Power to the People

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Had an afternoon of being a tourist in Esquel with Elsa.

She finished work for the day and we had a late lunch and then headed off to see the hydro power station near Trevelin.

This project was commenced in the early 1970's with the government of the day that was a dictatorship at that time. There was no consultation with the people of this area, and there was no attempt to preserve the national park land that was used.

Initially the people of this area were told it was going to create cheap power for them but then the true reason for the project was made clear.

The power goes straight to Puerto Madryn to supply power for the aluminium smelter there.
3 small lakes became on huge lake and a massive earth and rock dam was built with a huge feat of engineering running water through the mountains.

Trevelin was settled by the Welsh in the 1860's and their way of life has been preserved in the quaint custom of high tea. Scones and jam and various cakes and baked custard with English and Welsh folk tunes playing the background can be found in little cafes. Sign in Welsh complete this little throw back.

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Photos

Mountains
ok folks sorry but there are lots of mountains with snow shots

Autumn
Dont the poplars look fantastic at this time of year

The hydro lake
this lake was made by drowing a lot of land and 3 smaller lakes

Water tunnel
Massive engineering feat through the mountains

one person tea
this little spread is for one, so we shared it. chocolate cake, baked custard, coconut cake, ham sandwiches, scones, fruit cake