Bariloche, is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been! Although we arrived on a day where the ash covered the whole of the lake and view to the mountains, we were optimistic about the weather for the next couple of days ahead. The first day we just took our little obligatory walk round the town to get a feel for the place and to see where the main places we would need were. It didn't take long to realise this town was built for skiing, all the buildings were made of wood, like log cabins. It had a very European feel, somewhere similar to Austria.

We decided to make pizza that night and try and get some recommendations for things to do in the hostel. We met some great people, firstly a man from the UK called Stephen, we got chatting and we soon discovered he was very travelled, he had been everywhere and for some seriously long periods of time. He was the first person we had both come across who had travelled for as long as he was. He started in 1997, i believe, and has been travelling since. Instead of doing the normal 4 or 5 days in one town or city he would be doing a month. Amazing! He was so interesting with some great stories and information about different places he had been. He definitely fitted the phrase 'been there done that'!! We then got chatting to another lady from the UK, Melanie who had been the places we were going to and she was travelling to the places we had been, so it was great to talk to her and swap some useful information. The three of us were later to find out that Melanie was actually on the same flight as us on the 1st October to Rio! Small world. Later we met another couple from New Zealand Paul and Meg, they were doing a small trip travelling but a huge trip at the same time, just South America for 2 months but then 1 year in Vancouver and a year or so in the UK. They also shared a lot of information and tips with us for our trip to New Zealand which is soon approaching!

In the morning we decided with Melanie, Meg and Paul that we would hire bikes and cycle the Circuito Chico which is 24km. The cycle hire shop were very informative of diversions to take to see some amazing views. Our first stop on the circuit was Mountain Lloa Lloa, which took about 40 minutes to climb. The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking. On the decent we stopped for a picnic before getting back on the bikes. We then took a short walk to Lago Escondido (hidden lake) which was a short walk in to the middle of the forest. The water was very inviting, but in Spring not warm enough to swim in so we relaxed on the decking. We continued to cycle through stunning scenery, but the route was hilly and after some time we all began to get tired. The thought of a beer at Gilberts Brewery, which was to be our next refuelling point kept us going. The beer was fantastic and rounded the day off nicely. After the brewery we were then surprised by another viewing point which showed the route we had just achieved.

In the evening the five of us and Stephen went to Albertos Parilla. The steak was delicious and the best we have had in Argentina. It was the perfect meal to finish a brilliant day and was rounded up nicely by popping in to JauJa icecream shop for desert.

Saturday our muscles were better than we thought they would be and as the weather so perfect we decided to hike to another viewing point recommended to us. The hike was steep and was hardwork but after 30 minutes we reached the top. The view was spectacular offering 360 degree perspective. As the lovely weather was predicted to last and lots more to see in Bariloche plus the thought of another meal at Albertos Parilla we booked to stay another night. Again Albertos didn't disappoint us!