Rue on the road

A surprise  - yet another amazing Island! Can you guess?

Due to the Earthquake – most of the Airport was closed and all national flights were operated out of some tents (without beer) – and we were walking to our plane which would take us to our last destination on this world tour. Another magical island.

The place was so magically amazing that we decided to stay a day and enjoy all this Hotel had to offer which was among others a viewing platform on the roof – to enjoy starts, sunrise and sunrise above all the trees with a view of the nearby volcano, sauna, swimming pool, and “Hot Treetrunks”

IF you ever get near this area – “do it” – It was the best place I ever stayed at.

On our way back to Puerto Montt, the road was blocked due to paving works. We had 3 hours to waste and followed a tip of a local to visit some waterfalls and a lake. Driving to the lake we saw this “Treehouse” just off the road – and I couldn’t resist stopping for a beer to have a closer look.

I must admit – we were incredibly lucky with the weather in Patagonia these last 6 weeks. But finally we had to wake up to a rainy day. What can you possibly do a such a day – in a area of active volcanoes and hot springs everywhere……..

While we were in Sur Chico – another Earthquake (7.7) hit the coast of Chile near Santiago.
Since we were driving in a car at the moment – we didn’t feel anything – but the beach promenade of Villarica did (1500km away)

Climbing up…….  (P.S: See the volcano in the backgroud peeking out of the clouds????)

………and rowing down – this is how you rest your knees!

In English: The Monkey Puzzle tree. Once you reach about 1000m of elevation you find them everywhere. Very interesting tree. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Araucaria_araucana

The lakes region is also called the “Region Aleman” – as 150 years a go a huge wave of german immigrants brought “Kuchen” and “Bier” and a lot of other german words and bits of culture to this region. A wonderful opportunity to visit the “Kunstamann Brewery” and get a set of their sample tasters!!!! Mmmm!

Any question why this is called the lakes region????? What a wonderful place.