In and Out of Iguazu Falls

Our day vegging by the hotel pool in the Argentinean town of Iguazu was well-timed. The next two days witnessed heavier athletic fare, with long hikes in 90 degree sunshine and tropic humidity also near that number. But it was another once in a lifetime experience, for this is Iguazu Falls.

NAVIGATING MISTS AND CASCADES
These waterfalls, some 275 in number, are the widest in the world. It took us the better part of one day to hike the various trails along the Argentinean side, often over iron lattice pathways that overlooked progressively more breathtaking misty vistas. We climbed above some of the falls, around others and down lower paths to the base of still others, frequently accompanied by flocks of inquisitive, colorful butterflies. What a series of views! It is remarkable that one calm river of freshwater can feed the torrents of rapids that lead to the deep caverns of Iguazu. I think I've cornered the market on digitals of flowing water, but the diversity of these panoramas require visual reinforcement; they defy adequate written description.





We dragged back to the hotel by late afternoon, then treated ourselves to cold showers and a cool siesta (two delicious hours).

AT THE JUNCTURE OF THREE COUNTRIES
As I've mentioned previously, the weather on this continent is completely unpredictable. In Patagonia, we often experienced all four seasons within the same day, and were prepared with layers of clothing to accommodate each. I mention this tidbit because we rarely discussed the weather; it was consistently sunny and beautiful throughout the trip, even at Cape Horn, and we refused to jinx any eavesdropping native meteorological demigod.

So as we walked the dark streets that night towards the dinner restaurant of choice, we noted with amusement that a rainstorm was finally imminent. We chose to dine outdoors, under an overhanging tin roof at the river's edge. Although our table was in Argentina, across the river to our right was Brazil; across to the left Paraguay. When thunder and lightening finally made their dramatic presentation, and torrents pounded overhead, we were treated to one of nature's more exciting dinner shows.

WORTH THE $140 BRAZILIAN VISA
Our final day in Iguazu added four immigration stamps to the passport, as we now moved across to the Brazilian side of the Falls. The national park of this country afforded scenic perspective, with about ninety minutes of cooler elevated trails on the far side of the canyon, facing the major Argentinean cascades. Every few feet demanded another stop, gasp and click. Truly a natural wonder.





BACK TO REALITY
It's a flight back to Buenos Aires tonight. Our final dinner party will no doubt include detailed favorite reminiscences of the past three weeks. Tomorrow we cruise a lake near Buenos Aires for some light sightseeing, then head one last time to the airport for the big bird home. I'm sorry to see it end, but do look forward to the North American homestead, TiVo and menus in a language I often understand.

For now, the journal is closed.

Location:Iguazu, Argentina