We are still unsure
of the time here. Our computers give us one time and our phones give
us one hour later.
Left to go to the
thermal pool. When we discovered they were A$30 each we drove past to
the National Reserve. The trees were amazing.
They
are about 1000 years old and only have a tuft of branches
at the top, a bit like a
palm tree. We got out and walked up the road in wonder. Arrived
at the park and the guard was not there. Decided to do a short 30 min
walk.
These neat looking trees are Araucaria, and a
protected species. This Conifer can grow up to 50 meters tall and its
cylindrical very straight trunk can grow to 2 m in diameter. Its
growth is very slow and can reach and ancient age. This species is
characterised by the fact that only the female produces seeds known as
pinones. Their bark is very thick and can withstand fire, which
explains why the species are associated with active volcanoes.
After the short walk
the guard was in his office/house and we asked about the volcano
lookout walk. Park entry was 2500peso each, about A$5
The walk was after a
1km drive into the park and then a 3km walk UP and back. John went
ahead as he is a much stronger walker. Absolutely wonderful walk. Got
up into the snow then above the tree line. Then finally out the
lookout. A very special place.
As we got back to EC
we realised the road was signposted as a through road. We asked some
people going back the way we’d come to tell the guard we’d driven
on.
Three 4x4 had just come through the track so we knew it was passable. We got to 1300m
altitude and into the snow for a short while. Down and out the other
side before finding a place to camp. The forecast is for another -3 night so
probably more snow.