While I rested Life and Doll for 2 days in Tenente Potela, our host Andre Sganderla, took us to see the “Salto do Yucuma.”

“You guys have to see the falls, it’s spectacular,” Andre said.

“Salto do Yucuma,” is a waterfall in Rio Grande do Sul that runs 1800 meters in length and is over 20 meters high at some points. Located in the middle of a natural reserve, it is rich in fauna and flora.

After driving for 15 kilometers through thick jungle and trekking for another 2, we finally arrived at the Salto. I looked right and left and the falls extended as far as my eyes could see. We trekked through the rocky terrain, submerged when the river rises, towards the falls. Standing right next to the Uruguay river, only a few meters from the falls, I simply took in the view. It was amazing!

“You guys are lucky, the river is low right now so the falls look even better,” Andre said while we walked to the car.

When we arrived back at Andre’s ranch, his father surprised us with an unforgettable gift.

“A Long Ride like yours needs a rooster to wake you up early every morning,” he said passing us the elegant bird.

I inspected the rooster in my right hand. He had a pointy beak, a folded comb that looked like Elvis Presley’s hairdo, sharp spurs and golden, red and black feathers.

“Thank you so much,” I said completely in shock of this bizarre gift.

After discussing what name to give our new traveling partner we decided on Cluck Norris. Cluck will hopefully travel south with us until we reach the end of the world becoming the first rooster to participate in a Long Ride. Follow him on Instagram @cluck.norris