"Red, red wine...Blue, blue water".
Many people undertake the hike with the intention of spending a night at the refugio and then moving onto another or returning the following day. We decided to return on the same day, making it a tough stretch of 16 miles. Although the elevation gain was in the mid-2000's, much of it was during the final push to reach Refugio Frey, a period when we were obviously more tired than at any other stage of the trek.
We met a few Brazilian youngsters at the top. Jonny, the most vocal of the group, shared his philosophy of life with us which we found interesting. It seems many of the younger generation are tending to place less emphasis on material well-being than earlier ones. This is hardly a scientific survey but something we have discerned over the years. While our generation seemed to be highly focused on education, pursuing jobs and business opportunities and family life, there seems to be a different ethic with the younger set.
We also met our first American compatriots, a couple from Seattle. I forget their names but the man whom we spoke with had just retired from Boeing and was partaking of his first holiday experience as a 'free man'.
Perhaps the most touching part of the day occurred when we asked the manager of the refugio for tea-for-two. He obliged and when we took out money to pay for an enjoyable refreshment, he refused payment. He said it was his way of welcoming people to his 'home'. That's never happened before. Heck, even our friends charge us when we go visiting. :-)
As we come around a bend on the mountain trail, the gap is filled with this sight.
The trees (dormant or dead) rather than the water was the attraction of the scene.
Jen begins the serious climb for the next 1 km.
The lago (lake) alongside the refugio, delightful.
Probably not contemplating a swim just yet.
Sun lights the top to where we are headed.
From a different angle at the top.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
A rough looking 'pile of rocks'.
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