It is almost winter and the beaches in Floripa are quite empty. The days are cooler now with temperatures around 20°C/68°F during daytime. Few people are coming to the beach, mostly fisherman and people looking for some outdoor exercise, like walking, running or cycling along the beach.
Riding up the beach is great once you have hard sand and the sun is shinning. Only at low tide you can ride it smoothly and today I had the opportunity to go for a good ride in Jurerê beach with my wife.
The weather was good in the morning and the tide went down more than usual so the sand path was perfect. Many fisherman were waiting for a good catch of mullets. Now is the season for this type of fish and tons have been caught in the last days.
Few weeks ago Floripa had a different situation. An unusual sea surge, due to a storm in the ocean, made levels of sand much lower than normal. In some areas, like Armação and Barra da lagoa beaches, parts of sea front houses have been washed away and some residents were obliged to leave their homes since the entire house could collapse. Specialists blamed that man intervention in the affected areas magnified the erosive effect.
I wonder why those people built so close to the beach line in the first place and why the local authorities let them do it ? Maybe the problem is that some people think that such unfortunate happenings will never happen to them, it only does to the others.

Floripa has entered 2010 with many celebrations around the island. Beira Mar avenue had the traditional fireworks, and crowds, most of them dressed in traditional white, gathered at the most popular beaches.
I welcomed the New Year at Jurerê beach. The fireworks there were quite impressive and the popular beach clubs Taikô, El Divino beach, P12 and Cafe de La Musique were packed, playing good eletronic music and had among the guests many famous people.
Unfortunately, walking along the beach, I could see bottles, cans and garbage spread all over the sand and also in the sea. Visible drunk people tossed the garbage anywhere without any concern or respect for the beach. The public cleaning started early in the morning but despite the effort it is impossible to collect all trash. The damage on the environment is visible.
I wish for 2010 more concern on the environmental problems we are facing and more action to reduce the impact we are making on earth resources. Everyone hears and see about it but little is done.
I hope for one day to celebrate New Year and see at least the Champagne bottles and beer cans on its right place, the garbage bins.

It is a fact that Floripa has over 100 beaches and often I get to discover a new one. Between Jurerê and Canasvieiras there is a nice area called Canasjurê, where a short walk of 1.5 km along sand and rocks, reveal nice small beaches and great views of sea and Francês island. It was a hot and beautiful spring day, just perfect for this kind of walk.
The first beach after Jurerê, about 700 metres long, has the local marina and pier. The area is quite fancy, with luxury yachts and speed boats.
As you continue, some quiet and smaller beaches are on the way, always with a good rock on both sides to sit and enjoy the view. The water is calm and good for kayaking and swimming.
The island is a magic place and on every corner you could find a good surprise.