P. N. Los Alerces

An Alerce tree is a type of tree native to the pretty little piece of patagonia we have called home for the last few months. Its similar in looks to a redwood and can live as long as a giant sequoia... so naturally i had to find a couple and take a look for myself. so we headed south to Parque National Los Alerces, a massive park thats pretty inaccessible to folks without cars (us). We get there no problem, set up camp, pick the nearest peak, and set out for the peak. We found a nice lake to celebrate the 20th, but no Alerces. Then it rained.... and rained and rained leaving us tent bound for 2 more days. Finally, we escaped and hightailed it north to a river we had read about with some Alerces supposedly growing nearbye.
This campgound turned out to be one of the most enchanting places ive ever seen, and we had it all to ourselves (excepting a few gatitas) The hike to our trees was unreal, mushrooms growing everywhere and a forest so dense you could hear it breath. Oh ya! and right before this we saw a Huemel, one of the super rare native deer that every argentinian is obsessed with.

At the end of our hike was the Alerce, majestic but showing its age. Broken down really, but we were content and resumed our trip north. Next, Bariloche.

The Going Away

Its been six weeks on La Gringa's farm and its time to move on. We both feel like espanol champs... mainly because we can finally understand nuestro vecino Chuno... most of the time. Chuno (the gaucho in one of the below pictures) gave me his sombrero and jacqui his caballo scarf as going away presents, he really came around to liking us toward the end, and ill always remember him.

our parilla and some creations t

trouble in paradise

After getting so settled and comfortable, its about that time. The winds are blowing, and the snow is covering more and more of the mountains, telling us its that time to hit the open road once again. Not to mention the house just became much to crowded with the arriwitval of four more wwoofers, one french couple and one german. Tensions also have arisen with the development of a love triangle between our host and the two men in love with her..both of which are our neighbors. ..ha! I must say it is difficult to leave though. We have made some good friends in el bolson and really made a temporary home here. Chuno gave dylan his gaucho hat a couple of days ago, a present he said, so that he may always remember him. We also participated in another minga yesterday, which was at the most beautiful house right/by rio azul. So much good is here..but, its definitely time. Tonight we are cooking some chickens and trucha on the bonfire, drinking homemade beer, dancing and being merry, and tomorrow, we go to los alerces national park.much love to everyone at home...

Jacqui y Caballo (Cabazsho)

Her dreams have finally come true! Chuno let Jacqui ride the cabazsho. It was everything she ever dreamed of, and inevitably filled her with the joy of a 5 year old girl. Not even the steady stream of horsey fart exhaust could break her smile. We think Cabazsho eats too many apples... but hey! thats patagoniay!

wafflerias y mingas