Beautiful Bariloche

I arrived three calendar days later to the Argentine Lakes District city of Bariloche. Famed for its skiing (unfortunately winter only), trekking and well lakes. The town is very touristy, but the surrounding landscape and lively feel make up for it. Wandering through the mountains, lakes and old Swiss or welsh villages was a great way to pass the days and that's just what I did.

Mountains of Bariloche

I hiked through the hills, lakes and mountains, Llau Llau / Nual Haupi parks and bamboo/arraynes forests of the area as well with some Argentine friends I had made who's English was actually worse than my Spanish, making for an interesting few days of conversation.  The mountains above the town were truly impressive and like so many others in Patagonia up there with best mountain scenery. I stayed a few nights in Refugio mountain huts, which are shelters for hikers in fortress like Valleys. One was also the first ski school in South America and another was a cabin filled wall to wall (everyone sleeps communally on the floor) with 60 screaming 18 yr old Argentine's who just finished school and were celebrating, like all Argentines, by staying in Barlioche. They were so annoying I woke up early to hike out in a downpour for about 6 hours as I discovered my gear is not as waterproof as I had previously believed. Though on the bright side the waterfalls were even more stunning. On return to town I turned eight Argentine guys into ardent Steeler supporters during the playoffs that is until the 2 o'clock hour struck and they went out to start their evening while I with a subsequent Pittsburgh loss lamented what might have been.

Mountains of Bariloche 2

After a great week, it was however time to swing back into the Chilean side of the Southern Cone as I made my way to Pucon´s volcano range where just a few days ago one of the cano´s blew its top. I really hope to see some liquid hot magma. Only time will tell.

Mountains of Bariloche 3

Mountains of Bariloche 4

Refugio

Alpine Lake

Mountains of Bariloche 6

Mountains of Bariloche 5

Mountains of Bariloche 8

Mountains of Bariloche 9

Mountains of Bariloche 10

Bob on the Mountain

Mountains of Bariloche 11

Refugio on the Lake

Mountain Lake

Mountain Lake 2

January snowstorm

January snowstorm 2

Abbaynes Trees

LLhao LLhao

LLhao LLhao 2

LLhao LLhao 4

LLhao LLhao 3

LLhao LLhao 5

Nauel Huapi

Correo over Bariloche with Roxanna and Gaby

Bob and Nuahel Lapi

Hapsburgo lookout

Centro Civico Bariloche

Shore of Nual Huapi

View from Bariloche