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<\/a><\/p>\nThis forest was originally deforested to create fuel, coffee plantations and for housing and feeding livestock in the 1700’s.\u00a0 The end result was a destruction of the water supply for the fast growing city of Rio, so conservation efforts stated in 1817 when King Dom Joao VI (there were actually 5 Kings that decided Dom Joao was a good name before him?) issued a decree abolishing cutting the trees around the water sources.\u00a0 New plantings started in 1846 and tens of thousands of plantings later you see the forest as it is today.<\/p>\n
Our first stop was a small waterfall, fed by the springs of the Carioca River.<\/p>\n Here is a map of the entire Tijuca National Park, which is a UNESCO Heritage Site.<\/p>\n There are several excellent viewpoints, which our guide Rodrigo knew like the back of his hand.\u00a0 This mountain is called Pedra Bonita.<\/p>\n Rodrigo took us to a spot in the forest that few people know about so we could get a little shower.\u00a0 We hiked up a fairly treacherous hill (at least treacherous for 60+ year olds!), changed into our swimsuits, and got under the small waterfall.\u00a0 Kim is grimacing from how cold the water was!\u00a0 Felt great since it was quite the hot\/humid day.<\/p>\n They say the camera adds like 30 lbs…right?\u00a0 That’s my story and I’m sticking with it!<\/p>\n Rodrigo pointed out this banana tree, and I never knew they had this odd looking alien pod hanging off the bottom of the bunch (yes, a group of bananas is called a “bunch”).\u00a0 The more you know!<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n