Stephanie and Ryan: Pucon Dia Dos

Welcome guest blogger: RYAN

We woke up early so we could get ready cook and make the 8:30 bus to Huerquehue National Park. We had scrambled eggs with peppers and onions avocado and toast. We quickly ate and cleaned our dishes which proved to be harder than anticipated given the fact that the "non stick" pan was clearly worn down beyond the Teflon.

After packing our lunches which consisted of cereal bars, apples, bananas, bread and chocolate we walked into town and found the bus station. We hopped on and had a bumpy 45 minute ride to the park. Upon arrival we checked in at the ranger's office and began our walk.

The trail began alongside a beautiful lake and we spotted a few birds while walking. I managed to snap
a picture while one of the birds peaked around a tree. The lake was beautiful and the surrounding mountains were shrouded with clouds, similar to Cuicocha in Ecuador. After passing the lake the trail turned to muddy switchbacks. We climbed passed a friendly family with two young boys who were slashing wild mushrooms along the path. We walked passed two miradors(lookouts) took some pictures and decided to head back down so we could catch the 2:10 bus back into town.

Note the bird I caught on camera

The skies began to clear and I was hoping that we could catch a glimpse of Volcan Villarica on our return to Pucon. Out bus was delayed by a group of cows walking down the road, which seems to always happen in South America. We picked up a group of school children and other locals along the way. I noticed that all of the kids got out of their seat and moved further back in the bus when an older adult came on, and the guys quickly gave their seats to the women. The Chilean people have all been very friendly and well mannered.

Boat near the lake in the park

We got into town and walked to a cafe to get our afternoon coffee and pastry. While crossing the street I looked to my left and there it was...Volcan Villarica. I stopped Steph and we both stood on the street corner in awe. We took about 10 too many photos and went into the cafe. The coffee was good and we split a slice of lemon pie while listening to American 80's music on TV.

On our way back to hostel we bought our night bus tickets, premium of course. We sat around the hostel, Steph blogged and I got cleaned up. We opted for the room with a full view of the Volcan which until now has been a bust. But, the view was amazing and we took more photos. I started eating the white bread we had lying in the room which meant I was hungry, so we went to Ecole for dinner.

Ecole is a vegetarian restaurant and it did not disappoint. We had a fruit kebab appetizer which consisted of kiwi, apple, pear and banana with peanut butter and honey as the sauce. I've been missing my daily dose of peanut butter so I was quite excited. Steph had a sandwich filled with fresh greens, hummus, grilled veggies and tzatziki. I had a quinoa salad with grilled veggies and hummus. Both dinners were delicious and very healthy. I feel so much better physically and mentally on our diet.

Immediately after shutting the door to Ecole I saw a friendly dog wagging his tail and staring at my "doggie bag". This was the same dog that followed us yesterday, and my favorite thus far. He walked us most of the way home. We got back to Donde German, made some tea, ate our cookies and went to bed.

A few more shots from the park