Off and Running in Argentina

It's gone by all too quickly, this adventure in Argentina. Incredible expansive views, lush green forests, lakes and rivers, and the fresh winds of change. My friends Christie and Max have gone out of their way to entertain their gringa friend from Canada and I'll be forever grateful for that. Little do they know I'll be knocking on their door in Bariloche again soon (or maybe my own door!).

Looking forward to skiing incredible Cerro Catedral this fall. Check out Christie and I doing a few turns together! Let their be many more.

Unlike some countries, laws around vehicle maintenance and licencing in Argentina appear, well... they aren't that apparent. And except for issues around emissions, maybe that's alright. There are definately some newer vehicles on the road in Argentina- Landcruisers, the Toyota Hilux, and a sweet 4x4 van that I'd love to drive home to Canada. But there are numerous, shall we say, 'classics' as well. Like this one, obviously heading to a nearby market (oh god, I hope it's nearby).

Max's brother Christian drives a light blue Jeep made in 1973 (a very good year, by the way). But it works, and if something breaks he fixes it. There are old Volkswagon buggish' looking cars on the road that must be circa 1940 and while they're slow and probably impossible in the snow, they work. It's all good.

Max and his brother Christian and I have returned from a local estancia where we picked up a live lamb that we'll be having for dinner (asado) later tonight, New Year's Eve. The lamb was transported to his friends' house in Bariloche sitting on the back seat of Max's car. He wasn't wearing a seatbelt.

Somewhat traumatic- for both the lamb and me, but I guess I've already been initiated into the school of 'know where your food comes from'. Back in my sea kayak guiding days in Baja Mexico, my co-guide left our group after setting up camp one afternoon, and returned a couple of hours later with a goat hanging by its hind legs from a kayak rack on the back of a pickup truck. I don't think we encouraged any return customers on that trip.

Anyway, on a happier, less morbid note, have a truly Happy New Year everyone! May it inspire and encourage new adventures, whatever they may be.

Love Sue

It all started in a beautiful, grassy field, near Lago Guttierez in Bariloche. This was our first introduction to fly fishing, where Christie and I soaked in the mastery of local friend and fly fishing guide Martin Ferrer. Martin taught us the very basics. How to hold the rod, how the line should move through the air, how to maintain a stiff wrist when casting and use only minimal arm movement. This sport is full of subtleties, and the perfect excuse to spend time on remote rivers and lakes in beautiful Patagonia. We're hooked.

This photo is of Christie taking her new found knowledge to the waters edge for the very first time. You go girl!

Last week I hiked up to another local hut to take in the last days of 'winter' in Argentina. By now, the snow in and around Laguna Negra will have melted, easing the steep access to this stunning lake. I hiked in on my own but spent the evening with a multicultural contingent of travellers, from Australia, Israel, Argentina and England. Again, I can't wait to come back here to ski.