ARGENTINA, Perito Moreno Glacier

Thursday   12/16/10   (day 32)

It was billed as one of the most beautiful and "must see" things to do in South America.  Today I visited the glacier and it lived up to its reputation. I joined a tour which took us the 50 miles to the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. We left at 8:30 am and spent almost 4 hours viewing the glacier including a boat trip which took us right up next to the glacier. Everyone waited with anticipation hoping that there would be huge hunks of the glacier falling into the water but not this trip. Lots of rumbles however. The glacier is enormous. The glacier is as big as the entire city of Buenos Aires. The glacier is over 200 feet tall, 18 miles long and 3 miles wide.

ARGENTINA, El Chalten to El Calafate

Wednesday   December 15, 2010    (Day 31)

I caught the 7:30 am bus to El Calafate, starting point for most tours to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. I found my hostel after walking around lost for about 30 minutes. The hostel is a little pricey ($15) for 4 bed dorm but the beds are NOT bunk beds and there is a private bathroom and TV in the room. Bought my tour ticket to see the glacier tomorrow. Hoping for same good weather as we are having today. Still can not get over the wind in Patagonia. There is ALWAYS a constant 50-60 mph wind with some gust actually knocking you down. It never stops. It also seems to come from every angle as I walked around the four sides of the hostel and the wind is just as bad on each side. Strange.

ARGENTINA, El Chalten, Hike to Fitz Roy

I left at 9 am for the 8 hr hike to and back to the Fitz Roy lookout. The trek there was beautiful and mostly flat until the last hour which is straight up. But it was all worthwhile as you have the best view of Fitz Roy and the glacier lake at its foot. The trek back, however, was a different story. The 4 hr hike back to the hostel turned into 7 hours as I took the wrong trail and saw an entire part of the country that I was not expecting. Well marked trail, just the wrong one. lol

DECEMBER 13, 2010

ARGENTINA, Bariloche

Wednesday   December 8, 2010

After a sixteen hour bus ride, I finally made it to Bariloche. There is a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. Starting to really get a feel for Patagonia. I plan on leaving Friday for a 28 hour bus ride to El Chalten where the scenery and trekking are supposed to be spectacular. 

ARGENTINA, Loving the laid back vibe of Argentina's wine country

Monday   12/6/10

Finally getting used to Argentina's schedule which is lunch around 2 pm and then a slow dinner involving food, wine and people watchiing from about 8-10 pm. Of course there is always someone playing a guitar and singing for tips. Last night there was also a Jack Sparrow double complete with Pirates costume and unmistakable swagger. Looked exactly like Johnny Deep. He was walking up the avenue before I could get a picture and I did not want to leave my wine and follow him. lol  Back in the States I considered lunch at 11 am and by 5:30 pm I was starving if I had not already eaten. I actually splurged on Sarmiento Avenue last night and had grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, bread and 4 glasses of wine. (1 free glass with dinner and the smallest bottle contains 3 glasses) Best $14 I have spent on the trip including tip. Tonight there is free food at the hostel so I will get back on budget until tomorrow when I go on the bike and wine tasting ride. We leave at 9 am and visit 3 wineries while biking through the orchards. Leave it to the Argentines to think of drinking wine  in  the morning. When in Rome. After the 3rd winery we put our bikes back on the truck and take the shuttle back. Wise decision. Should get back around 2:30 in the afternoon. I have to move out of my room in the morning because my overnight bus to Bariloche leaves at 10:30 pm and we arrive in Bariloche around 2 the next evening. Double Decker  bus with seats that lay completely down, meals and toilet. Kinda feel guilty for all the luxury but it is supposed to be the best way and most scenic way to see the Ruta 40.