Climb back on my shoulder . . . ready to see more of Iguazu Falls?
Today we are following the red “B” line.
We returned from our walk on the metal walkway perched along the rim of the falls. Where the yellow line meets the red line we continue to go straight on the dirt path (heading left on the red line. Most of our walk is high above the river. It is quite a strenuous hike over wet rocks and mud. Eventually, we have to work our way down to the river to catch a boat to the island (where the red line bends upwards).
We lucked out and got on the very last boat crossing for the day. Where did the time go?
The cement steps led into the water. Floating nearby is a bright orange inflatable boat that will takes us across to the island. Boarding the boat, we look to the top of the falls to our right. We had just walked along the very top of those. A few hours ago we were looking down at this very spot.
Hang on . . .now on the island, we need to literally run up the hill. We only have 20 minutes to see everything. Out of breath, we reach the top. The path goes left and right . . . which way do we go? The path is more worn to the right, so we chose that way. Still running . . . we are breathless . . . and not just from the climb & run. We are looking at the most beautiful sight! It truly is like a scene out of Avatar. The lush greenery drips down the rocks across the face of the cliff. Water cascades over the rocks and between the greenery. Once again, it is hard to believe these are the same falls we were looking down from this morning.
Me in awe.
Chris in awe.
We kept the camera covered as best we could as the clouds of mist ebbed and flowed.
Truly an Avatar moment.
We have only a few minutes left to see the other side of the island. Again we run back on the path to where we veer to the other side. We are in such a hurry we forget to take pictures.
In this picture you can see the island ledge we stood on. We were able to get a closer view of the massive Devil’s Throat. We are standing right across the river from Brazil.
It was weird to see waterfalls spilling out from the island beneath our feet . . . waterfalls even on this tiny island . . . yeah, surprised me too.
In our hurry to get back to the boat, we took a wrong turn. Stopped short as we came to the end of the path. Don’t you think the vultures were a bit excessive?
Notice the sign is also in English.
Finding the right path back to the boat, we donned our life jackets (overkill) and in 3 minutes we are back on the mainland. We can see the island beach (left side of picture below). A little farther to the right we see the “Avatar” falls we had looked at from the top of the island. But wait . . . Is there something beneath the falls?
See something orange?
There is a boat under the falls!
Looking forward to tomorrow when we will be on this boat.
The island has closed, but we still have time to visit one of the lower falls from below. Remember yesterday when we looked down from the walkway at a platform with people on it? Let’s go there!
It is quite a hike over very slippery rocks and muddy walkways. Probably not allowed in the USA. We grab the rock walls to steady ourselves.
If you look close, where the farthest right waterfall comes down from the top: there are tiny people. That is where we are going.
Chris suggesting we hang on to that rock, the walk is slippery
After slipping and sliding a bit, we are getting closer.
We have arrived! Sorry if you are getting soaked . . . the mist coming from the falls is falling like rain.
Almost underneath them.
Can you feel the mist?
It has been a great day. Are you looking forward to seeing more tomorrow? Even though we are cold and tired, we still need to hike out to our car.
Chris is looking up at the Toucans in the tree . . . Look out! Good thing we grabbed his arm in time. His foot was coming right down towards it!
- Yuk . . . I hate spiders.
We returned to our hotel exhausted, but amazed. You can not forget the “feel” of being surrounded by so many waterfalls and the incredibly lush greenery. Remember, we are at the edge of the remnants of a once vast sub-tropical rainforest.
Now this is great ambiance for our dinner . . . isn’t it nice to look into the kitchen and see the fresh pasta hanging. I know we are in for a great meal.
Read my DIDYA about Tarantulas. I will be posting it later at SouthAmericaDrive.com. Go there and click on DIDYA under categories to read some fun stuff.