The sun rose on that day at 6:35 AM (six thirty-five), sunset (local) at 5:23 PM (seventeen twenty-three), and Solar Noon was at 11:59 AM (eleven fifty-nine).
When they woke up that day, they noticed many things out of place.
According to the scouts' report read in [11], Chief Juan was the first to leave the tent. Ricardo noticed that his boots (which were) in a plastic bag were not where he left them. The oil can that was near the tent was far away and empty, and no trace of the liquid was found. The lids of Juan's and Marco Aurélio's mess kits had also disappeared, as well as some eggs.
In the podcast [11] it is said that the fact that they 'messed with things' would lead to great discussions in the future. With all due respect, I completely disagree!
I humbly believe, from what I've read in Rodrigo Nunes' books and from various testimonies from all the scouts and from Juan, that the dog explanation is foolish, just excuses.
It is a fact that they were not alone there, and it was not a dog. Afonso's family was a constant presence, and he had children too. It is narrated all the time that other people went to the Peak and passed by them.
Osvaldo Lobeiro, in a live stream for the Conexão UFO Program [14. LIVE - ESCOTEIRO OSVALDO MACHADO], categorically states that one of the memories that still bothers him is the feeling that they were not alone there.
Marco Aurélio washed the dishes on that day and suffered greatly from the cold; his hands became stiff. He tries to wrap himself in newspapers and cloths. Ramatis lends him gloves, Osvaldo lends him newspapers, and Ricardo massages his hands.
Chief Juan teaches them exercises to warm up, but they only really warm up when they make a fire.
On Friday, there was a hike and a swim in the river.
According to [11], the meal was pasta with sardines for lunch.
Also according to [11], the Puri group from Piquete-SP reportedly told Juan that he should go up with Mr. Afonso. [This point is highly debated].
Juan [13], 35 years later, still downplays not having called the guide. In a live stream, Juan said he spoke with Afonso and that he had said it was just a matter of taking the road, gave him some instructions, and 'boom', he would reach the Peak. [This 'boom' is mine].
In the records, Juan said Afonso was busy and couldn't go up. In the same records, Afonso says he was available, but Juan preferred to go up alone.
On Friday, among other topics, the young people talked about the structure of pyramids and about flying saucers in Campos do Jordão.
The dinner meal on this day was pasta with sausage and vegetables [11].
On this day, the Campfire Council took place. At that moment, new elections were held, and this time Marco Aurélio was chosen.
Song: Canção da Despedida (Scout Songs).
Why lose hope
Of seeing each other again?
Why lose hope
If there is so much desire?
It's nothing more than a see you later
It's nothing more than a brief goodbye
Very soon by the fire
We will see each other again
With our hands intertwined
Around the warmth
Let's form tonight
A circle of love
It's nothing more than a see you later
It's nothing more than a brief goodbye
Very soon by the fire
We will see each other again
For the Lord who protects us
And will bless us
One day certainly
Will bring us together again
It's nothing more than a see you later
It's nothing more than a brief goodbye
Very soon by the fire
We will see each other again
Much is said about Marco Aurélio's capability to be the monitor. Today, everyone categorically states that he was the most qualified for the role. But the doubts remain:
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If the criterion for choosing the monitor is qualification, why a democratic election?
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And why hold another vote?
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Or, if the choice was for the most qualified, wouldn't the chief have chosen the boy immediately?
It seems that, in the end, they found a way. It was clear, from what happened in the vote during the trip, that monitorship meant a lot to Marco Aurélio; so, his friends supported him. It was the friendship policy.
(images created by artificial intelligence, Bing and Dall-e, for dramatization and illustration purposes).
The Campfire Council concluded, with each person saying a personal prayer, and they went to bed at 9:00 PM.
