Volcanoes

Hola Amigos,

Since the last update we have been to a good number of the towns in the Chilean Lakes district.

We arrived in Puerto Varas to climb Osorno Volcano only to be looked at in a very strange way and be told that only very experienced climbers can attempt such an ascent. Though I was up for the challenge it seemed like the best thing to do was a brief Mountain Bike trip, and then take the next bus to Pucon to Climb the very active Volcano Villarica (not so technical).

Our ascent started at five A.M. in order to catch the sunrise over the volcano. The climb to the crater was tough enough - we ascended 1600m in one day! Use of ice picks and Crampons really made us look the part! Although they dressed us up in these stupid looking illuminious green trousers and jackets which certaintly didn´t make us feel the part! Have to say coming down was more fun than going up. They strapped us into these nappies which allowed us to bumslide our way down the volcano. Weather wise we had perfect conditions for climbing but the wind wasn´t really in our favour up at the top. It blasted sulpher fumes right into our faces - felt like our throats were on fire! No better place to really enjoy a make shift ham and cheese bap! Anyway, our guide reassured us that it is best the volcano vents itself. It smokes 24/7, which is a good thing. The experts really begin to worry if it stops smoking because then an erruption is brewing! Thankfully this wasn´t the case for us! Last time this beast blew it´s top was 1984. No-one died in this erruption but apparantly there was a really nasty one back in to seventies when a few people lost their lives. View from the top gives great 360 degree panaramic view of the surrounding volcanoes and lakes beneath. A volcano on the other side of the lake errupted in january and may of this year - it´s ashes travelled all the way to buenos aires!

The Photos attached are of our MTB trip in Puerto Varas and our Volcano Ascent in Pucon.

Enjoy.

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