Ratones are 2 small islands, very close to each other, situated in the northern bay, on the north west of the Santa Catarina island. I used to work looking at those islands from the window and I always felt I would like try to reach them one day by swimming or kayaking.

Ratones Grande island has about 600 metres extension and it is a popular stop for the cruises visiting the Santo Antônio fort, built in the XVIII as part of the defense triangle.

Ratones pequeno is smaller with 400 metres. It is covered with vegetation, has a nice little beach in its eastern side and it is sometimes used as shelter for fishermen.

I have finally arranged with 2 friends who live in Sambaqui to give it a try, kayaking to Ratones Pequeno island, if the sea conditions were calm during our attempt. And this Sunday proved to be a perfect day. In the morning, the wind was very weak, almost inexistent. The northern bay was like a lagoon and the sky had a fantastic blue, pointed by very few puffy clouds. The temperature was a pleasant average 25°C/77°F but the sun was burning so we had to cover ourselves with lots of sunscreen.

We put our kayaks in the water and headed for our goal. It is fun to have a goal rather than just kayaking around. The paddling was easy and I believe it took us about 1 hour to reach the island.
We were not alone there. Some couples and families coming in boats were also enjoying the beautiful scenery.

After spending about half an hour at the beach we felt it would be better to leave as the wind started to pick up. Despite the choppy sea, paddling back was quite easy and we made it back in nearly the same time.

After resting and having a cold beer I had to return the kayak some few km away so I paddled for another hour along the coast up to Santo Antonio de Lisboa, passing by waterfront houses and beaches of this tranquil area.

The Banana Tree Guesthouse is an English speaking guest house overlooking the bay between Floripa and the mainland in the quiet village of Sambaqui.

Today was a beautiful and clear sunny day and I thought it would be a good idea to have a look at Mole beach before going to college. For my surprise I could watch a fine display of quality kitesurfing. The wind was blowing north and quite strong. However I am sure the conditions were good for those surfing the waves and being carried by the colorful kites.
I normally see the sport at Conceição Lagoon, where the sheltered waters would be ideal for a smooth sailing. But kitesurfing on the waves is great to watch; imagine to do it! They could jump quite high, twist and make impressive acrobatics.
That was a quite an inspiration to try it out one of these days.

Open winds in Conceição lagoon, is a shop especialized in kite surfing and wind surfing and they give lessons as well as selling equipment. Notice to the sailers :
According to the Brazilian Navy and Captania dos Portos de Santa Catarina, all vessels, including kite e windsurf must sail 200 mts from the beach.
It is mandatory a license to sail windsurf e kitesurf at Lagoa da Conceição. More information at 48 3232-5004/3232-4443.

At the very end of the Santa Catarina Island, there is a long trail connecting Solidão and Naufragádos beaches. It follows the coastline with great views of the sea, the 3 sisters islands and forested hills, in a total extention of 10540 metres (estimated). I haven’t walked the whole trail yet but I have finally decided to go for it on this sunny Monday.

11:05 – Lagoa Bus Station
From home to the trail starting point I needed to get 2 buses and I was very lucky to get one after another without waiting. The reason why I had taken public transport is because I had no plans to return the same way. First because it is boring and second because after Naufragados beach, the trail is shorter, ending on the western side, therefore making a circle trip.

12:20 – Solidão beach – start of the trail
Despite the hot sun, and the average temperature of 25 C, the walk was pleasant. The tall trees made a perfect shade and along the way an ocasional cascade would provide refreshing breaks. Clearings on the bush would reveal the beautiful blue sea. No car sounds or any type of disturbing noise. Just the waving trees, the singing birds and my steps over dry leaves and branches on the ground. I was also surprised by the number of lizards I saw along the way, hiding in the bush as soon as I approached them.

The last time I did the hiking, I remember seeing some families living along the trail but this time I noticed they weren’t there anymore and when I saw a broken sign saying: “Preservation area, part of the Tabuleiro State park” I realized those families might have been taken away from there.
I don’t know if those families have been living there for a long time , deserving the right to be there but I do know they take away the humble people but don’t do anything about the rich ones who are putting houses in permanent preserved areas all over the island. Like the favelas, those houses keep expanding and forcing their entrance into preserved areas. Money does all the job for those who want to have a great view and status.

13:50 – Pastinho headland
My pleasant walk continued until a place called pastinho, a small headland right in front of the 3 sisters islands, a great place to rest before continuing the journey.

14:10 - Outlook
After hiking up a steep trail I finally was rewarded with a great view.

14:30 – Naufragádos beach
Not far from the outlook, after a quick descent, I reached Naufragádos beach. The name Naufragados goes for castaway and it relates to shipwrecks which happened in the past. The deadliest to record killed 241 azorean most of whom were buried at the beach what probably named it after this happening.

Without thinking too much I jumped in the water for a rewarding swimming. The sea was a bit cold but very calm because the wind was blowing north and the beach faces south.

15:00 – End of trail
My intuition told me not to spend too long in the beach. I grabbed my stuff and went for the last leg of the trail, and then after 30 minutes I was at the end, just in time to catch the bus back home, as if it was waiting for me.

17:00 – Lagoa da Conceição – At last home

Tired but happy I got home and later, believe or not, I still went for a night walk…