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Published: March 2nd 2008
Punta del Diablo
View from our cabana at sunsetPunta del Diablo proved to be everything we´d hoped, not exactly a quiet little fishing village as it is becoming a popular destination , but still a laid back little village with gorgeous beaches and crashing Atlantic waves. We were lucky to find a little cabana (hut) right on the point, with no electricity (candles are romantic right?), a hammock and a stunning view along the playa del viuda (widow´s beach). We spent 6 days here!
We met up with Duncan and Lorrienne who had been at the ranch. They popped over a few times for braai (bbq) and more schloofdoof (Henry´s South African concoction of a hollowed out watermelon with oranges, pineapple.... and vodka!). We had a good time relaxing here during the sunset and into the night, sharing stories of our trips.
We were also invited over by our neighbours, Jim and Jen and their 2 kids, to share a few jugs of caiparhina (cachaca, lime and sugar) which proved to be quite potent! Jim is a keen amateur astronomist and informed us that there was to be a full lunar eclipse at about midnight that night. When the sun went down the full moon lit up
Punta del Diablo
Beginning of the lunar eclipse the beach almost as brightly as day. Then it started - slowly it became darker and darker and the stars became more visible with the Milky Way spanning the whole sky. Jim pointed out numerous interesting constellations and after about an hour the moon turned a dull orange colour and the beach was pitch black. We used binoculars and cameras to observe the moon and sat enthralled by the experience. At 1am a sliver of light appeared and the moon started brightening up the beach as if the sun was coming up but we headed to bed as we were starting to see double!
We spent days walking along the beach towards the lighthouse on the other point. The sand was white and fine but sometimes got very hot. We also spent time sunbathing and splashing around and body surfing in the sea (more splashing than surfing in Katy´s case!). We could have stayed here for months...!
We then headed down to La Paloma, another beach town a little closer to Montevideo, and met up with Juan, Anna and friends of theirs. They have a few huts, braai area and bar on some land near the beach which
Punta del Diablo
Lunar eclipse - moon almost obscured had a great atmosphere. It was nice to spend evening´s chatting around the fire and also get some more beach time. We saw some more lovely sunsets while watching the locals play beach tennis (we always knew when Juan won because he would whistle and sing for hours after!). We spent some time cycling around and going for walks through the nearby woods.
Unfortunately we had to head back to the city at some point and so made our way towards Colonia de Sacramento where we could get the boat to Buenos Aires. We had limited time in Colonia but enjoyed our time walking the cobblestone streets and savouring the peaceful atmosphere of this charming little town.
The next day we caught the boat across the Rio del Plate and said our goodbyes to Uruguay. We had a fantastic time here and were sad to leave what has become one of our favourite countries in the world....
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Stuart
non-member comment
So what happens to this journal now?
The rest of the family seem to have been watching but I have only just caught up. What an amazing range of experiences! It has been fascinating to be able to follow your expedition but I am very glad that I was not there. Have you returned safely?