1st - 3rd April Ilha Grande

Left Rio around 10.30am with 15 of us in a mini bus. David and Paul had to stand, or share a seat with one bum cheek on the 2 hour journey to the Port where we caught a schooner over to the island. We had a relaxing 1 1/2 hour trip in very calm waters. there were cussions on the deck for us to lie on and enjoy the view. We arrived at our lovely tropical accommodation that remineded us of where we stayed in Luang Prabang. Went for a walk in the local rainforest in the afternoon where we viewed an old aquaduct and some ruins. We also went to a natural pool which was lovely, and other views of the island. We had a BBQ and caphirinas for dinner at the hotel. A great start to our holiday with the group.
Next day we decided to walk up to Parrots Peak it was supposed to be a 6 hour return walk, but we managed to get up in 2 1/2 hours . It was very steep in some places walking over many tree roots and large boulders in some places. Walking through the rainforest was very hot and muggy and we drank heaps of water along the journey. Fantastic views of both sides of Ilha Grande. We arrived back at the hotel hot and tired. We had a nap and a shower before going out to have a look around, then back for drinks around the pool before dinner at a restaurant on the beach. Very nice.
Woke early and David took a yoga lesson by the pool before breakfast. Eight of us went on a cruise around the island. We stopped to snorkel, play soccer on the beach and have a bbq lunch. We also drank many capirhinas and ended up dancing on the boat and having lots of laughs . I (Catriona) drank way too many and ended up quite ill.