Southern Pantanal

We arrive at the farm house where we are staying for the next 3 nights. With a list of thing pre arranged for us it appears that we will have not time to rest while staying at here.

First stop was Lunch, a meal designed for Kings (well at King that loves meat). Once we ate everything in site it was time to get ready for our afternoon activity of horse riding. During this relaxing ride through the Pantanal we got to do a river crossing on our horse, this was so AWESOME.



After our river crossing experiance it was time to make our way home (at sunset) and get dry. Another large meal, and a few moments to relax as we now need to grab a jacket as its time for a night safari ride. Unfortunately we did not see much on this trip, we were all hoping for a Jaguar or something equally as cool but no luck. eh!!! Maybe some where else on my trails. Its now time for bed as we have another big day activities planned tomorrow.

Rise and shine its time to have breakfast and be on our way for a walking wildlife tour. As we walked through the farm and got to see all the new baby cows learning how to walk, saw some amazing birds and lots and lots of caimen. They look like croc´s but apparentely not as dangerous, what ever I tried to make sure that there was always someone in front of me :) hee hee hey better them then me. Another we saw lots of was Capybara (they look like giant guinea pigs).

Stop for lunch and then back out for a spot of piranha fishing. Again not much luck in this department a few fish caught (not by me) but no piranha. After this its time ot let our hair down and a demonstration on lasso of cows is just what we needed. This would take years to master. Me I am just happying watching this take place from the stands. Now time to get cleanned up for a BBQ dinner. Yay!!! did some one say meat for dinner (Beef, Pork and Lamb).

Bit of dinner and dancing with the farmers and then off to bed and its an early 5am start for those (yep!! me) who have selected to milk the cows in the morning.

After the milking the cows it was time for day safari with some more spotting of the local birds and some deer.

Unfortunately our stay at the Pantanal comes to an end and its back on the truck for a long drive to Brotas.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

We arrived at Bonito late in the night, this after a 13hr truck ride. After a good nights sleep we all wake up to see what Bonito has to offer including clear skys and 40 degree days (Yippie!!!, Just my type of weather).

With a list of activities to select from I had my work ahead of me. Well not really, Bonito main attractions are its crystal clear rivers, springs and caves. So snorkelling was the way to go. With a pick up in the morning and a 40 minute drive to the river. I was on my way to see and do some of the best snorkelling in Brazil (some say the world).

With the waters current doing all the work I could sit back, relax and take photos.

As we had 2 days in Bonito I thought what better way to see the rest of town then rent a bike and check out a swimming spot that many of the local families go to. Little did I know that the bike that I had selected would not work correctly with the chain coming off and the seat not being able to be lowered, I made the 6km ride up and down hills a real challenge. So I made it home but found it hard to sit down in comfort for a number of days.

It was to good to me true the sun and fun did not last was we had to get back on the truck. This time we head to the Southern Pantanal.

Iguazu (Argentina & Brazil)

After having the extra days in Boenos Aires I was ready for my flight to Iguazu Falls. 1hr 30min flight later I arrive at 4pm and get the local shuttle to the campsite where we are staying. Just in time for a swim in the hostel pool, a shower and dinner.

Unfortunately overnight the wind changed direction and the clouds came over along with heavy rain, thunder etc... , all this at approx midnight. Of course now I could not sleep and was talking to myself wishing the rain to stop, as luck would have it it rained all night. Everyone woke up early some in a little pool of water inside the tent (Phew!!! not me).

On the truck and off to visit the Falls (in the rain). I was keen not to let the rain upset my day. So I set out and booked in a jetboat ride under/into the falls. This was so AWESOME I could not stop laughing or taking photos (oh!! how I love my underwater camera - a.k.a team camera).

After the boat ride I did a 1 or 2km walk along the edge of the falls beginning at the Three Sisters and ending at the Devils Throat. We were told that millions of liters of water pour/cascade down escarpments forming AWESOME mist "curtains" and many rainbows (No rainbows this day). After this amazing view of the falls and a busy day we drove to across the border to Brazil ready to catch another angle of the falls tomorrow.

Goodish News!!! is that the rain stopped but the clouds are still out, as I did yesterday I will make the most of my holiday and do what I can with the weather I have been given. First stop is the Bird Park, after seeing Jacki's photos from her visit this time last year I knew what I had install for me and had my camera ready, well I thought I did, with so much humidity in the air my camera fogged up and I could not use it. Lucky I had my water proof camera and took photos with that. I dont think the photos will be a good but hey I got photos.

Now off to see the falls again. Even after seeing the falls yesterday it was still AWESOME to see them again. I wonder if you would ever get tired of this view? I dont think so, this is why I went on a helicopter ride over the falls.

Here is a mix some of my photos and some that you get on CD when you do the helicopter ride.

Well now that I am water logged and have seen the Falls from what I feel is every angle its time to hit the road again this time I head to Bonito. I can only hope its better weather.

Buenos Aires and a change of plans!!

We arrive into and overcast Buenos Aires around 1pm, thats after we worked our way through several traffic jams/road blocks (yeah!!! its Friday and a weekend of football is about to start).

I jumped straight off the truck dropped my luggage off and ran to the Brazil Consulate. Unfortunately even though I made it before the office closes they will only process a visa if you have an appointment and all appointments must be made between 9am - 12noon (M-F). So made an appointment for Monday first thing, one can only hope 3rd time lucky and I can get my visa.

Back to the hotel to get myself ready for a night on the town for a final dinner and a tango show.

I now have 2 full days ahead of me its time to explore this AWESOME city. With lots of walking I managed to cover the following. Oblisco, Puerto Madero, La Boca (Caminito - see photo), San Telmo (Sunday Markets - Wow!!! so many markets so many people), Casa De Gobierno, Catedral Metropolitana, Cabildo, Flordia Shopping street (Purchased a new jacket for Ireland - well thats the reason I am using), Torre Moumental and more... yeah!!! and more!!!

After these 2 days of checking out what the city had to offer it was back to reality and back to the Brazil Consulate. Managed to submit my passport after a few little things that need to be sorted but...... due to submitting my passport on Monday meant that I could not collect my passport until 12noon on Tuesday. Guess what the Truck for the new tour is due to leave on Tuesday at 8am.... I spoke to the tour leader and my best option was to stay in Buenos Aires for an additional 2 days and catch up with the group in Iguaza Falls on Thursday. I know what you are thinking, Poor!! Kristy she is missing 2 days of the tour..... True! I am, but the GOOD news is that these 2 days are really long drives, rough campsites and with not much to see (as advised by my tour leader). Yay!!! extra time in Buenos Aires....

Oh!!! with all this extra time up my sleeve what will I do..... No problem here as still plenty to see and do, like..... Cementerio De La Recoleta, Palermo, Planetario Galileo Galilei and Flor Floralis. Inconjunction with this extra sightseeing I managed to relax in the park with a picnic have an ice cream (Jacki & Julia - "delicioso" i am sure you agree!).

I think I have covered everything may have left a few things off but I am sure you get the jist. Tonight I sleep knowing that Iguaza Falls are just around the corner.

Awesome Adventure #3 - South America - Part 3

Buenos Aires to Rio de Janerio - 19 Days.
I hope I can pack away my long pants and start to wear my shorts. I am looking forward to some time in the sun and water.

Banoffee Pie Recipe

Ingredients
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For the base:
100g (3½oz) butter, melted
250g (9oz) digestive biscuits or plain sweet

For the caramel:
100g (3½oz) butter
100g (3½oz) dark brown soft sugar
397g can condensed milk
or
400g Tub of Dulce de Leche

Topping:
4 small bananas
284ml carton double cream, lightly whipped
cocoa powder, for dusting

You will also need:
20cm (8”) loose-bottomed cake tin, greased and based lined


How to make it
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To make the base, process the biscuits until like fine crumbs then tip into a bowl. Stir in the melted butter. Press the mixture into the base and 4cm (1½in) up the sides of the tin. Chill the base while you make the filling.

To make the filling: place the butter and sugar into a non-stick saucepan over a low heat, stirring until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Add the condensed milk and bring gently to the boil, stirring continuously to make the caramel. As soon as it thickens, remove from the heat. Spread the filling over the biscuit base, cool, and then leave to chill for about 1 hour, until firm.
or
Run hot/warm water over tub of Dulce de Leche to make a little runny this will make it easier to spread over the base. Be careful not to make it to runny.

To serve, remove the pie from the tin and place on a serving plate. Slice the bananas; fold half of them into the softly whipped cream and spoon over the toffee base. Decorate with the remaining bananas and dust liberally with the cocoa.

No time for horsing around!

Our tour leader has been talking about going to a real Estancia in Argentina (Cordoba) for days, finally this day has arrived. Can´t wait to ride a horse (just hope they are gental with me!!).

Upon arrival to Estanicia Los Potreros we get in the country mood with a little bit of country music. (Great voices guys and girls!!!) Kevin & Lou the owners of the Estancia come to meet us and give us an overview on what to expect over the next few days. After a quick chat to Sarah our Estancia guide she starts to write down rider to horse compatibility oh!!! I hope I get a good one.

A nice morning for a slow start, get fitted for a helmet. Umm tried on serveal before finding the right fit.... Dad, thanks for the family small head, nearly needed to get the kids helmets out. Quick and easy instructions from Sarah now how to start, stop & steer. Darren, Yep!!! just like a computer joystick.

Ummm... so much for getting a horse that would look after me. I was told after I got on the horse that it has a tendency to kick other horses. Everyone better stay clear, I will be needing plenty of room.

Our first day of riding was more challenging for a beginner rider than I thought it would be but oh!!! what fun I was having. I love going up and down the hills. After riding for a few hours we made it to our lunch stop. An AWESOME little water fall. Went for a quick swim (OMG!!! very cold water). Back on the horses after we all had lunch (including the horses) and back to the Ranch. Time for a few games in the games room before dinner and desert.... Banoffee Pie oh!!!! this is soooooooo good (Adam - suggest you add this to your list of things to make).

Back on the horses for a second day this time we ride a little further. We ride to a little place called The Top of the World (which really is just the highest point on the Estancia). As we start to make our way down from the top of the world the weather starts to change and rain jackets start to make an appearance. We could only hope that we would scare the rain away but...... you guessed it came down hard and fast. Horses got a little spooked and we made our way to a close stone hut. We sat it out until the rain got lighter and then back on the horses for a ride home. Guess the horses knew where we were heading cause the pace just got a little faster.... who whould have thought that the horses wanted to get out of the rain just as much as we did.

Return to the rooms for a quick shower and a spot of dry clothes. As we continue to have fun in the games room with a few wines and some cheese. Kevin & Lou´s staff are putting on a authentic Argentinian BBQ. Ummm can´t wait meat for dinner again..... Hope the salad is nice.... hee hee

Soon we will be in Buenos Aires........

Salt anyone?

We quickly move across into Argentina and leave Bolivia & Chile behind. We now have smooth roads and are able to get off the truck for a toilet stop and walk in a straight line. Its the small things that start to make a difference.

Most people on the truck can´t wait to get into Argentina to have a good hearty steak for dinner. Me on the other hand can´t wait to get on the truck again and travel just out side of the Salta City to go White Water Rafting and Zip Lining (Flying Fox).

Now I could continue to write some trivia facts about Salta before I show you photos my rafting and zip line experiance. Nah!!!!! that´s not fun. Here you go enjoy the photos.

The only bad thing about the rafting and zip lines is that I was only able to do them once. Bummer!!!! Guess I will just have to go back.

Moons and Stars

We have now crossed over into Chile we are staying in a small town called San Pedro located in the Atacama Desert. Only a few things to see and do in town, which left a lot of time during the day to sit, relax catch up on emails and internet etc....

The nights however where a little different. On our first night there we got the opportunity to go star gazing. We were luck and got a really clear night and saw hundres of stars. We got to look through some telescopes and even saw Jupiter up close and personal. Unfortunately there was no moon out for us, just bad timing i guess, but that would have been cool to see.

The next day, after a sleep in, more relaxation and soking up some sun we ventured out to Moon Valley (Valley de la Luna). Moon Valley has a particularly weird desert landscape. Harsh weather, especially the wind, has carved the rocks into strange shapes. We finished our expedition to the moon with a (windy) sand dune sunset.

With no rest for the wicked we are back on the truck for our drive to Salta.
I wonder what will Salta has to offer us?......

Altiplano Crossing

A day of driving saw us end our journey at the Laguna Colorado.

Besides it being an extreme cold temperature this is the view that we got to see. Laguna Colorado is a fiery red coloured lake, which comes from aalgae and plankton that thrive in the water. The shoreline was fringed with some white stuff. (Later I found out it was sodium). What I found really AWESOME here are the flamingos. I would have never of thought that this bird would be living and walking in such cold waters.

After a quick cold viewing on this side of the Laguna we drove to the other side were we stayed for the night. Luck for me we are not a full group and there were a few beds spare. Yep all the blankets ended up on my bed. Oh!!! I was so nice and toasty warm!!.

Well I was warm until we had to get up at 5am to pack the truck and get on our way. We were heading to view Geysers, we were at 4300 meters altitude and I could not feel my toes. Finally the sun came up and warmed us up a little (very little), we crossed over the hill top to see the Geysers ahead, AWESOME view.

The geysers all appeared to be pretty active, we got the opportunity to walk around the thermal areas (lots of mud). I find it strange that there are no fences and we can walk around so freely. Guess this will change when one to many tourist take a wrong step and fall in.

After getting off all, most, some of the mud from our boots we headed to some hot springs for a swim and breakfast. oh!!!! just what the doctor ordered. The pools were so hot that I think it only took 15 seconds for me to warm up.

After our swim and our breakfast we were off to see another Laguna this time its blue/green not red.

Laguna Verde what an stunning view, made you think you were somewhere tropical. Don´t let the view fool you it was still cold and it highly recommended that you do not swim here due to the toxic minerals (high concentrations of lead, arsenic, sulphur and calcium carbonates).

Salt Flats

We arrived in to Uyuni and not a pretty welcome, plastic bags everywhere - OMG!!! what type of place are we visiting. Our tour leader advised us that the Salt Flats are not impacted by this and we will have a fantastic time. So with that in mind we line up for a bite to eat at MinuteMan Pizza a late night with a long talks and laughs as we discuss what we might do to make a funny photo. (Not many good ideas came to mind)

Nice slow start to the morning made our way downstairs to have pancakes for breakfast (oh!!! they were so good!!!). Jumped into a few jeeps and started to make our way to the Salt Flats. Before we got to far we had stopped, as it was time to check out the Train Cemetery (Cementario de Trenes). Yep!!! its as it sounds a bunch of old steem trains that have been left out in the rain. Still pretty cool to see but not the high light of the day I was looking for.


Back in the jeep and head for the Salt Flats. A few intersting facts as we make our way. Did you know that Salar de Uyuni, is a dry lake of over 12,000 sq. kms, all made up of blinding white interlocking salt crystals. Its also Bolivia´s largest salt pan and when there is a little water on the falts, it reflects the Altiplano sky perfectly. Been told it can be pretty eerie when like this.

So finally after we stopped for lunch we got to drive out and take some funny photos. Not the best but hey we tried.





A number of scratches on legs and knees from lying on the salt to get the perfect shot, we now head home for a shower and another moster meal at the MinuteMan Pizza (This time I shared a pizza!!!).

Tomorrow a 12 hour drive ahead of us as we travel a cross the Altiplano.

Dynamite

So I know you are all thinking Potosi what does this town have to offer. Well I can answer that question for you, NOT MUCH. OK not all true they do go mining for silver.

We had a day in this town so when in Potosi, do as the locals do - go mining. We were collected by our guide and got fitted for a hard hat, head lamp, boots and a shirt and pants to go over our clothes. Once we were fitted we were off to purchase some dynamite (Yep!!! - you just get this from the local store) and food etc... we got this to give to the locals as a gift as we walk through the mines. Oh!!! yeah!!! these are working mines and not tourist mines so anything can happen KA BOOM!!!!.

Well yet again I made it through another dangerous mission. Phew!!! ummm how many lives to I have left now. I am saying 18 but hard to count as I cant top shaking.

Once we recovered from out hard day in the mines it was off for a good nights sleep ready to get back on the truck to head for Uyuni (Salt Flats). Yay!!!