Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante, Blauaugenkormoran Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante, Nandu Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante zwischen Bahia Bustamante und Ruta 3 zwischen Bahia Bustamante und Ruta 3 Mara zwischen Bahia Bustamante und Ruta 3 zwischen Bahia Bustamante und Ruta 3 zwischen Comodo Rivadavia und Sarmiento zwischen Comodo Rivadavia und Sarmiento zwischen Comodo Rivadavia und Sarmiento versteinerter Wald bei Sarmiento versteinerter Wald bei Sarmiento versteinerter Wald bei Sarmiento versteinerter Wald bei Sarmiento versteinerter Wald bei Sarmiento versteinerter Wald bei Sarmiento bei Sarmiento bei Sarmiento bei Sarmiento bei Sarmiento Argentinische Pampa Argentinische Pampa bei Sarmiento bei Sarmiento Argentinische Pampa Argentinische Pampa Travelblog Patagonia 2018 Chile Argentina Part 3 page up page up The adjacent peninsula is targetd by us to see some birdlife and other animals – as it was promised in a folder. Unfortunately the wind blew too strong and most of the anmials stayed at home. The landscape, again, was quite impressive and manifold. You could also find some fine sandy beaches (no, we didn't try to swim – we tried the water temparature with the hands which was enough). In the evening we were compensated by a nice colourplay of the sky followed by a starry night incl. some moon. The shine was so strong that we could have read newspaper easily. Not to imagine having a full moon... Then you don't need the electric power which is solely available between 19:00 and 23:00 each day. The adjacent peninsula is targetd by us to see some birdlife and other animals – as it was promised in a folder. Unfortunately the wind blew too strong and most of the anmials stayed at home. The landscape, again, was quite impressive and manifold. You could also find some fine sandy beaches (no, we didn't try to swim – we tried the water temparature with the hands which was enough). In the evening we were compensated by a nice colourplay of the sky followed by a starry night incl. some moon. The shine was so strong that we could have read newspaper easily. Not to imagine having a full moon... Then you don't need the electric power which is solely available between 19:00 and 23:00 each day. After this excursion we are heading West again. Firstly via a well graded gravel road. But for some patches we were able to test our 4x4 Volkswagen Tiguan. Some very steep dips showed that nowadays SUVs are SUVs but no offroad vehicles. Real offroad cars don't have fancy spoilers which could be scratched under such conditions. They stick to the real needs.... After this excursion we are heading West again. Firstly via a well graded gravel road. But for some patches we were able to test our 4x4 Volkswagen Tiguan. Some very steep dips showed that nowadays SUVs are SUVs but no offroad vehicles. Real offroad cars don't have fancy spoilers which could be scratched under such conditions. They stick to the real needs.... Here we were lucky and saw the endemic Mara (Pampas rabbit) sitting not far from the road. The driving flow is sometimes interrupted by gates the driver needs to open and close again. They seperate the estancias from another. At such a gate this sheep family trapped themselves by fleeing. Now they are waiting for a good moment to really escape the danger. Here we were lucky and saw the endemic Mara (Pampas rabbit) sitting not far from the road. The driving flow is sometimes interrupted by gates the driver needs to open and close again. They seperate the estancias from another. At such a gate this sheep family trapped themselves by fleeing. Now they are waiting for a good moment to really escape the danger. On bitumen again we continued our way towards the west coming along varied stretches of land. The variation in this case weren't nature-like views but some hundred oil fields peppered with pump stations which are mushrooming since a couple of years. This stretch is about 50 kilometers long. Finally we were reaching the town of Sarmiento. On bitumen again we continued our way towards the west coming along varied stretches of land. The variation in this case weren't nature-like views but some hundred oil fields peppered with pump stations which are mushrooming since a couple of years. This stretch is about 50 kilometers long. Finally we were reaching the town of Sarmiento. South of Sarmiento another highlight is hidden inside the mountains: a petrified forest. In former geological periods the todays' pampa was covered by rich tropical forests. Some of he remains were covered by sediments and petrified along the hundreds of thousand years. Nowadays those old trunks are laid free due to rain and other erosion. It is really incredible how real those trunks and trees appear. Some of them seemed to keep their colours or it could be imagined they were victim of a fire. If you touch them you will feel it is stone no wood any more. Many places are strewn with smithers of petrified wood.... South of Sarmiento another highlight is hidden inside the mountains: a petrified forest. In former geological periods the todays' pampa was covered by rich tropical forests. Some of he remains were covered by sediments and petrified along the hundreds of thousand years. Nowadays those old trunks are laid free due to rain and other erosion. It is really incredible how real those trunks and trees appear. Some of them seemed to keep their colours or it could be imagined they were victim of a fire. If you touch them you will feel it is stone no wood any more. Many places are strewn with smithers of petrified wood.... The real Pampa could be felt on the way between Sarmiento and the Cuevas de los Manos. Only grassland, little bushes, fences and a lot of space for dust are coming into focus. Every flock of Nandus or Guanakos are a more than welcome optical break. Otherwise it is very difficult not to fall asleep. The road is paved but all of a sudden underhanded potholes appear. Fortunately most of them are announced. Otherwise some car axis could easily be broken by hitting them in full speed. In those cases this means: almost stop the car and start to drive slalom. This is applicable for all vehicles. But prior to those conditions we enjoyed the birds in the wetland. The real Pampa could be felt on the way between Sarmiento and the Cuevas de los Manos. Only grassland, little bushes, fences and a lot of space for dust are coming into focus. Every flock of Nandus or Guanakos are a more than welcome optical break. Otherwise it is very difficult not to fall asleep. The road is paved but all of a sudden underhanded potholes appear. Fortunately most of them are announced. Otherwise some car axis could easily be broken by hitting them in full speed. In those cases this means: almost stop the car and start to drive slalom. This is applicable for all vehicles. But prior to those conditions we enjoyed the birds in the wetland. Very remotely we can already see the cordillere shimmering we are on our way to approach. Despite the steady wind and air temperatures of a bout 17 degrees Celsius the sun has enough power to heat up the Earth that the air starts glimmering. At certain places Fata Morganas appeared. Very remotely we can already see the cordillere shimmering we are on our way to approach. Despite the steady wind and air temperatures of a bout 17 degrees Celsius the sun has enough power to heat up the Earth that the air starts glimmering. At certain places Fata Morganas appeared. Anden Anden Estancia La Angostura Estancia La Angostura Estancia La Angostura Cueva de los Manos Cueva de los Manos Cueva de los Manos Cueva de los Manos Cueva de los Manos Cueva de los Manos Cueva de los Manos Cueva de los Manos Cueva de los Manos Cueva de los Manos Pampa Pampa Pampa Pampa Fuchs Heuschrecke Pampa Andenkette hinter flirrender Pampa La Horqueta - Hotel am Rande der Strasse im Nirgendwo Estancia La Angostura Estancia La Angostura Estancia La Angostura Estancia La Angostura Estancia La Angostura Estancia La Angostura Estancia La Angostura Estancia La Angostura First grade UNESCO world heritage site is Cueva de los Manos! We released our stiffed bones and started a strenous walk from the end of a gravel road on the oposite side of the cuevas. Fistly we had to descend the steep Canyon climbing it half the way the other side. Same way back included. First grade UNESCO world heritage site is Cueva de los Manos! We released our stiffed bones and started a strenous walk from the end of a gravel road on the oposite side of the cuevas. Fistly we had to descend the steep Canyon climbing it half the way the other side. Same way back included. Very close to the main road we found another interesting formation of bizar sediments which we needed to explore a bit closer. This streched the driving time to the end point of todays' ride but it is not really severe because the journey is the reward. Very close to the main road we found another interesting formation of bizar sediments which we needed to explore a bit closer. This streched the driving time to the end point of todays' ride but it is not really severe because the journey is the reward. Also afterwards we needed to stop from full speed once we saw nice plants or animals. You never know when or if you may see them again. Also afterwards we needed to stop from full speed once we saw nice plants or animals. You never know when or if you may see them again. By driving a long time on the road seeing some coloured mud on it we thought that all the sheep could not be driven such a long way. At a certain point we noticed that this was no droppings but the spots moved. There were thousands of locusts crossing the street and trying to find food at both benches. A real bizar scenario. By driving a long time on the road seeing some coloured mud on it we thought that all the sheep could not be driven such a long way. At a certain point we noticed that this was no droppings but the spots moved. There were thousands of locusts crossing the street and trying to find food at both benches. A real bizar scenario. The next stop is a real Estancia where the tourist part is only one share of their total income. Normally they do have some thousend sheep and some hundred cattle they are earning money with. However, a wetland fed by a nearby river is nicely located just in front of the house. Several different birds find their food there and do nesting as well: goose, ducks, singing and predator birds. All of them could be spotted very closely. The only prerequisit is to sit still for a longer time at a suitable place. In the evening another visitor group occupies the place. They are crazy birdwatchers from Sweden coming especially to this place for a very rare and only in this region allocated kind of duck. Due to the groups' presence we were lucky to participate at an Asado. In this case a whole lamb was slowly grilled over an open fire for a long time but it was ready at eight, when everybody was hungry. The next stop is a real Estancia where the tourist part is only one share of their total income. Normally they do have some thousend sheep and some hundred cattle they are earning money with. However, a wetland fed by a nearby river is nicely located just in front of the house. Several different birds find their food there and do nesting as well: goose, ducks, singing and predator birds. All of them could be spotted very closely. The only prerequisit is to sit still for a longer time at a suitable place. In the evening another visitor group occupies the place. They are crazy birdwatchers from Sweden coming especially to this place for a very rare and only in this region allocated kind of duck. Due to the groups' presence we were lucky to participate at an Asado. In this case a whole lamb was slowly grilled over an open fire for a long time but it was ready at eight, when everybody was hungry. Filled with these new experiences and impressions we left the Estancia and a little later the Pampa,too. The mountains are calling! In this case really special mountains. Not that they were too high (3.440m max) but they are really bizarre and also connected with a lot of stories of their ascent. From the distance we are getting a glimpse of them from time to time. You may think after another few kilometers you may have reached them but finally we drove another 150 km to come to their base finally. Anyway, this increases the suspense.... Filled with these new experiences and impressions we left the Estancia and a little later the Pampa,too. The mountains are calling! In this case really special mountains. Not that they were too high (3.440m max) but they are really bizarre and also connected with a lot of stories of their ascent. From the distance we are getting a glimpse of them from time to time. You may think after another few kilometers you may have reached them but finally we drove another 150 km to come to their base finally. Anyway, this increases the suspense.... On the last mile we could not wait to really see those gigantic, bizare (again), fascinating, breathtaking mountains. The chain of the Torres mountains and the mighty Fitz Roy as the central part made of granite, ice and snow. We are also happy to see the full panorama which is quite rare. The blowing wind forms the clouds to UFO-kind structures and we cannot wait to walk a few steps. On the last mile we could not wait to really see those gigantic, bizare (again), fascinating, breathtaking mountains. The chain of the Torres mountains and the mighty Fitz Roy as the central part made of granite, ice and snow. We are also happy to see the full panorama which is quite rare. The blowing wind forms the clouds to UFO-kind structures and we cannot wait to walk a few steps. Fitz Roy Trail Fitz Roy Trail Fitz Roy Trail Fitz Roy Trail Fitz Roy Trail Fitz Roy Trail El Chaltén We decided to do a round trip walk to bring us to a viewpoint where we could have spotted Fitz Roy at the best. The picture at the right shows this magnificant view that very day..... On the other hand and some winding meters apart the clouds lifted a bit and we could see the glacier Piedras Blancas. Fresh and chilly winds of about 70-80 km/h didn't shake the trees alone but gave free sight to the blue colour of the glacier. After soft hail begun we decided to start our descent very quickly; especially under those conditions where only rain drops mutate to a not so convenient massage on the skin. We decided to do a round trip walk to bring us to a viewpoint where we could have spotted Fitz Roy at the best. The picture at the right shows this magnificant view that very day..... On the other hand and some winding meters apart the clouds lifted a bit and we could see the glacier Piedras Blancas. Fresh and chilly winds of about 70-80 km/h didn't shake the trees alone but gave free sight to the blue colour of the glacier. After soft hail begun we decided to start our descent very quickly; especially under those conditions where only rain drops mutate to a not so convenient massage on the skin. In the evening rain and wind said good bye for the day. Therefore I took the risk taking some night shots even the moon was 2/3 full and only some stars were blinking on the sky. Fortunately the city couldn't spoil the view very much by light pollution because there was a full power outage for the whole town. It was very interesting to observe that shortly after the first power outage streets were filled with cars and people trying to find their way to the accomodation. In the evening rain and wind said good bye for the day. Therefore I took the risk taking some night shots even the moon was 2/3 full and only some stars were blinking on the sky. Fortunately the city couldn't spoil the view very much by light pollution because there was a full power outage for the whole town. It was very interesting to observe that shortly after the first power outage streets were filled with cars and people trying to find their way to the accomodation. Also today (day 2) is a very promising one in El Chaltén. You can always do a hike (regardless the conditions) and this time we chose the target: Laguna Torre. This is the little lake in which Glaciar Grande feeds its ice and water and as backgroud the magnificant Cerro Torre should elevate itself to a grandure scenrey. The track let the wanderer climb only 250 meters on the total length of nine kilometers (one way), but this is not so important because you will follow a stream which is born in a second Laguna. Walking through some forest which is somehow enchanted helps to spot some birds again. Unfortunately we didn't spot any woodpecker even the trunks of the old trees should provide them with plenty of food. They might have taken advantage of a dry home in some of the bigger trees. Also on this way (regardless the wheather) we were meeting a lot of other hikers. Surprisingly maybe annoyingly most of them do not greet even they were greeted. Maybe this is the new style of hiking we are not too used to. We find it nice and polite to greet people when walking in the mountains. Also today (day 2) is a very promising one in El Chaltén. You can always do a hike (regardless the conditions) and this time we chose the target: Laguna Torre. This is the little lake in which Glaciar Grande feeds its ice and water and as backgroud the magnificant Cerro Torre should elevate itself to a grandure scenrey. The track let the wanderer climb only 250 meters on the total length of nine kilometers (one way), but this is not so important because you will follow a stream which is born in a second Laguna. Walking through some forest which is somehow enchanted helps to spot some birds again. Unfortunately we didn't spot any woodpecker even the trunks of the old trees should provide them with plenty of food. They might have taken advantage of a dry home in some of the bigger trees. Also on this way (regardless the wheather) we were meeting a lot of other hikers. Surprisingly maybe annoyingly most of them do not greet even they were greeted. Maybe this is the new style of hiking we are not too used to. We find it nice and polite to greet people when walking in the mountains. Continue After another endless mile we reached the town El Chaltén and the first impression is to drive into a Swiss Alpen-Resort. The air is clear and windy. We did two short tracks to get accustomed to the area. This very nice afternoon let us hope for the following two days although some bold clouds were climbing up the Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy. After another endless mile we reached the town El Chaltén and the first impression is to drive into a Swiss Alpen-Resort. The air is clear and windy. We did two short tracks to get accustomed to the area. This very nice afternoon let us hope for the following two days although some bold clouds were climbing up the Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy. After another endless mile we reached the town El Chaltén and the first impression is to drive into a Swiss Alpen-Resort. The air is clear and windy. We did two short tracks to get accustomed to the area. This very nice afternoon let us hope for the following two days although some bold clouds were climbing up the Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy. After another endless mile we reached the town El Chaltén and the first impression is to drive into a Swiss Alpen-Resort. The air is clear and windy. We did two short tracks to get accustomed to the area. This very nice afternoon let us hope for the following two days although some bold clouds were climbing up the Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy. Already the day before we felt the famous and infamous patagonian wind. Normally blowing with a speed of app. 0-35 km/h. But this evening it reached in gusts 70-80 km/h. This helped the clouds finding their way from Chile to Argentina bringing also some rain. Actually we wanted to get up very early to walk one of the very nice tours (7-8 hours) which have brought us to some places where we had been able to gaze the full grandeur of those mountains. Even in the night we heard the rain pattering on the roof of our hotel plus the stormy wind howling around the corners. As consequence we found the next morning in a mixture of rain, storm, some little sunshine and fresh temperatures. Already the day before we felt the famous and infamous patagonian wind. Normally blowing with a speed of app. 0-35 km/h. But this evening it reached in gusts 70-80 km/h. This helped the clouds finding their way from Chile to Argentina bringing also some rain. Actually we wanted to get up very early to walk one of the very nice tours (7-8 hours) which have brought us to some places where we had been able to gaze the full grandeur of those mountains. Even in the night we heard the rain pattering on the roof of our hotel plus the stormy wind howling around the corners. As consequence we found the next morning in a mixture of rain, storm, some little sunshine and fresh temperatures.
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Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante zwischen Bahia Bustamante und Ruta 3 Mara zwischen Bahia Bustamante und Ruta 3 zwischen Comodo Rivadavia und Sarmiento versteinerter Wald bei Sarmiento versteinerter Wald bei Sarmiento versteinerter Wald bei Sarmiento bei Sarmiento bei Sarmiento Argentinische Pampa bei Sarmiento Argentinische Pampa Travelblog Patagonia 2018 Chile Argentina Part 3 The adjacent peninsula is targetd by us to see some birdlife and other animals – as it was promised in a folder. Unfortunately the wind blew too strong and most of the anmials stayed at home. The landscape, again, was quite impressive and manifold. You could also find some fine sandy beaches (no, we didn't try to swim – we tried the water temparature with the hands which was enough). In the evening we were compensated by a nice colourplay of the sky followed by a starry night incl. some moon. The shine was so strong that we could have read newspaper easily. Not to imagine having a full moon... Then you don't need the electric power which is solely available between 19:00 and 23:00 each day. The adjacent peninsula is targetd by us to see some birdlife and other animals – as it was promised in a folder. Unfortunately the wind blew too strong and most of the anmials stayed at home. The landscape, again, was quite impressive and manifold. You could also find some fine sandy beaches (no, we didn't try to swim – we tried the water temparature with the hands which was enough). In the evening we were compensated by a nice colourplay of the sky followed by a starry night incl. some moon. The shine was so strong that we could have read newspaper easily. Not to imagine having a full moon... Then you don't need the electric power which is solely available between 19:00 and 23:00 each day. After this excursion we are heading West again. Firstly via a well graded gravel road. But for some patches we were able to test our 4x4 Volkswagen Tiguan. Some very steep dips showed that nowadays SUVs are SUVs but no offroad vehicles. Real offroad cars don't have fancy spoilers which could be scratched under such conditions. They stick to the real needs.... After this excursion we are heading West again. Firstly via a well graded gravel road. But for some patches we were able to test our 4x4 Volkswagen Tiguan. Some very steep dips showed that nowadays SUVs are SUVs but no offroad vehicles. Real offroad cars don't have fancy spoilers which could be scratched under such conditions. They stick to the real needs.... Here we were lucky and saw the endemic Mara (Pampas rabbit) sitting not far from the road. The driving flow is sometimes interrupted by gates the driver needs to open and close again. They seperate the estancias from another. At such a gate this sheep family trapped themselves by fleeing. Now they are waiting for a good moment to really escape the danger. Here we were lucky and saw the endemic Mara (Pampas rabbit) sitting not far from the road. The driving flow is sometimes interrupted by gates the driver needs to open and close again. They seperate the estancias from another. At such a gate this sheep family trapped themselves by fleeing. Now they are waiting for a good moment to really escape the danger. On bitumen again we continued our way towards the west coming along varied stretches of land. The variation in this case weren't nature-like views but some hundred oil fields peppered with pump stations which are mushrooming since a couple of years. This stretch is about 50 kilometers long. Finally we were reaching the town of Sarmiento. On bitumen again we continued our way towards the west coming along varied stretches of land. The variation in this case weren't nature-like views but some hundred oil fields peppered with pump stations which are mushrooming since a couple of years. This stretch is about 50 kilometers long. Finally we were reaching the town of Sarmiento. South of Sarmiento another highlight is hidden inside the mountains: a petrified forest. In former geological periods the todays' pampa was covered by rich tropical forests. Some of he remains were covered by sediments and petrified along the hundreds of thousand years. Nowadays those old trunks are laid free due to rain and other erosion. It is really incredible how real those trunks and trees appear. Some of them seemed to keep their colours or it could be imagined they were victim of a fire. If you touch them you will feel it is stone no wood any more. Many places are strewn with smithers of petrified wood.... South of Sarmiento another highlight is hidden inside the mountains: a petrified forest. In former geological periods the todays' pampa was covered by rich tropical forests. Some of he remains were covered by sediments and petrified along the hundreds of thousand years. Nowadays those old trunks are laid free due to rain and other erosion. It is really incredible how real those trunks and trees appear. Some of them seemed to keep their colours or it could be imagined they were victim of a fire. If you touch them you will feel it is stone no wood any more. Many places are strewn with smithers of petrified wood.... The real Pampa could be felt on the way between Sarmiento and the Cuevas de los Manos. Only grassland, little bushes, fences and a lot of space for dust are coming into focus. Every flock of Nandus or Guanakos are a more than welcome optical break. Otherwise it is very difficult not to fall asleep. The road is paved but all of a sudden underhanded potholes appear. Fortunately most of them are announced. Otherwise some car axis could easily be broken by hitting them in full speed. In those cases this means: almost stop the car and start to drive slalom. This is applicable for all vehicles. But prior to those conditions we enjoyed the birds in the wetland. The real Pampa could be felt on the way between Sarmiento and the Cuevas de los Manos. Only grassland, little bushes, fences and a lot of space for dust are coming into focus. Every flock of Nandus or Guanakos are a more than welcome optical break. Otherwise it is very difficult not to fall asleep. The road is paved but all of a sudden underhanded potholes appear. Fortunately most of them are announced. Otherwise some car axis could easily be broken by hitting them in full speed. In those cases this means: almost stop the car and start to drive slalom. This is applicable for all vehicles. But prior to those conditions we enjoyed the birds in the wetland. Very remotely we can already see the cordillere shimmering we are on our way to approach. Despite the steady wind and air temperatures of a bout 17 degrees Celsius the sun has enough power to heat up the Earth that the air starts glimmering. At certain places Fata Morganas appeared. Very remotely we can already see the cordillere shimmering we are on our way to approach. Despite the steady wind and air temperatures of a bout 17 degrees Celsius the sun has enough power to heat up the Earth that the air starts glimmering. At certain places Fata Morganas appeared. Anden Estancia La Angostura Estancia La Angostura Cueva de los Manos Cueva de los Manos Cueva de los Manos Cueva de los Manos Cueva de los Manos Pampa Pampa Fuchs Heuschrecke Pampa Andenkette hinter flirrender Pampa Estancia La Angostura Estancia La Angostura Estancia La Angostura Estancia La Angostura First grade UNESCO world heritage site is Cueva de los Manos! We released our stiffed bones and started a strenous walk from the end of a gravel road on the oposite side of the cuevas. Fistly we had to descend the steep Canyon climbing it half the way the other side. Same way back included. First grade UNESCO world heritage site is Cueva de los Manos! We released our stiffed bones and started a strenous walk from the end of a gravel road on the oposite side of the cuevas. Fistly we had to descend the steep Canyon climbing it half the way the other side. Same way back included. Very close to the main road we found another interesting formation of bizar sediments which we needed to explore a bit closer. This streched the driving time to the end point of todays' ride but it is not really severe because the journey is the reward. Very close to the main road we found another interesting formation of bizar sediments which we needed to explore a bit closer. This streched the driving time to the end point of todays' ride but it is not really severe because the journey is the reward. The next stop is a real Estancia where the tourist part is only one share of their total income. Normally they do have some thousend sheep and some hundred cattle they are earning money with. However, a wetland fed by a nearby river is nicely located just in front of the house. Several different birds find their food there and do nesting as well: goose, ducks, singing and predator birds. All of them could be spotted very closely. The only prerequisit is to sit still for a longer time at a suitable place. In the evening another visitor group occupies the place. They are crazy birdwatchers from Sweden coming especially to this place for a very rare and only in this region allocated kind of duck. Due to the groups' presence we were lucky to participate at an Asado. In this case a whole lamb was slowly grilled over an open fire for a long time but it was ready at eight, when everybody was hungry. The next stop is a real Estancia where the tourist part is only one share of their total income. Normally they do have some thousend sheep and some hundred cattle they are earning money with. However, a wetland fed by a nearby river is nicely located just in front of the house. Several different birds find their food there and do nesting as well: goose, ducks, singing and predator birds. All of them could be spotted very closely. The only prerequisit is to sit still for a longer time at a suitable place. In the evening another visitor group occupies the place. They are crazy birdwatchers from Sweden coming especially to this place for a very rare and only in this region allocated kind of duck. Due to the groups' presence we were lucky to participate at an Asado. In this case a whole lamb was slowly grilled over an open fire for a long time but it was ready at eight, when everybody was hungry. Filled with these new experiences and impressions we left the Estancia and a little later the Pampa,too. The mountains are calling! In this case really special mountains. Not that they were too high (3.440m max) but they are really bizarre and also connected with a lot of stories of their ascent. From the distance we are getting a glimpse of them from time to time. You may think after another few kilometers you may have reached them but finally we drove another 150 km to come to their base finally. Anyway, this increases the suspense.... Filled with these new experiences and impressions we left the Estancia and a little later the Pampa,too. The mountains are calling! In this case really special mountains. Not that they were too high (3.440m max) but they are really bizarre and also connected with a lot of stories of their ascent. From the distance we are getting a glimpse of them from time to time. You may think after another few kilometers you may have reached them but finally we drove another 150 km to come to their base finally. Anyway, this increases the suspense.... On the last mile we could not wait to really see those gigantic, bizare (again), fascinating, breathtaking mountains. The chain of the Torres mountains and the mighty Fitz Roy as the central part made of granite, ice and snow. We are also happy to see the full panorama which is quite rare. The blowing wind forms the clouds to UFO-kind structures and we cannot wait to walk a few steps. On the last mile we could not wait to really see those gigantic, bizare (again), fascinating, breathtaking mountains. The chain of the Torres mountains and the mighty Fitz Roy as the central part made of granite, ice and snow. We are also happy to see the full panorama which is quite rare. The blowing wind forms the clouds to UFO-kind structures and we cannot wait to walk a few steps. Fitz Roy Trail Fitz Roy Trail Fitz Roy Trail We decided to do a round trip walk to bring us to a viewpoint where we could have spotted Fitz Roy at the best. The picture at the right shows this magnificant view that very day..... On the other hand and some winding meters apart the clouds lifted a bit and we could see the glacier Piedras Blancas. Fresh and chilly winds of about 70-80 km/h didn't shake the trees alone but gave free sight to the blue colour of the glacier. After soft hail begun we decided to start our descent very quickly; especially under those conditions where only rain drops mutate to a not so convenient massage on the skin. We decided to do a round trip walk to bring us to a viewpoint where we could have spotted Fitz Roy at the best. The picture at the right shows this magnificant view that very day..... On the other hand and some winding meters apart the clouds lifted a bit and we could see the glacier Piedras Blancas. Fresh and chilly winds of about 70-80 km/h didn't shake the trees alone but gave free sight to the blue colour of the glacier. After soft hail begun we decided to start our descent very quickly; especially under those conditions where only rain drops mutate to a not so convenient massage on the skin. In the evening rain and wind said good bye for the day. Therefore I took the risk taking some night shots even the moon was 2/3 full and only some stars were blinking on the sky. Fortunately the city couldn't spoil the view very much by light pollution because there was a full power outage for the whole town. It was very interesting to observe that shortly after the first power outage streets were filled with cars and people trying to find their way to the accomodation. In the evening rain and wind said good bye for the day. Therefore I took the risk taking some night shots even the moon was 2/3 full and only some stars were blinking on the sky. Fortunately the city couldn't spoil the view very much by light pollution because there was a full power outage for the whole town. It was very interesting to observe that shortly after the first power outage streets were filled with cars and people trying to find their way to the accomodation. Also today (day 2) is a very promising one in El Chaltén. You can always do a hike (regardless the conditions) and this time we chose the target: Laguna Torre. This is the little lake in which Glaciar Grande feeds its ice and water and as backgroud the magnificant Cerro Torre should elevate itself to a grandure scenrey. The track let the wanderer climb only 250 meters on the total length of nine kilometers (one way), but this is not so important because you will follow a stream which is born in a second Laguna. Walking through some forest which is somehow enchanted helps to spot some birds again. Unfortunately we didn't spot any woodpecker even the trunks of the old trees should provide them with plenty of food. They might have taken advantage of a dry home in some of the bigger trees. Also on this way (regardless the wheather) we were meeting a lot of other hikers. Surprisingly maybe annoyingly most of them do not greet even they were greeted. Maybe this is the new style of hiking we are not too used to. We find it nice and polite to greet people when walking in the mountains. Also today (day 2) is a very promising one in El Chaltén. You can always do a hike (regardless the conditions) and this time we chose the target: Laguna Torre. This is the little lake in which Glaciar Grande feeds its ice and water and as backgroud the magnificant Cerro Torre should elevate itself to a grandure scenrey. The track let the wanderer climb only 250 meters on the total length of nine kilometers (one way), but this is not so important because you will follow a stream which is born in a second Laguna. Walking through some forest which is somehow enchanted helps to spot some birds again. Unfortunately we didn't spot any woodpecker even the trunks of the old trees should provide them with plenty of food. They might have taken advantage of a dry home in some of the bigger trees. Also on this way (regardless the wheather) we were meeting a lot of other hikers. Surprisingly maybe annoyingly most of them do not greet even they were greeted. Maybe this is the new style of hiking we are not too used to. We find it nice and polite to greet people when walking in the mountains. Already the day before we felt the famous and infamous patagonian wind. Normally blowing with a speed of app. 0-35 km/h. But this evening it reached in gusts 70-80 km/h. This helped the clouds finding their way from Chile to Argentina bringing also some rain. Actually we wanted to get up very early to walk one of the very nice tours (7-8 hours) which have brought us to some places where we had been able to gaze the full grandeur of those mountains. Even in the night we heard the rain pattering on the roof of our hotel plus the stormy wind howling around the corners. As consequence we found the next morning in a mixture of rain, storm, some little sunshine and fresh temperatures. Already the day before we felt the famous and infamous patagonian wind. Normally blowing with a speed of app. 0-35 km/h. But this evening it reached in gusts 70-80 km/h. This helped the clouds finding their way from Chile to Argentina bringing also some rain. Actually we wanted to get up very early to walk one of the very nice tours (7-8 hours) which have brought us to some places where we had been able to gaze the full grandeur of those mountains. Even in the night we heard the rain pattering on the roof of our hotel plus the stormy wind howling around the corners. As consequence we found the next morning in a mixture of rain, storm, some little sunshine and fresh temperatures.