We were really looking forward to getting down to the Argentinean lake district to take in the beautiful lakes and mountains. However when we arrived it looked more like something from a post apocalyptic scene. The visibility was almost nil and people were walking around wearing dust masks. What the hell had happened ?. We learned that a volcano had been erupting over the border in Chile, and Bariloche had been getting much of the fall out. The volcano had been erupting since May and had caused the airport to be closed and affected the ski season quite badly. There was quite a few piles of ash scattered around the town.
We were very disappointed and it looked like we would have leave due to the conditions, but luckily for us the wind was to change and the beauty of the place was to be revealed :-)
The hostel we were staying at was fantastic, a very chilled out snowboarded chalet and the host Santiago was a cool guy and arranged and Argentine BBQ (Asado) for us on the sunday night. Meal and Beer lovely !!!!!
The next morning we decided to do a cycle tour of the lakes, called the Circuito Chico which is about 25K. It was a great way to see the lakes and mountains and get a feel for the area.
Fine weather on the Circuito Chico.
Gillian over looking Lake Nahuel Huapi.
On the route we passed through the village of Colonia Suiza, which is a small Swiss colonial village so we were able to stop for an Apple Strudel and a Schnapps !!!
Strudel Stop.
Colonia Suiza.
Looking over the Lakes.
On the road.
Stopping for a rest.
Hotel Lloa Lloa - Argentina's top Hotel.
Finished and Gillian rewarded with Welsh Tea and scones !!!!
Deans reward Berlina Cerveza !!!!!
Next day we put our Hiking boots on and went for a day hike from the Catederal Ski Center up to the mountain refugio at Frey. It was a cracking day for it !!!!!!
On the start of the Trail.
Crossing the rickety bridge.
Looking up the valley.
Made it to the Refugio.
Climbers (Not Us !!!).
Gillian in the Mountains.
Only 1 person at a time !!!!
Our Hostel : The Green House (nothing to do with Hibs might I add !!!!).
Did I mention Bariloche is famous for Chocolate .....
.... and Ice Cream.
Looking over Bariloche and the lakes.
Enjoying a Mate with Santiago in the Hostel.
So the weather turned out to be great and we absolutely loved Bariloche. I would definitely love to come back on the winter for a spot of snowboarding.
Next up (after a 24 hour bus ride), was down to Patagonia and the Frontier town of El Chalten.
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