You're going to get wet, Iguazú Falls | Antarctic Mission Log 18
A prescient warning...
After lunch I joined an optional, but if you're there essential, side trip. We boarded an open top truck for a drive through the jungle to the river about 6km downstream from the falls.
There was a commentary and they stopped/slowed for significant flora/fauna, like the fellow below, but the most memorable aspect were the flocks (clouds, flights?) of yellow butterflies, too small to see in photos, which fluttered by as we drove along.
Off the truck there was a short walk down to the river. With no breeze, sun, and humidity it was hot! The queue is for the issue of life jackets and dry bags for your phone/camera because, as was repeated often, 'You're going to get wet!'.
The boats were big, open topped, and helmed from a flying bridge at the stern.
It was a short blast back upriver to the falls, crossed a few small rapids but nothing dramatic.
It was sunny and HOT, this was a good thing!
The boats marshal off San Martin Island, waiting their turn to enter the basin below the Salto San Martin (left) and Salto Mbigua (right) falls. You get to watch the boat ahead disappear into the mist...
I have an old Samsung S7 Edge, and spare older phone for emergency use, so decided to risk testing its waterproofness recording the experience.
Another blast downriver back to the jetty, this time with freshly rinsed hair! I was wearing what had become my trip uniform; Icebreaker Merino T and 'Connection' trousers which are as comfortable in the jungle as they were in Antarctica! It was refreshing to have a 'swim', without getting out of the boat, but was soon completely dry again thanks to the heat.
The rainbow walk
By the time we walked the upper & lower falls paths it was afternoon, heading towards evening.
The low sun creates 'perma-rainbows' in the spray, a spectacular addition to an already stunning scene.
Noticed this fellow in the middle of a photo I was trying to frame, no filters needed for this effect.
Cayman bask in some of the still pools, soaking up the afternoon warmth.
So much water, at every scale.
Just sitting on a handrail...
Back to the hotel
Was surprised to find a 'Rally Raid' had arrived while we were away. Raid des Andes is French run, but the fleet had a variety of marques & models from different era.
They were on the last leg of an amazing tour across the continent between Buenos Aires and Machu Picchu. After a couple of days rest and recreation at Iguazú they were heading back to Buenos Aires for the finish.
An Audi Coupé, but not a Quattro. Funny you can cross the Andes in a 2WD Coupé but need a 4WD SUV for the school run...
Loved seeing a Citroën DS 'Goddess' being used as intended.
Spent a bit of time exploring the hotel grounds and bridges which connect the room blocks to the central facilities block.
Didn't venture far on their jungle trails, even this close to the hotel caution was advised and it was starting to get dark.
The boardwalk down to the riverbank was a bit less intrepid...
No swimming allowed now, although looks like it was at one stage by the old pontoon beached on the riverbank. The other side is Brazil, so no going there.
It was so peaceful sitting watching the light change as the sun set with just the sounds of river & jungle.
The last (proper) Argentinian dinner
It was my last full day in Argentina so made the most of the Hotel Restaurant Naipi and it was superb. Salmon salad, lovely RARE, properly rare, steak, a glass or two of Malbec, followed by grilled fruit salad with sorbet: YUM!
Jungle sounds
Loved the sound of the jungle (some captured in the clip below) while watching the moon rise. The room veranda doors had screens and, as it wasn't too hot, I turned the air conditioning off, left the doors open and dozed off to that soundtrack. It was like super luxury camping, a lovely last night in Argentina.
Robin Capper
