The Bigger They Come, The Harder They Fall

by Robin Rodig | November 01, 2016 | 6 Comments

When you say 'rainforest', I say 'go'! 'Rainforest!' 'Go!' 'Rainforest!' 'Go!' That's pretty much the cheer I do in my head when I know there is a rainforest visit on the agenda. I find that environment other-worldly, almost magical. Even with the unpleasant piggy-backing thought of sweating half of my body fluids out. But what can you do when the nearby Tropic of Capricorn is like a gopher tearing up your backyard? It lives there too. But it's annoying.

Humidity though was not about to keep me from experiencing Iguazu Falls- considered one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and bordering Argentina and Brazil. With 275 falls (the tallest reaching up to 269 feet) along more than a mile and a half stretch, it's no wonder Eleanor Roosevelt exclaimed at first sight, "Poor Niagara!"

Poor Niagara is right. Iguazu is what you would call magnificent. And I'm not sure I've ever used that term before except for maybe a magician's title. The force and power of the gushing water almost everywhere you turned were breathtaking. The roaring sound from below was deafening. The relentless spray along the walkable edges was amusingly wet. All framed by the lush vegetation of the jungle.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina

And speaking of, the unexpected wildlife did not disappoint either. Unfamiliar chirps and calls intrigued my ears constantly. The walks to the various areas of the falls were complemented by countless, dancing yellow butterflies, iguanas the length of a yardstick, playful monkeys in the canopy, and packs of raccoon-meets-possum coatis (which I had never in my life heard of before). I was even fortunate to catch a few glimpses of toucans. And guess what? Those Fruit Loops commercials were right to 'follow your nose'. You can't miss those bright yellow beaks!

So amidst my downing of water quicker than they could fill the bottles, the mighty falls were rivaled only by the mighty thunder whose deep rumbling signaled that the sky's nightly entertainment was about to begin. The lightning was exquisite. A fully lit backdrop here. Thick white hot bolts there. And soon the rain fell. I sat in silence with the lights off gazing out my picture window until the spectacle was over. Five stars and highly recommended. Now playing over every rainforest near you.

Unfortunately photos and videos capture just a fraction of Iguazu's majesty. I won't soon forget it though. The memorable images and experience are just too strong.

Adiós!