Still in Pucón

Hóla all.

We are still in the lovely town of Pucón. Yesterday we enjoyed a 10 km hike in the national park Huerquehue. We hiked in to see a small lake call Lago Chico. The air was warm and damp, and the vegetation was so lush and green. The forest had lots of bamboo growing it, as well as a number of tall trees draped in moss. Near the tops of the hills we could see the omnipresent Arucaria trees, though we did not hike high enough to be among them. As we gained in altitude it began to rain softly, making the last part of the ascent cool and pleasant.

Today we were scheduled to hike to the top of Villarica volcano, but mother nature is not cooperating. Last night it rained, and this morning dawned gray and cloudy. Even now at 11 am, the clouds are low and gray and the entired volcano is obscured by thick clouds and fog. We cannot trek in this weather, and so we are tennatively rescheduled for tomorrow if the weather cooperates. If not, it is back on the bus for the long drive north, with stops on PN Altos de Lircay and PN Campaña. After a quick jaunt to seaside Valpariso, we will return to Santiago on the 18th. Hard to believe the trip is already nearly over!! Luckily, more adventures await along the way, and we will have internet in Santiago to tell you all about them.

Pucón is beautiful, the Chileans so friendly, and our campground is well-equiped.

Until next time, ciao!