SalveTapuio

When I left the United States in 2007 I was headed to Paraguay. I got as far as a mountaintop in Brazil. Tapuio. Located in the interior of Iconha in the state of Espírito Santo, it was a tiny abandoned bit of mountain forest, between 1000 and 2000 feet above sea level, with a clear view of the Atlantic Ocean and the whole southern coastline of the state. It was a paradise of wildlife, tranquility, beauty, climate, natural springs, and color. Originally I had no electricity, no bathroom, but I had fresh spring water and all the beautiful sky I wanted. In the time since 2007, farmers have cut down almost all the forest to make pasture for cattle or clearings for coffee, the sun has dried up many of the springs, weekend tourists trek up the mountain on motorcycles bringing noise and trash, the beautiful wildlife has all but disappeared to hunters, and whatever trees and plants escaped the farmers saws have dried up under the relentless winds and intense sun. These designs are based on what was and still is and what may one day once again be in Tapuio. I dream that one day I might be able to buy the rest of the land there and reforest, once again watch frogs sleeping on leaves as ipê flowers tumble down around, once again come upon ant eaters scurrying through the brush, once again watch porcupines walking among the branches of the fruit trees. All sales go toward that end. Saving Tapuio. Want to help? Make some purchases. Share this store. I even invite you to come down and spend some time. Bring a camera, a note pad, a desire to spend some quiet time in the forest, (some mosquito repellent,) and I'll show you around. Salve Tapuio!