Bariloche Part 3: Refugio Frey

DAY 5-6

Here we are setting out for our biggest, and final, Bariloche adventure: A hike and overnight stay at Refugio Frey. After a short bus ride to the little ski town of Cerro Catedral, we're on our way. Daniel models with this wooden mountain man at the entrance to the trail.

One of the coolest things about Patagonia is the amazing diversity in the landscape. Depending on elevation, sun, winds, and proximity to mountains and glaciers, everything can change. In this one four hour hike, we went through what seemed to be about five different ecologies. It was cloudy for this last hike, making the first trek through the long, fire-scorched hillside very eerie and beautiful.

About an hour in we hit a sudden line where the trees came back, everything was fresh and green, and a snowmelt creek came down the mountain.

A surprise cabin built into the underside of a boulder, complete with door, windows, and woodstove.

At the end of hour three: snow line! Giddy with fresh air and ham sandwiches.

One final big uphill, and we were in the snow and making a stream crossing up to our final destination.

Refugio Frey.

Torre Principal & Laguna Toncek are our backyard.

The clouds part to light up some of the peeks during sunset.

A few brave souls camp in tents, shielded by little rock walls from the lake wind. It's a chilly night. 

Evening reflections outside the cabin window.

We took in the view from the warmest room: the kitchen. (See little orange light.)

Looking a little less energetic, we gift to ourselves some homemade pizza and cheap wine for dinner. In background, the host/chef/everything man, Fabian.

Playing cards with some of the other folks at the refugio. Our companions were from Israel, France, Buenos Aires, and Brasil. Good conversation. I was on a roll, and gave them all a spanking in gin rummy.

Morning view from the baño.

And bye-bye Frey at 9am after some of Fabian's hot coffee and homemade bread. Back to Buenos Aires for my last 48 hours in Argentina!! What a refreshing, amazing trip. Now, home for Thanksgiving dinner, and some new adventures back in the good ol USofA.  Hope to come back again someday.

Maybe I'll see you soon...
x besos x