Mountains

I have mountains to climb. This can be interpreted in every sense of the phrase. Current location: Bariloche, the gateway to the Argentine side of Patagonia. Situation: a beautiful tiny city nestled between snow capped mountains, immense glacial lakes, and comfortably beside the infamous Nahuel Huapi National Park.

At first glance, it appears that Chris Bree and I have arrived in Switzerland. The architecture in this Argentine town in fact rivals that of it´s European cousin.

An 18 hour busride from the windy shores of beachtown, Mar del Plata has granted us the entrance into our beloved Patagonia. On a side note, as much as we have been pleasantly surprised with our Patagonian experience, the bus ride was equally astounding. Full pull out beds, flat screen tvs, and 3 meals later, I was led to believe that I was on a first class flight and only for a few mere pesos.

As the bus approached closer to our next destination on our open itinerary, the vast flat lands suddenly began to forms peaks. A pack of wild horses ran by the window, and shortly thereafter the bluest rivers began to creep along the rolling countryside.

Bree spotted rafting and Chris spotted fly fishing and almost instantaneously smiles and cheers could be witnessed from seats 4, 5, and 6. We have found a land that can provide happiness.

The gateway to Patagonia has not been one to disappoint since our first glimpse from the bus seat windows. 24 hours later from our arrival and we have found ourselves situated with the pleasant company of Bree´s friends from her program in Chile, Patrick and Katie.

There is not a moment to waste in this outdoor community. As Bree pointed out on our drive to canyoning today, ¨I feel as though I could spend the next 20 years of my life here and find something new to do everyday.¨

Canyoning is an experience like no other, and that is how the five of us chose to spend our Sunday thanks in part to the persuasion of Patrick and Katie. For the lack of a better description, this adventure sport involves repelling down waterfalls with a harness and some rope. Fortunately, we had Hector and Hernan to guide us through the hike in and down glacial rivers.

Standing atop a 40 meter waterfall while a man is telling you in spanish to lean all the way back as though you should fall backwards provides a whole new meaning to the word trust.

Why would a great day end with canyoning? I find myself sitting at a campsite now. We (Chris) is grilling another culinary feast alongside Lake Nahuel Huapi (which by the way is huge). The views are spectacular and the company ever better.

Trails are calling my name and some life decisions made be discovered on a mountain top. I think I will stay a while in Patagonia. More updates to follow... Chris and I may purchase a car.