[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_0QgM9Sa44M/VPLwAilqxlI/AAAAAAAAmig/LVG6pUloB_o/s144-c-o/IMG_1492.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/112133179186774955122/SouthAmericaSection3Stage23Brazil6RioDeJaneiroToFlorianapolis02#6121218735625389650″ caption=”Beautiful sunrise” type=”image” alt=”IMG_1492.JPG” ]

Highlights: Good distance despite strong headwind
Lowlights: Strong headwind in the afternoon
Launch: Sheltered beach
Landing: Moderate dumper
Pos: here
Loc: Beach behind Rio Itapanhari
Acc: tent
Dist: 50,2 km
Start: 6:30 End: 18:45

It was the first half of the day easy paddling with low westerly wind, until 12.30h and I hit the big mountain headland of Sao Lourenquo. It was rather the time of the day, not that this big mountain generated some wind itself, I guess. At least I had to fight headwind out of the sudden from very low to up to 20 knots, generating very choppy seas reflecting off the cliffs. The last safe landing was in the corner before the headland, and I was quite tempted to turn around, to land and to call it a day!

But as I had a date with Christian Fuchs to paddle tomorrow from the river mouth of Itapanhari, I gave my best to reach the place! I was quite sure the wind would not stay close to 20 knots, as I watched the clouds. Somehow it was right, mostly not…it stayed windy between 12 and 18 knots all afternoon. The second long headland was much less windy and choppy. But I was mostly crawling along with 3 km/h, not able to do any reasonable break to eat or to rest without getting blown back with the same speed.

Hundreds of yachts and jet skis buzzing around on a Sunday afternoon in those choppy seas, not sure if all of them had their toys fully under control. Some Bombeiros on a jet ski asked me if I was ok? Yes, sure…why else should I be out here? They were at the end all heading into the river late afternoon, like being sucked in by an over sized vacuum cleaner. One fat big yacht was passing me so close on high speed I made chasing away signs and got so angry I lifted my middle finger for the captain. Fuck those weekend yachties! A lonely single fishing boat passed also close, but on low speed and rather signalizing if I wanted a lift? This was just when I entered the current of the river mouth, and I felt sorry I disagreed, as just when the wind went down in the lee of the mountains, the current started and I barely made headway.

I read my mail 2km before the river mouth and learned my paddling date Christian wouldn’t come…family problems…so I changed plans,ferry glided across the river mouth counter current, and paddled to the third beach for a remote looking camp. All others had some beach party people on them, just being all picked up late afternoon. I chose the far away corner from a hidden house at a small river mouth, but also here a sign said” no camping allowed”…

I decided I haven’t seen it, dragged my kayak up the steep beach with the help of a friendly guy just passing along with his girl friend, and made camp a little hidden form the house. The same guy came back later and told me about the no camping here, and that there is a campsite deep in the forest…too late, I was already up with my tent and just had a bath in the fresh water puddle of the cool river. The official caretaker came quite soon and tried to tell me the same, but got convinced I am too tired and will leave tomorrow early morning. Thanks!

Two more visitors to endure, one sit on top paddler came from the other beach end to carry into the river puddle for a paddle upstream. He told me about a waterfall which I should also see! Nice, but I am just happy to be dry…another guy came in darkness under a sun umbrella in the now pouring rain and offered me one of two beer cans – was he out fora private party? No, sorry, thank you…

I sat fora long time on my laptop satellite pictures looking for the best camp option tomorrow around Santos city, not easy! My body hurt, and I was rather feeling like sleeping in and a day off…but as tomorrow’s paddle will be shorter and with less headwind, I will better leave this “no camping” place…