Side-tracked

Escaped from Rio this afternoon - the heat has been suffocating, and I reckon I must have lost kilos I can't afford to lose (no sign of appropriate weight loss by HH, though).

It was bliss to see the hills approaching. No hurry, for a change, so we paused to inspect a place that displays odd bits of wrought iron and claims to make billiard tables. Naturally, it was closed, but we followed on down the track and found some houses that had obviously been there quite a while - from the main road, you'd never guess they were there. It was cool and pleasant, backing onto the steep slopes and the rain forest - although I would imagine it's damp and could be subject to flooding. In a week or so, the flamboyant will be smothered in red flowers.

Onward and upwards, stopping for fruit and veg (and potential blip shoots), and finally reaching our destination and another very vocal reception from the dogs - three weeks since we've seen them. To diffuse their energy before Kayla flayed my arm, I immediately 'car walked' them - that involves Kayla being released from her run when I'm already half-way down the drive with Pepsi in hot pursuit (Pepsi's not a wanderer, so doesn't have to stay in the run). I chug along slowly in the car, while they bark furiously at every fence and gate that hides other dogs, and explore on all sides. Always have to hope we don't meet a pack of strays or other fierce dogs defending their territory. Have had to do a lot of shouting and stick brandishing on a couple of occasions, and considered all of us lucky to escape with no major injuries.

All my photos today came out misty - reckon there's damp in there somewhere. Had a quick shot at cleaning the lens etc., will have another go tomorrow.