About 32 kilometers from Pucón, up in the mountains, I joined a small group for a camping trip in the Villarica National Park. Here we get ready to leave
Rancho de Caballos, a farm settled by Germans 22 years ago. I am the only English speaker in the group. Fortunately I could carry on conversation in Spanish with our local guide Armín.
Juta and Gaby rest their horses early in the trail.
Gaby and I contemplate the active Villarica Volcano. We are about to leave the tree zone, though the altitude is less than 6,000 feet.
Armín navigates the challenging steep trail. I am next.
There are numerous patches of snow above the tree line. We never know how deep it is until out guide tests it. Occasionally we must dismount and lead the horses. Below, Thomas skies down the slope as he leads two horses.
Here is our first view of Laguna Azul where we will set up our base camp for two nights.
Our camp at Laguna Azul. Lanín Volcano looms over the lake. This is the view from our water source. The water is trickling down the mountain, under a snow pack. Delicious!
On day 2, our guide Armín leads the way through huge lava fields and across more snow.
After three hours on the trail we arrive at this spectacular point for a lunch stop. We are at the top of a cliff that drops straight down about 1,000 feet. After lunch we head back to our base camp.
Sunset at Laguna Azul, Lanín Volcano.
Early morning view of Choshuenco Volcano. So begins day 3 and return to the ranch.
Armín and his Arabian mix horse. Mine is the black steed called Tornado, a great horse full of energy despite his 16 years of age. Happiness is enjoying wonderful views and listening to the sublime sounds of nature.
Juta and Gaby rest their horses early in the trail.
Gaby and I contemplate the active Villarica Volcano. We are about to leave the tree zone, though the altitude is less than 6,000 feet.
Armín navigates the challenging steep trail. I am next.
There are numerous patches of snow above the tree line. We never know how deep it is until out guide tests it. Occasionally we must dismount and lead the horses. Below, Thomas skies down the slope as he leads two horses.
Here is our first view of Laguna Azul where we will set up our base camp for two nights.
Our camp at Laguna Azul. Lanín Volcano looms over the lake. This is the view from our water source. The water is trickling down the mountain, under a snow pack. Delicious!
On day 2, our guide Armín leads the way through huge lava fields and across more snow.
After three hours on the trail we arrive at this spectacular point for a lunch stop. We are at the top of a cliff that drops straight down about 1,000 feet. After lunch we head back to our base camp.
Sunset at Laguna Azul, Lanín Volcano.
Early morning view of Choshuenco Volcano. So begins day 3 and return to the ranch.
Armín and his Arabian mix horse. Mine is the black steed called Tornado, a great horse full of energy despite his 16 years of age. Happiness is enjoying wonderful views and listening to the sublime sounds of nature. 
1 comment:
I'm glad to see you're back in the saddle again, Roger.
-Fielding
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