Mindo - La Reina

Despite the frequent stops to oooh and aaah over the jungle life, we actually made it to the waterfall. This part was the last test before viewing the falls. It consisted of a large tree trunk that had been pushed up against the top of this small waterfall and then had crude steps carved into it. There apparently had been some handrails at some point, but they were mostly gone the way of the jungle (rotted). I went ahead and tried to push together some rocks and tree trunks so that hopefully we wouldn´t have to get completely soaked before the hike back. 

Grandpa was kind enough to take another family picture on the tree trunk ladder. Just look at the variety of plants solely within the scope of this picture. Simply amazing. I have read somewhere (I know, I am bad at looking up and quoting references) that in some places in the south american jungles there exist more species within a square mile than there are within the whole United States.

Here is another shot by Amy looking down the tree trunk ladder. The kids are having the time of their lives.
















Finally, we arrived at the Reina. We were in Mindo during the rainy season, so the water level was really high. We made a crap-we-have-kids-we-probably-shouldn´t-do-it decision to not walk up the fast current to the actual base of the falls. Instead we enjoyed the view from this cleft in the rock and then headed back.











We took this shot going back down the tree trunk ladder because it showed Grandpa in action and hopefully helps him feel like he is still young and can do cool things. At least, that is what I want my kids to do when I am older and not so spry.