Calamity Canyon! The Chapada Diamantina National Park- Lencois.

We are currently in the Chapada Diamantina National Park, which is named after Diamonds!! Yipee!! 

As a bit of background the area was mined for the Diamonds before tourism took over. The Diamonds were formed millions of years ago near present day Nambia (Bahia was joined with Africa before continental drift). The Diamonds were mixed with pebbles and swept into the sea bed, which was then lifted over time to form inland Brazil. The National Park is 1520 sq km, with numerous waterfalls cascading over mountains and plateaus. There is an endless network of trails to explore- so this is where we start our journey!

After recovering from the night bus, James and I set out for a gentle stroll for the day (to warm up our legs after the partying in Itacare).

We decided to head up the river to a couple of waterfalls and see where it took us. This is easy stuff, we thought, and so didn’t take up the expensive offer of a guide for the day…..

The first 2 km followed the natural line of the river, which cut through sedimentary rock, many cave systems and passed several natural whirl pools, swimming pool and waterfalls.

The start!... can you see a trail?

After 2km the path totally disappeared and we were left to fend for ourselves and making our own way, we fortunately found 2 Aussies who pointed us in the general direction. I was getting a bit unsure of how we would make it back so I made cairns all the way along just in case….

James walking up the waterfall!

After we reached the final waterfall and plunge pool we took the route up to the plateau to try and find a different trail back to the village (without a map or compass may I add!!!). It was sooo scary trying to work our way up a cliff! But this was the view from the top!:

Once we got to the top and walked around for a bit we unfortunately had lost where we had come out from...Oh dear!! We were stuck on the top of the plateau with no way of getting off, with limited water and food and 30 degree heat .... 

After a few hours and James going mental and swearing ALOT we managed to spot one of my cairns and made our way back down. We were so happy to see the river and thank god I made the cairns as we would have been in a bit of a pickle!

We were so happy to be back on the trail, we had some fun on the way!

 And yes James is growing the beard back..... mmmmmmm grumble grumble.....