Family Adventure in the Sands: Exploring Lençóis Maranhenses

Discovering the Delights of Vassouras and Atins

We started our day with a hearty breakfast at the Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. It's quickly becoming our go-to spot, not just for the convenience, but because the food is genuinely good and sets us up perfectly for a day of exploring. Fatima always enjoys the fresh fruit, while Nelson and Sheila can't get enough of the local bread. I appreciate the strong coffee, which is essential for keeping up with the kids' boundless energy!

Our first stop was Mirante das dunas de Vassouras, a viewpoint offering stunning panoramic views of the small Lençóis Maranhenses. The landscape here is a bit different from what we’ve seen so far; the dunes have a slightly more yellowish tone compared to the stark white dunes we saw earlier in the trip. The kids were excited to run up and down the dunes, and Fatima and I took some time to simply soak in the scenery. The wind was blowing gently, making the heat bearable, and the views were simply breathtaking. I could see why this spot is a favorite among travelers!

Next, we headed to Vassouras itself, a charming village nestled beside the Rio Preguiças. This area is known for its playful monkeys, and Nelson and Sheila were thrilled to see them up close. We were warned not to feed them sweets, but we bought some bananas from a local vendor, which the monkeys happily accepted. It was a joy to watch the kids interact with these creatures, their faces lit up with laughter and excitement. I even managed to snap a few good photos, capturing their joyful expressions.

Sometimes, the best travel experiences are the unexpected moments of joy found in simple interactions with nature and local culture.

For lunch, we returned to our trusty Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. The familiar flavors and welcoming atmosphere made it a comforting break in the middle of our adventurous day. We enjoyed a leisurely meal, sharing stories and laughs, recharging our batteries for the afternoon's activities.

In the late afternoon, we decided to venture towards Atins, known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed vibe. Our main goal was to check out Urra! Beer Atins, a local brewery that I had read about. As an electrician, I appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating something unique, whether it's wiring a house or brewing a flavorful beer. Plus, after a day in the sun and sand, a cold beer sounded incredibly refreshing!

Getting to Atins was an adventure in itself. The roads were sandy and bumpy, but our driver expertly navigated the terrain. As we approached the village, I noticed the landscape shift from dunes to more coastal vegetation. The breeze picked up, carrying the scent of the ocean, and I could feel the anticipation building.

Urra! Beer Atins turned out to be a fantastic find. The brewery had a laid-back atmosphere, with colorful decor and friendly staff. I sampled a few of their craft beers, and I was impressed by the quality and unique flavors. They have a variety of options, from IPAs to lagers, all brewed with local ingredients. Fatima enjoyed a refreshing fruit juice, while the kids were happy with some snacks and the lively atmosphere.

I had the chance to chat with the owner, Victor, who shared his story of moving from São Paulo to Lençóis Maranhenses to start the brewery. His passion for brewing and his commitment to using local ingredients were truly inspiring. It reminded me of my own journey, leaving Mozambique to seek new opportunities in Canada. It takes courage to pursue your dreams, and I admire those who take the leap.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to our guesthouse, feeling content and fulfilled. We stopped again at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde for dinner to bring an end to a wonderful day with simple pleasures with the family.

The weather today was perfect for exploring. The temperature hovered around 31°C (90°F) during the day, with a gentle breeze that kept us comfortable. The humidity was moderate, and there was only a slight chance of rain, which thankfully never materialized. November is proving to be a great time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses, with warm days and relatively low rainfall.

One thing I did miss today was having a portable charger for my phone. I took so many photos and videos that my battery was running low by the afternoon. It's definitely going on my list of essentials for future trips!

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we plan to explore Vista Mar and Lar dos Brittos, two more attractions in the area. I'm also hoping to find some time to visit Delícias da Dany, a local shop that I heard has some delicious treats. I'm excited to see what new adventures tomorrow will bring!

As I reflect on today's experiences, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share these moments with my family. Traveling with Fatima, Nelson, and Sheila makes every adventure even more special. Their laughter, curiosity, and enthusiasm remind me to appreciate the simple joys of life. It's these shared experiences that create lasting memories and strengthen our bond as a family.

Lençóis Maranhenses continues to surprise and delight us at every turn. From the playful monkeys of Vassouras to the refreshing craft beers of Atins, today was a day filled with discovery and joy. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Until next time, Boa Noite from Brazil!