Southern Travels ed.1

While California received one of the best November storms in history, and early season skiing was absolutely going off all over North America, I tried to put it out of mind and know that I should 'APROVECHAR!!' and have a great time travelling around southern Chile.

As I quickly finished finals/final papers, I took a bus from Santiago to Pucon. This is a famous backpackers/summer destination as it has access to multiple national parks, lakes, hot springs, volcanoes and lots of outdoor fun.
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This picture was taken on the bus, leaving Temuco heading east for 'la cordillera'. This river was lit up during the sunset. In this picture are two men fishing in this river. Fishing is southern Chile is unreal, more to come on that later...

The next morning we scheduled with a guide to climb the Volcan Villarica that looms over the towns of Pucon and Villarica. It is 9, 341 ft tall and is very much active. It is constantly smoking, and at night time if there is no wind, you can look in the direction of the volcano and see red smoke. This happens because the smoke reflects the lava below in the massive crater. According to Wikipedia it is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is 1 of 5 in the world to have a 'pool of lava' churning around in the open air, deep within the crater.
Awesome, lets climb it. and then stay in a town at the base of this monster hahaha. no, tranquilo


This is me at the summit. The crater below goes down 500 meters. The last time a climber actually saw lava was 2008. Bummer. The smoke was pretty intense up there though.

Again at the summit. Quick note, do not climb mountains covered in snow/glaciers in jeans.
Regardless, the views were awesome. The volcano in the back in is the Villarica National Park. Our guide told us that it is a 2 day climb due to large glaciers. This National Park is famous for having a great 3-4 day backpacking trail. Yet while it is famous, every local in town mentions how each year the authorities have to go searching for lost tourists. solid.

Looking down the valley from the summit. All this steep hills surrounded the towns. They were so green and completely covered with dense vegetation. Hopefully in the future they will develop a trail system from town up each of these really cool little volcanic formations.

Another pic.

That night after the long hike, we took the transporte over to 'Las Termas Los Pozones'. This was a good choice. Termas are natural hot springs from all the volcanic activity that have in this area.

A view from the parking lot. The termas ran parallel to a river down a mountain side. The higher up the mountain side, the hotter the water. The first pool was ridiculously hot, after less minute in the wait deep water, your body was literally cooked. We found the many lower pools were much more enjoyable and low key.

This little cabin/changing room was built over one of the termas. Steps led directly into the termas from inside the cabin, kinda cool.

......termas/hot tubs after a long day in the snow.....sounds like skiiing???

(photo UnofficialSquaw.com)
meanwhile tahoe was getting dumped on and Jackson Hole Mtn Resort opened the resort with a 130 in base. That is awesome.

okay enough for now,

more to come from Pucon, mainly the Araucania forests/snow/lakes en Parque Nacional Huerquerhue.