From February to May, the weather here was warm and relatively dry, so we were able to do hikes with the kids on the weekends and Patricia and I were able to do shorter hikes or trail runs a few times a week while the kids were in school. There were only a couple occasions when Patricia and I were "no-shows" for school pickup time because we were lost on the trail!
In April, the alpine tree, "Lenga," turns orange and red, creating gorgeous fall colors, especially beautiful when mixed with evergreens like Cypress and Coihue trees.
This part of South America is called the Lake District for obvious reasons. Because many of the lakes are fed by glacial streams and rivers, they have a beautiful turquoise color. And many of the lake shores have white sand beaches, making even more beautiful color combinations.
On nearly every hike in the area, we would see flocks of parrots along the trail, even during the winter months when the mountains are covered in snow!
Many of the moutain lodges in the regional national park are at about 6,000 ft. elevation and 5-6 miles from the nearest trailhead. Bunkbeds and restaurants at the lodges make them a prize destination after a long day of hiking.
Annalise is trying out the big daddy backpack.
Taking a breather along the way.
Spending the night at Refugio Italia.
The view on the way up to Refugio Lopez.
On the way up to Cerro Bella Vista.
Cerro Tronador on the border with Chile, taken from Cerro Bella Vista.
Before the snow got too deep or the mud on the trails was too thick, Patricia and I made an afternoon trail run up to Refugio Frey in early June.
Some of the locals taking a smoke break and sharing a ma'te at sunset.
A special event for local hikers is to skate on this cirque lake. In addition to hot meals and a bunk, the mountain hut has ice skates for rent. We had to run back to get the kids from school, so we were not able to test the ice.
