The Amazing Race, Day 2

The Amazing Race, Part II

Hey gang,

Day 2 was about as full as a day could be. We began the day in Rio. It is such a beautiful city. We left Rio about 11:00 and landed in Foz do Iguacu around 1:00 where we again found a wonderfully helpful taxi driver who spent the rest of the day with us, took us to dinner and then picked us up at 5:30 this morning.

We found our hotel then went to the National Park. First, we took the 10 minute helicopter ride. Connor and I loved it. It was spectacular. The falls are huge and show a different beauty from every different vantage point. We took about 100 pictures during the day (no kidding).

After the helicopter we went in the park and went on the river boat adventure. We had a blast. We drove through the jungle for about 3 kilometers, then took a walking tour and finally got in the boat. To boats take us up river through some powerful whitewater. It was like rafting backwards, without all the paddling. The driver took us right up into one of the waterfalls. We got soaked, but it was terrific.

After the boat ride we went further into the park. I remembered staying in the Tropical Hotel with Jim Gulley. It was winter when I was here last (21 years ago) and very cold. Today was warm and beautiful. We took the walking trail right out into the middle of the main part of the falls. The pictures are great but can’t capture the sound or the feel of the spray. Connor found some cool butterflies, several geckos, and a raccoon looking animal with little ones. We really enjoyed the day. It was about as much fun as a person can have in one afternoon.

We were tired, but not finished. After cleaning up a bit, we headed out to the Rafain Churrascaria and Show. The food was great and the show was fun. They featured music and dancing native to most of the countries in Latin America. We left a little early to get to bed because the plane leaves early this morning.

Connor is doing great and he is really looking forward to our arrival in Campo Grande and Leila and Zannatta. I am too. We love you all. Lee Ann, Bailey, Hutton and Reagan we miss you and can’t wait to tell you all about it. Lee Ann, make sure to check your email. I don’t know when we will make our next connection to the internet, but we will try to keep you posted. Grace.

Tod and Connor.