Brazil - Flying Free in Lencois Maranhenses

Visiting the coastal lagoons of Lencois Maranhenses in the Brazilian state of Maranhao, we got talking to a local about hiring a plane with high wings for an aerial photography spin. Early next day, on arrival at the tiny airfield, we were greeted by two immaculately turned out pilots and led out to the tarmac.

All seemed to bode well for a good spell of photography. However, Gen's face turned to thunder when she saw the plane provided was a jet with low wings obscuring the view out of the window. How did anyone think you could take decent photos out of that plane?

Furious discussion ensued; the pilots cajoled; Gen grew more and more irate until the deal was called off. We stormed back into town. Luckily, our Mr Fixit from the local transport agency came up with a plan involving an old friend further down the coast who happened to have an ancient Cessna and was ready to pilot us. Early next morning, we went back to the airfield and soon spotted an incoming Cessna which stayed out on the runway where we raced to be on board without being spotted by air safety control.

As we ran to the plane, the pilot, a grizzled and smiling optimist in his late 60s, grabbed his screwdriver, undid the passenger door and hid it in the hangar. We taxied down the runway with the whole aircraft rattling and roaring. The pilot leant over and shouted to Gen that she could jam one foot against the door-sill to secure herself.

However, joy of joys, no door meant there was a fabulous photographic vantage point to hang out into space and capture the dunescapes, lagoons and oases below in the early morning sun. As we flew, our shadow raced to follow way below.

Meanwhile, Robert in the backseat discovered the seatbelt wasn't operational and the raging airflow through the side of the plane meant he had to hang on to the front seat, his cap and his glasses for dear life.