A constant aspect of the trip in this part of the country was the potholed condition of the road. At times, we weaved like a slalom skiier to avoid the holes. At other times, we went ka-thump into the unavoidable holes.
We stopped for gasoline in Caraúbas. Coincidentally, next to the gasoline station was a cashew tree. The cashew fruit consists of an apple-like fruit and the nut capsule on the end. After noticing our interest in the fruits, the owner of the gas station kindly offered us a bowl of local fruits including bananas, guava, and cashew fruits
We traveled throught some beautiful scenery to the city of Tenente Ananias in Rio Grande do Norte. There, we hired a local guide to take us to the aquamarine mines in the surrounding foothills.