The Rio Lencois And I

Enjoying the lower part of the Rio Lencois

Often in my posts I refer to my breaks at the river.  The river I refer to is the Rio Lencois, which descends from the hills surrounding the town and runs through it.  The upper part of the river (about a 45 minutes hike away) is home to the 3 waterfalls and several lovely swimming areas.  I spend more time at the mid and lower section of the river; an area called Serrano.  It is only a 15 minute walk from my house, and I usually run into someone I know to converse with while I am there. The Serrano is popular not only for it's proximity to the town, but also because there are deep holes for jumping, short cascades of water (perfect for hydro-massages), and a nice view of the city.  The truth behind the holes/pools is that they were created when the river was dynamited for diamond mining.  Unfortunately, that takes away a bit from the magic of the place for me, but it doesn't make it any less beautiful, any less restorative, any less one of my favorite places.  When I encounter Brazilian travelers in Lencois they ask  me why I want to live here.  I point them to the river and say, "How many cities are a 15 minute walk to a waterfall?  

The Lencois natives say that one should go to the river as much as possible because it has powerful energy, that the rocks and water have the ability to rejuvenate and heal.  From my experience here what they say is completely true and I can only hope that I can continue carrying that energy with me when I leave here in 2 weeks.

The mid-section of the Rio Lencois; view from the path from town.

Looking down river to the town of Lencois.

One of the deep holes in the river that are perfect for jumping!

My favorite spot in Serrano; mini cascades and more deep holes (hidden) for bathing and jumping.