Today we take a van tour of a small part of the island and stop along the way at beachfront bars, sampling their wares. At each stop, we are greeted warmly by the owner, offered chairs right on the sandy beach with umbrellas to ward off the still rising sun. It’s out of season here, so there are few people in sight on this Tuesday. […]
Another great day. During a tour around the Parati harbor and surrounding area, we spot a sea snake up close, which together with the cold water, discourages everybody from wanting to swim. The beautiful little town lies at water’s edge backed by high hills covered over in thick verdure of an amazing variety. Sandy beaches lined with coconut palms give the place the feel of a remote paradise, which it surely is. […]
Another special day dawns bright and clear. After a great breakfast on board, we take the tender ashore for a walk through the jungle, a prepared nature trail really, that winds through several tiny fishing villages. At one is Pousada (like an Inn) Gata Russa (Russian Cat), where we drink fresh fruit juices and while away the time sitting on the shore of the cove in perfect contentment. […]
You can’t go to Rio and not visit its famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, and this is the day we choose to tour them both, keeping a sharp eye out for the latest in swimsuit fashions. For lunch, we choose to avoid these crowded places and instead go to Praia (beach in Portuguese) Vermelyha or Red Beach, a small place tucked away at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain. […]
My three best buddies since we were all together in the 5th grade—Earl Robinson, Pete Cicchine and Chris Jensen—arrived on schedule this morning to spend two weeks cruising the Brazilian coast with me aboard Indigo. From the airport, we travel by van directly to the boat for a big breakfast, including grits so they’ll feel at home (and me too). They are terrific guys, and their strong northwest Florida accents are music to my ears. […]