Past shimmering lakes and green mountains, cows and pastures. Crossing over the Andes by bus, the scenery lush, skies blue. At the border crossing into Chile, we throw away fruit.
agreed
While waiting for a connecting bus at Orsorno, Mo introduces some very interesting bars of chocolate – Indian curry and green tea. Her affinity for chocolate has moved up another level.
When asked to be told a story, Mo gladly shares. It begins with Howie the fern and ends with Chonchi the armadillo being run over by an icecream truck.
Ode to the Mo, Villarrica Volcano (3/15, 3/16)
Pucon, with its green pastures, dark volcanic rock lakes, its neighborly feel, and café lined streets. It’s quaint, it’s easy to navigate, and in the backdrop is a sleeping giant -- one of Chile´s most active volcanoes -- Villarrica.
In town is a research center with seismic activity alerts
..also in town Harry Potter!
Through the Hostel we book a guided excusion up to Volcano Villarrica. We’re told that a hike can only be accommodated if the weather is suitable; weather being the only variable mentioned. After equipment fitting, buying cookies, water, and anti-diarrheal meds, we go to sleep.
The hike --
Foggy views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. A series of switchbacks up a steep incline, crampons off, crampons on, ice axes in snow. “Roca, Roca!” Warnings shouted as small volcanic rocks tumble down the slope.
On the hike, two girls in their early twenties complain that the difficulty level should have been mentioned in advance. Had the summit not been so close, one would have turned back. In response the guide says that 90% of people make it to the summit with no problems, among them a 72 year man and a person with only one arm.
The only time Mo complained was when her chocolate was melting.
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The summit - toxic sulfur fumes and sparkling rocks, colorful like the inside of an abalone shell.
Ode to the paratrooping Mo
Tobogganing down glaciers
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A night visit to Los Pozones Hotsprings, where visitors soak under a canopy of stars.
...at the moment, Cafe Torino
hmm.. hi, okay, goodnight. :)
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1 comment:
Do!! I miss you SOO much and thank you very much for the great Ode to Mo blogs :) I feel loved! And I liked that you mentioned the emotional impact melting chocolate had on me! Where are you now? I miss my little sister. Please be careful and let me know if you need anything. I love you and I'll see you soon! Your sister, Mo:)
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