Cataratas de Iguazú - A Photo Journal

CHALLENGE  ACCOMPLISHMENT # 8

THE RESOLUTION: Travel Stories

WELCOME TO IGUAZÚ

I could start off with words like magnificent, striking, awesome, thunderous, phenomenal, spectacular, or breathtaking. These would all be accurate if understated descriptions of this wonder of the world.

Without speaking to the constantly admired qualities of the waterfalls themselves, I want to praise another impressive aspect of Argentina's Iguazú National Park: the protective ingenuity and creativity that went into the creation of numerous circuits, footpaths, platforms, and extraordinary viewpoints of the nearly 300 individual falls.

The Upper Circuit is a kilometre long footbridge to the mouth of 'Devil's Throat' 

The platform here gives panoramic views of the roaring falls battering all your senses at once. Though be prepared to fight the crowds for a good photograph. 

       The liquid deluge is collected 80 metres below and carried away by the Rio Paraná.  

All along the Argentinian crest there are proper paths with well designed platforms posed at different levels; each giving innovative new perspectives of the cascades. 

Multiple cliffs and islets divide the water streams into separate waterfalls ranging between 60-80 metre drops. 

Views from down river show the vast area consumed by these falls. The right side, including Isla (Island)San Martín pictured in the centre is Argentinian land. The landmass on the left is Brazilian territory.

  A mid-level display of raw power and the most brilliant, colour saturated rainbows I've ever encountered. 

Apart from the labyrinth of paths, there multiple ways get up close and personal both above and below the falls. Mellow rides through the jungle above and more adrenaline activating power rides are available departing from both countries. 

Just in case you were thinking "it doesn't look THAT big!" 

        My face to face with Iguazú on the lower level. Just you try and keep you camera dry for this shot!

If rushing white water inches from your body doesn't sound like your thing (or all the above simply is not enough for you), head over to the Brazilian side and take to the skies for jaw dropping sights you won't soon forget. 

Argentina (to the left) tends to be much more highly regarded than its neighbours' views and activities. 

 In a closer shot you can easily observe the Argentinian platform at the Devil's Throat (top centre).

 In the co-pilot seat overseeing the grand
Waterfalls of Iguazú.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Center in 1984, the Iguazú National Park is also home to an extreme diversity of plant and wildlife in an increasingly threatened environment. 

 Aerial wildlife includes birds of unusual evolutionary colours such as this plush-crested jay. 

On land there is a plethora of easily spotted small mammals, though the elusive big cats of South America such as pumas and jaguars also lurk the jungles. Beware of these cute, confident and overly comfortable Coatis. Close relatives to the raccoons, they've been known to attack, though it was a guilty pleasure of mine to watch tourists squirm and run when they got too close. 

As I followed the footpaths over the plentiful wide streams leading to the mouth of Iguazú, I spotted dozens of turtles sunbathing on rocks, logs and the stone ruins of the previous footbridge; long ago razed by the river currents. Other surprising sights were massive and clearly powerful catfish that seemed to somehow be swimming in place against the strong waters washing them towards the falls. 

One woman. One year. 169 Resolutions. 

Hungry Hungry Hippo

CHALLENGE  ACCOMPLISHMENT # 6

THE RESOLUTION: Random Kindness

Sometimes random kindnesses require more action. It is more than just giving, it is involvement. Take today for example. April and I pulled into a plaza to buy, something. I don’t even recall what the item was, obviously it never ended getting purchased, but as April pulled her shiny Honda shadow off the main road I spotted a familiar sight: a filthy rag-tag green 65L backpack. Attached to it was a similarly unkempt and sad looking man. In his hands, a large cardboard sign reading “HUNGRY, HUNGRY, HIPPO”! 

I’m not sure I actually like the board game (yes, there is a game called ‘Hungry, hungry hippos’) but I sure have fond memories of the commercial. It is not usual for me to burst out with that line with the same over-acted joy the children in it had. I considered this a good omen and asked my fearless driver to pull a u-turn so we could invite this undoubtedly interesting man to join us for pizza. 

Justin was actually born right here in the Hammer (aka Hamilton, Ontario) but for the past 12 years he has been traveling all across  North America by any means. Hitchhiking is no stranger to me now so the exciting part for me was his stories about train hopping. There was a spark of life in his eyes, aged way beyond his 30 years, when he spoke about the excitement of eluding authorities across international boundaries. His experience revealed a similar culture to that of other travelers. Justin often joins other vagabonds for short term periods. They help and caution each other on specific routes - and most importantly, they all love to drink together. 

When J.R.R. Tolkien said, ‘Not all those who wander are lost’, he was NOT talking about this man. Justin is lost. He is a serious alcoholic, hardly able to control the shakes running through his entire body even while he pounds back his vodka mix drink. He admits it is a serious interference in his ability to hold down a job and has tried several times to stop drinking. His lifestyle has also taken a toll on his body and he admits he just can’t do it anymore. Not surprising considering his staggering $50 a day alcohol addiction. 

It is sometimes difficult to keep his attention while we chat over pepperoni pizza. Sometimes it seems he can barely hold on to his slice let alone stomach it. But he is open and honest as April and I  put forth some difficult questions. I don’t judge Justin nor how he chooses to live his life. It is clear he wants more. He wants better. I truly believe that just hearing yourself say that out loud can be a start - but you need someone to ask you first, someone that’s listening. 

Justin has now returned ‘home’ to try and settle down. The Canadian government has even provided him a home for now, but his income still comes from begging. I hope very much for him to find his way again, to make the choices to get back to a healthy life.

One woman. One year. 169 Resolutions.