Yesterday we left Coyhaique and made our way to the sleepy town of Cochrane. We travelled by bus for 10 hours along the Carretera Austral, which by this stage is little more than a dirt road. Despite suffering from nausea (my temperamental stomach is still getting to grips with the cuisine…steak and chips!) the journey was spectacular. We weaved our way through the mountains, each corner producing another jaw dropping view. The snow is so perfect its sparkles as if from a Hollywood film set, and the infinite lakes are the brightest turquoise. The landscapes are everything the guide books suggest and a whole lot more. You just cant help but fall in love with the place.
Hang on a second, where is the wind and rain I hear you ask?! Every morning we have woken to the bluest of skies, glorious sunshine, not a breath of wind and a cool bite in the air, keeping the snow crisp. Probability would have it, that we are going to have bad weather for the next forty having used up our 4 good days!
A couple of little things to report. Firstly, Tarka’s allergy, that he suffered from in the Arctic earlier this year, has shown some symptoms again so we have had to bin several items of clothing used in the Arctic and replace them with new ones from the only Cochrane shop.
Last night we went out for a bite to eat and had a classic ‘lost in translation moment’. I ordered a simple pizza and mineral water, dull I know but I am currently loosing weight as opposed to gaining it, so thought I would try and aid recovery. Tarka, as ambitious as ever, tried to order two Empaladers (small samosar style parcel of food) but his brilliant accent actually managed to order him two bowls of lettuce and tomatoes (ensalada)…just what a growing boy needs. To top it off he had accidentally ordered a Chocolate Sunday for his drink, with whipped cream and cherry on top to boot!
