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Published: June 13th 2017
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Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
Once again, weather delays our departure to Buenos Aires. Geo: -34.6118, -58.4173
Day 9 -- October 30
Second attempt at getting to BA failed. We left Llao Llao for the airport at 8:30 am. Finally departed for BA (three cheers!) at 10:15 pm. 14 hours of playing "Mother, may I?" was Barcy's analogy.
We found out the severe thunderstorms in BA yesterday caused massive flight cancellations which resulted in massive delays today.
While we waited for word of when we might get out, we had hot chocolate, cappuccino, etc. at a Bariloche chocolate shop. We had Internet. Great beverages. Top notch chocolate.
Still no word. So we began to make mini runs to shops. Twenty minutes here. Twenty minutes there. Several headed to the pharmacy as colds and other bugs begin to spread through the group.
After three hours, word came that we could not depart until late evening. So off we went to Familia Weiss for a very German lunch. Goulash. Spaetzle. Beets. Nice lake view. Incredibly adequate food.
Next we took a tour of the semi desert ... an area called the Nahuel Huapi steppes. Trees punctuated a high desert landscape. Greenest it's been in 10 years. We skirted the Rio Limay where there are some beautiful waters and some
crazy rafting groups who were weathering a below freezing windchill in the name of fun and adventure.
Near Villa Llanquin, we crossed a suspension footbridge for a better view of the river and rafters. And we watched a punt/ferry tow cars back and forth across the river. In a few short weeks, the area will be hoppin' with fly fishermen and other sports enthusiasts.
This is not the first time the Tauck Essence of South America tour has had obstacles thrown at it. Volcano. Earthquake. Planes canceled. Some groups actually had to resort to a 22-hour overnight bus ride to BA. In June 2011, there was a volcano eruption so fierce that tourism had to be canceled for more than 6 months. We passed some of the area affected by the volcano ... stark and almost colorless. The area was formed by glaciers 10,000 years ago.
Next up was the Cerro Campanario chairlift ride originally scheduled for yesterday. Still windy and cold but today we had sun and a view. About half the crowd bundled up in every warm thing they had (thanks, Anne, for lending me gloves, hat and fleece). The ride was a two-person open air chair lift.
The summit offered breathtaking views that made the windchill factor somehow seem tolerable. Don't miss this lift ride if you take this trip.
Note: seems incredible to me but local tour guide Lucia tells us that the ski season here lasts just two, maybe three, weeks. Seems like a big investment in property and equipment for such a short time. Later someone said the IDEAL season is that short but the resort is open 2-3 months, depending on weather.
Dinner was casual. Again German. Kuntsmann Restaurant on the road that runs along the lake in Bariloche. There was pizza. And beer. And the crowd was pleased.
Finally we headed to the airport, to the relief of all, especially Murray. After a two-hour wait (our carrier was Aerolineas Argentinas), finally: wheels up!
We all understood the situation was beyond Murray's control. He did a good job of making lemonade. But the crowd was restless and was not looking forward to a fourth night at Llao Llao, despite their warm hospitality. Many threatened to sleep on the tables in the airport dining room.
I know my blog has taken off when people begin to suggest photos and make other contributions. Here's one from Terry Lurtz:
Murray
had a little band
Whose hair was white as snow
And everywhere that Murray went
The band was sure to go.
We followed him to town one day
And found there was no flight
So back to Hotel Llao Llao
Where we did spend the night.
Why does the band love Murray so?
A question often asked
No matter what fate throws at him
He's the master of the task.
-- Tito
Aside: plumbing systems in both Chile and Argentina are sometimes substandard. Many toilets can't handle even the thinnest of toilet paper so there are reminders everywhere to place the paper in the trash can, not the bowl. You might want to consider bringing along your own wipes.
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Suzanne
non-member comment
What is that Kuntsmann Dessert made of? How many does it feed??