I've already posted a full set of pictures in the gallery which cover both Lencoise Maranhenses and Jericoacoara, but thought i'd throw in a bit of narrative - because I have some time :-)

I don't think that my pictures of Lencoise do anything to capture the quite dramatic scenery there, it just doesn't seem to come across. I guess to really appreciate the landscape, you need to get a bit of elevation on the subject (Thanks NASA!). The area is just so vast.

It was the 'dry' season when I was there and the water level was a little low. Just in case anyone is heading this way - the best season to see the National Park is in July.

As memorable as the dunes themselves were, the 45 minute ride to get out there is also pretty 'special'. The form of transport was an old Toyota 4x4 truck with a number of seats welded onto the open back (under a canopy). Obviously the terrain was rough but it was the speed and aggression with which the driver (who seemed to be having a lot of fun) 'negotiated' the route. I think he was possibly a relation of the guy who drove the overnight bus from Boa Vista to Manaus - Pedro & Jose McRae ?!

At least the vehicle managed to get us out there, although it didn't survive the return journey as we (Mr McRae!) broke the drive shaft! Stranded in the desert! Fortunately it wasn't too long before another Toyota came by and although he couldn't fit us in, he promised to come back for us - which i'm very glad to say he did :-)

Jericoacoara, is a different place altogether. Touted as a "small fishing village" although I very much doubt that any fisherman still live there now. It is without doubt a tourist town/holiday resort. Internet Cafes, Restaurants, Tour Operators, Windsurfing/Kite Surfing Lessons, Dune Buggy Tours, soooo many Guest Houses.

Access to Jericoacoara was via dune buggy from Camocim (approx 2 hours away) over the dunes and beaches. A fun ride with 7 occupants (plus bags) in one buggy. I took the outside position - 1 leg in and one leg out - and hung on! Jericoacoara is famed for its windsurfing and kitesurfing so it would not come as a surprise to know that its a very windy place, so after only a short time in the buggy we were all absolutely sandblasted. Infact the whole time I spent in Jericoacoara I seemed to be covered in a fine layer of sand.

The nightly routine for the whole town was to meet on top of the large sandune that loomed next to the village and watch the sun go down, after that its off to the bars to begin the long night ahead of Caipirinhas and Capetas.

Although I didn't try, I must admit I was very impressed with the Kite Surfing. I'm sure it looks a lot easier than it is (and it didn't look particularly easy!)