So with enough Brazilian beaches and Olympics build-up, we start on the trek back. And what a first day back it is!
On route 374 through Sao Paulo, the most populated province in the country. West through Volta Redonda, Santo Andre, then southwest through the state of Parana. Past Assis Chateaubriand and Medianeira to the border of Paraguay. At that point, we reach Iguazu National Park and Iguazu falls, which not only brings together three rivers into one of the most spectacular natural features in the world, but it also serves as the common boundary for the countries of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina (the latter of which we make sure to touch so we say we've been there).
As a sidenote to Paraguay, it is not a coincidence we've chosen this route: US Men's National Team can advance if they defeat or tie Paraguay (today - June 11 at 7:00 pm).
On route 8 through Paraguay west to the Argentina border again at Narciso Lopez, then northwest on route 9 to Mariscal Estigarribia and then vectoring more west to cross the border into Bolivia and ending this day's journey in Entre Rios, Bolivia.
In a single day we've managed to see one of the great sights of the world and touch the only two countries in South America that do not touch the ocean.
21,532 total miles stepped through today.
In the spirit of the 13 countries of the South American continent, here are the top 13 groups in descending mileage, with an accompanying South American country sorted in square miles - pretty amazing effort by the group....
Great Bend 4,465 - Definitely Brazil
Gainesville 2,015 - Argentina
WWAY 1,547 - Peru
WXXV 1,480 - Columbia
Corporate 1,211 - Bolivia
MNC of Tennessee 1,200 - Venezuela
Morris Technology 1,086 - Chile
WDEF - 1,000 - Paraguay
WCBI 981 - Ecuador
Wisconsin 892 - Guyana
Statesboro 882 - Uruguay
Hinesville 869 - Suriname
Barrow 734 - French Guiana
And the top 13 Step 10 To (and From) Rio based on average steps and at least 20 days:
Sebastian Wee - Gainesville
Sheila Jones - WCBI
Marlin Nesmith - Statesboro
Dale Hogg - Great Bend
Mary Hoisington - Great Bend
Shonita Swank - Great Bend
Tyler Swank - Great Bend (an in-house spousal contest - gotta love it)
Debbie Purvis - Barrow
Kimberly Franklin - WWAY
Samantha Funk - Great Bend
Daniel Kiewel - Great Bend
Barb Puckett - Wisconsin
Melissa St. Laurent - Morris Technology
On route 374 through Sao Paulo, the most populated province in the country. West through Volta Redonda, Santo Andre, then southwest through the state of Parana. Past Assis Chateaubriand and Medianeira to the border of Paraguay. At that point, we reach Iguazu National Park and Iguazu falls, which not only brings together three rivers into one of the most spectacular natural features in the world, but it also serves as the common boundary for the countries of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina (the latter of which we make sure to touch so we say we've been there).
As a sidenote to Paraguay, it is not a coincidence we've chosen this route: US Men's National Team can advance if they defeat or tie Paraguay (today - June 11 at 7:00 pm).
On route 8 through Paraguay west to the Argentina border again at Narciso Lopez, then northwest on route 9 to Mariscal Estigarribia and then vectoring more west to cross the border into Bolivia and ending this day's journey in Entre Rios, Bolivia.
In a single day we've managed to see one of the great sights of the world and touch the only two countries in South America that do not touch the ocean.
21,532 total miles stepped through today.
In the spirit of the 13 countries of the South American continent, here are the top 13 groups in descending mileage, with an accompanying South American country sorted in square miles - pretty amazing effort by the group....
Great Bend 4,465 - Definitely Brazil
Gainesville 2,015 - Argentina
WWAY 1,547 - Peru
WXXV 1,480 - Columbia
Corporate 1,211 - Bolivia
MNC of Tennessee 1,200 - Venezuela
Morris Technology 1,086 - Chile
WDEF - 1,000 - Paraguay
WCBI 981 - Ecuador
Wisconsin 892 - Guyana
Statesboro 882 - Uruguay
Hinesville 869 - Suriname
Barrow 734 - French Guiana
And the top 13 Step 10 To (and From) Rio based on average steps and at least 20 days:
Sebastian Wee - Gainesville
Sheila Jones - WCBI
Marlin Nesmith - Statesboro
Dale Hogg - Great Bend
Mary Hoisington - Great Bend
Shonita Swank - Great Bend
Tyler Swank - Great Bend (an in-house spousal contest - gotta love it)
Debbie Purvis - Barrow
Kimberly Franklin - WWAY
Samantha Funk - Great Bend
Daniel Kiewel - Great Bend
Barb Puckett - Wisconsin
Melissa St. Laurent - Morris Technology