19th & 20th August

We spent two very hot, sunny days driving for 12 hours each day on our way to the coast and our campsite in Paraty. The scenery has become greener with rolling hills and ripening crops, much like Dorset in late August.

21st August

It´s overcast and wet and we arrive in Paraty in time for lunch. Where´s the sunshine???? We had a stroll around the historic centre which has some very attractive colonial architecture. Paraty was a thriving port in the 18th century - Brazil´s second largest port at the time.

22nd August

We chartered a yacht today with Eric and Jocelyn. Although the weather is still overcast we had a wonderful day sailing around some of the 65 islands in Paraty Bay, stopping for a fish lunch at a restaurant on a small island. We moored for the night in a very tranquil bay and wined and dined the night away.

23rd August

On our return to reality, i.e. the campsite, the sun came out at last and so we were able to enjoy a few hours on the beach which is just across the road from the campsite. We finished the day with a barbecue on the beach - this is more like it!

24th August

Today we all went on a schooner trip around the islands, stopping to snorkel and swim in some beautiful places. The sun has shone all day and Paraty looks even more attractive with its small cobbled streets and brightly coloured paintwork on the buildings. Paraty is a lovely place to come for a holiday - sea, sand, sailing, scuba diving, cycling and National Parks inland for walking, horseriding, rafting, etc, etc. We are moving on tomorrow to our final destination - Rio de Janeiro.