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The Paraná River, a Gift from God

While most of you are freezing right now, we are doing our very best really struggling to stay cool and hydrated.  We take 3 showers a day, sip tereré and move our 2 fans all over the house and nothing seems to help us beat the heat.  When we just can't stand it anymore, we go living in our van down by the river.  


It's true, we only live 15 miles from the Paraná, the second largest river on the continent (after the Amazon). It's name means "like the sea" in the Tupi language.  It begins in southern Brazil and flows into the Atlantic Ocean beyond Buenos Aires.  It creates Paraguay's eastern border with Argentina and has two hydroelectric powerplants (Itaipu and Yacyretá).


The passenger ferry takes about 30 min. to cross thefast-flowing current of the Paraná. There is also a car ferry in Bella Vista that takes up to four vehicles at one time and arrives in Corpus, Argentina.  The cost is 25 pesos per car.


"Refreshing water, here I come!" The water is actually quite warm in the summer months, but the current is fast and the water can drop off very quickly, so caution is advised when swimming. There are no lifeguards, but there aren't any piranhas either!

Our campsite (tent, complete with poles) by the river. There are very few "official" campgrounds along the river, but several great spots to pitch a tent.

   Along the Argentine side, there are some great trails and look outs.  Hiking along the river's edge one can see far down the river and spot islands, unique birds and lots of wildlife. From above the river it's fascinating to watch the enormous barges navigate down the hairpin turns of the river with their full loads of soybeans and other grains for export. Even though we don't have a swimming pool, we are thankful to have this amazing natural resource to help us beat the heat and enjoy the wonders of God right in our back yard.

Comments

  1. Dear Julie, I am glad I came here from Missionaryblogs.com.

    God bless you. Really enjoyed reading about your life and work in Paraguay

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've been itching to check it out ever since we took the quick trip to Encarnacion. I'm so ready for camping! Looks like y'all are enjoying it, and have found at least one way to cool off.....

    ReplyDelete

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