(^172) BELEM, BRAZIL – SANTA ELENA, VENEZUELA
1162 KM – 15 DAYS
Manaus – roadside restaurant - 64 km
I said goodbye to Amanda (who was catching her flight the following day). Then,
Ernest and I headed out of Manaus in the direction of Venezuela. Unfortunately, we
had a slow start as Ernest’s chain broke four kilometres out of town. Not much
later, significant storm clouds gathered, and it soon started bucketing down. Not
liking how the lightning hit the overhead wires, I thought it best to take shelter until
the worst was over.
The road north ran through a dense forest on a slightly hilly route. Albeit scenic, the
weather remained sweltering. When the weather came in the second time, a
roadside restaurant with an old chicken shed made an excellent place to set up
camp. The owners didn’t mind and even showed us the shower and toilets. Ernest
swept the chicken shed, so we could pitch the tents under cover. The adjacent
restaurant had a reasonably priced buffet, making it a natural choice for supper.
Roadside restaurant - Presidente Figueiredo - 67 km
Following coffee and back on the bikes, it became clear this was indeed the Amazon
basin as macaws, parrots, love birds, and bright blue butterflies kept us company
while we were climbing hill upon hill. The road led through dense forests and across
countless rivers and ponds that looked undisturbed for centuries.
Around Presidente Figueiredo, a few waterfalls with lovely picnic areas looked too
organised for wild camping. So, we settled for a room in Presidente Figueiredo
instead.
leana
(Leana)
#1