Heeey Readers! How are you? Sharing some views of Rio Grande do Sul, my beautiful home state in Brazil.

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^{Old mill.}

Beautiful sunny day here, dear readers. I'm out on a small road trip with my mother, it's been a while that we don't travel together, only the two of us. It's a great opportunity to share some views of my home state, Rio Grande do Sul - the southernmost state in Brazil, where climate can be freezing during the winter, where we have mountains and beaches, where people drink Mate and ride horses.

Knowing my mom pretty well, I woke up early. She had requested me to be absolutely ready, for when she'd pass to pick me up, but I knew she'd be late. Eight in the morning and I was already taking my breakfast and organizing life on Steemit. Needless to say that she picked me up at Eleven. What a legend!

Our first stop was a city called Santa Cruz do Sul in Rio Grande do Sul, a cozy little city on the mountains colonized mostly by Germans. Because of that, Santa Cruz is well known for the Oktober Fests - already anxiously waiting for this years edition, if I'm around.

After many hours driving we finally got to Santa Cruz do Sul and immediately went for a walk and photos. Gorgeous day outside with the blue sky and moderate temperatures.

Catedral São João Batista

Our first stop was the Catedral São João Batista, the biggest goth temple in South America.

With its length of 80 meters, width of 38 meters and  height of 26 meters, this is indeed an impressive architectural achievement.

The construction began in 1928. In 1931 works were interrupted due to lack of funds and non-compliance with the requirements made in the plant's adequacy. Funny how Brazil was already messed up back then.

I found it lovely to practice photography here, the fresh air of a small town inspires us somehow, a feeling that is hard to explain. Mom and I were talking about how we'd live in Santa Cruz as it seems to be a safe and friendly city.

I tried plaing with the Nikon kit lenses 18-105mm. I'm glad with how the photos are evolving - thanks to all the amazing tips from all the readers and friends.

^{I love this colours.
The old watch still works.}

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After spending some quality time together we headed back to the car just to discover a parking ticket on our windshield. Do'h! Luckly parking tickets over here a not expensive, it's just the inconvenience.

Parque da Gruta

Next up on our visit was a place called Parque da Gruda, also known as Gruta dos Índios de Santa Cruz do Sul. At first I had heard that this place was built by indians, but a few minutes ago searching the internet to bring a more detailed info for this post, I discovered that it is in fact a Paleoburrow. I'll translate a piece of an article to better explain what it is.

Throughout the South American continent, up to 10,000 years ago, large animals known as megafauna existed. They were mastodons, camels, horses, bears, tigers, llamas, a rhinoceros without horn (Toxodon), giant sloths and giant armadillos. The giant sloths had a weights of 800 kg, bearings of an adult bull and paws with claws the size of a pick. They were responsible for opening this huge caverns. Source: GPME blog

^{Paleoburrow, created 10.000 years ago.}

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I found it fascinating that the caves were so old and that they were used as hideaway for Indians.

The whole park features a lot of outdoor activities such as tree climbing, rock climbing, zipline and fresh air from the surrounding jungle. I'll let you appreciate it with some more pictures.

I've tried long exposition for the first time on this one, I think it turned out pretty cool.

^{Trying long expo.}

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I love this mills, this one didn't have a generator. Sometimes we just gotta think creatively, a simple motor on that would be enought to power the park lights.

^{Old mill.}

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Funny fact about this picture is that I was far away from the scene when I heard my mom calling me. I didn't respond. She called again... on the third time I went there to check, but it was too late, the peacock had already closed its tail.

^{Beautiful peacock, I'd rather see if free but..}

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This was my mom's idea, near golden hour the sun was beautifully touching this tree. I don't know if I was able to capture that though.

^{Photo for my mom.}

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The day at the park was great, and I highly recomend this place for everyone thinking about visiting southern Brazil.

I'm writing this post in loco from my cousin's house in Venancio Aires. We'll continue our journey tomorrow, when I'll go out cycling to discover some hidden gems, so stay in touch for that.

I hope you have enjoyed spending the day with me through this post, hopefully tomorrow we'll have some more adventures on board my bicycle. Leave a comment down below, I love talking to you.

If you liked this post, please, consider leaving your upvote for a hot coffee.

~Love ya all,

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Disclaimer:  The author of this post is a convict broke backpacker, who has travelled more than 10.000 km hitchhiking. Following him may cause severe problems of wanderlust and inquietud. You've been warned.

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I'm Arthur. I blog about Adventure Stories, Brazil, Travel, Camping & Life Experiences.

Follow me to stay tuned for more craziness and tips.

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