Some beaches are better than others. It is a common sense, for people who live in Floripa, that everyone has their favorite beach, at least secretly inside their minds.
My vote goes for Moçambique beach, the longest stretch of sand in the island.

Moçambique is a 7500 km long beach which integrates the Forest Reserve of Rio Vermelho, located on the eastern side of the island.

It is one of the few nature preserved places still left. The forest reserve which follows the beach line, mostly made of Pinus, helps to keep it safe from human occupation; therefore it is not a popular place for tourists in general, except for surfers who can find good waves and space.

It is my favorite running path, an immersion experience inside magic scenery created by the elements. There I start to pay attention to little things that takes me away from the daily problems.

The contour of the hills in contrast with the various shapes of the clouds dominates the skyline. The innumerous little shells spread all over the sand being washed by the waves and covered with foam. It all makes sense that everything is part of everything

Seagulls and little falcons are always present, the locals of Moçambique.

There is type of bird with a long red beak, which I always see in company of another bird of the same kind. Probably a couple? I would like to find out.

Even on this ecological paradise the pollution is present: plastic bottles and bags, tins and whatever could be carried by the ocean or left by careless people.

At the end of another running I made a promise. Next time I come back I would collect whatever garbage I could and put it away so I can pick it up it later. I have thought of doing this for a while and eventually I did put away plastic bottles which can kill some marine life but I would like to make it a commitment, something I would do in a regular basis. I think this is little I can do to pay back what this magic place has done so far to me.

Sometimes Life hits you hard.

You know, when you have a problem that you have been ignoring for while, but one day, it comes out badly, and the reality gives you a slap on the face. It did hurt and I have learned a lesson. I will not tell what my situation is but I can tell that I have learned that a misfortune or bad experience can teach you something if you ready for it.

I needed a lift this weekend and nothing could be better than flying the thermals.

I woke up different this morning, and also late. It was a good morning feeling which I haven’t had for a long time.

In my first check on the weather I saw a couple of pilots over Lagoa hill. The conditions settled in the last few days and wind was blowing the way we like it.

Lagoa hill take off is one of the most popular ones. The right wind direction is south/southeast and there are always some thermals to bump on. The only problem are the landing zones, which are few and will soon disappear. It is sad so I enjoy while is there.

The take off was easy and soon I was flying the little thermals. Some pilots who launched earlier, crossed the Lagoon and flew to Mole beach. I stayed over the hill waiting for an opportunity to go higher but soon the clouds shaded the area and lift was gone.

My rule is never get too low on Lagoa hill or you will NOT gonna make it to the Landing Zone, so after a 40 minutes flight I started my landing approach.

Lunch time and I was home looking over the window watching the wings flying at Mole beach, Galheta side. I was hungry for flying and went off for more.

Arriving at the top, the southeast wind was blowing weak but good enough to stay up.
I took off and the flight was just perfect. Due to the light wind I had to wait for the right moment to jump from one hilltop to another till I reached the end of the ridge. In every stop I could practice sharp turns.

And then it was getting dark with the moon showing up above the horizon line. For my surprise it was full, and it had a beautiful glow. It was a good feeling…no worry, calmness, just the moment. And when the wind was too light I flew in the moon direction, just like following the shining path it makes on the ocean.

When I touched the sand I was feeling better.

Sometimes we need a shake to pay attention to the good things we have in Life. God has a funny way to teach us, and I believe I got the message.

“Your whole body, from wingtip to wingtip is nothing more than your thought itself.”
from “Jonathan Livingston SeaGull” by Richard Bach.