Alcantara is built on a hill above the harbor. The steep streets are all black and white granite cobblestone, laid in designs. First, take a little boat to Aracaju – a set of small islets, home to the Guara’ – Red Ibis. We see a lot of them, but the boat would not go very close. I guess he didn’t want to disturb them. They are SO beautiful. Their beaks are about 10 inches long and used to scurry up food from under the sand.

Back at Alcantara, Juca takes us on a walking tour of the old colonial buildings and ruins. The town is literally falling apart!! Some of it had already just disintegrated. Although, if I was 400 years old, I would not look so good either! We stop at a little pousada (small hotel thing), for a bite of lunch, and Michael takes a quick nap.

We make a run-through of the Brazilian Space program museum. They have built a launch site outside Alcantara, but they have had nothing but mishaps since their first attempted launch in 1997.

The ferry trip back, on the ancient wooden ferry, was again about as exciting with the rolling motion. Glad to be back at the hotel.

Dinner again with Edson Jr, after sitting and having some discussions with Edson Sr. Both very nice people. Edson Jr. has looked up and given us some ideas about places to park in Fortaleza, and has even made some phone calls for us.

Continue to Brazil 4×4 Expedition • Lencois Sand Dunes