Brasil - SP&Pantanal Day 1

Day 01 - Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - Flight - Denver to Atlanta

After an ear shattering electrical storm last night, we woke up to find that my computer would not boot up. With as much thunder and lightning as we had during the evening, we were not surprised, but not something I wanted to deal with before our journey.

When we walked our morning route around the neighborhood we talked to several people who had had problems with their alarm systems and other storm related concerns.

We had most of our pre-trip routine taken care of yesterday. Gennie gave the hummingbirds their nightly nectar and I took the feeder out to a flock of tiny jeweled

hummingbirds waiting for their dinner!

The birds are so tame they drank from the feeder while I was holding it. Gennie took advantage of a “movie moment” and filmed the little hummers while I tried to avoid being attacked by the more aggressive ones.

This year the hummingbirds have been extremely numerous and very thirsty. They will drink a whole feeder of nectar in a 24 hour period. We have seen as many as six of them sitting on the perches and drinking while the others are waiting nearby.

Most are Ruby-throated Hummingbirds with a few Rufous that have a golden chest. It has been fun to watch them especially in the early morning and at dusk.

After making sure the cats were not locked in the closets and all was well with the house for Tim, our good friend, who stays with our home and critters while we are traveling, I packed the car.

At 9:15 we left for Denver International Airport. The sky was dark with threatening thunderheads and we both commented on how green the landscape was even on the plains east of Denver.

When we arrived at the Pikes Peak outlying parking area we noted the price of parking has gone up to $6 per day. We think it is still the best deal around for long term parking. It was not long until a shuttle took us to the terminal.

We were able to check our bags all the way to Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, Brazil. The TSA Security line was moving right along and we had no problems getting to the gate, C42.

We had two hours - lots of time to reorganize our carry-ons and relax before our flight was called at 12:30. The flight was full; even in First Class/Business so it took quite awhile to board. The 757 pulled away from the gate at 1:06 pm on our way to Atlanta.

The flight was bumpy – lots of storm clouds over the Midwest and into Atlanta. We were able to read and relax and the 2 hours and 59 minutes from gate to gate went quickly.

Atlanta is such a busy terminal but our arrival gate B29 was not too far from our departure gate T01. We spent our time in the Sky Lounge where we had internet connection and a quiet place to finish the journal and get a drink and bit to eat.

Our flight into São Paulo was scheduled to leave at 9:25, EDT with no anticipated delays. This will be a long day and even shorter night. More tomorrow when we arrive in Brazil – or Soccer Central as our friends would say!

Accommodations: Delta Flights - - - Meal: B, L, D

It is so nice to be learning about your trips and the places you are visiting. I am so happy to learning so much about places that I may not be able to visit.

Beautiful picture of the rainbow "storm over Mason Rock". Enjoy your vacation and hoping without thunderstorms!

Have a great trip & a safe one! Thanks for keeping us posted!

Off again. Looking to reading about Brazil and the Panama Canal and seeing more of your great ictures

As usual, great photos...and you're not even there yet. I'm disappointed you won't be in Denver with me this weekend!

Great maps and I could see you wandering around DIA by zooming in. You holding the feeder was interesting and I see that soccer is still with you. Have a great trip. I will keep reading.

Post a Comment!

Day 13: Azores & Madeira: Portugal's Unspoiled Archipelagos

Day 13 - Saturday, April 22, 2022 - Depart for U.S.

The hotel prepared a box breakfast for us as we had to be in the lobby way before the breakfast room was open.

Last night we found out that our departure flight back to...

Continue Reading Day 13