9th day: Rio Pardo - Encruzilhada do Sul (Dec 26, 2006)

In the morning I learn that neither in Rio Pardo nor in the next places I plan to visit there will be a ban capable of changing traveler checks or ATM machines which accept Maestro cards. So I take a bus back to Santa Cruz to get fresh money. In the meanwhile I have my bicycle checked. In the afternoon I set out for Pantano Grande, a village that seems to exist only in virtue of the crossing of two large highways, with huge petrol stations and truck stop restaurants. Without stop I head South, with a nice whether, a perfect road, and scenic views: meadows, lakes, pine tree plantations, some vineyards. At sunset I arrive at Encruzilhada do Sul, a peaceful little town where I stay in a small hotel for 12 R$. The owner explains me roughly how to get to the next town, Santana, 110 km away.