Enchanted Forest in Argentina
There is something behind that gate. Another world.
During the day when the sun is shining and all is right with the world, this forest and these river beds
are enchanting, wild places of beauty and peace.
Even the monkey peering down at us is a benign presence.
But I was thinking…what happens at night? Would I be wandering around marveling at the sinister silhouettes half covered in vines and gnarled tree limbs?
Would I? No, I would not. The ever-present Bayonet Bromelia alone would finish me off; shred the skin and flesh from my very person. Wild animals would saunter by and casually pick through my carcass, scattering the husk of what was once me. Photo of jaguar and caiman. I am the caiman.
I thought about this after finding out about the animals that inhabit el Chaco. According to the nature reserve, we are dealing with giant anteaters, foxes, jaguars, puma, caiman (crocodile), and the star of this show: the boa constrictor and 60 known species of his pit viper friends and relatives. Although, jaguars and crocs are a handful I must admit. So yes, I indulged in the luxury of a daytime stroll through a dangerous neighborhood.
Does Paraná sound like piranha?
The slow-moving, dull river reminds me of the town. It is a backwater. Nothing much ever happens here. The real excitement lies in the wild areas where there are no people.
I asked our guide about piranhas. Yep, they’re in there. If there is any devouring of flesh to be done, they will get it done.
Now for the big daddy of them all and the one reason you should not spend the night in this forest. Meet the ‘Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula’. They grow up to 8 inches across. That would cover your face.
No, thank you, sir.
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National Dog Day - travelswithmoe · July 19, 2023 at 5:04 pm
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