Ruta de los Siete Lagos

Th 12.27.12

• we had a car rented for the next two days to head up north, driving along the Seven Lakes Route
• we didn't count the lakes, but we saw a lot of them that looked like this:

• we made a pitstop in Villa La Angostura to pick up picnic fix-ins and to stretch our legs
• not great photos of the town, but maybe you can get an idea of the stone walkways and log/cedar wood pillars and buildings that dotted the towns main drag...looked like a little skit resort town

fly fishers

• found a good spot just past La Angostura to stop for our picnic of interesting meats/cheeses, 

yes, that's hardboiled egg in the middle of that deli meat

bread, almonds, yogurt, and the best tasting potato chips I've ever had (tasted exactly like an Outback loaded baked potato)

• we then continued on your driving quest northward, our destination being San Martin de los Andes, with various awe-ful moments along the way, like these:

• second little hiccup of the trip is that our San Martin de los Andes hotel, Hotel Patagonia, did not have us down for a night's stay that night (travel agent's fault)
• luckily they had a couple rooms for us anyway

Jake assuring them that we have reservations

• the woodwork in the lobby area was amazing, however the rooms were super outdated, but they worked...and the complimentary breakfast was nice
• anyway, we checked in, dropped luggage, parked the car and walked around town before finding a spot for dinner

very cool tree

• beach along Lago Lácar...this town is known for its trekking in the summer and skiing in the winter 

• we were going to take a dip...but...it was a little windy

• so we took a coffee break instead...Mary tried the submarino...good choice ;)

• for dinner, we tried Doña Quela, which specializes in local dishes like venison, trout, and pastas
• I tried to get Paul to order venison...but he says he gets enough of it up in Wisconsin...(but it's not Argentine deer!!!) 
• we all enjoyed our selections:

 

 

F 12.28.12

• the next morning we made our way back to Bariloche, following the same route, and making some different stops along the way

• this time we lunched on empanadas while taking in the views of this lake:

reflection...

• el mirador de los novios...the couple's viewpoint (so cheesy, I know)

• a favorite stop was this little pine tree lined beach/lake area...
• thought about sticking around to rent a boat and lay on the beach, but we decided to get to Bariloche with enough time to relax there before our flight

• we laid in the sun along the lake in Bariloche before catching our flight back to BA...
• we would definitely recommend the beautiful ruta de los siete lagos!
• and what a trip Patagonia was! what a blessing for us, together with Mary and Paul, to take such an amazing vacation...we are truly grateful
• really is hard to put into words...hope the photos did some justice as to just how spectacular and impressive this area of the world/Argentina really is
• thanks again for joining us M & P!

Bariloche

W 12.26.12

• today we were treated to a great tour guide who drove us around and outside of Bariloche in a tour van with a family of four and another couple...was personal, and a great introduction to the area
• again, blown away by the scenery today...been a real challenge to choose photos for the blog...take a look:

• ski lift ascent to enjoy some mountain/lake/town views:

• nice hair, Becky...it was quite windy up there!

• the rose hip stop: Bariloche grows a LARGE amount of rose hip...so they make all kinds of products out of it...tea, lip balm, lotion etc...
• here, we got to sample these products:

• Mary and Paul were smart and purchased some rose hip lip balm to soothe their glacier-sun-burned lips
• we then stopped at a little chapel on a hill 

• snapped a sneaky shot of this big boy

• soaked in more views, including the famous Llao Llao Hotel, where we didn't stay, but some others on our tour did

• we then made our way to another ski lift at Cerro Catedral, a well-known ski resort area outside of Bariloche

churro and hot chocolate to hold us (me) over until lunch...was literally liquid chocolate

• a bite to eat on the mountain

• Paul, Jake, and I went up one last ski lift...just to get a little bit higher...

• ...and to play in the snow for a few minutes

• ...and to take in a few last views before our return to the city center

• <3 cloud shadows ^^^... v v v 

• time make our way back down 

• we spend the rest of the afternoon exploring little downtown Bariloche
• where we found loads of CHOCOLATE!!! ...lots was sampled...lots was purchased...Rapa Nui...Mamuschka...GO THERE!

• we were able to squeeze in a reservation tonight at the usually-full, very-popular Bariloche restaurant, (#1 on Trip Advisor), Alto el Fuego

• provoleta came out sizzling (as it should)

• some of the best meat and fish we've had yet!

• plus we got to watch the chef prepare our meat

• of course, finished off with a little dessert sampler...the one in the middle is a common Argentine dessert, dulce de batata of over cheese...not my fave, but fun to try