Patagonian exploits

Our short stay in Gaucho country was packed with adventure, and we all fell in love with the region.

We started our day white water rafting, which was an adrenaline fuelled activity, brilliant fun, even if we were later to discover that the raft had flipped the previous day, which might have signalled a little more caution had we known in advance.

That afternoon was spent at the beautiful Estancia Bonanza, horseback riding, Gaucho style – no rising trot involved! Anthony and Sophia had never ridden before. Sophia’s horse was stubborn and racing to the front, Anthony’s had a slight issue with wind and strolled along bringing up the rear. My white mare was magnificent. Apparently the horse chooses you…..

We spent the afternoon trekking across the valleys and foothills alongside the mountains. We really felt connected to nature and at one with the beautiful scenery.

Patagonia is known for land cooked over a traditional Asidores. The marinated lamb slow cooks over an open fire and absolutely melts in your mouth. Like all meals in Argentina to date, tonight’s abundant portion was no exception, and truly delicious.

The following morning, we decided on a mountain hike to get a better view of Mount Fitz-Roy. We were a little unprepared for the activity and the weather, which was about 15°c warmer than anticipated, but with view was worth the effort and we vowed to return to climb Mount Fitz-Roy.

After an exhausting but exhilarating couple of days, we hit Route 40 again on to our second Patagonian stop at El Calafate – the furthest south we had ever been, just above the Arctic Circle.