Perito Moreno - the advancing glacier

Today is glacier day, we're visiting Perito Moreno, one of three advancing glaciers in the world. It's about a one hour drive, but we also stopped for photos of birds and wildlife. A local guide leads the way and cues the Star Wars theme as we round the bend and get our first glimpse of the 8th natural wonder of the world. Though the sun wasn't fully out, we could appreciate the majesty ahead. As the day went along, we would get more than just sun and ice glistening though, rainbows would be a constant companion as well.

The glacier we're told is about the size of Buenos Aires, extending far beyond what we can see as we safely stand on the opposite shore where several well constructed walkways serve as paths for visitors, with one taking you past the north part and another to the south. Don't be discouraged by the long walking times on the boards, they're tourist times ie how long it should take when we're stopping constantly for photos, and stop we did.

Because we were all taking the boat ride on the southern part, it made sense to wind our way along the north part. Either way, we will see it all. We began to spread out along the walk, everyone taking their own pace and time for photos, moving along when we were ready. You can't really get lost here, well except maybe your thoughts will as you survey the ice and blues, scanning the icy architecture for signs of a soon to be calving. We did see a few chunks break off, but not the ice bridge that juts out and actually touches the opposite shore of the lake. (A week or so after we left, it would collapse though).

There's lots of good vantage points for photos and just stops to take it all in. Bring your lunch to eat on way, there's some benches to have your lunch with a view. The scenery definitely reminds me of Glacier Bay in Alaska, but with less tourists on our boat ride. The captain gives us a very good amount of time to soak in the glacier, and from both sides. Most people snap away in the beginning and then huddle downstairs to keep warm, but a few of us brave the elements and stay above deck for the whole duration. Once I had my fill of photos, it was nice to just sit on a bench until the boat pulled away back to shore.

Returning to El Calafate, there were a few options such as birdwatching at Laguna Nimez. Factoring in energy level and laundry pickup time though, we decided to explore the town instead and do some shopping. If you're a jewelry fan, lapiz lazuli is the semi-precious stone to pick up. There's a nice jewelry store on the main street, though if you happen to be going to Santiago, there's better choices and better prices. Other popular local items would be Calafate berry liqueur or jam, and then there's dulce de leche liqueur. Mate cups and teas can also be found.

Tried guanaco stew for dinner at La Zaina, adding to my list of new foods tried. Food was nice and yummy, not too gamey if memory serves correct, while the restaurant itself was quite rustic and welcoming. Yeti Ice Bar was next, a very cool place. They give you a poncho-like top, mitts and crampons so you don't slip on the ice. Very handy if you have moments of being in klutz, unfortunately it doesn't really save you from walking into the igloo though, oops. Sometimes when you're short, you forget to look out for objects that are lower than they seem.

My head hurt and there was a large lump, but nothing some alcohol and a large chunk of ice can't fix. Good photo ops inside too, there was a little cave like area which reminded me almost like the Santa photo booths at the malls around Christmas, the aforementioned igloo, the bar itself and a big sled as well. Just remember to use the flash. Oh, we also had fernet branca shots. Honestly? Not a fan, very herbally and bitter, though it's supposed to taste better mixed with coke. I'll stick to the bols chocolate and the dulce de leche muchas gracias.Okumaya devam et