Left Torres del Paine on this 21st day of traveling. Rode by bus with sightseeing stops along the way. A passport check leaving Chile into Argentina. Again, this required a bus, driver & local guide change. Lots of moving parts. On to El Calafate for our last 3 nights.
First major activity on Monday was a Patagonian ranch visit, where we learned about the gaucho lifestyle & experienced a delicious barbecue lunch.
On Tuesday, a full day excursion to Los Glaciares National Park where we visited Perito Moreno Glacier. After returning from the Glacier, Marta gathered us together for our farewell debriefing. We shared our most memorable experiences, & enjoyed an 18 minute film Marta created of our days together; multi-talented Marta, a master of making our trip so special.
Lastly, our farewell dinner before the flight back to Buenos Aires on Wednesday morning. Then off to the international airport for an overnight flight to Miami then finally Wheaton. No Thanksgiving for turkey for me this year.
Ventricular cloud found in the sky of Torres del Paine. Looks like a UFO, at least in my imagination. Saw this as we were departing the park.Ranger station stop where Poncho explained how the mountains were formed millions of years ago. Lovely setting!!!Cazuala, chicken stew, at Cerro Castillo, with Pisco Sour, bread & pebre (salsa). Stew consisted of chicken, squash, potatoes & very delicious broth. Sunday’s lunch on the way to El Calafate, Argentina. Long bus ride in a big bus, so plenty of elbow room. Needed to pass through immigration to get out of Chile & again to get into Argentina. Easy & fast.Arrive at Estancia Bon-Accord, a working ranch. Became part of the ranch crew with a beret & a scarf.Our host & the chef of the ranch. Gerardo is the owner of Estancia Bon-Accord. Today, he shared his Scottish ancestral heritage with us. Ancestors came to Patagonia late 19th century to basically homestead this rugged landscape. Water scarce, grass tough, so sheep were about the only animals they could raise. He is the last of his lineage, but he is trying to keep the ranch functioning. Tough, tough life.Lamb being cooked with a fire using Calafate wood. Takes about 3 hours for the lamb to be done.Waiting for our history lesson from Gerardo. Enjoying coffee & homemade bread. From left: Chris, Rachel, Pip, Connie, Amy, Soosie, Jill, Stan. In the home of Gerardo.Marta & Gerardo sharing a Mate. Pass to one another to drink the Mate, a social ritual, until one says gracias. In this case, Marta finished first. Yes, they do share the metal straw.Gerardo demonstrates hand shearing which is not done anymore, except around the eyes.Today’s lunch: Roast lamb, potatoes, squash, red peppers, onions & Malbec. Began with a pickled hare dish & ended with a caramel stuffed cookie. All so extra yummy. Will need to intermittent fast when I get home.Marta’s protector from the wind, Gori, our local guide, from El Calafate.Gaucho’s lasso.Chopping the tomatoes for the best salsa ever. Have had it multiple times.Perito Moreno Glacier from afar.Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciers National Park which towers nearly 200 feet above Lake Argentino.Cloudy day to visit the Glacier, but we were not disappointed as we did see calving of Perito Moreno.Portion of the glacier emerging. Resembles a torpedo as it emerged from the water, taking a giant burp.Glacier Perito Moreno National Park, 11/25, our last adventurous hurrah in Patagonia.Gabriel hosted us for our farewell dinner. Started with very thick vegetable soup, then Osso Buco, finished with Crepe Dulce Leche. Gabriel could easily be on a comedy stage. Had us laughing as he told his story & answered our questions. A terrific way to end a fabulous trip. His house was a feast for the eyes. Most eclectic.He came to say goodnight outside my window at the Kay Yatun Hotel during my last night in El Calafate. Quite the send off.
As you might have gathered from my posts, this has been another favorite trip. How fortunate for me to have so many favorites, but I must say, South America holds a special place in my heart, next to Africa.
Plan on hearing from me in March, and again, thanks for traveling with me.
Boy what a wonderful trip! That cloud was amazing and all the glaciers photos! You were participating in so many activities hope they let you shear the sheep! Nice hat!!! Save travels home my friend.
Traveling with Judy 
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