After a perfectly delightful day Monday, albeit exhausting, we get another early start to beat the heat. As we were not to return to our paradise in the rain forest until after 5, beating the heat was not possible. No matter. The sights and sounds were well worth the toll it took on our bodies. Forgot to mention yesterday that we were greeted to our treetop paradise with a beautiful double rainbow. I so wish I was smart enough to post pictures here. Between the two of us we have some spectacular shots and videos. Tommy may post some on Facebook for those who follow him. I seem to be too busy going and enjoying to undertake a lesson in blogging. When we arrive back home I’ll have a viewing party. One of our fellow travelers suggested that a viewing party of vacation pictures was for those who had excess friends and wanted to get rid of some. With that in mind, I shall not force anyone as I treasure all my friends.
The bus ride thru the rain forest back to the Falls is rather fast even though the roads have been laid out to minimize the number of trees felled in the process. Quite a challenge to make a 90 degree turn in those big long buses on really narrow lanes. Our drivers have done an excellent job navigating tight turns, traffic and wildlife. Hats off to the drivers. One pilot we had however needs to go back to landing school. Roughest landing I’ve ever had when we came into Buenos Aires. An off duty or perhaps private pilot behind us even commented on how bad it was. He suggested that our pilot may now be a former pilot. First right wing almost hit the ground, then left, then right again and so forth until he finally got it leveled out. They tell you to keep your seatbelt buckled for a reason. All’s well that ends well and no one was injured so, off for more adventure.
I digress. Back to the Falls. The first of 3 possible hikes, walks, trails of the day was an exact 1.2 mile trail out to The Devil’s Throat. Most gorgeous and encompassing view of the falls. We both took this trail and it did not disappoint. Again, watch The Mission for a hint of what they are really like. After reaching the falls, we retraced our steps back to the narrow gauge rail train station. Yes that’s another 1.2 miles and this was the first of 3 possible hikes of the day. On the return from Devil’s Throat over a really long suspension bridge from one bank to the next we watched a heron, I think, hunting for and ultimately catching his next meal. Not certain it was a heron as it swam under water until he found just the right little brim-looking fish. Trapped said fish sideways in his beak, rose up out of the water and against much protest from the fish finally got it turned so they it could be swallowed head first. The fish put up a gallant battle but alas met his demise. Wished I had a video of that. I’ve watched the blue herons in Horseshoe fish, but they do it from the bank. This one took to the water so it may not have actually been a heron.
Arriving back at the center of the park, our second possible trail of the day was the upper trail. As we had both enjoyed that yesterday, we rested in the bar of an absolutely lovely hotel overlooking the massive center of the falls. One of our guides showed us the original hotel built in the 20s and operated as a hotel until the 70s when Sheraton opened the one in which we were to rest and have lunch. The original structure is now being used by the park rangers and conservation and administration offices. Looks like something out of a 1920s movie setting. The current hotel is no longer owned by Sheraton. A rich oilman from Dubia came a few years ago, liked the hotel so much he bought it. Spent a ton on renovations and has created a world class facility.
After lunch which starts around 1:30 here, (my stomach is still on Texas time) we had the option of walking the lower trail. I did. It was equally beautiful. Such splendor! All the superlatives I know are inadequate to describe this entire region. My phone exercise ap said I had traversed over 5.5 miles. My body felt like it had been more but I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Back on the buses about 5:30 for the short drive back into the rain forest to our hotel, dinner, and rest. Food was as usual, plentiful. Sure glad I lost weight before I came.
Our second day in Paradise came to a close.
Today IS someday. Live it to the fullest.
2020 Around the World Tour 