Day 109

Misiones, Argentina

How does one say "WORTH IT!" Whatever it takes to ge to this small jungle enclave in the middle of Argentina, Brazil, and Paruguay....it is worth the trip.

After our early morning arrival, we checked in to La Sorgenta, our charming Pousada...showered and headed out the door with the intention of going to the Brazillian Consulate to give legal border crossing one last try. Guess what? They are closed for three days. No shocker for us. But, thats it! I am done being a law abiding citizen.

Anyhow...the guy we asked to help us find the Consulate quickly arranged our entire day for us. No problem...he just wanted to help. Our new friend, Rafael, had us in his Toyota within 30 minutes of arriving in town and wisked us to the gateway of Iguazu National Park. He then promptly helped us by entry tickets, boat tickets, train tickets....the works! Finally he reported he would be back to pick us up at 6pm. When we asked "How much?" He said "No worries." He was just a nice guy!

Anyhow....the park is a dreamland. Huge jungle vines and towering green plants. Thousands of brilliant purple, blue, red and yellow butterfiles. So many, Bryce was able to catch them in his hands. Lizzards amuck, Catriels (somewhat of a mix between a racoon and and anteater) socilize with the people and ......The Falls....oh.....the beautiful waterfalls in every direction.

I heard someone say on a website that Iguazu Falls is "Niagra on Viagra."

I must day....the quote fits! These babies are powerful and loud and magnificent.

In the park the sun beats down with a temp of 110 F and high humidity so when around 4pm a huge rainstorm flowed in....I cant say anyone minded. Besides...we were wet from the spray of the falls anyway!

Once there, We headed straight for one of the highlights I have been reading about for months...."The Shredder". Its a high powered, adventure seeker ride on a speed boat that actually takes you UNDER the falls.

The trip started with what I have termed "The hottest 10 minutes of my life." We sat in 110 degree weather on hot leather seats (I swear, I have 2nd degree burns on my butt), baking in the sun, until mercifully the boat started moving. And when it got going....it got going!! The boat took off at 50 miles per hour. Racing one way and then sharply cutting the next until we were through the rapids and planted directly in front of the Falls......it was then the excitement really began. The boat burst through the rushing water and millions of gallons of falling water bashed onto our heads and sprayed our faces. See boat below:This is the BEST thing ever! What a ride! It was awesome. I can´t show pics of us under the falls....because the water pounds down on you with such force you can not open your eyes let alone snap a pic! It was fantastic.....sort of the extreme in white water rafing and all of us LOVED it. Bryce cheered and shouted the whole way and then wanted to do it again. Since I was completely swamped from head to toe....we decided to dry off instead.

We spent much of the rest of day walking the catwalks. Our favorite was the 15 minute walk along the Bridge to The walterfall called Devil´s Throat. Its the most powerful of them all and 5 minutes away from even seeing it you begin to get soaked by the spray and mist. At Devil´s Throat Bryce jumped and ran and slipped around the boardwalk once again pronouncing "This is the best day of my life!" I don´t care how many times he says it.....I am always happy to hear it. We finished the day by hiking from waterfall to waterfall, watching birds, catching butterflies and generally being intensly happy to be here.