Waiting for busses
Author: Shirlz
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Missed the bus again so walked the 4 kms to the ferry to cross to Cabrália. There is a long, straight, unshaded stretch of road with a concrete pavement. The boredom only relieved by lizards sunning themselves. As soon as they sense my approach they panic and scuttle along immediately blowing their cover. When they are still their camouflage is perfect but moving they look like miniature dinosaurs in a horror movie. One or two every few meters.
A ferry was about to leave when I arrived at the river. When I reached the other side I headed straight for the bus stop hoping to find a way of getting to Porto Seguro. I was assured that there was a bus. Joined the little crowd waiting in the shade outside the farmácia. And waited. Time passed. Eventually my stumbling inquiries revealed that in fact there was no bus to Porto Seguro today as there was a strike on that particular route. Or maybe the road was closed? Only other option was a moto-taxi. Half an hour on the back of a bike for R$25. Not my preferred form of transport, and it looked like rain again. Decided to abandon the plan and explore Cabrália instead.
A long stairway leads to the top of a hill overlooking the town. Obligatory church at the top. Wonderful panoramic view. The wind had turned northerly again and the sea looked quite choppy. A good wind for Ingrid and Fritz on Pico who are planning to head down to Cumuruxatiba later today.
Back down at the colourful waterfront I thought I might be able to catch a ride on one of the schooners going back to the beach at Santo André but my timing was bad and it would have meant a long wait. Hung about for a bit then headed back to the ferry. Yet another long delay as a massively heavily armoured security van was unable to start it’s engine to drive off the ferry. 5 or 6 bullet-proof-vested homems plus the ferry crew trying to push-start it on the barge. At one point it looked like it might get pushed off the wrong side straight into the water. They gave up eventually and after a while the local barefoot mechanic arrived on the scene. Some esoteric magic was performed and it started with a triumphant roar and trundled ashore. At last we were on our way. Once on the other side I planned to hop on the bus back to the village as now I was carrying a heavy pack after doing some opportunistic provisioning at the supermarket. The day ran true to form and there was no sign of the bus that usually meets the ferry. Joined the small crowd waiting in the shade of a convenient ‘lanchonette’. Someone was gently strumming a guitar. A bus arrived. Hopeful inquiries revealed that it was not going my way. Back to the shady waiting place. A few sips from my water bottle. Not much happening.
Half an hour later another bus arrived. I glanced about enquiringly and was given a reassuring thumbs-up by some of the other potential passengers. Clambered on board. No rush. Apparently the driver and conductor were taking a scheduled break. Engine off. Snack at the lanchonette. I stayed on the bus and waited sweatily. They strolled back. Asked where I was heading. Confirmed that they were also going that way. What luck! 5 minutes later I pulled the string to ring the bell to effect a stop and I had arrived. Lovely shady stroll back to the beach. High water now so I had a choice of wading waist deep in the river or walking precariously along the top of a wall to reach my dinghy. Opted for the wall. It was good to get back to the boat and relax. Porto Seguro will have to wait.
Tags: cruising