Many weeks later, and much further north...

People are constantly looking at us like we´re crazy for travelling in late fall, but it definitely has its perks in areas that get overrun by tourists during the summer season. First, we get to feel like we´re doing something unique, even though we may really just be doing it in colder weather. Second, it´s peaceful and natural, and new places to us feel like special discoveries. During our few days in Pucon, Chile, we visited Parque Nacional Huerquehue, a popular summer spot completely void of visitors during our stay. At the lower elevations, we caught the height of autumn color, and higher up a hike through the Chilean Auraucaria forest. The trip ends far from Pucon on a hillside blessed with meadows from fires set by settlers 100 years ago, old ranches, and undeveloped hot springs that nobody seems to venture to at the end of April...

A visit with the Nelsons

A taste of dark beer, finally! The Kuntzman brewery in Valdivia, Chile.

Although we´ve moved a long way again from the photos below, tonight I document for you our 10 day vacation with Kellen´s parents, Valerie and Steve. We toured Puerto Montt, Chile and Bariloche, Argentina, connecting the two cities with a boat tour across the Andes, soaked in the hot springs of Chile´s Parque Nacional Puyehue, hiked in the Andean hills, and ate lots of substandard food together. Basically, it was a great trip, and Kellen and I were thankful to have them come and remind us of the joys of vacationing. Since their arrival, and continuing after their departure, we´ve been spending the extra cash to travel on first class busses and stay in nice places with gardens and privacy, a welcome addition to our low budget travels. Thanks for your company, Val and Steve!

Exploring the tunnels below a defunct Valdivia brewery turned University modern art museum. Steve seemed a little turned off by the tunnel mold.

Cleaning up and feeding the enormous sea lions after the Valdivia fish market.

View from Cerro Catedral, a Bariloche ski resort.





Val and Steve crossing the Andes, and a perfect view of Argentina´s Monte Tronedor.

Lago Argentina on our lake crossing tour.

Approaching the docks in Puerto Montt.

Downtown Puerto Montt on a rare sunny day.