Some of the mud holes were filled with muddy water. One time the water came right over the hood of the truck and up to our windshield. And on the hills, big trucks were stuck and were able to drive around them on the muddy hillside. Sometimes trucks get stuck across the road, and it takes many hours for a tractor to come and untangle the mess. Thankfully we were not stopped for too long, and we got to Santarem in time for the meetings.

The motorcycle and the truck drivers are the most amazing. They have the greatest challenges on these slippery roads with huge muddy stretches. It gets better if it doesn’t rain for a day.

This is a prized Brazil Nut tree. The wild version of these trees grows for 50 years before they give nuts. They are protected by law.

Jefferson and Simone made us an outstanding fish dinner with salad, açai, and good company… 

Have a great week!

Rick and Deanna.