PUCON

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13/4/06 - 15/04/06
Crossed into Chile, passing by the footsteps of volcano Lanin, 3800metres high, and bordering both argentina and chile. Pucon, the adventure capital of Chile. was travelling with 3 others at this point...its like that in south america. most people are independent travellers. we were Aussie, English, American and Israeli!!!

We woke at 3am to start climbing the Villarica volcano at 4am!!! this is the second highest mountain in the region, still active and is demanding at a height of 2800metres. so at 4am, 15of us, guided in the dark with our headlamps on and 5 layers of clothing, we begin to hike up the mountain. in the darkness, the fiery red peak of the volcano is most visable... reminiscent of something you would see in Lord of The Rings ...Mt Mordor! along the way the sun reveals itself over the horizon...an amazing sunrise lending its rays on the volcano. the howling winds almost throw u off at times, but the views along the way keep u pinned at every step! we get 1/2 way up and put on our crampons, helmets and protective gear for the ascent on the snow, when another group in front of us turns back because of the prevailing winds. so our expedition was prematurely terminated. most of the guys headed out of Pucon that night. i decided to stay behind and the tour company let me go again the next day for free!! yes- they told me i was crazy for wanting to attempt the climb again!! the following morning was clear blue skies, no wind and essentially perfect!!!

Climbed all the way up...zigzagging across the icy top half to escape the rapidly steep ascent. we finally arrive to the top, i automatically put my arms up in the air in a ROCKY pose!!! so cliche!!! couldnt see larva unfortunately, but the fumes coming out were toxicating - literally!!! started getting headaches soon after!!! the views of the surrounding landscape was spectacular- andes mountains, crystal lakes and volcanic mountains suspended throughout the landscape...very cool!!! never get sick of seeing those mind-blowing landscapes.
then came the best part.....we got on our arses and slid down the ice-covered top-half of the mountain!!! so much fun!!!! however, every once in a while your ass would come across a rock stickink out from under the snow...but when your going down so fast...its hard to avoid them!!!

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