Chapada dos Guimaraes, Brazil

From Brasilia we have had quite a relaxing time travelling through the middle of Brazil. For those who want to know what's there, the answer is lots of trees!! We have also experienced 3 time changes in 48 hours which is very confusing and I'm sure not necerssary. At one point we were working on Odyssey time only! We have had a lovely but mosquito infested bush camp outside a farmer's farm. When he saw us he was delighted to see that we were travellers "gringos" that he invited us to stay longer. We left quietly after a beautiful sunrise but I'm sure that the site has been put on the GPS as a bush camp for the next trip. We also had an unexpected stay in a hotel due to a motor bike accident directly in front of us on the road which held us up a couple of hours meaning that it was dark by the time we were cleared and no camp could be found. Bush camps are a great part of the adventure but any more than one in a row in a sweaty climate and you are very happy to be given the opportunity for an evening shower.

There has been a lot of rain recently, so much so that we haven't been able to get into the northern Pantanal because the roads were undriveable. We took a detour to another wildlife haven but that was also inacessable so we had another night in a hotel. Anymore and we could get a little bit used to squishy pillows and buffet breakfasts!

We eventually got to Chapada dos Guimaraes national park. We had a great couple of group days out swimming in waterfalls and snorkelling in a river which was paid for by kitty. It's great when you get something that's included in kitty. You have already paid for the activity months in advance but it still feels like it's free and a nice surprise. It was very hot in the park and it required a fair bit of walking so the waterfalls were a welcome dip

We are now in a town called Jaru and staying in a hotel for the night. It was a great call by Pete as the stormy weather closed in, it was getting dark and we are currently cooking on charcoal due to the very pricey gas at the moment. There is also a fair number of us, me included, who are suffering or who have just recovered from carnival flu so not having to pitch a tent and a bed is very welcome.

Tomorrow we are away early in order to cover the 300 odd km to Porto Velho which is our hop on point for a 3 day Amazon cruise to Manaus which will be interesting!