Mountain air

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Getting a bit citied out so we escape into the Andes for two days of trekking. Meet up with a couple of doctors from London, our guide Roderick and his trusty dog Mork (named after our alien friend, yep it seems Mork & Mindy made it as far as South America).

Day 1 we summit to what must be the windiest place on earth, only about 1km vertical rise but enough to get the heart pumping when you start at 2500m. Then retire to a refuge in the mountains for red wine by the fire and poker by candlelight.

Waking on day 2 we´re in for a surprise as they´ve had about 6 inches of snow overnight (from a base of zero). Today´s trek is a bit more of an endurance test given the continuing snowfall and icy winds, especially since my gloves were 2 pounds from some argentinian craft fair. Lunch eaten whilst crouched behind the only rock for miles while an icy gale whips around us. Strangely two locals seem to have decided this was an ideal place for a spot of camping.

Back to hotel for bath and a return to Azafran for more amazing steak. Fingers crossed the first visit was no fluke.

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