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Argentina Antarctica & Chile
  • Bev Brooks
marrask. 2017 – tammik. 2018

Argentina Antarctica & Chile

36-päiväinen seikkaillu — Bev Lue lisää
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  • Matkan aloitus
    30. marraskuuta 2017
    Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    A long travel day

    1. joulukuuta 2017, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Well you learn something new every day. I arrived at Qantas for the first leg of my trip to Argentina to find I must have return travel booked and proof otherwise you cannot travel. Luckily I did - but this is quite unusual for me. A note to remember for other overseas trips to check

    Next stop Sydney - lucky enough to be in the Qantas Business lounge - it is packed I would hate to be in the standard Qantas Lounge. Time for a couple of relaxing glasses of bubbles before boarding the flight. I’m way down the back and hoping there is no one beside me.

    Delayed in Sydney for over 2hours. Not sure if I will make the connecting flight, but have all confidence that Qantas will sort it out once we are airborne. obviously a few more bubbles were had.

    Yay we are off    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    Longer than expected in Santiago

    1. joulukuuta 2017, Chile ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    The flight from Sydney was delayed 2 hours, but luckily I was in the middle section with 2free seats. This allowed a nice relaxing flight. Thank good ness because as soon as we arrive in Santiago the chaos begun.

    At least 100people had missed connections. I thought I was busy being about 10in the queue, but after an hour I was still number 6. No tickets were being issued, just lots of telling people to get in the queue.

    Very frustrating we may not have spoken the same language but we all understood our frustrations. Luckily a girl beside we spoke good English and Spanish, she was making some phone calls and told me to check my Qantas app. Qantas had changed my flight automatically but no one told us this. of I ran to make sure I got the flight. Once I realised I had a free hour it was a good opportunity to get some US $ and some local currency.

    Finding an ATM was not easy but finally found one to only have both cards rejected. Money changer - surely I’ll have better luck there. Nope they only change cash do not use cards. So here I sit in Santiago International airport with no money. But at least I have a ticket to Buenis Aries. Hopefully I’ll get cash there otherwise I’ll be in real trouble.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja
    My airbnb

    Buenis Aries at last

    1. joulukuuta 2017, Argentiina ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    My day started at 430am in Brisbane on 1 dec - it finished at my air bnb at 920pm On 1 Dec. but is actual hours it was just under 30hours.

    The flight from Chile followed the snow cap Andes for about 10minutes, we flew quite low the view was spectacular.

    As expected I arrived in BA to no luggage Air Canada first flight is early tomorrow morning they expect it to be on that. Let’s hope so. I did manage to get 25 pesos from the airline - at least I have something not much.
    Customs was a no brainer thank goodness.
    But now to get a car 8000peso to start with they said I had to pay cash - well I have no cash eventually they say I can pay by card. Cool driver organized I’m on my way. and the ATM outside also worked and gave me some money, things are looking up

    First impressions of BA - left had drive cars, roads and wide and flat, no horns seem to follow road rules. Well that’s a lot different form India, a pleasant surprise. The driver takes me directly to my accomodations, The doorman lets me in but from there it goes down hill. I have the building but no unit number . I go up and down 3 times until I knock on a random door for the man to explain I need level 11. Finally I find the unit and guess what - no one is home.

    I come close to sitting on the floor and crying. I check my emails and find Norma has had to go out and the key is downstairs with the doorman, back i go. Pointing gesturing finally he realises I want the key that been left for me. In amongst all of this I met George who lives on same level as Norma. He takes me up to the rooftop for a view of BA and explains in spainenglish he is a massage therapist.

    The Airbnb is beautiful just like the pics so Im happy with that.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja
    art in the shopping centreThe air bnb building

    A quick Buenis Aries experience

    2. joulukuuta 2017, Argentiina ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    I woke to all my devices flat - oh no no phone no time no contact with the outside world. I have to admit that was a little daunting. Norma, by Bnb host, was homw this morning so she quickly got me hooked up to power to recharge.

    First job is to find out about baggage Norma will ring them if we here nothing by 11.
    I head out to explore first the "Oblisque" then breakfast.The architecture of the building is beautiful very old well preserved. The streets are clean I feel very safe.

    Foe $20 i get coffee juice fried eggs and bacon and a very generous serve. Next is an ATM i find 5 sex shops before i find a working ATM lol. I eventually get some more money.

    its after 11 and no word on luggage, after filling put more online forms Norma finally is told my luggage will be on 330pm flight they will ring around 530 to confirm - Im not convinced but will wait patiently.

    After wandering the streets for a few hours its time to sit with the locals and enjoy a glass of wine - Malbec seems to be the go here.

    an update at 6pm they still do not know if the bags have arrived next update 9pm. I want to go to bed, who knows if I’ll be up when it arrives.

     On my way back to room I’ve worked out why there are so many sex shops they are only 5 meters sq little tiny holes on the wall really - ha ha    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja
    luggage at last
    Teach the kids eaely about bubblesPizza olives with pits

    Bottom of the World

    3. joulukuuta 2017, Argentiina ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    A late night text telling my luggage had not arrived set me up for a very restless night. By 230am I had enough time to jump into action. Firstly an emergency call to my insurance - I can purchase up to $500 of clothing. Check in to my flight and sent email to Latam explaining where I am heading next.

    430 taxi to airport - I checkin through priority. The staff member was lovely immediately asking why I had no luggage - she made some quick calls and in a flash I was told my luggage would be on my flight to Ushuaia - woohoo let’s see if it happens.

    The flight to Ushuaia was late but uneventful. I was nearly kissed the ground when my luggage was the second bag out. Oh such a relief. Mel was waiting to take me to our B&B. Great spot about 10mins from town.

    The city is surrounded by mountains. A lazy day viewing the local supermarket and shops.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    Luxury Arakur Resort & Spa

    4. joulukuuta 2017, Argentiina ⋅ 🌬 8 °C

    The morning started with breakfast at the B&B- eggs, croissants, toast, cake. Was a little too much but the eggs were awesome.

    Some souvenir shopping was first priority then a quick ploughman lunch before heading up to the Arakur Resort & Spa.

    Our taxi, like many cars in this area, was rust ridden being held together by the paint work. Pulling up at the luxury spa was a bit of a giggle. Mel had a half bottle of red on one hand and a bag in the other.

    We had seen pictures of the spa area so as soon as the bags were in the room we were off. Wow Wow Wow, the view, the heated pool was amazing. Such luxury I don’t normally enjoy. We easily spent a couple of hours between pool, spa and steam room. Then a lovely shower using all the products available. I haven’t smelt so good in days, maybe in weeks even years. Lol

    The evening was spent chillin meeting some of our fellow travellers.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    Harberton Farm

    6. joulukuuta 2017, Chile ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    As the weather had still not improved the ship will spend another day in safe waters.

    As an extra we take the Zodiac's to Harberton Farm. this is a very old working farm. The best part was getting all our exhibition gear on then heading to the Zodiac for the ride to the farm.

    The farm itself was quite interesting and I was lucky enough to see a woodpecker.

    Back on board the boat for dinner. Tonight we are heading across the Drake passage on our way to Antarctica. we are expecting it to be a bit rough.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    Land at Last

    8. joulukuuta 2017, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ 🌫 1 °C

    We woke to much calmer seas and the first sightings of ice bergs and whales. Finally things are going to start to get interesting.

    Before going on land all your outter gear needs to be vacuumed to clear biosecurity requirements. We also were given a presentation on rules governing how close to animals, what rules around the whole polar region.

    As I have elected to go kayaking it was also compulsory to do a kayak briefing. We are supplied with a dry suit , skirt and life jacket. Undernearh I will wear a set of thermals. Finally we will get of the boat in Yankee Harbour.

    Most passengers well head to shore today but the lucky 14 kayakers will be all by ourselves. After another safety briefing we are off. Today we entered and left the kayaks on land.
    Almost immediately there are 3 humpback whales there to entertain us. We follow them for about an hour watching them play on the waters of Yankee Harbour. Then back to the shore line to watch the Genloo penguins and seals. The penguins are so cute climbing up the land.

    Then we see a leopard seal lounging on the ice. He is massive maybe 2 meters long. A leopard seal can eat 7 penguins on an hour. Obviously this one has had a feed as he looks very content.

    We continue to kayak towards the glacier - the colous are amazing the most vivid blue , nearly translucent. Again we come across another leopard seal and then another. Last trip they didn't see any at all.

    While kayaking you can hear the ice crackling and the glacier moaning. It so peaceful gliding along. We were on the water for approx 3 hours.

    Once back on board it is cocktail hour and then dinner. Dinner is 3 courses with soup starter, salads normally choice of 4 mains and 4 desserts. The staff are so accommodating - nothing is too much to ask.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    The Crossing

    8. joulukuuta 2017, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Drakes crossing to Antartica takes approx 36 hours. There had been a break in the weather and we finally on our way. The crossing is pretty rough and many on board have sea sickness. I was lucky that the crossing did not affect me.

    The boat was rolling from side to side so it was quite dangerous to be outside. At dinner it is a little like the Titantic - we are all waiting for the plates to slide off the table. All tables and chairs are bolted down.

    For a day we just stayed in our cabin and rested. Walking around the boat tppk quite an effort to ensure you stayed upright.

    On board the ship there were several short presentations covering photography , birds of Antarctica and a movie to help spend the day.

    I was getting cabin fever by the end it was a long 2 days    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    Ice everywhere.

    9. joulukuuta 2017, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ 🌫 1 °C

    We woke to a heavy sea so the kayaking this morning was canceled. Instead it is a land visit to Usefull Island via the Zodiac's. All guests are split into 2 groups to facilitate easier landings. Each zodiac takes approx 10 people ashore.

    Prior to a landing staff go out to scout the area - marking dangerous areas , the perimeter and the best walking route to points of interest. Antartica gets approx 3 meters of snow a year so it is very soft underfoot and easy to end up thigh deep. It is also important to fill in any deep holes if the penguins fall in they may not get out.

    We put on our full expedition gear before heading to the Zodiac. The trip is about 5 minutes to landing. Today there are both Gentoo and Chinstrap penquins as well as an elephant seal. I have to say the smell of penquin poo is quite overwhelming. At this time of year the penquins are nesting - I watch them steal pepples from other nests to add to there own.

    The seal is lounging not far away with not a care on the world. While is the bay there are about 7 penquins having a grand time swimming and diving.

    The view from land is spectacular as well with once again the lovely translucent blue icebergs. About 11 it is time to get back on board and head to Neko Harbour.

    What a magnificent harbour, there are icebergs everywhere and we are surrounded on 3 sides by glaciers. Just magic.

    It is very sheltered and the kayaks are out again. Eager to get off the boat once again we head out. Today we are entering and departing the kayaks via the Zodiac's - this is a recipe for disaster. Luckily i get in without ending in the water. Erin and I take off keeping close to Calee, the kayak master. All I can say is OMG how magic is this place. Soon we are up a channel surrounded by ice, crunching through it. I learnt there are growlers and bergy bits then ice bergs. Kayaking through them was an adventure. Listening to the sounds of Antarctica - the groaning of the glacial snow, the crackling of the ice and the squarking pf penguins.

    On our way back to the boat we hit a beefy bit , Erin and I were lucky not to end in the water today. There were a few rocky moments. To get out of the kayak was another story. I struggled getting out gracefully so ended head first into the zodiac with my legs on the air.

    Tonight was camping night, I had paid for this but sore ears and throat I decided to give it a miss. I do not want to get sick and miss out on kayaking. Mel and Erin head out while I stay on board.

    There are a few quests still on board Callee suggests we get some artic ice to enjoy with our drinks. AB one of the staff soon arrives with a bergy bit on his back for our drinks. A nice baileys it is before I head to the hot tub at 1Am for a dip before bed.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    Abandoned Station

    10. joulukuuta 2017, Antarktis ⋅ 🌫 1 °C

    Today we will head to Brown station where there will be a landing and kayak trip. The zodiacs take us to the station where we jump on the kayaks. Todays paddle is only about an hour through more ice flows. It is snowing the snow flakes are fluttering down all over us. It was quite magical. We arrived in a bay once again surrounded by glaciers. Another 5 minute silence break.

    Back on board light lunch was served on deck 5 while the snow continued. An interesting venue for lunch.

    The afternoon was spent cruising looking for whales. Anchored at Willamena Bay we had a cocktail party with crepe suzette. Everyone was dancing and one eye on whales. We did see 1 humpback.

    The weather has started to get a little colder and windier. Dinner was served st 730 then a small group ended on the bar dancing until midnight. Then a quick trip to the hot tub under the midnight sun and snow.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    Antarctic Chills

    11. joulukuuta 2017, Antarktis ⋅ 🌬 0 °C

    Well I now know I'm in Antarctica we woke to snow wind and a temperature of -4. To say it was cold was and understatement.
    The first landing at Goyrdin Island was abandoned, the wind was just too strong to make safe landings.

    So we travelled onto Brown Bluff to see if it was possible to land. It is freezing outside the boarding party scouts the area and decides it is safe to land. We are warned - we will get wet, it is windy and very cold. Rugged up in our expedition gear we head to the Zodiac. Right on queue the sea spray makes us all wet. The beach is rocky with very little snow. It is very rugged high cliffs.

    The sea has ice bergs and sheets close to shore. Today the main penquins here are Adelie. The wind is nearly blowing me off my feet so I find shelter behind a large rock where I can watch the penquins. They are much more lively here swimming in and out of the water. Jumping from water onto the ice shelfs. Really cute and funny to observe.

    We are meant to do the Polar Plunge tonight but as the weather is still windy the boat tries to find a suitable spot.

    While cruising we see a huge ice berg 2.5 ks long 930 meters wide 30 meters high another 100 meters below. Total 383 billion liters.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    Polar Plunges

    12. joulukuuta 2017, Antarktis ⋅ 🌬 1 °C

    Todays the day we will try to do our polar plunge. First stop was at the Polish Station this is manned and is mainly used for researching the effect of krill and penquin numbers. Unfortunately it is too rough for kayaking again.
    On the Zodiac's we are warned we may get wet it didnt take a minute until we were all sprayed. Thank goodness for our waterproof expedition gear.

    The island has gentoo penquins and elephant seals. There is a family of seals all piled on top of each other trying to keep warm. The juveniles are jostling for position. This was originally a whaling station - scattered all over the island were various whale bones just left where they were slaughtered.
    This was the last landing on the continent.

    Back on board heading for another landing on the South Shetland Islands. While cruising I get a text from Telstra welcoming me to Uruguay - I believe there is a station nearby. I even get a couple of messages from home.

    It is very windy and a strong current. The captain decides to change route to head to Half Moon Island. What a beautiful setting, the sun is out the sky is clear, although the wind is blowing.

    Time for the polar plunge - Erin and I are at the front of the queue. We have arranged with Jan , the boat manager, for AB and Callee to also do the plunge. Its ABs birthday and Callee last trip. For the plunge a rope is tied around your waist there is also a safety zodiac. Off the end of the boat you jump off a Zodiac into the sea. It is -1.8 degrees centigrade. Omg it is cold but only last a short time. All up 51 people do the plunge.

    Once again it is too windy to kayak such a pity as this is our last opportunity. So as an alternative most kayakers wear the dry suit to land we will plunge again at the island. Our last landing is just beautiful the chinstrap penquins are very cute.

    We all gather before heading back to the ship to run into the ocean to test out the dry suits. We stay dry but it is a cold trip back to the boat.

    Tonight is party night for ABs birthday then time to jump into the hot tub to watch the sun come up. We even got tp watch some whales under the new sun    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    Drakes Crossing

    14. joulukuuta 2017, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ 🌬 1 °C

    We are now leaving Antartica, crossing Drakes back to Argentina. The weather looks good with seas about 5 meters. Someone forgot to tell the waves and wind. The ship started with rising high on the waves and then crashing down with monotonous regularity - about every 20 seconds. The sound in the cabin was horrendous. The boat shook with every crash. Then the wind decided to chime in so now as well as crashing forwarc and back we were rolling from side to side.

    Jan made the comment at dinner that the wind had tied down and so it seemed until about midnight. The wind came back with vengence I needed to hang pn in bed so not to roll out. We had glasses crashing things falling to the floor. It was quite a night.

    At breakfast , those that made it, everyone was hanging on from chair to chair to keep them upright.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja
    Watching world go by
    Anyone for socks

    The next Adventure

    15. joulukuuta 2017, Argentiina ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    Its as early wake up today to the sounds of "Somewhere over the Rainbow". An early breakfast , Internet, some quick good byes to new friends. Lots of hugs from all the staff before catching the bus to the airport.

    We have wifi , all conversation stops while we all catch up on facebook, and emails from home.

    Ushuaia is a duty free town - as my ipad decided to stop working it was a good opportunity to purchase a new one. At least now i can do my posts and continue to manage my photos. It's scary how much we miss our technology tools.

    The flight for El Calafate leaves on time. On arrival we catch the bus to our accomodation on the other side of town.

    Time to catch up on blogs and pictures before venturing into town for an early dinner. We had dinner in a nice library bar watching the world go by. Once again I was given the same lesson I've Learnt many times - don't order lots of dishes, we ordered 4 dishes , 2 of which were sides and could only finish 2 dishes. cost us a fortune and returned 2 full plates. I love the wine pours - nothing like home all full close to brim here. This is very pretty arty looking town.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    El Chalten

    16. joulukuuta 2017, Argentiina ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Today we woke in El Calafate but will fall asleep in EL Chalten.

    After a late breakfast we wandered around the outskirts of town. It is lovely to see the homes painted on such vivid colours - green, red, purple etc. The roofs are steeply sloped and most gardens have beautiful flowers imcluding lots of lavender which i brush against constantly.

    At midday we are picked up and transported to the bus station via going all over town picking up others. We reach our 2 storey bus- very comfortable, only about 1/2 full so we spread out.

    What a magnificent view - this first hour is snow capped mountains with vivid green glacial lakes. Then onto the desert tundra with rock covered mountains. I feel im in cowboy country waiting for them to come riding over the ridge.

     The road is well maintained with very little traffic. We travelled the famous Ruta 40.

    Half way we stop at La Leona for a break it must be close to Butch Cassidy and Sundance territory as there are wanted posters on the walls. I totally forgot they were outlaws in this part of the world. Hmm slightly confused as to why these would be here as they only got to Bolivia, but hey I'll go with it.

    Onward to El Chalten tundra and snow covered mountains for the rest of the trip. 3 hours in total, very comfortable and would recommend this form of travel.

    We arrive in El Chalten right on time at 4pm a short walk and we arrive at our hostel. It is pretty basic but we have our own bathroom and it is close to town.

    In most small towns the toilets do not flush correctly so you must put toilet paper in bin not flush - I continually forget. Bad me.

    A walk around town finds lots of bars and camping shops. Not sure what the main pastime here is certainly a toss up between drinking and hiking. Happy hours are between 4 &7 and again 10 & 12. 2 GTs for 120 peso approx $9 - we will take that.

    Back to the hostel with wine and cheese to finish the night off.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    Wind, little rain and definitely snow.

    17. joulukuuta 2017, Argentiina ⋅ ⛅ 1 °C

    The plan was do to a short hike today but on waking to -1 and the wind already blowing a galas we abandoned these plans. Instead decided to wander the town. The wether got worse, the wind stronger and the mountains are covered in cloud and snow.

    I decide to get me nails done, well that was an experience- no knowledge of shallac so I leave the nails on and just get to painted that had fallen off ( choice of 6 colours lol). Toenails next - they break a pair of clippers on them, so it just a manicure and scrub. I would rate this experience about the same in most Asian countries- not good.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    El Chalten Hiking

    18. joulukuuta 2017, Argentiina ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Today we decided to head to the mountains. First stop is to rent gear 2 sleeping bags and mats and 1 2 man tent. The tent is much heavier and larger than expected this is not going to be fun. We head off around 11 after stopping for a coffee hit.

    The start of the trek is at the end of the town, the up we go. The first 4ks is to Lake Capri, this took about 2 hours. Absolutely stunning scenery, the sun is shining it is a glorious day. I am pleased with me effort so far as I am not as fit as a I should be and have not hiked all year. Mel carried the tent this far now it is my turn. I manage to attach it to my day back, but now I stick out both sides and are severely lop sided.

    The next 4K to Poincinot is relatively flat but quite exposed. The wind is howling around us and more than once it pushed me sideways. There are many small bridges to cross and I'm sure the wind is waiting for me to cross these as several times I need to stop and hang on fearing I would be blown into the small streams.

    We make the camp site in about an hour. The tent was relatively easy to put up under the shelter of the trees. We were both quite tired so a lay down was in order. I was absolutely frozen the cold was coming up through the ground it froze me solid. I should have got up but was so scared of getting cold again I did not move until the next morning. Mel got up to take both sunset and sunrise pictures.

    The wind was howling around ist sounded like a thunderstorm but the camp was situated in such a way that it was protected form the wind. I only slept for a couple of hours and remember waking in the dead of the night. It was is dark starring at my hand trying to make it focus was impossible - all I saw was blackness.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    Coming back down

    19. joulukuuta 2017, Argentiina ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Mel came back from the sunrise shoot around 7 telling me it was starting to rain. Straight into action we were bringing down the tent to get on our way. Into our wet gear and we were off. It was not going to be the best day today, many hikers were coming up I doubt they will see the mountain today.

    Off we went, physiologically it is so much easier heading home, I had land marks I could tick off as we went. The wind had reduced but the rain in your face didn't help. The mountains were in total cloud was we left for home. It was a slow trek for me, luckily Mel took the tent off me for the last 4K as it would have been near impossible to traverse the downhill with the additional weight. We walked our own race down taking whatever time we needed.

    I was quite slow stopping to take some pictures and watch the occasional wood pecker along the way. It took me about 2.5 hours to get back to town. I am pleased that I may not be as unfit as I feel. But I know I need to get my fitness back to 2018 for sure.

    First stop in town was my favourite coffee house where now I am well known. The lady speaks no english and me no Spanish but we manage. Even when I cannot into the belt on my pants- I have to ask her assistance to unto me. Was a laugh. A couple of coffee and a nice cake on the house spurred me onto the hostel.

    After eating for an hour it was time to head to the spa, I got a 4 treatment session 2.5 hours for approx $100.
    . Firstly a leg wrap where the boots compress tightly then reduce
    . Next the stones run up and down your spine oh so good, quite hard but amazing
    . Next to the massage chair where your arms, legs and back are all being massaged at the same time and with different intensity.
    . Lastly into the jucuzzi for a soak watching the amazing photos taken around the region.
    . I even got a great shower and hair wash before heading back to the hostel.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    Veging around town

    20. joulukuuta 2017, Argentiina ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    The weather has turned bad again today, not much to do except ponder around town. I have a massage in the local spa which is great and generally don't do much at all. I learn the spa has been open 6 years and is gradually being accepted by the locals. They have certainly put a large capital investment into it.

    We do find a little pace to chill for a few hours, as always the pies of wine are huge - certainly don't need more than a glass.

    In the evening we catch up with some of the crew from the boat who are in town. We have a few happy hour drinks and some food, I have to say I am not happy with the food options at all. The nachos are just chips and plastic cheese with a little guacamole. Salad comprise of mainly lettuce and carrot certainly nothing to rave about.

    Mel and I then head to a wine bar Mel spied in the afternoon. Finally a decent wine bar with lots of options. Hopefully we will get back tomorrow. I'm starting to run out of cash so only bars who take visa for me for the next few days.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    Last day in El Chalten

    21. joulukuuta 2017, Argentiina ⋅ ⛅ 1 °C

    We catch the bus tonight at 8pm heading for Bariloche.

    We wake up to see fresh snow on the hills - I new it was cold but didn't think it had got that cold overnight.

    We venture out heading for waffles for breakfast then the aim is to do some shopping. I have very little cash left and unfortunately must of the craft shops do not take visa, so no shopping for me.

    It's a lazy day preparing for the bus trip. Some pics of around town.

    Will hit the cute wine bar at 5pm for a couple to help me sleep on the bus.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    24 hours on a bus

    22. joulukuuta 2017, Argentiina ⋅ 🌬 12 °C

    Oh how do you prepare for a 24 hour bus ride - drink wine of course. On our way to the wine bar we find another Antarctica adventurer in Matt. Off we head for a couple which quickly becomes 4 large glasses of red and a lovely meat platter.

    On to the bus a little pissed - it is chockers. 8pm we head off luckily i think i sleep well dozed at least. Hope i don't snore but good chance I did.

    We transfer to another bus at 7am. This one is a lot smaller no luxury here once again is full. The bus station has nothing open so no food no snacks. Naively we a pretty sure we will stop in a couple of hours to buy food.

    WRONG 2 hours passes a movie goes on 3 then 4 in fact 5 hours before the bus stops on the side of the road. There is nothing why are we stopping - i look out and see rhe driver with food oh we are saved. 2 cold epanades chocolate and a juice. Saved on we go.

    At the 7 hour mark we stop a a servo toilet stop and able ro buy some snacks. Its another 6 hours before we stop again. Oh my sore tired butt. Only 2 hours to go.

    We finally pull into Bariloche at 8pm. only a short walk the driver shows us. Yep doesnt look far at except it all uphill. Most streets have stairs and we have heavy luggage. We give it a goosld shot but give up and hail a taxi.

    Arriving at the air bnb quickly dissolves into disappointment this is a hostel and not a very good one. Oh well only 1 night. The shower does not drain the bathroom smells. yuk

    The shopping centre next door has a food court so dinner and a wine is the order of the day.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    Birthday

    23. joulukuuta 2017, Argentiina ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    Once again I find myself in another foreign country on my birthday. This year I wake up in a dingy smelly damp hostel where breakfast is sugar coated cornflakes and dishwater coffee. Not a good start.

    Quickly into town for a real coffee and to see what the town has to offer. Bariloche is a beautiful town situated on a lake, it is very hilly I soon find out. Quickly I decide to check out of the hostel and move to my timeshare booking for the week -Hotel Del Lago. OMG things could not have changed so quickly.

    Now we are right on the lake, heated pool, 2 rooms with a kitchen. Mel and I have hi 5's when we realise we can cook Christmas dinner.

    Time to get organised for the week:
    1. car hire $1000peso a day done.
    2. First bday drink a raspberry margarita
    3. Bday ice cream
    4. Retail therapy
    5. Grocery shopping including champagne.

    An easy dinner drinking bubbles and watching the sun go down. How life can change so quickly in 1 day.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    Woohoo we have a car

    24. joulukuuta 2017, Argentiina ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Today the car arrives and sets us free. Ok so the car is manual and it is left hand drive. First problem is finding reverse and then managing the hill out of the resort. You have no idea how many time my left hand went to change gears, oops, right hand needs to do that.

    First port of call the supermarket and just like home it is packed with everyone trying to buy up big for Christmas. The supermarket is not as big as home, the fruit and vege is limited but we manage to decipher most things and pick up enough for the next few days. A good shop with 3 bottle of wine and 2 bubbles as well as a huge chicken and snitzel as well as veggies, herbs etc come to approx $160aus.

    Quickly back to room, unpack, lunch and hit the road. We drive around the lake for approx 70ks stopping at camping sites to admire the view. It is a good learning exercise for me to learn more about the car, manual left hand drive etc.

    We stop to pick some wild flowers in the national park before heading home. The wild lupine are beautiful.    Lue lisää

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileMatkaaja

    Christmas drive to El Bolson

    25. joulukuuta 2017, Argentiina ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Christmas morning means a little more that yoghurt and fruit so it's time for some eggs, ham and cheese before heading down the road to El Bolson. We travelled this route coming into Bariloche, we new immediately we needed to do this route again stopping to capture the beauty of the road.

    Heading out of town the road soon turns into a mixture of purple, yellow, pick and white flowers along the roadside with towering cliffs behind. The lupines are a mixture of all colours with daisies and a yellow "honeysuckle" thrown in. Stopping constantly to capture the beauty along side flowing streams. The mountains also tower the road making this a memorable drive.

    El Bolson is 126k south, when we reach the town it is clear that like everywhere else everything is closed on Christmas day. I would love a coffee but doesn't look like that will happen. Finally we find a service with a restaurant open. I wish I didn’t the coffee was awful. We even found our own real Christmas tree which will get decorated with whatever baubles we find in the unit.

    Once home it is time to get ready for Christmas dinner. I do the peeling while Mel does the cooking. We have no idea how to start the gas oven so after 3 attempts to get assistance form the front desk I finally go face to face to get help. It takes the receptionist 30 seconds to show us when he finally decides to come over. Unfortunately on opening the chicken we find it smells and the only option is to toss it. Not sure if it was bad when we bought it or we left the fridge open but either way it is going to be a basically vegetarian dinner.

    Matt, from our Antarctica adventure, joins us for dinner. The meal is scrumptious and more than enough. Mel managed a chick pea and corn salad, roast veggies, boiled eggs, cheese and ham. The 2 bottles of bubbles and 4 wine go down a treat - although I’m sure I’ll feel it tomorrow.    Lue lisää

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