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Published: January 5th 2012
Volcano ash
The sides of the road were piled high with ash, the trees dead and the air cloudy with ashHi all! Many thanks for the messages, we can really see people are on holiday and have more time on their hands! We can´t believe our holiday is drawing to a close, with less than 2 months left and still so much to see!!!
We left the island of Chiloe and went back over the Andes to Argentina, to the tourist town of Bariloche. Here, we had made plans to hike in the Nahuel Haupi nature Reserve. While driving to Bariloche, we were surprised with the overcast conditions despite a clear sunny sky forecast. As we drove further we noticed this fine grey dust everywhere which just got worse and worse. We drove past a sign saying Puyehue Reserve we then realised it was the ash of Volcano Puyehue (or something like that) which erupted last year (some of you might remember the emails flying around on this)! The volcano is still spewing out huge amounts of ash, which are blowing into Argentina and covering everything! It was really amazing to see.
We went to the park and did a great 3 day hike. The views were spectacular! We even saw the volcano spewing out its ash! We camped
Catedral Hike
Our first camp spot - stunning peaks and scenery. We even had a chilly swim next to lakes each night and enjoyed a chilly dip in the crystal clear waters. Day 2 was tough, with super steep ups and downs over scree slopes, but the views were worth it. The jagged peaks of the Cathedral (as the mountain is called) is truly spectacular, especially at sunset.
We decided to relax in Bariloche on the 31st. We treated ourselves: Marco bought a fishing rod and supplies, we bought lots of decadent, home made, expensive chocolate and a calendar as a present to ourselves. We then popped into the supermarket to buy some meat for a new years braai. When we came out to retrieve our goods from the lockers (you cannot take bags into the supermarket), we found someone had broken into our locker and stolen everything!! We were extremely angry and upset. Our guide book (which has been like our second bible), finance book and all our treats gone! The next few hours were spent between the police and the supermarket. Fortunately, the supermarket agreed to pay us for half of the items. We had planned to go camping and fishing at a nearby lake, but we changed them due to all the running
Catedral Hike
Another beautiful lake at the top of a steep mountain around (and lack of fishing gear) we had done. Instead, we had a quiet new years at the hostel, just the two of us braaing.
On the 1st, we headed further south to Esquel. Here, we camped at the park and Marco finally got to fish. He had a good solid bite, but the fish managed to wriggle off the hook. The lake was beautiful and the perfect temperature so we dipped in and out all day. It was super!
We left Argentina behind once again, and took off on a series of buses to get to Coyhaique where we now find ourselves. We have plans for a 4 day hike here as well as visits to some small towns. The views in Patagonia are truly spectacular, like nothing we have ever seen before. And the days are so long, we can really enjoy them even more. Our average bed time is past midnight now, and supper is only eaten around 10pm.
Highlight:
Phil - swimming in all the lakes and the views
Marco - amazing views and crystal clear waters of the rivers and lakes
Lowlight:
Phil and Marco - getting robbed
Catedral Hike
Cerro Tronador viewed from a distance (the highest peak in the area) (this time successfully)
What we miss most:
Not having to mission around town with huge, heavy backpacks to find accommodation!
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