up on Brazilian wine.. it is just terrible, awful, gross, and sick.  Seriously.  Boxed wine is better!  I give us credit for trying though.
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Oh and before we forget, we also had the most random encounter EVER.  Picture this... its pouring rain, we are camping and thus have no computer, but need to book some last minute flights that night.... every internet cafe is closed ... We are walking by a shop with a man on a computer.. do we dare?  yes, i think its ok to ask to use it for 3 minutes....

So the man graciously allows us to use his computer to book these last minute flights and while Scott chats him up it turns out he is a Baptist priest.  He shows Scott his bible collection while Lisa books the flights and as we thank him and head out the door he stops us, puts his hand on our shoulders, says a prayer and blesses us and the journey we are on.  Needless to say, we left with a smile, feeling touched, and knowing that true kindness does still exist in this world.

Hiking along the riverbed...noice the water is a strange red color from the minerals...

Just a Hop, Skip, and Jump...

Laundry Day!

We even discovered a bear cave....rrrraaaarrrrrrrrrrrr

Fatty Mc Fatty Tree

Cave Walk. Yes, those are stalagtites if you are wondering :)

World's strongest man contest in the cave.  Yup.

It's all about the rock formations

and more rocks

The devil's pool. This one is going to be in a commercial that'll be seen around the world on TV to promote the Olympics!

View from the top of the world! This famous valley, Morro de Pai, is similar to Monument Valley...but tropical and deserty at the same time...strange!

That's it for now...next stop...back to the beach before winter sets in down here...