Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Today was our last full day at Iguazu. After breakfast, Gustavo picked up the six of us (including Patricia) for a van drive to La Lorenza Iguazu Reserve. We parked in a dirt lot surrounded by sub-tropical forest and were greeted by guides who led us to a building. A veranda in the back overlooked the Parana River with Paraguay on the far shore. Our expedition involved hiking down to the river, paddling kayaks downriver then taking a left turn unto a tributary where we would paddle upstream for a ways then dock and take a longer hike back to the reserve lodge. The paddling was easy and the views remarkable. Before turning upstream we had Argentina on our left and Paraguay on our right. We heard and observed lots of wild birds and at one point stop paddling to float along soaking in the forested ambience. After disembarking, we hiked back to the lodge. We encountered many mosquitos along the way but were prepared with bug spray and hand fans that worked remarkably well at keeping the pests off my face. Our guide stopped and discussed some of the flora as we proceeded.
 |
| The Hiking + Kayaking Plan |
 |
| Reviewing the Plan and Reserve Land Base |
 |
| Veranda View of Paraguay across the Parana River |
 |
| Jane kayaking on the Parana River |
 |
| Jane’ Front View |
 |
| Jane’s Rear View |
 |
| Patricia and Harriet on the River |
 |
| Blue Heron |
 |
| Kayak Docking |
 |
| Hiking back to the Lodge |
Back at the lodge veranda, we shed our mud-laden shoes and were treated to a delicious lunch of fresh salad, hand-made sandwiches, and beer. After eating, Emilio White, the owner of the reserve joined us on the veranda and talked about his conservation efforts and plans. Mr. White authored a beautiful coffee table picture book entitled “Iguazu National Park, Wonder of the World.” With admiration, we had already perused a copy of this book in our Gran Melia room, so, Jane purchased a copy and Emilio signed it. Emilio also makes documentary films and has worked with David Attenborough twice. After relaxing awhile including fraternizing with the friendly family dogs, we cleaned the mud off our shoes and boarded the van for the trip back to the hotel.
 |
| Emilio White discusses his Conservation Efforts |
 |
| Emilio White’s Book on Iguazu National Park |
 |
| Our Sister (Twins) Hostesses |
 |
| Harriet frolics with our Canine Friend |
 |
| Teyu Lizard in front of La Lorenza Lodge |
Back at the hotel, I blogged and napped awhile. Jane and Patricia walked to a nearby gift shop where Jane bought a t-shirt. She then changed into her swim suit and took a dip in the beautiful pool with a view of the falls.
 |
| Iguazu Falls were visible from the Swimming Pool |
 |
| Queen Janie resting after her Swim |
Later, we headed to the dining room for our last dinner together at the Gran Melia. After ordering, a couple of professional dancers were tangoing in a nearby section of the room. Jane and I walked over so we could get a better view of their foot motions. After a while, the male dancer offered his hand to Jane and in real dance-time, taught her some moves. I was very impressed but stood my distance thwarting a tangled tango tragedy. After we rejoined the dinner group, the dancers came over and each diner did the tango pose with them for photos. Following dinner, we returned to our room ready to rest after another wonderful day in Iguazu.
 |
| Tango Lessons |
 |
| The Tango Pose |
 |
| Twinkle Toes |
 |
| Patricia and her Flock of Pre-Extensioners enjoying Dinner at the Gran Melia |
