Today we went on a tour out to the Perito Moreno Ice Glacier. It is the first ice glacier I have seen and it was incredible. Unfortunately the weather wasn't to be and we enjoyed our time at the glacier in the rain but it was worth it. It is huge and hard to understand the scope of it. It is the only glacier in the world to still be advancing. Most glaciers are melting while this one doesn't. It was explained to us that because the Andes are getting lower in elevation, more snow and rain collect on the glacier. Only 30%, the snout (the front of the glacier) actually evaporates, while everything else increases - that is how I understood it anyway.

We were driven out past Lago Argentino, the largest lake in Argentina and driven the 80kms to the glacier park. We were given 2 hrs to walk around the walkways and viewing platforms. We were lucky enough to see a few pieces of ice break off and crash into the water although it is hard to pull yourself away in case it happens again.

We then went on a boat ride that goes along the north face, although not too close in case of any big breakages which can cause quite a swell. Seeing ice pass you in the water, made me really want to head down to Antarctica....

After that we headed back to town. If the weather had been nicer we would have went on a walk in the national park but not to be. El Calafate is a town that has grown purely due to the glacier park. It is very touristy but has some lovely shops, although a little pricey. Going to a restaurant tonight to get some good old Argentina steak or possibly Patagonia lamb which is also meant to be quite tasty.

We had a long drive here from Bariloche. 2 days of about 12 hrs each. The first night we camped in a town half way here. Nikki and I both paid for a bed that night instead of putting up a tent for one night. Best night sleep in ages. On the way here, we stopped at a small service station in the middle of nowhere and I was the last in line for the toilet queue. When I came out, the truck had gone. I figured eventually they would realise I wasn't on it and it would come back. It did. Apparently it drove for about 1 min before they realised I was not there. It could have been much worse and they could have gone much further.

We are staying at a HI hostel here and it is really lovely. We had been told we would be in dorms but we have twin rooms where the beds are comfy and the showers are hot. What more can you ask for!!!!