Andes, Frontside and Back:
Volcan Villarica
Portillo : Argentina Highway : Lonquimay : El Medina : Las Araucarias : Llaima : Villarica : Chillan
September, 2007
Volcan Villarica as seen from the touristy but tasteful town of Pucon.
By this point of
the trip, we were very happy to be in a "touristy town" as we could find
and eat some "comfort food" like Salmon Curry, Vegetarian Bean Salad, or
brown rice (as opposed to ham and cheese). In Pucon you can also buy the latest,
greatest ski gear, like the brand new pair of yellow Salomon Xtremes that were
on display in a window (skis that were new 7 years ago back in the states!).
The view from the snack shack at the base of Villarica.
The first guy I talked to said that there was nowhere to stay. When I came out of the bathroom a quiet guy approached me, said that he was the sole night watchman and that we could stay and sleep on the floor as long as we provided the nights entertainment. With my limited spanish skills this proved more difficult than I had anticipated, but sleeping directly beneath the red glowing Villarica was a true highlight.
Diego, El Medico Malo, La Choriza,
and Andrez, our host for the evening.
Diego takes a quick lap on the way up Villarica, before the snow turns grey.
La Choriza cuts another switchback up Villarica. Pucon valley in the background,
our friend Volcan Llaima on the horizon.
La Choriza, gasping in the beauty.
La Choriza making the final traverse before the summit. The town of Villarica, and Villarica lake in the background.
El Medico Malo and La Choriza (the little dark spot) on the crater rim of Villarica.
Click here to see the Villarica Crater Rim Panorama: By La Choriza
Click here to see the Villarica Crater Rim Panorama: By Diego
La Choriza hamms it up while Fu plans an exit move.
Alas, my dreams of seeing bubbling lava were thwarted by noxious fumes that fended me off of the lip several times, as if the sight was protected by an evil spirit... I'm not making this shit up!
Portillo : Argentina Highway : Lonquimay : El Medina : Las Araucarias : Llaima : Villarica : Chillan
© 2010 foothillfreak : : Go with da fro : :