Lonquimay Circuit, PN Mallelcahuelo, Chile

We were looking forward to the first of our multiday Patagonian trips, but on the morning of our departure on the Lonquimay Circuit, a light rain seemed a little discouraging. The lady at the hostel says it was forecast to rain a bit today and tommorrow, but clear up by day three. Not to worry we thought, the 5 to 6 day trip would leave plenty of time for nice weather to arrive.

But as we crossed a high saddle to the east of the volcano in gale winds and rain, things weren't all that pleasant. Even better was that apart from an hour or so on the morning of day two, the rain didn't even pause for 3 days straight. With not much views and sodden spirits, we just elected to keep walking as much as possible and did the whole trip in 3 solid days.

Camping in those conditions was an excercise in discipline and tolerance, but was worth it for the practise if nothing else. Andy commented 'what excellent gear testing conditions!', while Steph mused 'this is the worst tramp of my life'...

Andy, George, Mike and Steph setting off in the rain and strong wind.

Mike inspects a Aracunia or 'Monkey Puzzle' Tree,

from which the region gets its name

Surely it will clear up soon...

NZ vs Switzerland...

Walking on snow in the rain is never much fun..

Well, its lunchtime now and although we are no longer exposed to the strong winds, the rain seems to be as persistent as ever...

Andy admires a waterfall over a tephra flow

Nearly at our first campsite

Day two looks just like day one. Cold, grey, windy and wet.

Still raining...

At least its a little brighter now.

Visibility is increasing to about 200m.

A good quality Chilean Bridge

Camping in the blowing rain, its the small things that count.

(Like deciding whether to pitch your soaked tent in the mud or in the snow. )

Just incase we hadn't noticed
(Zona de Nieve = Area of Snow)

Grumpy and tired, but nearly home, it finally stops raining and begins to clear

Warm, dry, clean with a plate full of food and a beer in your paw,

it all seems like it was just a bad dream..