Saying Goodbye in Bariloche

Our departure from Bariloche coincided with the end of the summer/fall semester of school, so there were festivities and going away parties for the kids at school that made leaving a emotional and memorable occasion for us.  We were so grateful for the commitment and affection that Annalise' and Hans' teachers showed to them--as well as for the close friendships with many of their classmates.  In the picture above with Annalise are Wara, Mechu, Maria, and Dianela.  We miss you!

These pictures were taken during the school celebration of the Argentine Independence Week.

Hans, celebrating with his 6th grade classmates.  Sitting across from Hans is Camilo, a dear friend whose family moved from Colombia to Bariloche so his mother could pursue her PhD. in nuclear physics. 

Going away photos with their sweetheart grammar teachers, Augustina...

                                                         ...and Adriana.

A few days before we left, Lola had a birthday celebration where we were able to raise a glass to her and say goodbye to many friends from the neighborhood.

Around the same time, Uncle Wilbur back in Vermont was having a big birthday of his own.

On the day of our departure, Hernan and brother Orlando brought us to the airport and gave us a cheerful send-off.

After saying many goodbyes during the last several days, the kids were in good spirits, anticipating returning to see their friends back home in Montana.  It was an amazing year of adventure, challenging schoolwork, many friendships, and special time spent together as a family that is increasingly precious.

I was perhaps the happiest of all to be boarding an airplane, instead of driving our car back to Ecuador solo to sell in the country of origin.  We made an eleventh hour sale to a fellow in Bariloche who would use the car for parts (or some other purpose about which we agreed not ask any questions).  Phew!

Ahh, beautiful Bariloche.  Our community of friends there was small and dear to our hearts.  When we think back, remembering our friends there, we feel like emigrants from a homeland, leaving behind cherished friends whom we may not see for years to come.  We are heartened to know that the character of the people there, their beautiful smiles, and the grandeur of their landscapes will ensure they are always content as time marches on.

Nordic Skiing at Cerro Catedral

A view of Cerro Catedral from home.  By late June, the snow pack was a foot or two deep and the lifts opened a couple weeks later.  The base area is at 1,000m (which is just about at snowline these days); the ridge top is 2,100m.  The Nordic trails are at treeline to the left in the photo, just behind the silhoutte of near trees.

In the base area, heading to the gondola for a ride to the Nordic trails.

While we're skiing up in the mountains, the lowlands are sunny and dry, often shorts and T-shirt weather.

Hans Peter with a view of Lake Nahuel Huapi in the distance.

The Club Andino crew of older juniors with a range of expertise.   The group travels once or twice a year to regional races, mostly just enjoy informal skiing at Cerro Catedral.   

The Club Andino Bariloche junior Nordic team is directed by Lola Lovisolo and her husband, Julio Moreschi.  During the summer months, they take a small number of Argentine national team skiers to Europe to train during the Northern Hemisphere winter.

Julio was an Argentine Olympic Nordic skier during the Sarajevo and Calgary winter games.

During the 2 week winter vacation from school, the Club Andino has 20-30 skiers that attend a Nordic camp with full-day sessions for instruction in classic and skate technique.    

Here's the whole crew down at the Club's base area lodge where they have lockers and a cafeteria for break time.

Hans and Marco towing an unsuspecting victim.

Ooops!

Annalise got to join the younger crew.

Lola does a fantastic job with a large number of young skiers, teaching technique while making sure everyone  has fun at the same time. 

Patricia and I were able to ski with the kids on our own a few times as well.

Winter Has Arrived!

By late June, the mountains were receiving consistent snowfall above 1,500 meters every few days.  In lower elevations like near our house, it was cool at night, but sunny and in the 60's by day and snow-free.

In the first week of July, we received our first snowfall in town.

We hadn't seen snow in a year and a half, so it was pretty exciting.  

Happy Fourth of July!!  On this big day, when back home we're often dressed in shorts and T-shirts, enjoying summer in Montana, here we had our first day on skis!  The roads in town were slippery enough so that the schools were closed, so the kids had a special day off.

This ski center has just 4 kilometers of trails, but the setting is beautiful.

And the warming hut has great food and an inviting fireplace!