In some parts of the world we joke that, when we´re lost we´ll just look for the next plastic bag blowing in the wind and follow it. Since Rapa Nui it seems a small hawk is our new guide. One flew beside our bus as we entered our new adventure.... The Lake District & Villarica.
Arriving on an overnight bus at 7:30 nothing was open. We found our way back to the Tourist Office which, according to our book, is to open at 8:30. By 8:50 we realized this town can´t be that hard to get around so we headed off without a map. Found the lake and headed east. Saw a hawk flying down an unmarked street so we headed down that way. Here a man speaking broken English greeted us with a cheery smile. Tossing our bags in the back of his little truck he drove us to la Torre Suiza where the surprised proprietor gave us a room.
This town is very European. There are a lot of Swiss and Germans living here. Apparently the local (active) volcano has good skiing in the winter. Now you can do a day trek over a glacier to the rim of the volcano and be rewarded by a sulphur smelling belch if you´re lucky. All that while gazing in to a red molten mass of shifting lava. Hmmmmm!?
It looks so tranquil from here with the glacier shining in the sun.
On this, day 1, we´ll just rest & get acquainted with the town.
On day 2 we woke to pouring rain. With no sign of the Volcano it is not a good day to explore in the park. We lingered over breakfast getting to know the other guests. Belgian, Swiss & French.... just where in the world are we?
Found Shane a new rain jacket (looks like it will come in handy) and got myself a much needed haircut. The crib match continued and we are still pretty even though, if you ask Shane he´ll say he´s ahead.
For anyone reading this and on their way to Villarica don´t miss the chance to buy dinner at Mesa del Mar. By far the best meal we´ve had since leaving Canada. Good fish at a reasonable price and a wonderful big fire in the fireplace.
Day 3... it rained again all night but not as heavy so today we hopped a bus to Pucon. Not far from Villarica this town is the main center for visits to the local National Parks and Hot Springs. I thought Villarica was like Europe.... here we have landed in a ski resort in Germany!!
There is a large German population here. Houses are mostly wood or log. One fancy complex is made of huge timbers with lava rock used for the pillars and some facings... when in Rome I guess. Pretty fancy.
Catching glimpses of our friendly hawks now and then we sat by the lakes, wandered around the small town and ate lunch (at the Pollo Toronto no less).
Day 4 and the sun is shining! It took Shane a while to haul my tired butt out of bed then we were off. Frost on the windows meant clear skys and a cold morning. Packed and ready we headed for Pucon where, arriving early, we had time to buy care leche and a saparadillo for breakfast. Hopping the 8:30 bus to Park National Huerquehue we set off for a day hike to three lakes (Lago Chico, Lago Verde and Lago elTora). The bus was double booked with everyone having an assigned seat number. Then, along the road we picked up about a dozen locals. With the rain everyone has jumped at the opportunity to get some touring in today. Those close quartes meant we made a few friendships on the way up.
Volcano Villarica was visible most of the day. Those who had arrived a couple of days ago weren't sure it even existed. There are two waterfalls visible on the hike up. One of them was raw and beautiful! At Lake elTora we sat exhausted and enjoyed a picnic lunch gazing at the stunning scenery.
Glaciers and leftover snow packs dot the landscape and make hiking slippery and interesting. At one point Shane took off over a nearly inaccessable back trail to Lago Verde. Clinging to branches, balancing and praying I managed to follow him (with still dry feet!) to the next lake. Seems strange to be walking on snow here. When the sun is out it is so very hot and the vegetation is still semi tropical with bamboo like-grass and a kind of monkey tree mixed in with fir.
Had a great day. One of the couples we met is going to travel with us on Navimag ferry and probably for a few days before that.
Back to Villarica we again enjoyed a meal at Mesa del Mar. Tomorrow we will take our next step... head off south to Punta Varas.