Brazil!!

This was my second time on this workshop.

Though we visited the same places it felt different.

One of our first stops upon our arrival in Foz do Iguacu (that is after our much anticipated stop at our favorite Brazilian churrascaria restaurant) is Marco Das Tres Fronteiras, or landmark of the 3 Frontiers. This is the Triple Frontier where at the convergence of the rivers Iguazu and Panama you can see from standing on Brazil Argentina on the right and Paraguay on the left.

The next stop is a most spectacular sight! Iguazu Falls! This place is incredible! Iguazu is the largest waterfall system in the world stretching for 1.7 miles. It truly is an extraordinary sight to see!! I loved photographing the falls though I truly don’t know if any image can really do it justice. That doesn’t stop me from trying We viewed the falls from the walkway on land and then from the water level from a boat - SO much fun!! I was so excited to see the falls again. Both times were amazing. On our first trip we arrived after there had been a lot of rain. Because of this the falls had TONS of water. And was brown… this time though the water levels were significantly less the water color was a whole lot more photogenic (in my opinion )

Though the falls are an absolute must do when in Brazil, our draw to Brazil are the JAGUARS! Our journey to the Land of the Jaguars requires a long dusty drive that is an experience all on it’s own as we cross 123 bridges.

It is HOT and sunny in Jaguar Land. So don’t forget your hat! (I did Good thing I have the best husband in the world who loves me as proven by his offering to me of his favorite Nikon hat in the world) or sunscreen (I didn’t after the first ride… and paid the uncomfortable price after failing to apply it )

We have 2 daily safaris by boat. We arise early in the morning (4am) so we can be ready and fed as early as possible to go find the kitties. We leave at sunrise. Always beautiful sunrises on the Pantanal! There is a soft floral 🌸fragrance that floats through the air as we scoured the banks for jaguars. I noticed it my frist trip too.

While on the lookout for jaguars I practiced my “drive by shootings” 📷on birds, caimans, and whatever else. We saw LOTS of birds. I thought to myself that if I can practice getting well composed and good shots while we moving then that would just improve my success rate when we were stopped. Shooting from a boat takes skills!

We come back to the lodge to rest while the heat of the day is at it’s worst (so grateful for A/C!!) and to eat lunch. The lodge feeds us really well before, between, and after every outing. Every meal has rice and beans along with a fish, beef, and chicken entree and multiple sides of vegetables and pastas. And can’t forget dessert! Even breakfast always had a cake option. Who am I to say cake isn’t for breakfast?! (Pretty sure I gained 5-6 pounds on this trip Worth it )

Our second safari of the day goes out at 2:30 and we stay out until sunset. If the sunrises here are beautiful the sunsets are exquisite!! This could easily be my favorite part of the day - riding back to the lodge and watching as the sun lights up the clouds and sky in purples, blues, pinks, and orange hues.

We saw 17!! jaguars this trip.

In addition we also sighted Tapirs!! This is the third trip we have taken (between Christopher and I) and the first time we have seen these odd elusive mammals. They look like wild pigs with an ant eater snout or short elephant trunk. Surprisingly a quick google search taught us they are most closely related to rhinos and horses. Who’d have guessed?

Another favorite to visitors of the Pantanal are the Giant River Otters. They play, catch fish and ravenously eat their fish. I find them interesting… and disgusting As opposed to the super adorable I-might-want-to-cuddle-it otters that we see in Alaska, these otters look like huge weasels.

There are caiman hiding everywhere in the waters as well. The water here is very muddy. I am curious and a little terrified at what we would see if we could peer into the world under the surface.

After the jaguar my next favorite animal here to observe would be the capybara. They are the largest living rodent on earth growing to 4 feet in length and weighing up to 140 pounds . They are semi-aquatic and eat lots of grass. They wander the grounds of the lodge and we often see them cooling off in the water during our boat rides.

We had an excellent time and enjoyed all that we experience. And until next time Brazil - I will dream of whatever these are that I crave when I'm back home...