Day Fifty One: Rafting in Patagonia

Today was a much needed day of activity. We had gotten used to the privileged life of wining and dining, not really overexerting ourselves; so we headed south into the mountains of Patagonia to a river at the Chilean border for some white water rafting.

The drive their was so scenic, such a picturesque landscape. When we arrived at the river, we were greeted with croissants and some mate^ tea (pronounced ma-tay). Its drunk as a pick me up/wake up drink, a highly concentrated herbal green tea. Whilst here we caught a glimpse of the feast that awaited us on our return. Hung up in a small log hut, there was 4 large meat carcasses and strings of sausages. I felt like homer simpson. What a fantastic site. I was drooling already.

After both of us somehow managed to slip into our wetsuits, (particularly after all the food we've been devouring) we were on our way.

The river was gorgeous, so clear and canyon like. Narrow too. The rapids however were a bit tame, not as high or as rough as we had expected, however it was still a fun thing to do. The greatest danger was the shear rockfaces in the narrow partake the rapids.
We didn't fall in, but we were given the chance to jump in for a swim down a portion of the river. Wasn't as cold as I had expected. I still have all the necessary appendages attached (and in the right places might I add)

But the best part of the day was to come - LUNCH. The asado (BBQ) was in it's final stages when we got back, and the smokey smell filled the air. We sat down to a picnic lunch of wine, salad and MEAT. Delicious. By the time we finished eating and chatting it was 6pm.

We headed back into Bariloche, arriving around 8ish. We only had one thing on our mind now - ICE CREAM.
Was amazing - lemon maringue pie, nutty chocolate and chic gooey caramel. Unbelievable. By the time we got back home it was late and we weren't really in the mood for dinner.

Sim stayed home but the promise of Patagonian game meat sounded too good, so I headed out with the group for dinner. Venison was on the menu, quite nice and with a glass of red, was deerlicuous!

I eventually got home and intonation bed- so looking forward to sleep. Actually exhausted.

Nite all.


- Blog from iMat