March 28,

We awoke, and reluctantly got out of our beds. It was cold, but got toasty quickly, as Jeff had turned the heater on. We did not turn the heat on through the night, but just needed one hour this morning. The loft basically has the two single beds with two shelves along the wall opposite the opening to get up here. It fits the tiny home theme! We got around and had our Javas. We ate a light breakfast of yogurt and a left over package of cookies from the plane yesterday.

We went out by 1030 to the Glaciers National Park Visitor Center and figured out our game plan after talking with a National Park worker. We signed up for an electronic three day Flexipass. Then we drove back to our place; walked to the nearby grocery store: picked up some items, took them back to our place; and drove to the parking lot for the “Beginning of Trails.” We went for the Fitz Roy Trail, but only to Laguna Capri.

It was a beautiful day as we started at 1115, and it was a 4 km hike up to the lake. The trail started at a stepper incline, but was a nice dirt, well-trodden trail, very doable. There was a brisk to downright pushy wind, most of the hike up to the lagoon. I was surprised how many people there were, I do not know why I was surprised. Anyway, the few trees that are here, and some tall brushes were changing to reds and deep oranges. The valley of a meandering stream, as well as the small town of El Chalten came into view quickly as we gained elevation fast. There were a couple of open spaces that opened up for killer views of both areas -great photo ops. One such area was very windy and we had trouble standing. The wind actually blew my gaiter-cover off my head! Then the trail split and we took the way toward the lagoon.

We arrived at Mirador Laguna Capri- Capri Lagoon Viewpoint, by 1245. As we had worked our way to here the Fitz Roy mountain had become enshrouded with heavy clouds and now the top was not visible. The couple we had given a lift to yesterday, were hopefully down from their hike and not affected. We sat on the shore of the lagoon and started to have our sandwich. But when Jeff started to open it the wind kicked up, and he closed it right back up. We sought a less windy spot. We found a camping area! We ate the sandwich here. There were a few tent up with the caretakers tent being visible by all camping sites. We saw a Caracara bird walking through the different sites… like he owned them! 🤣

After we finished we hiked back the 4 km. We did have a couple of brief times with spitting rain, but it was just long enough to recognize it, thankfully! When we arrived back to our car it was 1435. So we made decent time for the hike, which had called for 3.5hrs. We went back to our place. We walked to the grocery store and baought some stuff for a couple of meals. When we got back we settled in because it was spitting non-stop now. For supper we had pasta in a marinara sauce. Great day!

     March 29,

We awoke to rain, and it went on all day! Today was our connection day so it worked out. Breakfast was oatmeal with our Javas. We talked with my mother and her husband. Then zoomed with our church back home. We then went out for lunch at La Tapera. We had Locro Cazuela, a local specialty “casserole” dish. It was more like a stew of various meats (bacon, beef, chorizo, and tripe) beans, corn, and veg. with a spicy sauce to mix in if desired. We also had a grilled Salmon with lemon butter and a swirl stack of veggies. Both were excellent meals! I had glass of white wine and Jeff had a local craft beer. We were given a hunk of homemade bread, and when we asked for the bill, we were given a shot of their homemade liqueor. That was like a peach brandy! The bill was 98,100 ARS, which was $70.40!!! Yikes! Eating out here is definitely expensive! But we kind of knew this coming here. There was undoubtedly some shock though. Good thing we had the shot of homebrew!

The rain really came down while we were eating. Once in the car we drove around the little village of El Chalten. It’s been built up because of tourism and thrives due to it. Most of the businesses are restaurants, places to stay, and convenience stores. The town is only 1400 population, with the side roads still being gravel. Anyway, we arrived back to our place, I blogged some, Jeff read. My sister was busy, so will catch up next week. We had grilled cheese sandwich for dinner, with sliced cucumber. Then we video chatted with Jeff’s sister and her husband. We went to bed around 2200, to the patter of continuous rain.