We have decided to try and intersperse sightseeing and long bus journeys with some R & R. We came to Florianopolis for sea and some relaxation. Of course sea is sea, but everyone relaxes differently. We are in a quaint family run hostel. It is in a quiet street but needs a bus trip to get to the beach etc, although it has local ameneties.

We had a chat with the son and daughter of the owner and they gave us two suggestions for days out. So yesterday we did the first. A short bus ride to a nearby seaside village and we were heading off for a days hiking.

We headed out of the village and crossed a river that led to the sea then up a small path to find the start of our hike. We had been told it was a two hour hike over the headland to a beach and a further hour back again in a different direction.

Fortunately Jill's ankle was on the mend but she still did well to complete this hike. It was pretty much an hour and a half up hill across a boulder strewn jungle track. It was hot, humid and steamy oooer misses. There were stunning butterflies and big stingy looking insects along the way.

Eventually we came out on to an open area of headland and could see the sea below. Two vultures sat impassively on a rock eyeing their dinner......us.

We scaled down the far side of the headland and after almost exactly two hours arrived at the most amazing beach. It had to be over a mile long with white fine sand and waves breaking on it. There were about 10 people on it and they were all at the other end. We were hot and thirsty.

I could murder a beer I thought and then like a vision we saw a chap by a dune under a parasol. He had a little sign and a row of empty drinks cans to show his wares. I've no idea how he got there, boat I guess but we were glad to see him. Two cold cans purchased and it was sit on the sand to take in the place. We could have sat all day but we still had to get back.

We took a long leisurly barefoot walk along the sand before re-entering the jungle for the hike out. Morecambe and Wise used to do a desert sketch where they said 'Nice beach but a long way to the sea'. This was nice beach but a long way to anywhere.

Another hot and humid hour later we arrived at a roadside. No idea where we were or which way to go on the bus. So it was into a little shop to play charades again. Fortunately we got it right and were soon back at the hostel.

Today we went back to the same village and caught a small boat across to Campeche Island. This is a Government heritage site and visitors are limited. We spent four hours looking around and getting sunburnt ouch.

We've just got back from our evening meal and have packed our ruckies ready to move on in the morning. The hostel owner is going to run us to the bus station. It's a long bus trip tomorrow into Montevideo in Uruguay. We've booked on a luxury coach with wifi and a bar etc on board. So it's goodbye to Brazil. We could have spent 6 months just looking round here but there's lots to get through so move on we must.