Bonnie Conquers Pico Marumbi

Not OSHA approved!  

Several friends invited us to climb the second highest peak in Southern Brazil, Pico Marumbi.  Dallin and I found ourselves grounded with the flu but Bonnie was ready for the challenge.  She got up early and caught a ride with the Samways family.  The hike was a lot more than she had bargained for.  After a 90 minute car ride they started their hike just outside of the city of Morretes which sits basically at sea level.  The hike begins quite traquilo following a dirt road for several miles. The road begins to climb up to the Marumbi train station which is the trailhead to the summit.  Marumbi is a massive granite mountain with several summits.  This party headed to the Olimpo Summit at 1,549 meters which is approximately 5,082 feet.  Normally that would be quite a climb in and of itself.  This proved to be much more.  Departing from the train station Bonnie found that the hike was filled with climbing up sheer granite cliffs using steel rebar inserted into the rock as stairs and ladders.  In some places ropes or chains were permanently strung to pull yourself up.  It took 2 hours and 45 minutes to reach the train station and 3 1/2 hours to more to reach the summit.  She did it!!  Elderson and Robertson Samways helped a lot.  After an arduos descent they arrived safely back in Curitiba this evening.  Nice job Bonnie!  We are glad you are back safe.

At the Trailhead: Jefferson, Cristofer, Jhonaton, Silvana and Dhafne Rasera, Adriane, Leonardo and Elderson Samways, Bonnie, and Robertson Samways.

The road up to the Marumbi Train Station, passing through the Atlantic rainforest.

Marumbi Train Station

One of several mountain creeks Bonnie passed.

Samways family and Jonathon Rasera resting at a cool little river.

Pico Marumbi Conquered!!

On the Summit with Robertson and Elderson Samways.  Silvana and Dhafne Rasera can be seen on the right.

Another Summit of Marumbi, not quite as high.