Leaving San Martin south to El Bolson was definately a treat for the eyes. The bus followed the lakes for the journey and gave us beautiful views of torquise waters, pointy mountain rangers and far away snow capped peaks. When we finally arrived to El Bolson we hopped in a cab to our hostel, which was 5 km north of the town, and was happy to discover that it was secluded and also had its own acces to the gorgeous river that ran though the valley. Of couse another highlight to the hostel was the 2 dogs and the little kiitten which we named Gemima (we're not quite sure what its real name was but we were happy with our fake name).

That night we spent doing our grocery shopping, getting lost in the freezing night air and then finally finding our way back to the hostel where the gorgeous living room fire would keep us warm, not only for this night but for the net 5 nights too. We had spoken to the hostel owner that day along with other travellers and had come up with a small itinerary for our time in this quaint hippy town. The next day, after a lovely sleep in of course, we headed into town for the sunday markets and was.....wel disapointed to be frank. But not too worry, a trip to the supermarket for some red and a swift trip back to the hostel on the bus, we decided that a chess game in the backyard with some music and wine would bring our spirits back up where they should be. DAMN LEX WON AGAIN!!! After Pucon I was sure I was on a roll. MMmmmm, redeciding my choice of games. Note to go back to cards as I seem to have the upper hand.

ANNNnnyyyhooo. The next day we hiked up the tallest mountain in El Bolson, where half way through the hike we discovered some amazing carving s that were scattered throughtout the area. At first we thought there were only one or two but after a little walking we realised there were much more hiding in throughout the almost Narnia like forest. After enjoying the art we kept going in persuit of the top. The forest was incredible and we enjoyed all the diiferent shades of reds, oranges and yellows which seemed to spand on forever. We finally reached the cabin where our journey would end, where we set up picnic, enjoyed our lunch and the expanding views. After a while, we reluctantly packed up and headed back down to catch a cab back to the hostel where we once again enjoyed the fire.

The following day we planned another fulfilling hiking day. On the opposite side of the river was another hike that lead us up to a mountain face that took the shape of an Indian head. After admring the profile we continued the climb to the top of the face and took a minute....actually several minutes to take in the view of what we were seeing. The utmost stillness of the view brought us to a meditative state where all we could hear was the wind blowing through the Argentinian Andes and making us reflect on the trip and greatfullness for what we had seen in the last 8 months.....for of course, our trip was coming to an end. The peacefulness was gorgeous and I doubt either of us will forget that moment. However the hike must go on, and after leaving our little haven we continued on for an hour through thick forest towards the waterfalls, which were the main attractin and also LUNCH! The wateralls certainly did treat the eye and we enjoyed lunch in a fairyland setting. We left feeling full to the brim with gratitude and after getting a little lost, we made it back to the hostel.

On our last day in El Bolson we decided to relax and check out the artesenal side which it is popular for. We had heard of a big craft and artesenal shop that was quite a way south of town so feeling active we decided to walk there. Yeah....it was closed. So, not feeling quite as active anymore, we walked our sore arses back to town where we bought some boutique beer, caught the bus back into town and once again enjoyed the fire.

El Bolson is definately one of our favourite attractions in Argetnina......the beauty of the the Andes is hard to describe we but we are sure that we will make it bach here one day. The Lakes district had more to offer though with Bariloche being our next stop!