VENEZUELA, Hiking and Climbing Roraima in Venezuela

2/11/11 thru 2/16/11

Over 50 miles hiking, climbing (using hands a lot) up over 9000 feet in 5 hrs, walking up and under 2 waterfalls, wading waist deep through two rivers, sleeping in tents on rock, and bathrooms which consisted of a roll of toilet paper and wherever you could find space. Hopefully away from the many snakes that supposedly are on this trek even though we luckily did not see any. Our guide said there are partial to Norwegians. lol

Roraima is the largest of the "tepuis" , flat topped mountains, which is 6 miles long on one side. It is made up completely of sandstone but there is lots of vegetation growing out of rocks due to the moisture and nutrients that the winds blow to the top of the mountain. There are crystal valleys and crytal rivers which is a sight to behold and the mountain is rumored to have specific powers and intersects the lines from Machu Picchu and Stonehenge. Strange sounds including voices and lights have been heard and seen from the tepuy nearest to Roaraima which is no longer allowed to climb due to strange behavior in the people climbing and lost climbers who were never found. (Sounds like a great movie of the week) There are over 40 different types of orchids and the weather has created incredible sandstone figures which are all named, such as the flying turtle pictured below.The surface has been compared to the moon. Will have to take their word on that, haven't been there, YET.  lol

We also walked for 8 hrs one day while on top to the Triple Point, where the borders of Brazil, Colombia and Guyana meet. Technically I walked into Guyana for 1 minute but will not count that on my tattoo.
 
The price to pay to see something that most will never see. (Unfortunately, but hopefully more will make the effort) Great times. Hiked with Swiss couple and Gilbert (Jill Bear) from France.

Local church on hill

Crystal swimming pools

Crystal River

Moon like surface

The Flying Turtle

The view from the base of Roraima after climbing through the jungle.

One of the Two waterfalls we had to hike up and through.

This is from a postcard. Have to be in a plane to get this shot.

Where our trip ended and this Polish families began. I think the children will not make the climb but hope so.

VENEZUELA, Roraima

2/10/11

The first day of the six day climb started out fine but all of a sudden I found myself faced with a rattlesnake ready to strike right next to my foot. I kicked at the snake repeatedly trying to deflect its strike and keep its fangs from sinking into my leg.  I was still kicking when ....................

I woke up on the bus to Santa Elena (starting point for the trek) and was kicking the foot rest of the seat repeatedly. I quickly looked at the passenger next to me and luckily he was still sleeping. I was still 6 hrs away from Santa Elena. I wondered if this was a nightmare or a premonition. Upon arriving at Santa Elena I signed up for the 6 day climb and at 6 pm we had the briefing about the climb from the local expert who has written 3 books on Roraima (from Lost World fame).

He said the climb would be difficult but the real danger was snakes. Coral snakes, RATTLESNAKES, and some other snake which could kill you within 20 minutes of being bitten. The fact that our bathroom consists of a roll of toilet paper and any bush you can find did not help matters. A lot grass along the trail along the way had been burned to rid some of the snakes. I stayed as close to the guides as possible. 

Luckily it was a nightmare and not a premonition. Hike starts tomorrow. 

BRAZIL, Rio de Janeiro, Christ the Redeemer

1/27/11

Went to Corcordoba Mountain today to see, Christ the Redeemer, 1 of the New 7 Wonders of the World which is on the very top of the mountain and overlooks Rio. Incredible views but unfortunately the sun was behind the statute and my pictures of the statue are not great. The statue is about 240 feet tall.

BRAZIL, Rio de Janeiro, Sugar Loaf Mountain

1/25/11

After the free breakfast at the hostel, I caught the 511 bus to Sugar Loaf and caught the tram up to one of the most scenic spots in Rio. About 2000 feet high.  Pricey at about $28 but have learned to accept that Rio is just crazy expensive even if backpacking. Stayed a few hours just taking in the scenery and caught the 512 back to the hostel.

First tram used. So glad I did not have to ride up in this.

BRAZIL, Rio de Janeiro, HANG GLIDING OVER RIO

1/23/11

Regardless of the cost, I had made up my mind that I would hang glide over Rio when I went to South America. Plus, I had heard so many incredible stories. It was spectacular and breathtaking. 10 minutes of soaring over the city and landing on the Sao Conrado Beach. I also was able to watch many para gliders and hang gliders take off before it was my turn. Will post a few pictures but have a mini DVD of entire flight that I must find out how to transfer to my computer which has no place for Cd's or DVD. Hopefully I will visit Christ the Redeemer or Sugar Loaf Mountain tomorrow. So expensive here, may leave one day early.

Landing Area

BRAZIL, Rio de Janeiro, Ipanema Beach

1/24/11

Not as crowded as on the weekend

BRAZIL, Rio de Janeiro,

1/22/11

4 hr bus ride to Rio and arrived around 2:30 pm. Very fortunate that girl from the hostel in Paraty, Tess, was also going to Rio so we rode the bus together and shared a cab to the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Just found out the hang gliding trip is $200 for 10 minutes. Decisions, decisions, ha ha, everyone knows I am gonna do it. Time to head the 1 block to Ipanema Beach. Excitement is almost unbearable. 5 nights in Rio and then heading north, not sure where. Missing the grandkids and rest of family a lot.