Parque Nacional Lanin

16/01/11 We crossed the Andes briefly (as you do) to Argentina to check out Parque National Lanin and the Argentinian Lake District. The journey there via public transport was a nightmare and we were beaten by rain storms, but the day we arived it all became worth it.

Into the Rainbow. Starting to get excited :)

Past Lago Huechulafquen.

The bus dropped us of at the end of the road. It was a short walk before we ran into Philipo and his boat.  He rowed us over the lake to his Estancia (farm) where he offered camping. We´d planned a much longer walk to a camp, but on finding this one we were pretty happy to stay put!

We asked if he had a spot by the lake, and... check it out!  Horses, cows, sheep and ducks too. Pretty much to ourselves :)

We took a walk along the lake, passing through other Estancias, fully equiped with hanging hydes and smokey chimneys. The Parque covers an area that is mostly Mapuche inhabited, the indigenous people of this part of Argentina. Felt pretty authentic as a guy on horseback, with sheepskin for a saddle, in a hyde poncho and with a Beret on rode past!!!

Thistles! The size of tennis balls. They obviously like extreme conditions... Wind, rain, cold. This place definitely has a feel of Scotland and Wales! Thats why we like it :)

We cooked mucho.

Bath time. Brrrr.

Wet wood, one match.

 Blue Tent and morning view :)

 La Union Chapel, on the other side.