Sitio / Baixio
Two last beaches under the coconut trees before joining Salvador de Bahia for some culture.
In between we visit "Laranjeiras" and "São Cristovão" both are of little interest. The last one is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which surprises us .
We spent the last two weeks at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on huge beaches and under the coconut trees.
We traveled in the middle of beautiful landscapes on a palette of green gradient.
The villages or towns crossed had little tourist interest. These are regions mainly dedicated to seaside holidays.
Unfortunately Brazilians are not respectful of nature, the beaches are littered with garbage. The environment is not a priority.
It is a pity because the beauty of the beaches is disfigured.
Praia Do Saco
Yet another small resort very nice.
We thought we it would be quiet all through the weekend but it was without counting on buses arriving at 5 am with their cargo of families who came to spend Sunday by the sea.
The motorhome is surrounded by Brazilians in great shape at 6 am
Aracaju
We are heading towards "Penedo" a little further inland.
Described as a colonial jewel of the region, this city is located near the second largest Brazilian river "rio Sao Francisco". Its colorful and tropical architecture is reminiscent of some Cuban neighborhoods. Another bad choice: another fair is installed ... Impossible to stop there!!
We are forced to continue our journey. We take a ferry to reach our next stop " Aracaju ". Another seaside resort where Brazilians flock on weekends.
There is a special parking for campers on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and we stay there 3 days. We take advantage of being in a big city to go to the Police Féderale to get an extension of our visa.
We are attended by a very kind employee who checks our file and tells us how to proceed: In principle and according to the texts in force, we cannot obtain a visa extension.
However on the day of expiry of our visa it would be possible to request the extension of 60 days by paying a fine of 100 reals ... We’ll see.
Barra Do Sao Miguel
Initially we had to visit the city of "Maceio" but after reading the various guides the city has not much interest.
We still stop there for a classic overhaul of the engine (emptying and changing filters).
We chose as an evening stop the resort "Praia Do Frances" very popular with surfers. Bad choice: the town hall organizes for this weekend a gigantic party that occupies the entire city center.
We find refuge in a campsite at the mouth of the estuary.
It is almost impossible to park by the sea, all the places are occupied by cars parked anyway or there is no access by car.
Since we left Recife, we have been following the coastline with its beaches that stretch for miles, dunes and huge coconut groves. Beautiful landscape .
It is a region devoid of tourist attractions.
San Miguel Dos Milagres
We leave our new friends because we have to move forward to be on February 8 in Rio de Janeiro.
Just out of the campsite, a noise already heard during the repair of the gimbal head 10 days ago reappears louder and continuously.
We stop immediately and return in slow motion to the village near the campsite.
Christophe goes back to see our friends and comes back with "Jao Manuel" who leads us to a mechanic of his acquaintances. Verdict: Left front ball bearing to change.
Unfortunately he can not do the repair and directs us to another mechanic located in the next city 17 km.
Always accompanied by our friend, we travel this distance gently, in second and praying so that we arrive without incident.
The garage is open and after inspection, the repair begins ... The part is available and it is ordered immediately for delivery in 1 hour.
Joa Manuel leaves us to return to the campsite ... It is impossible to pay him back by bus, he categorically refuses ... Another proof of the kindness of Brazilians.
In the middle of the afternoon the camper is fixed and we are back on the road direction "San Miguel Dos Milagres".
We reach the seaside on a huge beach and in the shade of coconut trees.
We find by chance a Brazilian camper that we met in Coruripe.
All along the coast from Recife, a coral reef separates the lagoon from the ocean.
Swimming in the open sea is dangerous because it is infested with sharks. On the other hand the part that runs along the beach is a warm and shallow sea, which allows to admire exotic fish.
Because of the tides, we have an appointment at 7 am to go swimming in the natural pools.
To access it, a guide is mandatory and the excursion lasts about 1:30. From the beach to the pool, a small boat takes us in 10 minutes... We are not alone ... All the small boats are in the same place ... With our masks and snorkels we admire some beautiful colorful fishes.
We stay three days on site during which the beach is invaded by families who come to enjoy the sun and the sea.
Barreiras Do Boqueirao
We change beach ; to many rubishes and the location is not ideal.
We choose the "Praia Barreira do Boqueirao".
In the middle of the summer holidays, the traffic increases enormously. We travel on very congested roads.
We are struggling to reach our next stop: a beach hotel that accepts motorhomes. We meet Brazilian motorhomes all charming and always ready to help us.
We communicate via the translator and we answer their many questions about our journey, motorhome and France.
Step dedicated to the website and video editing ...
Tamandare
We are in the summer holidays time. The lack of decorations for Christmas or the passage to the new year surprises us enormously.
There is no Christmas tree in the streets, no fairy lights, nothing in shops. We see from time to time some illuminations, but nothing extraordinary. Only the churches are a little decorated, especially around their crib.
We cross the sugar cane region for hundreds of kilometers: the famous plant is present everywhere.
Today us gthe 1st of january and all families head to the beach to spend the day preparing a barbecue...
Very festive day under a blazing sun 32°.
The bivouac we have selected is inaccessible ... The parking lot and the surrounding area are full of cars.
We manage to find a place in front of a small restaurant that delivers us our lunch.
Around 4 pm the beach empties but the garbage are left ... While there are garbage cans all along the beach!!
Quiet evening with some showers.
ROAD BOOK 169
MAVROS ODYSSEE
