Andean lake crossing....Chile to Argentina

November 18-21, 2008 Day 10, 11, 12, 13

Today, I took an amazing journey across the Chilean and Argentinean Lake Districts. I don´t think I can compare anything to it. It first started with a bust trip from Puerto Varas and travelled around Lago Llanquihue which borders Volcon Osorno. We had to go through Parque Nacional Vicente Perez Rosales which is the national park on the Chilean side. Here we were able to see a beautiful waterfall that was adorned by mountains in the background. After this we then boarded our first catamaran of three through the lake district. We could not have asked for a better day, blue skies and barely a cloud in the sky...the weather has definitely been on my side so far on my trip. We first sailed through on Lago todos los santos passing in between mountains and will snow atop them in the distance. We then made a stop for lunch on an island called Peulla. This is the main stop where those who are only going half way on this trip stay and then take the catamaran back to Chile. After lunch, those continuing on to the Argentinian side boarded the bus to cross through the Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi on the Argentinian side and immigration to enter the other side. After the border we then boarded another catamaran and sailed through Lago frias and Lago Alegre. We then boarded our final bus that brought us to Bariloche, Argentina.

I finally arrived in San Carlos de Bariloche. This was another ski like town with snow capped mountains framing the backdrop. This town, was similar size as the others I visited with a mountain town feel. It kind of reminded me again of a Swiss Alps. It is very popular for its nearby ski resorts and slopes, unfortunately, the slopes were already closed for the season but there still was plenty of other activities to do.

I arrived at my Hostel, Marcopollo Inn and settled in. This hostel was slightly different than the others in that they served dinner, which luckily for me, I was just in time for. Tonight was pizza night, wait, let me rephrase...cold pizza night. I guess, you can´t ask for much when the meal is free. Just as I sat down, I see a familiar face across the room.. and then soon enough, I see four familiar faces in the room. It was Kyle, Eric, Burton and Erin from the start of my trip in Santiago, Chile. We had not planned on meeting up nor did I know they would be in Bariloche at the same time as me, in fact, as I went south in Chile, they went north. Our meeting though along the way is not uncommon for travelers and I´m sure my future travels will have me meet other familiar faces. It was great to see them even for a short while since they were on there way further south to continue to Patagonia in the next few days.

The next day I spend leisurely with Erin, we walked towards the lake and took our obligatory photos. The pics turned out better that I thought and was able to show the clear water with the pebbles on the shore with the mountaines in the background. We did a little more walking and then did a little window shopping before we had lunch at a restaurant in town. We made sure though, to leave room for dessert since this place is known for its wonderful chocolates. We partook in a few pieces of chocolate as well as a nice cup of hot chocolate...mmmm...delicioso! Soon we parted ways and I went back to the hostel to rest a little. As dinner time near and I was wary about what the hostel may be cooking I decided to take my chances at a restaurant-bar called Cocodrilo´s. I was in the mood for a steak but wasn´t sure if this was the place to order it at. Oh well, I decided to go for it and was pleasantly surprised except for the surprise beer cap in my bread basket. I am thoroughly convinced that this place (and probably many others) recycled their bread and bread baskets from other tables. I kind of chuckled at the site but it did not stop me from eating the bread. I headed back to the hostel to hang out at the hostel bar and mingle with the other travelers.

The next day I was off to do the multitrek to Mt Tonador as well as the black glacier. Now this was not so much a "multi" trek but rather transportation mainly by bus, interspersed with a few leisurely hikes to a nice waterfall and then eventually to the Black Glacier. It was explained that the sediment from the rocks and debris have caused the glacier to be black. It is also constantly changing and melting and is felt that in about 15 years the glacier would be fully melted. The scenery once again was breathtaking. Hopefully, I will have my pictures up soon.

The next day, I decided to take it easy again. Besides the weather was getting colder and we were hoping to see the sunset on top of Mount Campinario later that evening. I walked around town again and explored some local markets. I made it back to the hostel just before the weather changed to rain and dark clouds...I guess watching the sunset on the mountain would have to be planned for another visit to Bariloche. I hear the view is spectactular especially the sunset but unfortunately the weather did not permit to partake in the views...maybe next time. Tomorrow, Buenos Aires.

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