I didn’t expect the day to be quite as challenging. The sun baked down while we^125
ground into a strong headwind, pedalling hard but getting nowhere. The drought-
stricken area continued as we rode past dry and barren fields. The wind whipped up
dust and old plastic bags, adding to the desolate scene. There was little to see but a
few dried-out and sun-bleached skeletons.
Eventually, Amanda gave up, sat down and was determined to take a bus.
Unfortunately, no bus came and later, she got on the bike and continued into the
wind. Eventually, we reached Porto do Mangue, where we couldn’t have been
happier - out of the wind and off the bikes. Kudos to Amanda, who made it despite
feeling weak and nauseous.
Porto do Mangue – Grossos - 54 km
The stretch between Porto do Mangue and Grossos was brutal and unforgiving.
Conditions were harsh, and the sun and wind were relentless as we battled past a
stark, desert-like landscape. Amanda didn’t feel well, and it was better to make it a
short day.
Following one more river crossing, we pedalled into tiny Grossos, where luckily we
located a guesthouse.
Grossos – Icapui - 46 km
A mistake was made in skipping breakfast, and Amanda soon felt tired and was in
no mood to cycle a long distance. However, a tailwind helped us reach Icapui early.
The town sported a beautiful beach and bungalows overlooking the ocean, making
it an excellent place to hang out and recuperate. So lovely was it that we stayed an
additional day. We lazed about doing as little as possible, not even the laundry.