Pucon!

Think Banff or Jasper, only toned down a bit and smaller. Hola and greetings from Pucon! We have just wrapped up day 4 here, as we head out tomorrow for our first multi-day trek. We have had an awesome time here and have billed it as a "must see" for travelers to chile. The best way to describe it is somewhere between Waterton and Banff, with a steaming volcano as a backdrop. The town is situated on lake Villicara, with the Andes opposite the volcano. Day one was spent cruising around town and swimming in the lake. Day two, we did our first solid hike of the trip (4 hrs) to an incredible 85m waterfall, a local hidden spot. Day three was the big day as we ascended the Villicara Volcano. You are not allowed to do this without being part of a guided group (with good reason). The climb is a little over 2000m, 5 hours return, and very narly in the second half. It was like a mini Everest, as you carry all the gear necessary for a winter alpine climb. Before we departed, Thomas (one of our 4 guides) informed us that the weather was predicted to change around noon and we may have to turn back if conditions got bad. Two thirds of the way up, this "change" materialized into clouds and 64km winds. A true adventure on the slippery snow covered switchbacks. We had to put on our decent gear before the summit, as winds were simply to high to spend more than a few minutes at the peak. At the peak, we walked over to the crater for a peak, but the winds quickly blasted our group with fumes that choked the air from our lungs and filled our eyes with volcanic ash. So, unfortunately we had to start the descent quite quickly. Going down was a blast, as you get to slide down on a plastic contraption harnessed to your pack, in bobsled like trails. Today was gear up day, as we head out tomorrow on a three day trek. More on that another time. Hopefully pictures soon. Lots of love, Tai and Kash