Well, I’m hangin’ on to a solid rock
Made before the foundation of the world
And I won’t let go, and I can’t let go, won’t let go
BOB DYLAN
I did not take my camera today on my run to Ratones, but if I did I would have taken a photo from the top of the ridge with views to the North of the island, and a photo of the little girl looking at me from her mom’s arms while I was at the bus stop, and the façade of the building of things to come over a once field-marsh-swamp. Right now we are playing at the playground near the Ponte Final in Saco Grande. We have a view of the city of Florianópolis and the Morro da Cruz. The playground is small, but who needs a big playground. All you need is a playground with other kids. We have views of the big rock. The two other Brasilian children are speechless as they listen to Ezra speak his English and tell his stories of the rocket-ship. We had lunch today with André and then afterwards I tried again to find the trail to Ratones. This time the rains were not pouring down from the heavens. This time I ran past the cave, past the T, past the big Eucalyptus tree (the biggest I have ever seen). I took a few wrong turns that all led to electrical towers. I heard lots of birds, but only saw a pheasant running on the trail in front of me. I did not see any other wildlife, and for once, I am glad. The trail was muddy at times from the recent rain. I finally saw the view of the North and Ratones below. So down I went. The trail skirted a falling waterfall stream for a bit, but I dared not venture the 50 feet through the jungle to have a better look at the cascade. The trail at the bottom looked almost exactly like Google Maps. I crossed the road, crossed the bridge, walked on the right side of the lake, a pretty view. What Google Maps did not show was the guy standing near the exit gate. The guy told me I was on Propidade Particular – Private Property, and then gave me a carona (hitchhike) to the nearest bus stop. But I discovered the trail to Ratones. Too bad the trail ends into Private Property.
oneworldtwokids 