Towards the end of the reserve, I was delighted to notice a road sign indicating 10^177
kilometres to Vila Jundia. Following a long, hilly, hot day, we left the park just as
the sun started setting. A pousada sporting tiny colourful bungalows caught our
attention. It wasn’t merely inexpensive but sported hot water and air-con.
I couldn’t wait to drag my body into the shower while Ernest rode to the
supermarket and conjured up a pasta dish.
Vila Jundia – Nova Colina - 98 km
After eating the leftover pasta with fresh rolls from the bakery, we hopped on our
mobile homes. Our route and the forest flattened out somewhat, but a headwind
and the muddy and potholed road slowed our efforts. Authorities were busy building
a new road; some sections were smooth and paved while others were under
construction.
Shortly after departing, a sign indicating the equator called for a photo stop. It
wasn’t the first time I crossed that line, and I was sure it wouldn’t be the last.
Nova Colina was more extensive than anticipated and revealed a “hotel”, two
supermercados and two bakeries. Nevertheless, Ernest recommended pitching the
tents behind a church with a shelter outback, but I headed straight to the “hotel”.