Parque do Caracol

January 5 - Monday, continued.

Elders Piccini, Oliveira, Munoz, Lagos

When we got into phone reception range, Elder Copa received a call from the missionaries.  They missed the bus and requested the Elder Copa come pick them up.  What we don't do for the missionaries!  How can you resist these wonderful young men. . .

We were dropped off, and Elder Copa drove back to the Canela bus station to fine the Elders.  If you are a resident of Canela (which we are now), you get into the park for free.  The Copas live in Gramado, so they had to pay.  While we waited for the missionaries to arrive, we walked around the tourist shops and found a couple of treasures.  I even bought a Canela tee-shirt.  Merl and David have a difficult time getting into the shopping activities.  Ann and I drag them around to hand out the money.  We grab the closest one, pick his pocket, and then square up at the end of the day.

The main attraction of the park is the falls of course, but also the steep 751 metal stairs to climb down. Originally there were over 900 stairs, but the bottom portion was washed out by a flood. Once you go down, there is no other way back up.  Very demanding!  Ann and I decided to sit this one out this time; we have both climbed the stairs before and learned our lesson.  We chose to go down 130 steps to a landing and sit and wait for the weary ones to return.  Everyone starts gung-ho and returns panting and shaky.  The falls is the second most popular attraction in Brazil, next to Igauzu Falls (according to Wikipedia). 


 Before we came on this trip, Merl had been having difficulty with his hips - one doctor suggesting hip replacement surgery.  It has been amazing how well he has been doing with the constant rigors of walking up and down hills - (wherever we go) and enjoying the beautiful trails.  He has learned to be careful and move just so as to not get into trouble. 

Everyone was amazed (especially the missionaries) that Merl basically ran up the last 200+ stairs passing everyone.  I have a video to prove it, but again don't know to upload it.  Help!

While Ann and I were sitting at step 131, a couple coming back up the stairs collapsed on the bench beside us.  During our conversation, we learned that they were members of the church from Rio de Janeiro (Cristina Rodriges and her husband-and daughter).  They knew one of the missionaries from Rio that served with David and Ann on their mission.  Small world!  We exchanged emails and addresses and took a group picture. 

The next stop was a little restaurant/market where we purchased bottles of water or juice and/or delicious lemon juice bars.  Really hit the spot - we needed the refreshment before we started our hike along the river to several more beautiful vistas.



  We spent the next two+ hours walking along steep trails through some of the most incredible scenery.  Raging water rushing to the falls, tropical trees and flowers, ruins of an old waterwheel,
and even our first sighting of a monkey.

After a much enjoyable afternoon, Elder Copo shuttled the Elders back to town and then up picked the rest of us.  We had lunch at Skillo Launches and then went to the apartment for a game of Quirkle.  A good end to a great day - because I won!  Good-bye to the Copos and to bed.