Since yesterday was much harder than we anticipated, we were certainly a bit trepidatious about today’s walk. We knew it would be longer…with a sizeable descent, big ascent, a huge descent to sea level, and then a 250 meter climb to our accommodation.

We set out only to…immediately lose the trail. The markers seemed to suggest heading down an overgrown path, which only got narrower and choked with brambles. Since I had long pants on I blazed the trail…eventually we decided it couldn’t be right.

We turned around and backtracked, and eventually discovered the trail markers.

We then descended into the Pit of Despair, so named because of the dramatic dip on the elevation map.

While the waterfall was out of service due to lack of rain, it was still quite beautiful!

To be honest I can’t really remember the rest of the ascent, which means it can’t have been too bad.

The decent brought a beautiful view of the lighthouse. While it was warm, overall today was a much better day.

We walked to the nearby town, took a dip in the natural swimming pool, and showered off. Many of the towns have public ocean pools, staffed with lifeguards and free of charge. Unfortunately the snack bar was closed and this one, and we thought we might have to make do with a lunch of nuts and protein bars.

But thankfully the snack bar on the way out of town was open, though the proprietors didn’t seem to be so happy to have us as customers.

From there it was a really steep climb up, but more manageable mentally when you know a shower and dinner is waiting for you at the top.

This night’s lodging was easier to find, and we even made a fire! Partially for the warmth, but mostly to help dry our laundry and to up the cozy factor.

The Ilha a Pe folks provide a dinner of soup and bread, and breakfast of yogurt, cheese, bread, butter, and some fruit.

Here’s tonight’s soup.

Full tummies and time for bed!