Patagonia, Chile

A knitter's wonderland. Everything within this and about three dozen other such shops was locally made using pure Patagonian wool. I failed to purchase anything as it was all deemed to be way too heavy for my needs. True in Texas most of the time, but this is summer in Patagonia. Today I deeply regretted not having bought some mittens, a hat, a sweater and a poncho at the very least. We explored Coyhaique and Rio Simpson Valley on this excursion - the heart and soul of Patagonia. The harbor at Puerto Chacabuco, Chile is not sufficiently deep to allow The Insignia to dock, so we anchored in the harbor and were transported by tender to our awaiting buses.

View from high atop one of the many peaks we traversed on narrow two lane switch-back roads. In case anyone suffered from vertigo or any other such condition, we stopped at a roadside restaurant for refreshments. And yes, they were very free with their Pisco Sours. For the record, I only had one. One of the many subjects of debate in this part of the world is who has the best Pisco Sour, Chile or Peru? (yes I know the proper comparative is better but that's not what they say). My vote is with Chile, hands down.

The nature center along the Simpson Valley.

The lone lupine not yet gone to seed. Should have been here a couple of weeks ago as the valley was covered in plants already gone to seed. Yes, this is a close up friends, but it is truly at least four feet high. Out does our precious blue bonnets does it not?

A statue in the town square carved from a tree trunk and its roots. Seems these trees have the ability to grow new roots when their original food supply has been cut off by fire or other such disaster. Clever use of the stump when it could no longer sustain itself don't you think. Beautiful little park in this little village in this most peaceful mountain range. No direct transportation routes exist to connect these Andes foothills to the remainder of Chile. Only connection is by going back to Puerto Chacabuco. No power lines connected to the rest of the world. No interstate highways. There are, however, satellite communications.

Talking about "Off the grid".

View from the rear deck one morning at breakfast.

Rio Simpson Valley

Bridal Veil Falls in Patagonia

Back in Puerto Chacabuco. They do love their hilltop crosses here in South America.

Beautiful blue sky at the German Museum. Check out the plane under the clouds. What? Where did it come from???? Argentina? Certainly not south, west or north and still that low.

I simply cannot get enough of this magnificent forest. I hope some of these favorite shots of mine will give you a hint as to the splendor of Chile. All our guides are begging us to come back and bring our friends. Trust me, if you like these pictures, you will not be disappointed!

Today Is Someday! Live It!!!